Which Telescope Should I Buy?

Choosing your first telescope can seem overwhelming, especially with so many different designs, mounts and features available. The good news is that there's no single "best" telescope—only the one that's best suited to what you want to observe.

If You Want to See the Moon and Planets

A refractor or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope is an excellent choice. These telescopes produce sharp, high-contrast images that reveal impressive detail on the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

If You Want to See Galaxies and Nebulae

A reflector or Dobsonian telescope offers exceptional light-gathering ability, making it easier to observe faint deep-sky objects such as galaxies, star clusters and nebulae.

If You Want a Telescope That's Easy to Use

A computerised GoTo telescope can automatically locate and track thousands of celestial objects, making it ideal for beginners and families.

If You Want to Take Photographs

Astrophotography places different demands on a telescope than visual observing. A stable equatorial mount is often more important than the telescope itself, especially for long-exposure imaging.

Things to Consider Before Buying

  • Your budget

  • Where you'll be observing

  • How portable the telescope needs to be

  • Whether you want visual observing or astrophotography

  • Your level of experience

Our Advice

For most first-time buyers, choosing the largest quality telescope you can comfortably transport and use will provide the most rewarding experience. A telescope that's easy to set up is far more likely to be used regularly than one that's difficult to move or assemble.

If you're unsure which telescope is right for you, our team is always happy to help you choose the perfect model for your needs.