Telescopes
How do I choose an Astro Telescope?
A basic telescope consists of an objective lens, or 'refractor' at the front and a second 'eyepiece' lens at the other.
If you build a longer and more powerful telescope, the objective lens needs to be bigger and heavier and is better replaced by a curved mirror, or 'reflector'. The Hubble space telescope is a good example. Most of our range of Astro telescopes are reflectors.
You can find out more about Stargazing here
Can I use binoculars for stargazing?
Binoculars actually offer a variety of benefits. Not only are they more affordable, but they are also easy-to-use, highly practical and don’t need to be set up on a mount or tripod – ideal for beginners that are just getting to grips with astronomy. Celestron Trailseeker 8x42 ED Binoculars are perfect for stargazing as they feature fully multi-coatings and BaK-4 prisms for the brightest, most detailed images possible. They are packed with optical, mechanical, and ergonomic features that make them comparable to binoculars costing two to five times as much. Or, if you’re considering a pair of binoculars with a higher magnification specifically for stargazing, then the Celestron Skymaster Pro 20x80 Binoculars might be a better option for you. The 80mm objective lens and low dispersion glass offer maximum image clarity to help you to see the more distant stars and galaxies.
Which telescope should I use for stargazing?
A powerful telescope is the go-to piece of equipment for stargazing, A telescope will provide exceptional quality, stability and detail when viewing the moon, stars, planets and more. If you’re a beginner that’s looking for an affordable telescope to start out with, then we would highly recommend the Meade LightBridge Mini 82mm. Whether you are camping in the outdoors or relaxing in your garden, this LightBridge Mini Dobsonian is the ideal “grab-and-go” telescope, offering easy and portable observation. If you have a bigger budget to work with, then the Celestron Nexstar 130SLT telescope is a great option for stargazing. Its five inch mirror and up to 72x magnification are ideal for viewing star clusters and nebulae. Its motorised mount with computerised hand control automatically take your to your selected celestial object and, even on your first time out, you can assemble the telescope and its accessories in just a few minutes.
Are monoculars good for stargazing?
Despite binoculars often being the preferred choice of equipment for stargazing, you can actually achieve the same magnification and field of view as binoculars with a monocular. Due to their lightweight and compact design, monoculars are becoming the preferred option for casual stargazing. We highly recommend the Vortex Solo 10x36 Monocular. It features a 10x magnification, a generous objective lens, and a housing designed to withstand the elements.
If you would like any more information or help choosing your Astro Telescope give us a ring or use our live chat option.