The Cosmic Dos & Don’ts of Telescope Shopping

Choose the Right Eyepieces

Buying the right eyepieces lets you magnify the image and allows you to adjust the field of view for clearer, more detailed observations of celestial objects.

    • Low-power eyepieces (20mm–40mm) for wide-field views of DSOs.
    • Medium-power eyepieces (10mm–20mm) for general use.
    • High-power eyepieces (5mm–10mm) for detailed planetary and lunar observation

Use Filters

Filters help beginner astronomers reduce glare, enhance contrast, and safely observe celestial objects like the Sun or planets with greater clarity.

Allow the Telescope to Cool Down:

Larger telescopes, especially SCTs and reflectors, perform better when their optics have adjusted to the outdoor temperature.

Invest in a Star Map or App:

Learning to navigate the night sky makes finding celestial objects easier.

Scopes to Skip

Avoid telescopes that promise extreme magnification (like 525x). They often deliver blurry, dim images and can be frustrating to use. We only carry models that offer real value and satisfying views.

Beginner Telescopes, Handpicked for You

We’ve curated a selection of Beginner-Friendly Telescopes that match every budget and curiosity level. Whether you're just dipping your toes into astronomy or ready to dive deep into the cosmos, our top picks are designed to help you get started with ease.

Not Ready for a Telescope Yet? Try Binoculars!

A pair of 7x50mm binoculars (like the Celestron Cometron) can reveal:

    • The Orion Nebula
    • The Andromeda Galaxy
    • Star clusters and more

Pair them with a Star Map or Planisphere and you’ll be navigating the sky like a pro.

Want to Try Before You Buy?

Check out local astronomy clubs! Many host public stargazing nights where you can test different telescopes and chat with experienced observers. One glimpse of Saturn might be all it takes to get hooked.

You can also visit our Events page to see if any star parties are happening near you!

Get outside, point your telescope to the sky, and embark on a journey through the universe -you’ll never run out of wonders to explore.