Which type of telescope is best?

So – errr – there isn’t a straightforward answer because different telescopes are good at different things. You need to think about whether you want to look at a few planets with a brilliant and budget scope like this or get really stunning views of planets AND nebula AND galaxies with a massive scope like this. Or maybe start to explore the wonders of space with your own camera plonked on top of a tracking mount like this. If you’re not sure a really good start is to watch this video below and you can also click on the pics above to find out more about each telescope…

… and if you’ve watched the one above then this more recent video below gives you an even better understanding of why we need different scopes and a few alternatives to the ones I mentioned in the video above.

Buying telescopes doesn’t always have to be expensive. 90% of the telescopes I own have been bought second hand. You can find great second hand telescopes here in the UK and here in the US. However buying second hand can be a bit of a lottery whereas if you buy from a reputable dealer and you don’t like what you’ve bought you can always return the item. I am affiliated with FLO in the Uk and High Point Scientific in the US. Both offer a price match guarantees and are happy to return the items within a 30 day window. Its also worth reminding your better half that you should be able to sell your scope for around 70% of what you bought it for – so don’t throw away the packaging!