Cassegrain Telescope
Telescopes are popular gifts for Christmas, birthdays or other occasions ... but buyer beware! Many people live to regret their telescope purchasing decisions, either because they bought a cheap telescope that underperforms, or because they paid far too much for a telescope they rarely use. But armed with the right advice, smart shoppers can buy a good quality telescope for just a few hundred dollars.
First, whatever you do, don't buy a telescope from a department store or drug store! The telescopes you'll find there, while cheap, are typically of very low quality. They're appropriate for a child in elementary school: If the child breaks it, you're out only a modest amount of money. But if you're buying for a teenager or an adult, buy from a store that specializes in telescopes, or buy online. Good telescope brand names include Antares, Orion, Celestron, and Meade.
While there are several types of telescopes, most beginners would do well to purchase what is called a "Dobsonian" telescope. Dobsonian telescopes (or "Dobs") are relatively low-cost, yet high-quality telescopes. Generally speaking, they do not have any high-tech, computerized gadgets on them. Yet their optics are just as good as the overwhelming majority of computerized telescopes that cost thousands of dollars. Once you gain some experience using a Dob -- and should you eventually decide to make astronomy into a serious hobby -- you might one day purchase a more expensive "Schmidt-Cassegrain" or "apochromatic refracting telescope." But start with a Dob!
Astronomers compare telescopes primarily by the diameter of their main ("primary") mirrors. This is referred to as the "aperture" of the telescope. You'll want to get a Dob with an aperture of either 6 inches (150 mm), 8 inches (203 mm), or 10 inches (254 mm).
If you can afford it, purchase either an 8 or 10 inch version: The larger the diameter of the mirror, the easier it is for you to see dim objects (like galaxies and nebulae) in the night sky. Prices range from roughly $230 USD for 6-inch apertures to $500 USD for 10-inch apertures. The telescope should come with two or three eyepieces: If it doesn't, shop somewhere else. You'll use the eyepieces to control the magnification of the telescope. For example, with one eyepiece in the telescope, you can see the entire surface of the Moon. But with another eyepiece, you can zoom in on a crater.
Also, consider purchasing the following accessories:
- Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe -- a really good introductory book by author Terence Dickinson;
- A subscription to Astronomy magazine -- a monthly publication with beautiful photos, a guide to the night sky, product reviews, and the latest astronomy news;
- Some astronomy software -- such as Name A Star Live's Virtual Planetarium™ software;
- A planisphere -- Use this simple, lightweight, handheld device to identify constellations and major stars in the night sky;
- An inexpensive pair of binoculars -- These are good for helping you navigate around the night sky as you search for a galaxy, nebula, or star to observe through your telescope; and
- A TELRAD -- Most telescopes come with a very small telescope, called a "finderscope," mounted on top of the main telescope. As the name implies, a finderscope helps you find the astronomical object you're looking for through your main telescope. But most astronomers prefer to use a TELRAD -- a battery-powered device that projects a red bullseye in the night sky. It's much easier to aim a telescope with a TELRAD than with a finderscope.
These tools will help you learn the constellations, and otherwise help you get started in astronomy. Also, consider joining a local astronomy club where you can gain experience using various types of telescopes, and get help learning the night sky.
Happy stargazing!
About the Author:
Richard Pickering is an astronomer for Name A Star Live, which lets you express your feelings in a romantic, meaningful way by 'naming a star' for a loved one. While no star-naming service can change the scientific designations of stars, only Name A Star Live makes it real by providing you: Virtual Planetarium™ astronomy software; an opportunity to view your star live using an online telescope; and the launch of you star name into space!
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Telescope Shopping Tips From an Experienced Astronomer
How to Use Telescopes : Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes
|
|
Celestron Cge Pro 1400 Fastar Cassegrain Telescope $8,499.00 |
|
|
Celestron CGE Pro 1400 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope $8,099.00 |
|
|
Vintage 1970's Orange Celestron C-14 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope w/ Tripod $6,750.00 |
|
|
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope $4,719.63 |
|
|
Meade 10" LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope w/UHTC, Autostar Controller $3,499.00 |
|
|
Celestron CPC 925 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope - 11074 $2,499.00 |
|
|
Celestron 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope-Super Polaris 8 With Extras $1,550.00 |
|
|
celestron telescope ultima 11 schmidt cassegrain the best polariz mount for phot $1,350.00 |
|
|
Celestron NexStar 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope 11069 $1,199.00 |
|
|
Celestron NexStar Schmidt Cassegrain 8SE Telescope 11069 Telescopes $1,199.00 |
|
|
Celestron NexStar 8SE - BIG SALE 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope FREE SHIP $1,195.00 |
|
|
Telescope 8 inch Meade Schmidt Cassegrain $799.00 |
|
|
Meade ETX125-AT Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope w/ UHTC Advanced Field Tripod 887 $750.00 |
|
|
Meade Model 2080 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope $739.00 |
|
|
Silver 90mm Advanced GPS Cassegrain Telescope w Camera $724.74 |
|
|
Celestron NexStar 5SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope 11036 $699.00 |
|
|
Silver 90mm Advanced GPS Cassegrain Telescope w Camera $679.74 |
|
|
Meade ETX 90 PE 90MM Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $675.00 |
|
|
Meade ETX-125 AT 5.0"/125 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $649.00 |
|
|
Black 90mm Computerized GPS 'GoTo' Cassegrain Telescope $599.99 |
|
|
White 90mm Computerized GPS 'GoTo' Cassegrain Telescope $599.99 |
|
|
White 90mm Computerized Cassegrain Telescope w Camera $575.73 |
|
|
New Black 90 mm Cassegrain Telescope w Digital Photography Bundle w Extras $575.73 |
|
|
Bushnell 1300x100 GoTo Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $569.99 |
|
|
Celestron 127mm Computer Controlled Advanced Cassegrain Telescope $569.95 |
|
|
White 90mm Computerized GPS 'GoTo' Cassegrain Telescope $554.99 |
|
|
New Black 90mm Computerized GPS Telescope - Maksutov Cassegrain - 1200 mm $549.99 |
|
|
Celestron SkyProdigy 90 50x165 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $549.00 |
|
|
Celestron Celestar 8 Schmidt-Cassegrain Mirror Telescope, hardly used $500.00 |
|
|
Meade ETX-90AT (f/13.8) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $499.00 |
|
|
Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope 11049 $499.00 |
|
|
NEW White 90mm Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope w Extras $449.99 |
|
|
NEW Silver 90mm Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope $449.99 |
|
|
New 90mm Cassegrain Telescope - Automatic Star Finding $449.99 |
|
|
Bushnell Northstar 1300mm x 100mm 4inch Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope 788840 $439.99 |
|
|
Celestron 90mm Computer Controlled Advanced Cassegrain Telescope $439.95 |
|
|
Meade LX200 10" F10 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope Full computer go to $434.99 |
|
|
Meade ETX-125AT (f/15) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope NO TRIPOD $399.95 |
|
|
HOTECH Advanced CT Laser Collimator For Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes 2" INCH $399.00 |
|
|
BUSHNELL 788840 NORTHSTAR 1300 X 100mm MAKSUTOV CASSEGRAIN RVO TELESCOPE NIB $369.99 |
|
|
Bushnell NorthStar 1250 x 90mm Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope w/Real Voice Output $359.99 |
|
|
Celestron C8 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope starbright $305.00 |
|
|
Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Catadioptric Telescope with tripod extras $305.00 |
|
|
MEADE ETX-90EC (325 x 90mm) MAKSUTOV - CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE $300.00 |
|
|
MEADE Telescope Model 2045 4" SCT w/Case Schmidt-Cassegrain $300.00 |
|
|
Vixen VMC95L 95mm f/11 Modified Cassegrain Telescope $259.00 |
|
|
Tele Vue Starbeam for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes SFC-2009 $244.95 |
|
|
New Beginner White 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Bundle $224.99 |
|
|
New Beginner Silver 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Bundle $224.99 |
|
|
New Beginner Black 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Bundle $224.99 |
|
|
New Black 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Kids Pak Bundle $214.99 |
|
|
New White 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Kids Pak Bundle $214.99 |
|
|
New Silver 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Kids Pak Bundle $214.99 |
|
|
New Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $199.99 |
|
|
NEW Black 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Astronomy w Tripod $184.99 |
|
|
NEW White 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Astronomy w Tripod $184.99 |
|
|
NEW Silver 90mm Cassegrain Astronomy Telescope w Tripod $184.99 |
|
|
Celestron Sky Watcher 90MAK Cassegrain Telescope $179.00 |
|
|
Meade ETX-90 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope with Tripod and Electronic Remote $162.50 |
|
|
NEW Silver 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Astronomy w Tripod $149.99 |
|
|
NEW White 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Astronomy w Tripod $149.99 |
|
|
NEW Black 90mm Cassegrain Telescope Astronomy w Tripod $149.99 |
|
|
MEADE ETX-90EC 90mm MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE * W/CASE * 2 CONTROLLER PADS $149.95 |
|
|
Celestron 2" Diagonal with XLT Coatings for Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes 93527 $129.95 |
|
|
Very Rare - Meade 8" SCT Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope OTA - InfraRed - IR $113.61 |
|
|
Celestron 5 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Tripod, Case, & Accessories $102.50 |
|
|
MEADE ETX Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope and Field Tripod D=90mm F=1250mm f/13.8 $99.00 |
|
|
*CELESTRON* DELUXE Tele-Extender for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (JAPAN!!) $89.98 |
|
|
Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Gu $89.00 |
|
|
Deluxe 1.25" Tele-Extender For Celestron & Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes $79.99 |
|
|
Celestron Deluxe Tele Extender for Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes. #93643 $67.32 |
|
|
The 20-CM Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Practical Obs $65.89 |
|
|
The 20-cm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Practical Observing Guide Peter L. Man $62.26 |
|
|
The Schmidt-Cassegrain miniature Telescope Collectable $55.00 |
|
|
NEW The 20-CM Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Practical $53.00 |
|
|
The 20-CM Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Practical Obs $52.79 |
|
|
Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope By Mollise, Rod $50.50 |
|
|
Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Gu $47.37 |
|
|
CHOOSING AND USING A SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE - ROD MOLLISE (PAPERBACK) NEW $46.64 |
|
|
Kendrick 9" Flexible Dewcap for 9.25" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes 2034 $46.00 |
|
|
FarPoint Flexible Telescope Dew Shield Celestron 9.25 " SCT Schmidt Cassegrain $44.95 |
|
|
FarPoint Flexible Telescope Dew Shield For Meade 10 " SCT Schmidt Cassegrain $40.00 |
|
|
Astro Systems Telescope Cover For 8 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes $37.95 |
|
|
Celestron Piggyback Camera Mount For All C8 Schmidt-Cassegrain SCT Telescopes $34.99 |
|
|
Celestron Visual Back For Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes $29.99 |
|
|
Tele-Vue Accessory Bracket for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes #SAB1001 $29.00 |
|
|
Meade 1.25" Eyepiece Holder for Schimdt-Cassegrain Telescopes. #07182 $23.95 |
|
|
20 cm SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE astronomy astrophoto $20.21 |
|
|
T-ADAPTER FOR SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPES SCT $19.99 |
|
|
The 20-Cm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope by Peter L. Manly (2000, Paperback,... $19.95 |
|
|
Celestron Dew Shield Foamex for 9.25" Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes. #94013 $19.95 |
|
|
The 20-cm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Practical Obs $12.50 |
|
|
The 20-cm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope: A Practical Obs $9.59 |
|
|
Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes Torrance CA PrintAd 1969 $9.00 |
|
|
Telescope Tie-Tac -- Schmidt-Cassegrain - New $4.00 |