There are few things quite as rewarding as a perfectly set-up telescope. A well-set-up telescope allows you to look into the night sky and explore the wonders of deep space! However, how much does a good telescope cost?
It takes some considerable set-up to get a telescope perfectly aligned to see some worthwhile sights. Not only that, but you also need good equipment.
Unfortunately, grabbing the perfect equipment could see you spending large sums in order to gaze upon the breathtaking expanse that lies just out of reach.
Though there are many more-affordable alternatives to telescopes. It’s never easy to decide whether to skimp and save or take the plunge and pay a little more to grab the high-class kit!
Have you found yourself here because you want to know how much a good telescope will cost?
Then you have come to the right place because we will detail how much you can expect to spend. We will look at how you can pick up a telescope that won’t break the bank!
Why Are Telescopes So Costly?
In your quest to find the perfect telescope, you’ve likely asked yourself why they prove to be so expensive. Why do you have to spend so much on a telescope, even for some of the more affordable models?
When you think about it, telescopes use glass shaped precisely to bend light just the right way. By doing so, images of distant objects can be magnified so that you can see them clearly.
While we mention lenses the same is true for the mirrors used in reflector telescopes.
The production of the glass that bends the light is where much of the cost comes in.
The glass needs to be shaped perfectly so that you are met with a clear and crisp image, which means that the production costs of this glass can be very high.
As well as this, the glass then needs to be fitted into the telescopes in a way that it does move, which keeps the images from becoming off-kilter.
Thus, The production of telescopes needs to be near perfect, which is why they cost so much. You are paying for the expertise involved in the production of the telescope!
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Good Telescope?
Telescopes in general can cost anywhere between $100 to $10,000. As such, it can often be difficult to say exactly how much you should expect to spend.
However, those well-versed in the world of astronomy have noted that you should expect to spend at least $300 to get a telescope that can look deep enough into the sky to provide clear images of objects in space.
It is not recommended to spend less than this amount. Many telescopes that cost much less, around $100, are usually much lower quality. They are often frustrating to use and will produce a less-than-pleasing image. More on this later.
Provided you are comfortable spending at least $300, you can see plenty of clear images in the night sky, including the Moon, and even larger planets like Jupiter!
However, the more you spend, generally, the better the quality, and the higher the image fidelity. If you want to see smaller objects, or objects much further away, you will want to spend a little more.
The more equipment you buy for your telescope, and the more skilled you become at using them, the more you will likely spend.
How Much Should You Spend On A Telescope?
If you want to figure out just how much you should spend on the perfect telescope, you will want to consider exactly what you plan to use the telescope carefully. You will also need to consider how much experience you have with using them.
If you are new to astronomy and using telescopes, you will likely not want to spend more than $300.
It would be unwise to max out your budget on expensive equipment only to discover that astronomy might not be right for you. You may end up with loads of expensive equipment collecting dust!
Remember that those interested in astronomy have never stuck with the same telescope throughout their entire time in the hobby.
They have upgraded their equipment as they have grown more skilled at using the equipment and increased their goals.
If you buy a $300 telescope as a beginner and then find that you have a total knack for astronomy, and your interest takes off, you can slowly upgrade your equipment over time.
As you become more skilled and more knowledgeable, you will be able to justify a higher price tag for your equipment. You will be able to make full use of all of the extra features of the device.
To Wrap Up
There you have it! If you want to purchase a telescope that can see dim objects and produce clear images, you should expect to spend more than $300.
Luckily, provided you are okay with spending at least $300, you can still gather some great images of space, as telescopes around this price range are perfect for beginners.
If you want to see further, or you want to make use of specific features, then you can expect to spend more than $300.
The general rule is that the more advanced and capable the equipment, the more you can expect to spend!
Recommendation if Budget is not too Much of a Concern
We recommend an 8″ (200mm) Dobsonian telescope for an adult getting into astronomy. These are a Newtonian reflector mounted on a simple mount. These mounts are called ‘push to’ meaning that you push them to point to the relevant point in the sky. However, such a telescope will cost more than $300.
These telescopes are reasonably priced and provide an adequate aperture. Deep sky object look great in them.
However, we also recommend that you visit an astronomy club near you. They will be able to show you their equipment and give you plenty of advice and knowledge.
Still Unsure On What to Spend Your Money On?
Most cities have astronomy clubs. These are great places to gain knowledge about telescopes and astronomy. A large benefit is that you may get to see a variety of telescopes in use. Talk to the owners and find out what they like and don’t like about their telescopes.
If you are lucky, you may find someone willing to sell a suitable telescope at a bargain price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should A Beginner Telescope Cost?
Generally, if you want a beginner telescope of good quality, you should expect to spend between $300 to $400.
How Powerful Does A Telescope Have To Be To See The Rings Of Saturn?
You will need a telescope of around 25x power to make out the individual rings around Saturn.
Are Telescopes Worth It?
Telescopes are absolutely worth it if you have an interest in astronomy. However, they do require some skill and setup to use perfectly.
Hi, my name is Jason Anderson, and I am a Physics Professor. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated with space, the universe, the moon, you name it. I spent hours and hours at the planetarium close to my hometown, wondering what else could be out in the universe.
Since then, I’ve been an avid stargazer and astronomer, and love nothing more than spending my time charting stars, observing planets, and finding constellations.
This is why I decided to start Telescope Guru. I only wish to share this fun pastime with the world. With this site, I hope to answer all of your questions relating to astronomy, telescopes, and stargazing.