How Much is a Good Telescope?
A telescope is a piece of equipment that can change the way you embark on your celestial journey, but selecting the perfect telescope can be challenging. If you’re wondering how much is a good telescope and what makes a good telescope, you’re in the right place.
Striking for a balance between quality and affordability is tricky, but in this guide, we’ll show you insights into what it takes to find a quality telescope, how much you should spend, and which type would be a good fit for your skill level. Therefore, keep on reading as we break it down!
How Much is a Good Telescope? Understanding the Price
Many factors shape telescope’s price and value, and these are the following factors:
- Aperture size
- Optical quality
- Mount and tripod quality
- Included accessories
- Brand reputation and warranty
No matter which telescope type you prefer, aperture size is one of the first things you’ll look into. A larger aperture gathers more light, reveals fainter objects, and provides much more clarity. Apertures can alone change the viewing experience for the better, but there’s also a higher cost associated with larger apertures because they take much more precision to manufacture.
Optical quality is the second most important factor that determines the telescope’s price. High-quality optics come with precision ground mirrors and coated lenses that enhance light transmission, but they come at a higher price point because they provide a much better viewing experience. The same applies to mount and tripod quality. A sturdy and stable mount provides smoother tracking and ensures more enjoyable experiences.
Quality telescopes usually include some accessories like eyepieces, finderscopes, or even motorized tracking systems. These accessories can increase the price of a telescope, but they’re useful to have and it’s convenient if they come with the telescope, matching its quality.
Brand reputation and warranty can also play a role in the price of a telescope. Established manufacturers command higher prices due to their track record, quality, and exceptional customer experience - but it’s also useful to have as an extra.
Entry-level telescopes can range anywhere from $200 to $500, mid-range telescopes range from $500 to $1500, and higher-end telescopes are priced from $1500 and above, reaching several thousand dollars.
Telescope Ranges
Telescopes fall into a couple of categories, where the most common ranges include:
- Entry-level (amateur)
- Mid-range
- High-end
We’ve mentioned the estimated average prices of each range. Entry-level telescopes usually come with a smaller aperture and simpler mounts, and they can’t offer the highest magnification and resolution. However, they make a decent choice for beginners, amateurs, and anyone who’d like to get into astronomy or astrophotography due to their affordability and decent opportunities.
Mid-range telescopes come with larger aperture sizes ranging from 90mm to 130mm, offer better optical quality, sharper and clearer views, and include advanced mounts. Some even come with computerized mounts that allow easier and automated tracking. They’re ideal for enthusiasts who want to jump the entry-level range and improve their viewing experience right away. We believe that mid-range telescopes are a great starting point for everyone who isn’t on a tight budget.
High-end telescopes come with large apertures such as 150mm and premium optical components that provide unparalleled views of the cosmos and celestial bodies. They come with higher-end mounts with motorized tracking systems and often include plenty of additional accessories for astrophotography.
How Good of a Telescope Do I Need to See the Planets?
How well you will see planets with a telescope depends on the earlier mentioned factors like aperture size and optical quality. Still, you should also add observing conditions into the mix.
With planets being bright objects in the sky at night, they’re accessible even with entry-level telescopes with a smaller aperture. But if you’d like to see the planets’ surfaces in detail, that’s a job for a telescope with a decent optical performance (like mid-range telescopes).
Our recommendation is to go with a telescope that has an aperture size of at least 70mm (2.8 inches), whereas larger apertures such as 90mm (3.5 inches) or 110mm (4.5 inches) will transform the experience by providing even better views and finer details.
Besides aperture size, make sure that you get a telescope with quality optics as they will help maximize light transmission and provide great contrast, which will make your day observations much better.
Observing conditions are also important so we highly recommend choosing nights with steady atmospheric conditions and minimal light pollution. These conditions allow the best views. There’s also one more thing that many people overlook, but is crucial. You should allow your telescope to cool down to the ambient temperature before observing. This helps minimize thermal turbulence, which degrades image quality.
When you find a decent telescope, it’s all down to your observing techniques. We recommend going with mid-range telescopes as they provide the most value for the money spent and they make an excellent telescope range to see and observe planets.
Conclusion
Finding the right telescope for your needs isn’t just about sticking to the most expensive option if you don’t have a set budget. We believe it’s all about striking a good balance between quality, affordability, and sustainability, to match one’s observing goals.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert, there’s a telescope out there that will match your needs, and it’s only a matter of finding one that will fit a certain budget.
But once you find a quality telescope, you’ll be rewarded by the journey into the cosmos that will take your breath away. There aren’t too many factors to consider, which makes it easier to find a quality telescope that will fit your needs.
However, if you need help, check out our recommended articles:
- What to Look for When Buying a Telescope
- Best Telescope for Viewing Planets and Galaxies
- Top 10 Telescopes for Beginners
If you need any additional help, feel free to reach out via email or a phone number and we’ll provide personalized advice that will fit your circumstances.