How To Buy Your First Telescope Charlie Haffey
The Target User Child Adult Beginner Novice
What You Expect
What You Get
Types of Scopes Reflector Refractor
Reflector
Refractor
Types of Mounts Dobsonian Equatorial
Dobsonian Up and down Left and right Swift_Telescopes.htm
Equatorial mount Rotates parallel to Earth’s axis Easier tracking of objects
Magnification
Focal Length
Calculate Magnification Focal length of telescope Focal length of eyepiece 1000 mm 25 mm = 40
Magnification Limits 40x most common Increase magnification- decrease field of view decrease brightness Over 100x rarely used very difficult tracking
Image Brightness Small increase in mirror diameter Large increase in surface area 6 inch mirror = 28 in 2 area 8 inch mirror = 50 in 2 area
Mr. Haffey Recommends Six inch Dobsonian $259 & up
The cheapest, easiest and best way to improve your first telescope...
Zero magnification finder EZ Finder™ II Reflex Sight $34.95
Upside is up finder Right Angle Correct-Image Finder Scopes $ $79.95
Do Not Buy 750 power! From a deli With unanswered questions
Do Buy Largest opening you can afford Move & use with comfort Reputable source
Vendors Orion Telescopes Meade Telescopes Celestron Telescopes The Camera Company
After you buy your first telescope Contact Mr. Haffey First setup First use First light
Good Luck, Have Fun!