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Used Telescopes

alt text Used Meade Telescopes

Everyone is using Meade telescopes. Beginners, amateurs and major universities all agree that Meade telescopes are a step above the rest. Meade started out with 8" Schmidt-Cassegrains and today offer apochromatic refractors with automatic slewing to make it easy for beginners exactly what their looking for. If you're looking for a used telescope you certainly need to consider several different Meade telescopes depending on your needs.

alt text Used Celestron Telescopes

Celestron telescopes easily stand out as a quality telescope manufacturer. They make a wide range of telescopes which suite any level astronomer and with quality lens, gps options, and sturdy tripods these telescopes are a top contender for anyone looking for a new telescope.

alt text Used Bushnell Telescopes

Bushnell makes a wide variety of telescopes many of which are perfect for the beginner. Most of these used telescopes are a great value and will let you see the things far far away.

Why You Should Buy a Used Telescope

There are 3 basic designs to consider when buying a used telescope: refractor, reflector, and a catadioptric. The refractor telescope used two lenses to collect light and then focus it as a sharp image, while the other lens magnifies the image for your view pleasure. A reflector telescope gathers the light at the bottom of the telescope with a concave mirror, and another photographic plate and mirror focuses the image. The last type of telescope is a catadoptric and it combines design elements from the refractor and reflector telescopes.

Each of these telescopes are great tools for view wildlife and celestial bodies. A telescope might also be a nice addition if you're into people watching. What ever the case may be you should consider six different factors when buying a new or used telescope.

  1. Power: A good used telescope will not boast that it has some huge power. The best telescopes simply states its capabilities when it comes to magnification.
  2. Type: Be sure you know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of used telescope. You don't want to be stuck with a telescope that you're not happy with. Pay a little more now and save a lot later!
  3. Aperture: The aperature is the key to a great used telescope. It is the true measure of just how powerful the telescope actually will be when looking through the eye piece.
  4. Focal Ratio: It's essential to consider the telescopes focal ratio. More on that later...
  5. Mount: When you're looking hunderds or millions of miles away the smallest movement in your telescope will keep your image from being steady. Make sure your used telescope mount includes a very stead base.
  6. Eyepieces: The eyepiece is your interface with the telescope. Make sure its a comfortable piece that will last the duration.

There are plenty of other options to consider but these are the highlights for a beginner telescope. A popular option in the last few years are go-to telescopes which will point your telescope directly toward the celestial body you're interested in. You'll pay just a bit more for these used telescopes but in my opinion worth every cent. Make sure you at least consider these models when making your final choice when buying a used telescope. At the end of the day if you can't find a used telescope perhaps you need to check out a few golf clubs for sale!

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