10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Telescope Online

If you’ve ever gazed up at a starry sky and found yourself completely mesmerized, you’re not alone. The cosmos has a way of making us feel both small and wildly curious. Whether it’s catching a glimpse of Saturn’s rings, watching the moon’s craters come into sharp relief, or scanning the sky for distant galaxies, a telescope can bring the wonders of the universe right to your backyard. But with the convenience of shopping online comes the challenge of knowing what to buy. Don’t worry — we’ve got you.

This online telescope buying guide breaks down 10 crucial things you need to consider before clicking “add to cart.” Whether you're an aspiring stargazer or shopping for the best telescope for beginners, this guide will help you make a choice that’s truly stellar.

1. Know Your Purpose: What Do You Want to Observe?

Before diving into the specs and brands, start with the basics: What do you want to see?

• If your goal is to observe the moon and planets, a refractor telescope with moderate magnification might be perfect.

• Interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters? You'll want a reflector telescope with a larger aperture.

• Need portability for camping or trips? Consider a compact or travel telescope.

Your observing goals determine the type and size of telescope that suits you best. Start here, and the rest will fall into place.

2. Understand Telescope Types

There are three main types of telescopes, and knowing the difference will save you a lot of headaches:

 Refractor Telescopes

These use lenses to gather light. They’re low maintenance, easy to use, and great for planetary viewing — perfect if you’re looking for the best telescope for beginners.

Reflector Telescopes

These use mirrors instead of lenses. They offer excellent deep-sky viewing and are often more affordable for larger apertures, but they require regular collimation (alignment).

Compound (Catadioptric) Telescopes

These combine lenses and mirrors, offering the best of both worlds. They're versatile and compact, but they can be pricier.

Each type has pros and cons, and your ideal telescope depends on what and how you want to observe.

3. Aperture Size Matters More Than You Think

When shopping online, flashy descriptions and fancy features can distract you from the most important factor: aperture.

The aperture is the diameter of the main optical component (lens or mirror). A larger aperture means:

• Better light-gathering power

• Sharper, brighter images

• Ability to see fainter objects

For casual beginners, an aperture between 70mm and 130mm is a solid range. For more serious observers, 200mm+ can bring deep-space wonders to life.

4. Magnification Isn’t Everything

Online listings often brag about telescopes with 600x or even 1000x magnification. Here's the truth: It’s a marketing trap.

What really matters is the telescope’s aperture and optical quality. You can have sky-high magnification, but without a decent aperture, you'll get blurry, useless images.

A good rule of thumb: Maximum usable magnification = 50x per inch of aperture. So a 4-inch scope can realistically go up to 200x.

5. Mount Type Makes a Big Difference

You could have the perfect telescope, but if the mount is shaky or hard to use, your experience will suffer. There are two main types:

Altazimuth Mount (AZ)

Simple and intuitive — moves up/down and left/right. Ideal for beginners.

Equatorial Mount (EQ)

Designed to track celestial objects as Earth rotates. Great for astrophotography or longer observation sessions, but comes with a learning curve.

Want even more ease? Consider motorized or GoTo mounts — they automatically find and track objects in the night sky. Super helpful for new users.

6. Don’t Overlook Portability

Are you planning to keep your telescope set up at home, or do you want to take it on stargazing trips?

• A large Dobsonian with a big aperture might be great for backyard astronomy but could be a pain to transport.

• A compact refractor or compound scope is ideal for travel or apartment living.

Look for weight and dimensions in product descriptions. A telescope you can't lift or store easily won’t get much use — no matter how powerful it is.

7. Read Reviews (And Watch Videos!)

When you’re buying a telescope online, you don’t get to try it before you buy — so lean on the experiences of others.

• Look for detailed user reviews from verified buyers.

• Watch YouTube unboxings and field tests to see how it performs in real-world conditions.

• Join online forums like Cloudy Nights to ask questions and get opinions from seasoned stargazers.

This is where an online telescope buying guide can really shine — it helps you separate hype from actual performance.

8. Check What’s Included in the Box

Not all telescope kits are created equal. Some listings might show a full setup, but ship with bare-bones accessories.

Look for kits that include:

• Eyepieces (preferably two or more)

• Finder scope or red-dot finder

• Mount and tripod

• Instruction manual or setup guide

Avoid surprises by reading the fine print. If accessories are low quality, you might need to upgrade sooner than expected.

9. Think Long-Term: Can You Upgrade It?

A great telescope isn’t just about what you get now — it’s also about what you can do with it later. Look for models that allow for:

• Eyepiece swaps

• Camera attachments

• Mount upgrades

• Filters and accessories

Some beginner scopes are completely closed ecosystems, while others are built to grow with you. The best telescope for beginners is one that can adapt as your interest deepens.

10. Bonus Tip: Avoid "Toy" Telescopes

If it’s sold in a toy store or has wild claims like "see galaxies 1 million light-years away" for cheap then run.

These scopes usually have:

• Poor optics

• Wobbly mounts

• Cheap plastic parts

• Frustrating user experiences

Stick to reputable telescope retailers and trusted brands. Quality gear may cost more upfront but saves you time, stress, and disappointment down the line.

So, What’s the Best Telescope for Beginners?

If you're just starting out, here are a few reliable options to look out for:

• Refractor telescopes with 70–100mm apertures

• Dobsonian reflectors with 6–8 inch mirrors (great value!)

• Computerized GoTo scopes that auto-locate objects

Each of these categories has excellent beginner-friendly models. The best telescope for beginners is one that matches your lifestyle, interests, and curiosity — not just a spec sheet.

Don’t Just Buy a Telescope — Start a Journey with Modern Telescope

Buying a telescope online can feel overwhelming, but now that you’ve read through this online telescope buying guide, you’re well on your way to making a smart, informed decision. And here's the good news — you don’t have to do it alone.

If you want curated options, honest reviews, and expert guidance, Modern Telescope is your go-to destination.

Whether you’re looking for your first scope or ready to upgrade to something more advanced, they’ve got a telescope to fit every level and budget.

Explore their wide selection of hand-picked models, read real-world reviews, and get access to free resources that’ll help you get the most out of your new gear.

Don’t just look at the stars. See them up close.