What is the best telescope for beginners in astronomy?
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- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Astronomy is a fascinating hobby, but choosing your first telescope can quickly become a daunting task given the sheer number of models and price ranges. Astronomical refractors, reflectors, and catadioptric telescopes: each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.
The different types of instruments
1. The reflector telescope
The astronomical telescope uses lenses to collect light. It is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use and minimal maintenance.
Benefits :
Easy to use and maintain
Ideal for observing the Moon and suitable for deep sky (galaxies, bright nebulae)
No collimation (mirror adjustment and alignment) required
Disadvantages:
Less efficient for planetary observation due to the f/D ratio
Has chromatic aberrations that can be corrected with correctors but are sold separately
Higher cost compared to a telescope of equivalent diameter
Example models:
Celestron Astromaster 90AZ (~€250) – an affordable and effective telescope for introducing children to astronomy (for observation only)
Sky-Watcher 80ed Evostar for beginner astrophotographers who want excellent value for money
2. The reflecting telescope (Newton)
The Newtonian telescope uses a primary mirror to capture light. It is the preferred choice for those who want to observe the deep sky (galaxies, nebulae) and faint celestial objects.
Benefits :
Best value for money in terms of diameter
Ideal for deep sky
High magnification (low f/D ratio)
Disadvantages:
Requires regular collimation (alignment of primary and secondary mirrors)
More bulky than a telescope
Example models:
Sky-Watcher 130/900 EQ2 (~300€) – a very good choice for beginners with a good diameter for observation only
Sky-Watcher 150/750 (~350€) - for beginners in astrophotography
3. The catadioptric telescope (Maksutov-Cassegrain, Schmidt-Cassegrain)
These instruments combine mirrors and lenses to reduce the tube size while still providing good image quality. They are primarily intended for planetary observation.
Benefits :
Compact and easily transportable
Excellent image quality
Ideal for planetary thanks to the fairly high f/D ratio
Disadvantages:
More expensive than other types
Reduced field of vision (viewing angle)
Model examples: Celestron NexStar 4SE (~700€) – perfect for small spaces and planetary observing.
What budget should I plan for?
The price of the equipment depends on its intended use. Observation is less expensive but limits the quality of the objects observed. Conversely, astrophotography requires a larger budget but allows you to view celestial bodies that are almost invisible through simple observation.
Less than €200 : beginner astronomical telescopes like the Celestron Travel Scope 70.
200-400€ : Newtonian telescopes on equatorial mounts like the Sky-Watcher 130/900.
400-800€ : higher quality models, often with motorization.
€800 and more : catadioptric lenses, astrophotography equipment.
La nébuleuse du Croissant NGC 6888 ne se laisse apercevoir qu'en astrophotographie et pas en observation grâce à des filtres spécifique (L-Ultimate, L-Extreme, H-alpha ou OIII) et des poses longues
The importance of the frame
A good telescope is nothing without a suitable mount. There are two main types:
Azimuth (AZ) mount : Simple to use, perfect for beginners (e.g., Celestron Astromaster 90AZ). It works like a photo tripod, with up-down and left-right movements.
Equatorial mount (EQ) : allows you to track the movement of the stars by compensating for the Earth's rotation, ideal for prolonged observation and photography (e.g. Sky-Watcher 130/900 EQ2). It requires a little training but quickly becomes essential for tracking objects in the sky.
Motorized and Go-To Mounts : Motorized and Go-To mounts facilitate observation by automatically pointing at celestial objects. They are very useful in astrophotography, as they allow precise tracking of stars for long exposures.
Observation vs Astrophotography
Visual observation : Priority is given to the diameter of the telescope to capture the maximum amount of light. A Newton on an azimuthal mount is sufficient.
Astrophotography : Here, the mount is more important than the telescope itself. A stable, motorized equatorial mount is essential to compensate for the Earth's rotation. This allows for long exposures that will reveal the finest details.
In conclusion: which telescope to choose?
For those who are curious and want to observe the Moon and the deep sky : an astronomical telescope like the Celestron Astromaster 90AZ or even better the Sky-Watcher 80ed Evostar.
For those who want to explore the deep sky : a Newtonian like the Sky-Watcher 150/750 which allows a lot of light to be accumulated and gives a wide viewing angle
For the planetary and a compromise between compactness and performance : a catadioptric like the Celestron NexStar 4SE.
For astrophotography : one of the optical instruments mentioned above but with a motorized equatorial mount
Where to buy astronomy equipment?
To get a telescope or accessories in France and Switzerland, here are some reputable specialist sites:
France :
Optique Unterlinden – Wide selection of equipment and expert advice.
The House of Astronomy – Well-stocked boutique, based in Paris.
Pierro Astro – Specializing in astrophotography and accessories.
Astronome.fr – Online store with an extensive catalog.
Swiss :
Teleskop Express Switzerland – Swiss subsidiary of a major European reseller.
Astro-Shop.ch – Wide range of telescopes and accessories.
Baader Planetarium – Renowned for its quality filters and optics.
These sites offer a wide range of equipment suitable for beginners and experts alike. Be sure to compare prices and reviews before purchasing!
Finally, remember that astronomy requires patience and good skies! A dark, unpolluted sky is sometimes better than an expensive instrument.
Good observations!
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