best telescope for astrophotography 2012

#Best telescope for astrophotography 2012 how to

But a good small scope can still show you a lot too, especially if you live in a rural area that’s far from bright city lights.īasically, there are no fundamental differences between telescopes and camera lenses. Most telescopes do come with two eyepieces, so you can simply change the magnification by switching eyepieces with different focal lengths.Ī larger aperture lets you see much fainter objects with finer detail than a smaller one can. Therefore, if a telescope has a focal length of 500mm with a 25-mm eyepiece, the magnification is then 500/25, or 20x.

This is simply the objective’s focal length divided by that of the eyepiece, which you’ll find on its barrel. The objective’s focal length is the key to determining the telescope’s magnification or power. The telescope you want to buy should have at least 2.8 inches (70 mm) aperture - and in most cases, preferably more. The aperture’s diameter is expressed either in millimeters or in inches (1 inch equals 25.4 mm). You can find the telescope’s aperture near its focuser, at the front of the tube of the unit. Aperture is so important that it’s always the first feature stated when talking about a telescope’s specs. And, if you are viewing from your own backyard, look at models that aren’t too bulky or heavy to transport outdoors.Ī telescope’s main function is to gather light, and the key characteristic of any telescope is its aperture-the diameter of its light-gathering lens or mirror. If you live in the city or a well-lit suburb and seek deep sky viewing, you are going to want to purchase a scope that’s small enough to pack in your car so you can drive to darker locations for optimal viewing. In addition, portability and convenience are things to consider in your purchasing decision. I’m Looking Through Youįirst off, the telescope you want to buy must have two essential things: high-quality optics and a rock steady, smoothly working mount. Be sure to check out our Scoop on Scopes for our selected favorite models right now, or browse the department for the telescope that meets your needs. Armed with these telescopic tips, you’ll have a good idea about what to look for when scanning the market for your new stargazing device.Īdorama carries one of the largest lineups of telescopes in our Binoculars & Telescopes department, which is staffed by some of the world’s leading experts on astronomy and astrophotography. This handy reference guide will help you make sense of the different types of telescope models available. Follow this guide to getting started with telescopes, and you’ll even know if Venus and Mars are alright tonight. With the right telescope, you’ll be getting up close and personal with Orion’s Belt, Canis Major, and Sirus the Dog. Winter’s icy cold evenings offer some of the most brilliant and star-studded constellations you’ll ever see. If you ever thought about getting to know the stars and constellations a little better, now is the perfect time of year to start in astronomy. Armed with the right down-to-earth info, your view will be unbeatable.

#Best telescope for astrophotography 2012 how to

Get set for amateur astronomy and some cool winter stargazing with this handy guide on how to buy a telescope.