The best scope for you is the one you will use the most! We suggest reading our Frequently Asked Question page before consuming this page
So, here are some questions for you to answer to help narrow down your selection:
1. Are you interested in getting set up quickly and start viewing as soon as possible in your back yard?
| Then the Dobsonian is the right scope for you. The 'Dob' offers setup time of less than 5 minutes with just a little practice. The disadvantage is the long tube which makes traveling to view from dark skies difficult depending on the size of your vehicle. Also it will take a little patience to learn how to collimate the scope. With a little practice, that will not be a big issue. Most beginners are very happy with the Dob as their first scope. If you want to see more detail, then get as big of a mirror as your budget can afford. An 8"-10" Dob will bring stunning views of the night sky. |  |
2. I am interested in taking my scope to other places other than my backward. What scope is best?
This is one of the tougher questions to answer. There are many other sub-factors involved.
Is a fast set up time the most important issue? Than a smaller Dobsonian may be the answer.
Don't want to carry a lot of weight? The it would be advisable to avoid the larger Dob and Schmidt-Cassegrains. 10" tubes of these type of scopes can weigh 35-50 pounds. If the weight of the scope is very important, than perhaps the Retractor is the right scope for you.
3. Is a GoTo Scope right for me?
Almost all scopes offer some sort of GoTo capability either as part of the package or as an add on. Most SCT (Schmidt-Cassegrains) offer this as part of the base package. This is one of the reasons SCTs are more expensive.
A GoTo scope is a great tool but it will not substitute for knowing where, and the rewarding feeling of, finding objects yourself. You will still need to spend some time knowing a dozen or so stars by name as well as the constellations. The user guide perhaps can make up for that with a sky guide and star selection but to get the most of your scope, you will still need a monthly sky map of some kind.
4. I want a scope that is portable and still gives better views of the sky.
The SCT (Schmidt-Cassegrains) is a great combination of wide aperture and still compact enough to be portable for most people. The trade off for this convenience is that the scope is more heavy and most people only feel comfortable handling a 8" or less.
A 10" SCT tube weighs around 35 pounds or more so be sure you can handle that kind of weight. This is important as lifting the tube and placing correctly on the tripod takes control and some steadiness.
For more information on choosing a telescope, see Sky & Telescope Magazine's How to Choose a Telescope page.