Choosing your first telescope/binoculars
Buying your first telescope or indeed buying one for your son or daughter requires reading up a bit on telescopes. Unfortunately there are many pitfalls. There are lots of bad telescopes out there that will just frustrate you, and if it is a present for your son or daughter they could put them off the hobby for good. And of course you need to shop around as prices can vary quite a bit.
Also don't forget that you don't need a telescope to view the stars. A pair of binoculars on a sturdy tripod is an ideal way to get more familiar with the wonders of the night sky. In fact many objects are best viewed with the bright wide views that you get with binoculars.
Here are some guides to help you make a more informed choice:
Kerry Astronomy Club - How to choose a telescope
Galway Astronomy Club - Buying your first telescope
Stephen Tonkins guide to a first telescope
Reading about telescopes will only get you so far. The best way to find out about the different types is to contact your
local astronomy Club
and attend one of their observing sessions. At events like this you will be able to see telescopes from several different manufacturers as well as different types of telescope, and you will also get plenty of advice from owners about what to buy!
Finally, if you have any queries about purchasing a telescope, whats a good price? is the scope as good as the salesman says? etc. post your queries here and we will do our best to help you out!
Clear and Dark skies!
  