There’s no denying that Melbourne has a vibrant culture. From its bustling streets to its lively nightlife, there’s always something to see and do in this cosmopolitan metropolis. And one of the most popular pastimes in Melbourne is stargazing.
With its clear skies and lack of light pollution, Melbourne is ideal for amateur astronomers to get a good view of the stars. Meanwhile, you can easily find a telescope shop in Melbourne (online or regular), and you can purchase your own set of binoculars or a telescope there.
But when you think about getting a telescope for yourself or your children, the first impulse is to buy one at your nearest store. However, buying from an online store can be significantly cheaper. A store might not have the model you want in stock, they might not offer discounts on these items, or they might not offer free shipping. Considering all this, it makes sense to save money by purchasing your telescope from an online store. However, there are some factors you need to consider before buying from a telescope shop in Melbourne.
- Aperture
A telescope’s aperture is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing. A large aperture allows more light to enter the eyepiece, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. However, a larger aperture also comes with a higher price tag.
So, consider what you will use your telescope for when deciding on aperture size. A smaller aperture may suffice if you plan on mainly doing daytime observing. But you’ll need a larger telescope if you want to do some serious stargazing. In the meantime, remember that a larger aperture doesn’t necessarily mean a better telescope. There are other factors to consider, such as the quality of the optics and the mount.
- Consider the Mounting System
When choosing a telescope, it is essential to consider the mounting system. The mount keeps the telescope steady while using it, so choosing durable and accessible support is necessary. So, there are two main types of mounts: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simple to use and are great for beginners. Meanwhile, equatorial mounts are more complex, but they allow you to track objects in the night sky.
- Consider the Optical Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a telescope is the optical quality. And a few things go into determining the optical quality of a telescope, such as an aperture, focal length, and coatings.
The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s primary mirror or lens. It’s one of the most critical factors in determining optical quality because it affects how much light can be gathered by the telescope. A larger aperture means more light can be collected, resulting in a higher-quality image.
The focal length is the distance from the primary mirror or lens to the point where the light is focused. So, a longer focal length results in a higher-quality image because it allows for more magnification. Besides, the coatings on a telescope’s mirrors and lenses are also crucial for optical quality. Coatings help reduce glare and reflections, which can improve image quality.
- How Often Will You Use the Telescope?
You must consider a few things before purchasing a telescope from an online shop, and one factor is how often you plan to use the telescope. If you only plan to use it occasionally, you may not need the most expensive model. On the other hand, if you want to use it frequently or for professional purposes, you will need to invest in a higher-quality telescope.
Another essential factor to consider is the size and weight of the telescope. If you plan on travelling with your telescope, you will need to ensure that it is lightweight and portable. Some telescopes can be quite large and bulky, so make sure you choose one that will be easy to transport.
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a telescope from an online shop. Many different models are available at various price points, so find one that fits your price range. And with a bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect telescope for your needs without spending too much money.
