What telescope should I buy?

This is the number one question astronomers get asked... so what's the answer?

Videos mentioned:

How to "see" the constellations:

I'm new to astrophotography and don't know what to do:

Hardware Mentioned:

Nexstar 8"

Nexstar 6"

Nexstar 4"

Edge HD 8"

Sky-Watcher eq6-r pro equatorial mount

[TALLYTHER]

I'm 76 years young and haven't done any stargazing since 1966 so to say the least I have forgotten 90% of what I learned in college. Before I depart this world I thought it appropriate to review the basic issues regarding what I should buy at this late stage of the game. Oh my vision isn't all that great either! Once upon a time I was enthralled with viewing the heavens throughout the night using a 16" reflector mounted on a trailer with 13" car wheels. It was all I could do to drag it out of the school hanger located at the end of a WWII plane landing strip. I would spend 6 or 7 hours in a winter night for 3 months 2 times a week. I was given instruction one time only and left alone. Needless to say it got a bit tiring but I have longed to go back to those times and do it again with a bit less inconvenience to my much weaker body. I've looked at a number of Astronomy related channels in the last 3 months and never left a comment. Now to the point! I want to praise your channel in that you make things interesting and almost make me excited to get back into this. Your descriptions of what, how and why are second to none for this tiring engineer. Besides its time to spend some of that money on me instead of the grandkids or two great grandkids. All I can say is Thanks and you are a TRUE PROFESSIONAL in every way! But I will be doing astrophotography as the main objective.

[evelynschneider]

This was, hands down, the best informational video I have seen on this subject. You now have one more loyal viewer.

[OmJpkb]

Finally got a clear explanation of equatorial vs altazi mount and I’ve watched a lot of telescope videos.

[fredericetienne]

WoW
This is one of the most understandable video for a foreign beginner like me.
Didn’t even need subtitles, and you just helped me to make my choice.
Brilliant!
MANY THANKS from France.

[iMelxis]

Thanks, this is the best video so far that I watched about buying first telescope

[nocturnalmayhem]

the best advice i can give anyone gettin into this is do your reaearch and see if theirs any clubs you can visit to look through a telescope before you pay a single dime. once you know you like it buy the best gear you can afford you get what you pay for especially in mounts. my 250 dollar f6 6in reflector works amazing but ive got 6500 dollars in my mount and eyepieces. so buy the best you can and only buy what youll use.

[jorymil]

Really awesome to hear someone talking about rods and cones. We all have them; not many people realize they have them.

[ark-astrophotography]

05:10 beautiful thing to consider every time you look up at the stars - a nice thing to mention to other people who are interested (disappointed) in astronomy or losing interest in astronomy - a nice reminder...

[ONLYinANTARCTICA]

Oh wow. Thank you for making this video. This video certainly provided a lot of clarity to me on telescopes. I don’t feel overwhelmed anymore. You have my subscription to your channel. Well done!

[joearmstrong]

I really enjoyed this introduction as I'm researching this topic and possibly following down this "rabbit hole". Thanks again for all of the knowledge!

[ntldr]

Even though I'm 6 months down the rabbit hole, I enjoyed this video. I jumped straight to astrophotography but have recently taken an interest in visual, which is another rabbit hole in itself. Purchased an EdgeHD8 last week to compliment my Redcat 51. It seems to be such a versatile OTA.

[mypublicchannel]

Didn't listen to this but I have your answer. The Celestron 8se. Perfect size, weight, and ability. A scope with any larger mirror will cost a lot more AND be heavy as shit to carry in and out of the house at night as I do. Only weighs 35 lbs. Anything larger will weigh closer to 100 lbs. This is a very good go to scope. You will not be sorry. (8 inch mirror)

[jimwaller]

Just found your station. Excellent video and you have a new Subscriber. Looking forward to catching up on your content and growing my interest in Astronomy. Thanks!

[legacysearches]

I'm an avid astrophotographer. I agree with what he says. At 1st it seemed like much to learn and buy but over time I have been able to get the right gear and capture some images I am VERY proud of. There is a deep and lasting feeling of accomplishment with each new image or improvement on my last attempt.

[jdjones]

Sellers of telescopes are gonna love you. Great perspectives you share.

[Richardisonline]

Awesome... so much information and you just made it a whole lot easier to decide on a first telescope purchase

[properwaffles]

Astronomy mixed with a little physiology always actives my rods. Fantastic, sir.

And the astrophotography rabbit hole is such a cool one to go down. Fun learning process, and seems like you can get some decent results if you do some reading🙌🏻

[bridgetoreilleymatthews]

I love looking at the night sky and trying to wrap my small brain around the shear enormity of the things i see at the distance they exist.
I'm brand spanking new to this telescope thing and after 66 years... I'm about to purchase my first one, ever!
I've only watched one of your videos thus far and have learned a great deal! I look forward to learning more!

[perry]

im about to go down that astro photography rabbit hole on the 14th of august, i will be using my 45 year old tasco 5.5 inch reflector to take a picture of jupiter and mars right next to each other....as long as its not cloudy. i got a cheap gadget to hold my phone over the eye piece. i have been waiting 45 years for this.

[frankypc]

I really appreciate this video. My daughter has one of those ToyBeee Telescopes 300F70 and the handicap instead of turning me off just made me want to get something better!