I’ve always liked or preferred a Newtonian for their simplicity and without the “mirror image” eyepiece view, as compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov. I’m a visual observer and pencil sketcher, so I want my notes and sketches to present deep-sky objects with the ‘”cardinal points being scientifically correct” as they truly appear in the sky.

However, I use an amici diagonal (for a correct view) with my 102mm refractor and can use it with a Schmidt-Cassegrain also.

A 130mm (5.1-inch) Celestron Newtonian telescope with a computerized mount is capable of showing many deep-sky objects the first night out. No experience required…only reading the instruction manual and entering some basic information into the hand controller.

This telescope can be purchased from a variety of vendors for about $600, and is also sold under different names.

Newsflash! After careful review of other telescopes, I’ve picked a better value telescope for only $269 more than the 130mm 5.1-inch.

A much more professional quality telescope, mount and computer. This is a “lifetime” worthy telescope! So read on…

For those wanting a more precision mount with a higher quality telescope: The (NexStar 5SE) is a good deal; or a better deal. Yes, this is a lifetime “keeper” telescope for only $269 more than the 130mm Newtonian.

This telescope (Celestron NexStar) has a heavier and better quality mount and computer drive, which is the same as used on their 8-inch SC scope. After careful consideration, I now believe that the NexStar 5SE is a much better buy than the 130mm Newtonian.

Many say a 6 or 8-inch Dobsonian would be a better buy, but they require knowledge of the night sky. A telescope with a computerized mount allows the new amateur to see many deep-sky objects the very first night.

There is always time to purchase that 20-inch Dobsonian, but make sure you know just how large this telescope is before you make that purchase!

For those of us that have been amateurs for decades, we know that our “first telescope purchase” is just the beginning, with many more telescopes to follow. And if you decide that amateur astronomy is not your thing…there is always a need to have a telescope: This might include checking out a lunar eclipse, the rings of Saturn, Andromeda galaxy, the polar ice cap of Mars or even looking at the moon.

The value of a GoTo mount:

The most difficult part for the beginning amateur astronomer is locating and finding deep-sky objects, and I say this from experience. I remember being 12 years old, using my brothers 60mm refractor and wanting to see some of the beautiful and dazzling deep-sky objects, I’d seen in my 6th grade science book. I would have to settle for the moon, as it was pretty easy to find. 🙂

I didn’t have a star atlas at that time, but wouldn’t have known how to use it. I’m just glad I stuck with it as one day I would learn enough to become a real amateur astronomer. My “mostly astronomy” blog site as following:

https://rogerivester.com

By popular demand…I’ve included a 6-inch Dobsonian for $449.00 and an 8-inch for $629 as excellent first telescopes. The following telescopes are sold by Astronomics, but similar versions can be purchased from most any astronomy vendor.