Astronomy : Guide on buying a Telescope [Originally posted in 1996]

When buying a telescope, you should consider the following:

• What do you intend to observe ?
• Focal Length
• Aperture
• Reflectors versus Refractors
• Availability of lenses
• Telescope mounting
• Telescopes can be classified as either refractors or reflectors.
• Reflectors, which are generally cheaper than refractors include :
• Dobsonians - cheapest
• Newtonians
• Schimdt-Cassegrain - most expensive