Buying Advice

There are many types of telescopes, and choosing between them can quickly become a headache, especially for beginners buying their first telescope. Refractor or reflector? Dobsonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain? Each design meets specific needs. This guide introduces you to the main types of telescopes for astronomy and astrophotography available on the market, along with their features, advantages, and limitations. The goal: to help you find the telescope that truly suits your needs.

Choosing the right mount is one of the most important decisions in astrophotography. In this guide, we compare traditional worm-gear mounts, harmonic drive systems, and hybrid designs to help you understand the differences between popular models like the ZWO AM5N and Sky-Watcher EQ6-R. Learn which technology best fits your telescope, portability needs, and imaging goals. 🌌

Finding the best telescope is no longer just a matter of comparing diameter or focal length. By 2026, the market has evolved. Automation, compact optics, hybrid instruments, and connected solutions are redefining the practice of amateur astronomy. At Astronomy Plus, we test instruments all year round, under dark skies as well as in urban environments. This article is for those who are wondering which telescope to buy, whether it's their first instrument or a carefully considered upgrade.