From casual stargazing in the night sky with your family to taking detailed pictures of the moons in our solar system, investing in a high-quality telescope is a fun way to learn more about space and the celestial bodies around Earth. Picking one can be difficult if you're a beginner to the hobby, as there are reflector telescopes, refractor telescopes, and even computerized telescopes, so understanding them is crucial to make sure you enjoy your time. We have a wide variety of telescopes in a range of magnifications here at CampSaver, so to make your decision easier, here are answers to common questions about telescopes.![]()
While these telescopes achieve the same goal of magnifying an image, the way they do it differs. A refractor telescope uses a series of lenses that bend and magnify light toward the eyepiece, giving you a clear view of what you are looking at. On the other hand, a reflector telescope uses mirrors to reflect light from the object you are looking to the eyepiece. Reflector telescopes are often better at picking up light, so the image tends to be brighter because it isn't diffused as much.
With modern technology, many telescopes can connect directly to a program on your laptop or app on your smart phone. This is particularly useful for beginners who don't have as much experience finding and sighting in specific planets, moons, or stars, as the software handles the positioning for you. Some computerized telescopes also give you a live feed of the eyepiece, so you can see the image on your screen. This makes it much easier to see your favorite sights without as much work.
If you're new to using a telescope and primarily want to see other planets, you don't need top-tier magnification or high-end features. Instead, you should opt for something simply and easy to use, such as a Celestron AstroMaster. The 70AZ Altazimuth Refractor Telescope is particularly popular, as it has both 45x and 90x magnification eyepieces. For more information, check out our guide, The Best Astronomy Binoculars & Telescopes for Beginners.
Here at CampSaver, we have assembled a large selection of telescopes for everyone to use, whether you are new to using them or are looking for your latest upgrade! Check out the offerings from some of our top brands, including Explore Scientific, Celestron, and Cassini.