PLAN YOUR BUDGET

Telescopes can be bought as complete kits, small bundles or built from individual components. A telescope tube assembly, tripod, mount and one eyepiece are required to start enjoying the sky, but for longevity and value you should budget for some additional accessories, even if this means buying a less powerful instrument. Extra eyepieces extend the range of magnifications you can achieve, and filters and adapters can make a telescope more versatile. Bundles and kits are usually the most cost-effective way to ensure you have what you need to get more performance out of the box and avoid needing to make any further purchases. You might also want to make room in your budget for some books or software to complement your telescope or other accessories that aren’t immediately obvious.