The term "beginner telescope" is a bit misleading - telescopes are like cars in that there isn't really a "beginner" model, just different price points and capabilities. Most telescopes are straightforward to use; the real question is what do you want to observe and your budget.

For daytime viewing (wildlife, scenery) plus casual astronomy: A refractor telescope is your best bet. They're simple, low-maintenance, and work well for both day and night use right out of the box.

For astronomy on a budget: We'd recommend a reflector telescope on an Alt-Az mount. Smaller reflectors (76-114mm) are affordable, easy to use, and give you much better views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects than a similarly-priced refractor. For even more light-gathering power, a Dobsonian telescope offers the best value - they're incredibly stable and intuitive to use.

Helpful technology for astronomy beginners: Celestron's StarSense Explorer system is excellent for those starting out in astronomy. It uses your smartphone and an app to guide you to celestial objects - you simply follow the arrows on your screen. No motors, batteries, or complicated setup required. We particularly recommend the StarSense Explorer reflector models, which combine ease of use with good aperture for viewing deep-sky objects.

No, most reflector telescopes (including Dobsonians) are not recommended for daytime use. The image orientation is inverted and reversed, which makes viewing terrestrial objects like wildlife or scenery very difficult and disorienting.

Reflector telescopes are designed specifically for astronomy, where image orientation doesn't matter. If you want a telescope for both daytime and nighttime use, a refractor telescope is your best option.

A Dobsonian is actually a reflector telescope - the difference is in the mount. Regular reflectors typically come on tripod-mounted systems (either Alt-Az or Equatorial mounts), while Dobsonians have their telescope tube mounted on a simple, stable base that sits directly on the ground.

Dobsonian mounts are incredibly stable, easy to use, and cost-effective, which is why Dobsonians offer the best value for large aperture sizes. The trade-off is that they're bulkier and less portable than tripod-mounted reflectors. Both use the same mirror-based optical design.

No, a computerized/GoTo mount is not necessary, especially for beginners. Many people enjoy the process of learning the night sky and manually finding objects - it's part of the astronomy experience.

However, GoTo mounts can be very helpful if you:

• Have limited time and want to see many objects quickly
• Live in an area with light pollution where objects are harder to find
• Are interested in astrophotography (tracking is essential)
• Prefer convenience over the learning experience

GoTo systems are available across all telescope types, though they're most commonly found on Cassegrain telescopes. There's also a middle-ground option: app-guided navigation systems like StarSense Explorer, which guide you to objects without motors or batteries.

Cassegrain telescopes (SCT and Maksutov designs) are generally the best choice for astrophotography because they're:

• Compact and portable despite good aperture
• Usually come with computerized tracking mounts
• Have excellent optical quality for imaging
• Compatible with camera adapters and accessories

Larger refractors can also be excellent for astrophotography, particularly for planets and the moon, though they become expensive at larger apertures.

Reflectors and Dobsonians can be used for basic astrophotography (especially lunar and planetary), with your smart phone but they're less ideal for deep-sky imaging due to mount limitations and the need for precise tracking.

Aperture is the diameter of your telescope's main lens or mirror - essentially, how wide the "light bucket" is. It's measured in millimeters (mm) or inches.

Aperture matters because it determines:

• How much light the telescope gathers larger aperture = brighter, clearer views of faint objects
• Resolution and detail larger aperture = ability to see finer details
• What you can see small apertures are fine for the Moon and planets, but you need larger apertures (130mm+) to see faint galaxies and nebulae well

Aperture is the single most important specification of a telescope. A larger aperture on a simple telescope will generally outperform a smaller aperture on a more expensive telescope for viewing faint objects.

Most telescope types come with a tripod included:

• Refractorscome with tripod and mount
• Reflectorscome with tripod and mount (Alt-Az or Equatorial)
• Cassegrainscome with tripod and mount (usually computerized)

Dobsonians are the exception - they don't use a tripod. Instead, they have an integrated base that sits directly on the ground or a table. This makes them very stable but also bulkier to transport.

The tripod and mount are usually matched to the telescope when you buy it, so you don't need to worry about purchasing them separately.

Yes, you can upgrade your mount separately, though it can be expensive and you are often better off to sell your current set up and get a new system.

If you decide to upgrade your mount, you need to ensure:

• The new mount can support the weight of your telescope
• The telescope tube has the right attachment points (dovetail bar or tube rings)
• The mount type suits your needs (Alt-Az for daytime/casual use, Equatorial for tracking, GoTo for automation)

For beginners, it's usually best to start with the mount that comes with your telescope and upgrade later only if you find you need specific features. Dobsonians are the exception - their integrated base design makes mount upgrades impractical.