Hello all,
I have only just begun looking into purchasing a telescope for my husband who has indicated he would like one for Xmas. We have NO knowledge at all of telescopes and which one would be the correct one to buy. He will mainly use it for terrestrial use but may in the future be interested in looking to the moon and stars etc. He would not be using it for photography, and would not be needing to transport it, and budget would be up to $400 or so. Viewing will be in small coastal city.
I have some questions, (though i fear they may sound silly).
Would a 80mm be the starter size,
Is it right that this size refers to aperture and bigger is better?
are the ones you buy at department stores hopeless,
is a refractor model better than reflector or are they useful for varying things, and which would we need?
what are these dobs that you all say are great, is this the same as dobsonian, and would we need this type?
If you buy a telescope to look at the stars , what you see is upside down isn't it?, if so, how do you get to view things right side up, for looking at land or out to sea for example? Is there some lens or 'thing' to make it right side up?
Thank you for any help. I may have more questions but i think this will do for a start,
Cheers Jenni