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If you’ve been asking yourself where to buy a telescope, how much it should cost, and how you can finance the purchase, you’re in the right place. Telescopes are an incredible tool that allows us to explore our universe, but purchasing one can be daunting if you don’t have enough cash on hand. Luckily, there are financing options available for those looking to buy now and pay later. Keep reading for an overview of your options when it comes to buying and financing a telescope.
In This Post:
Where Can I Buy a Good Telescope?
When shopping for a telescope, it’s important to choose one with high-quality optics that will provide clear images of sky objects. You can find telescopes at department stores, outdoor supply stores, or online retailers like Amazon or eBay. Another option is to shop specialty stores that specialize in selling telescopes; they tend to carry higher quality models than what’s usually found in big box stores. Finally, you may also find used telescopes at flea markets or secondhand shops—just make sure the model works before buying!
How Much Does a Telescope Cost?
The cost of telescopes varies greatly depending on the type and quality of the optics. Basic models start around $100-$200 depending on where you buy them, while more advanced models with better optics may run up into the thousands of dollars. Larger reflector telescopes tend to be more expensive than refractor telescopes because they require larger mirrors and lenses which adds to their cost. With this wide range of prices available, it’s important to determine your budget before heading out (or logging onto) your favorite store.
The best telescopes are often costly, especially when brand new. But that should not limit you. You can get a wide variety of affordable used telescopes online to match your situation. Below are the best-priced telescopes for all time.
How Can I Finance a Telescope?
If you don’t have enough cash on hand for a new telescope but still want one with good optics, there are several ways of financing one instead of buying outright. Many retailers offer financing programs through third-party lenders that allow shoppers to spread payments out over time instead of paying all at once; some even offer 0% interest offers if paid within 6 months or 12 months after purchase.
Additionally, many credit cards offer special “buy now pay later” deals that allow customers extra time before having to start making payments for large purchases like telescopes; just make sure any fees associated with these offers fits into your budget! Lastly, some astronomy clubs even offer loans or grants toward purchasing specific types of equipment like telescopes—check your local club website for details!
Retailers that offer Telescope Financing
Shop Abunda – Buy Now Pay Later & Lease To Own Telescopes
Abunda let's you purchase your ideal telescope with pay over time financing – choose from Klarna or ViaBill as your buy now pay later payment provider. Rent to own your next piece of sky gazing equipment. Get a rent to own telescope from the top brands in the industry for as little as $15 / month! Lease to own options also available with Acima credit on select models.
Optcorp – Financing with Bread
Explore The Cosmos Now and Pay Later with Bread financing offering affordable monthly plans. Pay for your telescope order over 12, 24, or 36 months at competitive interest rates*. Pay for your purchase with monthly payments and prepay at any time without penalty. Get a decision in seconds with no obligation to buy. Checking your rate won't affect your credit score. Get your rate quote today.
Orion – Best Layaway Payment Plan for Telescopes
Orion offers layaway for orders shipping to the US and Canada! See our layaway page for more information on the layaway plan.
Orion also offers installment billing on a limited basis for orders of Orion-, Meade-, and Coronado-brand products between US $500 and US $5,000 before taxes or other charges.
How it works:
You make one payment at the time your orders ships and two additional payments at 30-day intervals. The first payment is due at the time of your order shipment and will be for 1/3 of the merchandise and sales tax/import fees sub-total, plus the full shipping and handling charge. Your credit card will then be charged again in 30 days for 1/3 of the merchandise and sales tax/import fees sub-total, and once again in another 30 days. Please note: You will not see your Installment Billing payment schedule reflected in your shopping cart, but once your order has been processed, your order confirmation email will specify the amounts of subsequent payments and the exact dates on which your card will be charged.
Upon shipment of your order, your credit card will be charged three monthly installment payments. Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the first installment payment.
Please note that Build-A-Scope telescopes, non-Orion/Meade/Coronado brand products, Gift Certificates, E-Certificates, and Clearance Center items do not qualify for our Installment Billing program.
If your order qualifies for installment billing, the option will be available for selection in the payment section of checkout.
Buy your next telescope at Orion and pay over time with Paypal Credit.
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Telescopes.net
has Financing Available on ZWO ASI Astronomy Cameras. Your source for astronomy telescopes, eyepieces, astro-imaging cameras, and more. We carry all ZWO cameras contact them for details.
What is a Good Telescope to Buy: Our Top 5 Recommendations
1. Celestron Astromaster 114 Eq Telescope
If you're looking for power in a telescope, the Celestron Astromaster is a mighty telescope that combines user-friendliness and easy setup to satisfy amateur and professional astronomers. It's a one of a kind reflector telescope equipped with a mm coated mirror, two eyepieces, and two adjustment features for accurate precision. It's held in position by a tripod stand and an Equatorial mount to help the user point moving objects accurately.
2. Zhumell 114 Tabletop Dobsonian
The Zhumell 114 Tabletop is a reflector telescope designed for both amateurs and professional astronomers. This telescope is equipped with a valuable 114 mm parabolic mirror that can prevent image distortion and deliver clear and sharp images. All its optical features are coated with Zhumell's reflective coating to cover every little detail, even in low light. It has an easy setup; something users find very useful because you can carry it anywhere.
3. Celestron Nexstar 8se Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar is designed with cutting edge technology and the latest features in computerized telescopes. It comes with an 8-inch aperture that gathers enough light to generate excellent images. The telescope also features an automatic GoTo mount to help track and locate objects moving across the sky.
One spectacular feature about this telescope is that it works fine with StarSense technology, SkyAlign, which keeps it in perfect alignment with whatever you're looking for. It's also easy to disassemble and assemble, thanks to the fork arm design. The whole structure doesn't bear too much weight, but for better stability, the developers recommended a steel tripod to hold it in place.
4. Meade Infinity 102 Telescope
The Meade Infinity 102 telescope is a must-have for beginners: a telescope that matches its value with quality. This refracting telescope is the perfect tool for the discovery of objects in the cosmos. It has an altazimuth mount, a 102 mm aperture, and three eyepieces for different magnification levels; low, medium, and high. It also has a slow-motion control to track objects drifting across the sky. Together, these features deliver precise imaging of the planets and the stars.
5. Sky-Watcher Evostar ProED
If you're deeper into astronomy, the Sky-Watcher EvostarProED is designed with low dispersion optics to offer its users excellent performance. Its Metallic high-transmission coating eliminates problems associated with false-color from shining objects, making it the ideal telescope for bright stars and planets.
The interior of the tube is given a matte black finish to prevent image distortion from internal reflection. The telescope also has a dual-speed Crayford style focuser that uses roller bearings to smooth transition when tracking objects drifting across the sky. One of the most significant advantages of the Sky-Watcher Evostar ProED is that it requires fewer glass components, making it lighter and less delicate than most telescopes in the market.
Consider Buying a Used Telescope
As mentioned before, most telescopes are pricey, especially if they're new. The best alternative would be buying used telescopes, which you'll have to source from a trustworthy supplier. And that's where Shopping Kim comes in. At ShoppingKim.com, everyone is entitled to a wide array of affordable telescopes.
Conclusion
Buying a good telescope doesn’t have to break the bank if you know where and how to shop. With so many options when it comes to buying now and paying later through various financing programs offered by retailers or credit card companies, getting your hands on a quality telescope is easier than ever before!
Whether you're looking for an entry-level model or something more advanced with enhanced features like motorized tracking capabilities or computerized go-to systems—you can find something that fits your needs without going over budget. So plan ahead by researching different models and familiarizing yourself with special offers from retailers; then enjoy exploring our fascinating universe from the comfort of your own backyard!
Ari Brown is a husband, father, teacher, cook, and musician with a little knowledge about a lot of things.