Hobbies And Interests
Mirror
The main mirror is the main part of the telescope and will dictate how good the image will be. Prices can range from $100-$300 for a factory-made mirror, which can be bought used or new but are usually of limited quality. Because of their imperfection, they usually will not allow for high magnification.
Buying a homemade mirror such as those advertised on Astromart.com or CloudyNights.com can be a good option, or they could be bought from your local astronomy club. Those mirrors can be excellent and available at a relatively low price considering the quality. Buying a handmade mirror from a professional mirror maker is usually the most expensive solution, with prices averaging around $1,500 to $2,000 for a 12-inch version.
The last option is to polish your own mirror. A mirror kit with tools and chemicals goes for less than $250, and you will have the satisfaction of having it done yourself. Also, polishing the mirror yourself will usually create a better mirror than a factory-made one.
Tube Assembly
The tube assembly can be as simple or complicated as you want or can afford. What design you want to choose depends on our budget and how you want to use the telescope. The truss design is lightweight and can be made easily transportable.
The solid tube assembly can be made from wood, fiber glass or cardboard. The design makes it harder to transport since it is one piece but is better for beginner because it is simpler to build. Remember to protect the wood from humidity if you want the telescope to last.
Base
The base needs to be able to hold the weight of the tube assembly without flexing or moving. The base needs to be very stable to avoid vibration. Use a large Teflon pad on all contact surface to provide smooth tracking.
Focuser
Cheap plastic focusers can be very frustrating. They usually lack the precision necessary to focus precisely. High-end dual-speed focusers provide rough and precise focusing speeds. They also provide better support for big eyepieces and extend farther in and out to accommodate specific eyepieces like the TeleVue Nagler.
Accessories
Some accessories can make matters easier when you are using the telescope. One is a counterweight system. Eyepieces have very different weights, from a few ounces to more than a pound for high-end ones. Changing the eyepiece can take the telescope off balance. A counterweight will allow you to balance the telescope without having to rebalance the whole tube
For a more stable base, consider having three leveling feet as well a bubble level on the base. Having the base secured makes it easier to track and find objects. Digital circle also can provide you with a better experience by allowing you to find objects more easily with their coordinates.