has
reports, reviews,
articles and forums about equipment. This a good place to
check before purchasing any hardware. Also, they have a classified ad
section.Hardware - Telescopes, Binoculars and Accessories
"O, telescope, instrument of much knowledge, more precious than any sceptre, is not he who holds thee in his hand made king and lord of the works of God?" - Johannes Kepler
has
reports, reviews,
articles and forums about equipment. This a good place to
check before purchasing any hardware. Also, they have a classified ad
section.
is the
premier astronomy flea market.
It has auctions and classified ads for almost anything
astronomy related. I purchased my telescope and several
accessories through classifieds posted by other astronomers on
Astromart. Buyers and sellers receive ratings from
other users similar to eBay's ratings system. Make sure that
you check seller's ratings before purchasing. I have not had
any bad experience buying and selling through Astromart, but like
Ronald Reagan said of the USSR, "Trust but verify."
For a list of hardware vendors, click here. These vendors displayed their wares at the Northeast Astronomy Forum, "America's Premier Astronomy Expo" at Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY in April 2008.
Telescope Bluebook is a price guide for used telescopes. Check here to find out if the price of that used instrument is reasonable.
N.A.A. Telescope Math Calculator is an online calculator that computes the performance parameters for any telescope and eyepiece combination. Input the scope's specs and it will give you magnification, exit pupil, true field, magnitude limit and resolution limit. These terms are clearly explained and interpreted so you will know what you will see. It's great for comparison shopping different scopes and eyepieces.
Building your own telescope can be a rewarding experience. Before
the space race perked the public's interest in astronomy, it was the
only way to go because the wide-variety of scope now on the market were
not available. Amateurs had to build their own if they wanted something
bigger than a four-inch reflector. Now many amateurs build their own
because the want something unique or simply because they enjoy it. If
you are thinking about becoming an amateur telescope maker (ATM), be
sure to check out Dr. Slime and Dan Vint.
They have thoroughly documented the making of their dobsonian
reflectors, including photographs. It takes patience, mechanical
aptitude, time and workspace. I don't have any so I opted to buy a used
scope.
If you are interested in building your own, many ATMs have posted their plans and advice. Here's a sampling:
San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers founded by John Dobson and friends.
Dobsonian Telescope - A second version of the SFSA's Dobsonian plans.
Springfield Telescope Makers - Sponsors of Stellafane, the premier ATM conference and star party
Amateur Telescope Makers Workshop - Everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask.
Four-inch Dobsonian Telescope - A complete manual
Eight-inch Dobsonian Telescope - Plans from the US Naval Observatory
Bob Bunge describes building several different scopes.
The Frugal Telescope Maker - Telescope making for those short on money and mechanical aptitude.
Willmann-Bell offers many books on telescope making.
"Making Your Own Telescope" - An online version of Allyn J. Thompson's 1947 book is free, but the PDF version will cost you $US 17.
Just a Little Project describes how the Wilderness Center Astronomy Club of Wilmot, OH built 25 4.25-inch dobs in one day.
S*T*A*R Astronomy - Telescope Making Links - Links to more ATM information.
More links related to telescope making.
Software related to telescopes and making them.
Also check out the FA vendors page