The Guide to TwinStar Telescopes

Astronomy is a science of wonder. The skies above are a constant source of amazing sights and endless potential. This is why we as a species have always found ourselves drawn toward it. Since ancient civilizations, humans have developed greater and greater means of observing the stars. 

Today, astronomy has become so advanced that anyone can do it. You can become a stargazer overnight thanks to affordable telescopes and a market full of innovative and dedicated companies. 

One such company dedicated to this cause is TwinStar.

Who is TwinStar?

TwinStar is a major telescope brand that believes in bringing the stars to us all. Their years of experience in the scope market have earned them knowledge and wisdom worth passing on. The range of telescopes they offer unifies choice and affordability for any age. 

A major focus for TwinStar is beginner telescopes. Their catalog contains many great introductory scopes that are both fun and accessible. For the adults: a range of hardy, professional-looking ones that give you the sense of wonder that comes with exploring the heavens. Their colorful options for the young astronomer come with everything they need to start off an amazing stargazing journey. 

They also provide many great telescopes and important accessories for those with more experience. As a repository for astronomy gear, you can’t do much better than TwinStar.

The TwinStar Catalog

Telescopes come in various styles and capabilities, and TwinStar provides something for each option. There are three main types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors, and compounds, so let’s look at them in more detail.

Refractor Telescopes

Refractor telescopes are a simple and common design that you will see in any good optical stockist. These telescopes comprise a long, solid tube mounted on a standard tripod. Their far end, known as the aperture, has a refractor inside – a lens that takes in light and flips it while maintaining its direction. At the opposite end, the lens is aligned with a viewport that rights the image for viewing. 

If you’re starting in astronomy (or know someone who is), a refractor telescope is the best place to start. Their simple design makes them both easy to use and affordable to buy. They are easy to set up and made of light enough materials to make transportation easy. The lenses inside need minimal maintenance – aside from cleaning – as alignment issues rarely occur.

The AstroMark White 80mm from TwinStar is an excellent example of a refractor telescope for beginners. It’s easy to use and assemble, with a robust lens that gives astonishing views of the moons, star clusters, and Saturn’s Rings. The telescope has an 80 mm aromatic objective lens and a focal length of 400mm (with a Super bright f/5,0 – ratio). Buyers also get a mini tripod and carrying case, making it possible to carry the telescope on vacations/adventures. You can even keep it in the trunk of your car in case you come across something to see. 

Reflector Telescopes

In contrast to refractor telescopes, reflector telescopes usually have a much thicker body and shorter length. However, what makes them different is how they operate. Instead of a lens at the aperture end, they feature an open port for light to enter. At the far end is a mirror (or series of mirrors) that reflects that light to a viewing port partway along the body. The light is translated with the viewing lens, creating the viewed image.

While still easy to use, reflector telescopes require a little more knowledge of how telescopes work to use effectively. The alignment of the viewing lens and the mirrors is what allows the image to become clear. This is a simple task, but it will require some practice to get the images you want. The mirrors and telescope body also need much more maintenance. Alignment issues can occur, and the open nature of the telescope means that dirt and debris can get into the telescope.

One of TwinStar’s best reflector models is the TwinStar AstroVenture 6” Short Tube. This optical device is ideal for backyard astronomy enthusiasts. Operating it is easy; just align the device with the North Star, pick the object you wish to view on the controller, and let the computerized mount handle the rest. The telescope comes with a 14MP telescope lens, 400x magnification, 150mm objective mirror, iOptron SmartStar-E Computer Controlled Mount, and a lot more. You can use it to observe binary star systems, galaxies, fabulous nebulae objects, plus a lot more. 

Compound Telescopes 

As the name implies, compound telescopes combine refractor lenses and mirrors to create breathtaking images. They’re more complicated than you might think, but they require some understanding. Their bodies are much squatter than the other two types, and they tend to be shorter, allowing for a table mount. A refractor lens in the aperture end feeds light to mirrors at the far end, reflecting the viewing port. 

The alignment of the lenses is even more important here and will take a decent amount of practice to master. However, it is absolutely worth it, as this setup can allow for some really deep and breathtaking sights. They are also less portable and serve better set up in a backyard or balcony for regular use.

Although compound telescopes aren’t the biggest in size, TwinStar’s models are equipped with features that offer outstanding detail when viewing objectives like the moon (you should be able to see the Moons of Jupiter and the Rings of Saturn easily).  

Factors to consider before investing in TwinStar

Before you splurge on a new telescope, it’s crucial to know what to look for. Because all telescopes aren’t created equal, you should tread carefully to ensure you get value for money. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the essential questions to ask yourself:

Where will I use the telescope?

The location where you want to view the galaxy should be top of your mind. That’s because it will have a big influence on the kind of telescope you purchase. Want to pursue your astronomy hobby from your backyard? A reflector telescope would do the trick. A bigger space would give you more flexibility to choose from a variety of options. On the other hand, stargazing from your room would require you to stick with a compound model. Most compound models from TwinStar are compact and don’t occupy much space inside the room. You’ll want to avoid bulkier brands and keep things light for the best experience.

What do I want to view? 

A telescope’s specs will determine the objects it can render. Two main aspects to look at are the aperture size and focal length. The aperture lies on the front end of the telescope and allows the light to come in. The focal length is the distance between the viewing port and aperture, defining the distance the telescope can reach. A large focal length will help you reach the farthest depths of space with the naked eye. And with a bigger aperture, you should be able to observe whole areas or constellations of space.

What’s my budget?

Most hobbies require a bit of upfront investment, and astronomy is no different. The good news is you can find affordable telescopes that don’t cost more than a few hundred. It’s always best to start basic and upgrade as you gain experience. This approach also reduces your risk should you decide that stargazing is not for you later down the road. 

TwinStar makes a variety of telescopes, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding something suitable for your needs. Just make sure to keep the above factors in mind when purchasing. With careful research and thought, it’s possible to get the best bang for your buck. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning to take up astronomy as a hobby or have discovered a newfound passion for stargazing, TwinStar has your back. Their selection of powerful yet affordable telescopes makes them a great choice for anyone. With the tips above, you should be able to find a good telescope and realize your newfound obsession with objects from afar.