The choice of a telescope:

• • What to consider:

• 1. The location. It will determine what it is possible to observe in relation to the light pollution. In an urban area, it will not be possible to see many deep sky objects. If the location does not allow good observations, it is necessary to think about a telescope that can be transportable, i.e., that can be easily put into a car. If you have lots of light pollution and you cannot/dont want to drive, then the choice will be limited to the moon and planets (Jupiter and Saturn).

  2. If you don't know a dark place where you can clearly see the milky way, then the views will be limited to planets and very few other objects. 

  3. The visual targets. Planets and/or deep sky objects (e.g. Messier objects). It leads to the choice of the telescope and the eyepieces.

  4. Visual observation and/or astrophotography. It leads to the choice of the mount.

  5. The price.

• • What can be observed: if it can be distinguished, it is considered as seen and you should be happy to have seen something, so even a blurry faint blob in the sky represents something relevant.

  • The balance between the different parts: telescope, eye-piece, and the mount mount.

  • Alternative to Goto/computerized telescope: with eyepieces with a large field of view (e.g., 32mm), use free apps on your phone to get the coordinate of the objects to observe (altitude+azimuth), orient the telescope following the azimuth, use an inclinometer app, place the phone/tablet on the telescope to adjust the altitude.

Simulated view of Andromeda (M31) with an 8 inch reflector with a suburban sky (no moon):

Budget choice for visual observation only: