Telescope for a newbie: Smart app enabled? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 month ago by imminent_nebula@lemmy.ca to c/astronomy@mander.xyz

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I'm starting my journey into astronomy and looking for a beginner telescope to start. I've found a few on telescopescanada.ca that fit my budget between $350 and $400 CAD but noticed a lot have "smartphone app-enabled" as a feature.

Over the last few years I've found that smart connected tech just complicates things and have been reverting my tech back, often to the point of wired over wireless. What's the consensus when it comes to telescopes?

Is app-connection a feature you use? I'm looking at the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ but wondering if I'll be paying for smart features that aren't necessary.

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[-] imminent_nebula@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 month ago

I'm very much a tactile person so I'm thinking of going this route.

[-] Klanky@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Keep us updated on how it goes! Another option might be a nice pair of astronomical binoculars to see if you want to invest more in the hobby. Also will help you get a feel for the sky.

[-] imminent_nebula@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago

Will do! I'll be taking my time on this to research and save up, there's so much info and technical specs with telescopes!

[-] LastYearsIrritant@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 month ago

Seriously, don't get a 10" dob. They're FUCKING HUGE. You'll never drag it out to use it.

Binoculars, or a 6" Dobsonian are plenty to learn on, and since they're so small, you'll get them out all the time.

The bigger it is, the more hassle it takes to get out, and there's really not a huge difference in what you can see.

You don't get better magnification, you just get a slightly brighter view.

this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2026

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