When I want to start a new hobby, where do I start researching?

Asked by SergeantQueen (13130

) 4 hours ago

Youtube, books, movies, TV shows it is SO overwhelming.

I want to start getting into astrophotography and astronomy. I want to buy a telescope. There are hundreds of youtube videos telling me which one is best for beginners, and of course they are different brands.

How do I make a decision on what is the best when I have never done it before? Telescopes can be hundreds of dollars and of course I would start with a cheap one, but that is still $100+.

How do I start a new hobby in a way that does not overwhelm me so much?

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1 Answer

I did a search for “what should I look for in a telescope for a beginning astrophotographer” and came up with some interesting finds.

https://www.tensixphotography.com/eclipse-blog/best-first-telescope-for-astrophotography-a-complete-buyers-guide-2024 This one appears to be from a guy that teaches it.

https://astrophotons.com/beginner-astrophotography-telescope

https://astrobackyard.com/beginner-astrophotography-telescope/

https://telescopeguides.com/beginner-astrophotography-telescope/

There are tons of options here. Some of the sites seem to go into explanation of what a beginner should consider when looking for equipment. But these might just be starting points on your search. I would recommend finding an astrophotography club in your area. I did a search near me and found a webpage https://www.go-astronomy.com/astro-clubs-state.php?State=NC that lists all the clubs. Find a club near you and reach out to it to ask any questions you might have. They would have done all the leg work, it would be real people you could talk to, they would know the best places to go to shoot the sky, and you might find some friends in a club.

seawulf575 (17137

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