A newcomer to astronomy is faced with an overwhelming number of options when it comes to selecting a telescope. One of the first things to consider is whether to buy new or look for something used.
When shopping for a telescope, you should consider both the new and used markets. Naturally, each option has its pros and cons and like everything in this hobby, there are trade-offs no matter which way you go. In this article we’ll consider this decision in light of various criteria. Note: Before you shop for used telescopes, make sure you read this article.
Price
This is often the deciding factor when it comes to telescopes. Everyone wants a good deal, and aside from the odd factory sale there are few deals to be had from authorized retailers.
Buying used will certainly save you some money, though prices can vary a lot. Some sellers will even ask for full retail and claim that it is a deal because you are saving the sales tax (this drives me crazy).
In any case, if you are patient and keep an eye on several classifieds sites, you will eventually find the “deal of a lifetime”. On the other hand, increased demand for astro gear has led to higher-than-normal prices in the used market, so the difference isn’t quite what it used to be.
Advantage: Used
Availability
One of the advantages of buying new is being able to get what you want when you want
it, without having to wait for inventory to become available.
At least, that used to be the case before the Covid 19 pandemic caused massive supply shortages and shipping delays, combined with higher demand as interest in stay-at-home hobbies grows. This situation has leveled the playing field somewhat between new and used equipment.
In the used market, of course, it’s generally impossible to predict when any item will become available. The flip side is that you can sometimes find items which are rare or discontinued, like the 26mm Nagler Type 5 eyepiece I purchased some months ago.
Advantage: Tie
Reliability
How much is a warranty worth to you? I look at warranties sort of like collision insurance on your car: you’re better off not having to use it, but you’ll be happy to have it if something goes wrong.
In general, electronic or motorized parts such as Go-To mounts and cameras are more likely to have issues than optical tubes and eyepieces. Still, optical or mechanical defects are not unheard of, even in trusted brands.
When considering the importance of a warranty (or lack thereof), here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Does this product have a known history of issues?
Are parts and service still available for used models?
Do I trust this seller to have maintained the equipment properly?
Is the cost savings worth the potential risk for this investment?
If you are nervous about being stuck with issues, a new model might be worth the extra cost.
Advantage: New
Added Value
Dealers will sometimes add bonus items onto telescope packages. When I bought my SkyQuest XT8 Classic from Orion in California, it came with an upgraded finderscope, some star charts, and computer software.
At the time this seemed like a pretty good deal for the price. More recently, the used telescopes I’ve bought have come with hundreds of dollars in upgrades and accessories, including some indispensable items like a dew heater and polar alignment camera.
Amateur astronomers have a tendency to buy more gear than they need, and they will often use these extra bits to sweeten the deal in hope of a quicker sale.
Advantage: Used
Service After Sale
If you have questions after purchasing your new telescope, you may find help from your retailer or seller.
Specialty stores have the knowledge and the manufacturer support to provide whatever guidance or troubleshooting you might need. Of course, this depends a lot on the dealer. Some will be more than happy to answer questions and address concerns; others lose interest once they have your money.
The same can be said for private sellers. The main difference here is that a dealer generally wants to retain your business and should have a vested interest in making sure you are happy with your purchase.
And forget about specialized service if you bought from Amazon or Best Buy. Big box stores and online mega-retailers might have the best return policy, but if you value personalized service, specialty stores are the way to go.
Take, for example, All Star Telescope in Alberta. Leading up to the partial solar eclipse of 2013, they mailed free eclipse glasses to anyone who provided their address. You won’t see Wal-Mart doing that!
Advantage: New
Comfort and Convenience
Buying used can be a bit nerve-wracking. There’s the fear of getting scammed; the anxiety of haggling with a stranger; the often long drives to meet sellers; and concerns over the condition of the item.
It is not for everyone.
Conversely, buying new has hardly ever been easier; just click a button on your phone and the transaction takes care of itself. You might even say it is too easy. Online shopping gives you a rush, scratches an itch. Some call it retail therapy. The careless consumer soon finds herself with piles of unused gear.
Going to a brick-and-mortar store allows you to compare different models while gleaning valuable information from the proprietor.
Either way, new purchased simply feel more secure.
Advantage: New
If you are transporting a used telescope, be sure it will fit in your car. All too often an eager buyer finds themselves with a telescope they cannot transport. This post gives you information about how to measure your car for transporting a telescope. There are also a few ideas if you find yourself with a scope that does not fit in your car.
For anyone keeping score, buying new has the slight edge in this comparison. But it really depends on how you weigh each criterium.
For some people, price is the most important factor.
Others might value convenience more.
When considering a purchase, I usually narrow my list down to a few candidate models, check the price and availability from retailers, and then scour the classifieds to see what’s out there.
For me, this has led to most of my purchases being for used gear. I decided to sacrifice convenience, warranty, and after-sale service for the lower price and added value of the used market.
