Telescopes

Industry Leading Telescopes in UK

At Viking Optical Centres, we’re honoured to stock the best telescopes in the industry. Designed and tested for easy use and to a high calibre for both beginners and experts.

Whether you prefer a straight telescope to follow fast moving objects or an angled model for maximum comfort when observing for long periods of time, either way we have a range of new, used or ex-demo products.

What is the best telescope for beginners?

We have numerous good quality telescopes for sale that are easy to use at any level. The specifications vary but generally fit loosely into three size categories: 50mm objective lenses with a typical zoom magnification range of around 12x-36x, 60mm or 65mm with zoom range 15x-45x, and 80mm+ with zoom range 20x-60x. 

What should I look for when buying a telescope?

Image quality and any other criteria such as size, weight, and budget. There is no substitute for trying out to find the perfect fit.

What do I need to know before buying a telescope?

Other than the three size categories listed above, it's worth bearing in mind that to get the best possible viewing from a telescope, some form of extra support will be necessary (ideally a tripod) as the high magnification is impossible to hand hold.

Should I buy a telescope or binoculars?

With its higher magnification, a telescope, is very useful for more distant observation but due to the narrow field of view that makes finding closer and more fleeting subjects difficult, nature enthusiasts would recommend binoculars to have enough magnification for most of your wildlife encounters, as well as being the more popular choice the majority of the time.