Welcome to Used Telescopes UK

A Huge Range of Used Telescopes and New Telescopes for Sale | Mail Order Delivery | Great Deals on Second Hand Telescopes

Used Telescopes UK are an authorised eBay affiliate and we are delighted to bring together for you an extensive used telescope range available on eBay along with some unbeatable savings!

When you’re new to astronomy, a second hand telescope is the perfect place to start. Buying a second hand telescope gives you the chance to you try your had at what can, after all, be an expensive hobby, but without committing oodles of cash. Used telescopes offer great value for money for both the novice and more experienced astronomer alike, allowing you to get your hands on the top brands and high spec models without being saddled with an off the shelf pricetag. Second hand telescopes come onto the market at a fraction of their retail price. Just as a new car loses value the second it is driven off the garage forecourt, new telescopes diminish in value from the date of purchase. There is therefore huge scope to snap up an amazing bargain, with many examples at rock bottom prices and in immaculate condition, barely having been out of the box.

Ursa Minor

 

Choosing Your Telescope

Our first consideration when it comes to most things in life, is usually our budget.  With a telescope, however, you need to bear in mind consider exactly what you want a telescope for.  If you live beside the sea and have a passing interest in maritime vessels, or in the countryside and are interested in nature, you will be able to get away with a much lower spec model than if you’re interested in astronomy.  Beware the limitations of the low spec model, which may reduce the usability of your telescope and ultimately the enjoyment of your new hobby.  The last thing you'll want is to discover your new telescope isn't fit for purpose and six months later find it gathering dust.  As far as sitting room ornaments are concerned, a modern telescope is a pretty expensive object d'art, which may not be particularly appealing to the eye!  That said, some of the brass vintage telescopes are very attractive, making a great focal point to any drawing room or study.  If in good condition, a vintage telescope is perfect for terrestrial use too. 
 
So, for those interested in astronomy, which model makes the best starter telescope?  To the beginner, Maksutov-Cassegrain and Schmidt-Cassegrain may all just sound double Dutch.  A good starter's used telescope is the Dobsonian or reflector.  Celestron, Meade and Orion do a great range of beginner's telescopes, and when you buy a second hand telescope you can pick up a real bargain.  When looking through the used telescope listings it may be tempting to go for as high a spec as possible, sacrificing quality for bells and whistles.  It is far better to select a second hand telescope made by a reputable brand, rather than rush out to buy the all singing, all dancing model, produced by an unknown manufacturer.  Useability is key.  Bells and whistles are all well and good, but the customer has to be able to figure out how to use them.  All the best telescope manufacturer's products are backed up by a wealth of experience built up over decades - even centuries.  These manufacturers put their all into producing quality products, in contrast with the here today, gone tomorrow producers.  They strive to attain and retain a loyal customer following.  Their longevity reassures the customer that should they need replacement parts or add ons in the future, they won't come up against a brick wall.

Those new to astronomy are often duped by the outlandish magnification claims made by some manufacturers.  Don't be fooled into thinking bigger is better.  A magnifying power of 50-100x will give very impressive results.  200x will offer superb visuals, but only works well with a sky free from light pollution and atmospheric haze.  Instead of being lured by impossibly high magnification claims, the beginner should be looking at the diameter of the lens or mirror.  This is the most important feature to consider and here big really does mean better, and in some cases very expensive.
 
The Meade ETX range is great for the beginner.  These telecopes are highly functional and easy to understand and are perfect for those who want to try their hand at stargazing without forking out an arm and a leg.  For those who want to do some serious stargazing, you'll be looking for a Schmidt-Cassegrain or high spec refractor, but it's best not to go jumping in with a telescope that's so complicated it'll have you tearing your hair out after the first hour, unless you have someone with experience who can teach you.
 
We are pleased to offer a fantastic selection of used telescopes from established, well respected brands.  Scroll down to view our second hand telescope showcase.  We are pleased to offer mail order delivery on most items, along with some amazing discounts.  If you can’t find exactly the telescope you’re looking for on this page, you’re sure to on the next.  Alternatively, click on the links to the left to browse our telescope categories.  Our listings are fully searchable for those who know exactly what they're looking for.  Just scroll to the top of the page, key in the item you’re looking for, hit ‘Search’ and we’ll do our best to find it for you.   Scroll down to view our showcase of items available on eBay today and take advantage of some fantastic savings.  Remember, our stocklist of second hand telescopes is continuously updated so be sure to bookmark us.  If we don’t have the perfect used telescope here for you today, we’re sure to have it tomorrow.