A waterproof telescope is an excellent choice for observing objects in water, whether that means looking at the stars while floating on a lake or watching the waves crash against the shoreline. Choose a Budget. If you’re planning on using your new telescope often, then you should choose one with a budget price tag. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a high quality waterproof telescope; however, you do want something sturdy and reliable. The best telescopes are those that are easy to use and maintain. A budget telescope will be easier to set up and operate than a higher priced model. For example, if you plan on taking your telescope outside frequently, then you might consider purchasing a smaller telescope that won’t require much maintenance. However, if you plan on keeping your telescope indoors most of the time, then you might want to invest in a larger, more expensive model. Know Your Needs. Before purchasing a telescope, you must first determine what type of use you plan on having with it. Do you plan on taking astronomy classes? Are you going to be viewing planets and stars at night? Or would you rather just enjoy looking through the telescope during the day? Once you know what you plan on doing with your telescope, you can narrow down your search by deciding on the features you want. Understand the Differences Between Models. There are two main categories of telescopes: refractors and reflectors. Refractors focus light using lenses, while reflectors use mirrors to do so. Both types of telescopes come in different sizes, ranging from small portable models to large fixed mount telescopes. The most common type of telescope is the refractor. These telescopes use lenses to bend light into a parallel beam, which then travels to the eyepiece where the image appears. A refractor telescope has a wider field of view than a reflector, but it requires more skill to operate. Reflectors are easier to handle because they require less maintenance. However, they have a narrower field of view than refractors. Find the Right Model for You. If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight telescope, then you should check out our list of the top 5 best portable telescopes. These telescopes are easy to carry around and set up anywhere, making them perfect for beginners who want to explore the night sky without having to worry about where they’ll put their equipment. The first thing you’ll notice about these telescopes is that they’re incredibly light weight. Most of them weigh less than 10 pounds, which makes them easier to transport and store. In addition, most of them fold up into a very compact size, making them easy to pack away in a bag or backpack. Take Care of Your Investment. A good quality telescope is an investment. It’s not something you buy once and forget about. You need to take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking care of your telescope. The first thing you should do is clean your telescope lens. If you use a cleaning solution, be sure to rinse it off thoroughly before storing it away. Also, if you see dust particles on the surface of the lens, gently wipe them off using a soft cloth.