What is the absolute best way to test long-term interest before investing over $100 in gear?
Answer
Get involved with the local astronomy community
To mitigate the risk of investing substantially in equipment only to lose interest after the initial novelty wears off, the most effective low-cost method is integration into the local observing environment. Joining a local club or attending star parties requires only time and costs virtually nothing. This provides unparalleled, immediate, hands-on access to a diverse range of equipment, allowing newcomers to look through everything from small refractors to large telescopes. This direct comparison and experience offer superior data on personal preference compared to relying on impersonal online reviews or solitary experimentation.
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What a $4000 Astrophotography Telescope Gets You - YouTube
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