Contents
- The Best Telescopes Reviewed (Suitable for all budgets)
- 1. Zhumell Z130 Reflector Telescope
- 2. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Reflector Telescope
- 3. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope
- 4. Celestron NextStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
- 5. Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Reflector Telescope
- 6. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
- 7. Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Telescope
- Telescope Buyers Guide - What To Look Out For
The Best Telescopes Reviewed (Suitable for all budgets)
The world of telescopes has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with more and more people embracing the wonders of stargazing and exploring the depths of the universe. In fact, the telescope industry has seen a remarkable surge, with sales skyrocketing by 30% in the past year alone.
Choosing the perfect telescope can be a challenging task, especially with the multitude of options available. That’s why we’ve carefully curated this article to provide you with a research-intensive and knowledgeable overview of the top telescopes currently dominating the market.
Z130
Zhumell Z130 Reflector Telescope
Features
Aperture: 130mm
Focal Length: 650mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth
Red-dot finder
Starsense Explorer
Celestron DX 130AZ Reflector Telescope
Features
Aperture: 130mm
Focal Length: 650mm
Mount Type: Manual Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mount
Starsense Explorer
Celestron LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope
Features
Aperture: 80mm
Focal Length: 900mm
Mount Type: Manual Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mount
Our top 7 picks
These are our top 7 picks for the best telescopes in the current market. In no particular order, we think all the telescopes on this list, while some are better than others, will give you the best stargazing experience, from the massive XT8 to the compact LT 80AZ, so let’s begin
The Zhumell Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is a high-quality telescope designed for both beginner and astronomy enthusiasts.
With it impressive 5″ (130mm) aperture, this telescope offers excellent light-gathering capability, allowing for clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
Featuring a sturdy construction and a compact design, this telescope is highly portable and easy to set up. Its altazimuth mount provides smooth and precise movement, allowing you to track objects across the night sky with ease.
The telescope is equipped with a multi-coated mirror, which enhances contrast and image clarity. It includes a 25mm eyepiece for wide-field observations and a 10mm eyepiece for higher magnification views.
Whether you’re exploring the moon, planets, or deep-sky objects, this telescope delivers impressive performance and is a great choice for astronomy enthusiasts.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 130mm (5.1 inches)
- Focal Length: 650mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector
- Mount Type: Altazimuth
- Finder Scope: Red-dot finder scope included
- Eyepieces: Two 1.25-inch eyepieces included (25mm and 10mm)
- Magnification: 26x and 65x with included eyepieces
- Maximum Useful Magnification: Approximately 260x
- Tube Length: Approximately 24 inches
- Weight: Approximately 21 pounds
Pros
- Large aperture of 5.1 inches (130mm) aperture provides detailed views.
- Sturdy construction and quality materials ensure durability.
- Portable and easy to set up.
- Red-dot finder scope for easier object location.
- Compatible with various accessories and eyepieces.
Cons
- Included eyepieces are of average quality and it is preferred to upgrade for better viewing experiences.
- Slightly higher price range compared to entry-level telescopes, but still considered reasonable for the quality and performance offered.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ reflector telescope features a large 130mm aperture and a focal length of 650mm, it delivers impressive light-gathering capabilities just like our previous entry in this list.
Its high-quality parabolic mirror ensures sharp and detailed images of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
One of the standout features of this telescope is its compatibility with the StarSense Explorer app, available for iOS and Android devices.
By simply connecting your smartphone to the telescope and following the app’s instructions, you can align the telescope and automatically locate objects in the sky.
The app acts as your personal celestial guide, providing educational information and helping you explore the universe with ease.
The StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ features a manual Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mount, allowing for easy and intuitive movement of the telescope. Its adjustable-height tripod provides stability and can be easily set up without any tools.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 25mm eyepiece for wider views and a 10mm eyepiece for higher magnification. The included 2x Barlow lens doubles the magnification of each eyepiece, providing added versatility in observing different celestial targets.
Designed with portability in mind, the telescope is lightweight and can be assembled and disassembled quickly. This makes it ideal for backyard observations, camping trips, or even for taking to darker sky locations.
With the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Reflector Telescope, you can embark on a journey through the cosmos. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this telescope offers exceptional performance, convenience, and affordability, making it a fantastic choice for stargazing enthusiasts.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 130mm (5.1 inches)
- Focal Length: 650mm (25.6 inches)
- Focal Ratio: f/5
- Mount Type: Manual Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mount
- Eyepieces: Two 1.25-inch eyepieces included (25mm and 10mm)
- Barlow Lens: 2x Barlow lens included
- App Compatibility: StarSense Explorer app (iOS and Android)
- Tripod: Adjustable-height tripod included
- Weight: Approximately X lbs (varies based on configuration)
Pros
Easy Alignment: Thanks to The StarSense Explorer app makes aligning the telescope a breeze.
Smartphone Compatibility: With the StarSense Explorer app, you can use your smartphone to control the telescope and explore the night sky.
Large aperture: 5.1 inches (130mm) aperture provides detailed views.
Lightweight and portable.
- Compatible with various accessories and eyepieces.
Included Eyepieces: 10mm and 25mm eyepieces and 2x Barlow lens provide different magnification options.
Cons
- Slightly higher price range compared to entry-level telescopes, but still considered reasonable for the quality and performance offered.
Manual Alt-Az Mount: For this mount you’ll need to adjust the telescope’s position manually as objects move across the sky.
Accessories Quality: It may benefit from higher-quality eyepieces or filters for specialized observations.
Smartphone Battery Dependency: Your stargazing experience relies on the performance and battery life of your smartphone.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Featuring an 80mm refractor optical tube, provides excellent clarity and brightness for observing celestial objects.
Its high-quality glass optics are fully coated to deliver sharp and detailed views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
Setting up the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ is a breeze. The lightweight and portable design allow you to easily transport the telescope to your favorite stargazing spots.
The telescope’s altazimuth mount provides smooth and precise movements, allowing you to effortlessly track celestial objects as they glide across the night sky.
Its sturdy and stable tripod ensures steady viewing, reducing vibrations for steady images. The included StarPointer red dot finderscope makes locating objects quick and simple, even for beginners. Just align the red dot with your desired object, and you’re ready to explore.
What sets the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ apart is its seamless integration with your smartphone.
By using the specially designed StarSense Explorer app, available for both iOS and Android devices, you can transform your smartphone into a powerful celestial navigation tool.
Simply place your smartphone in the docking station, launch the app, and follow the on-screen instructions.
The app utilizes advanced algorithms and celestial databases to accurately determine the telescope’s position and provide you with real-time guidance to navigate the night sky.
With the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ, stargazing becomes an interactive and educational experience.
The app not only helps you locate and identify celestial objects but also provides detailed information and interesting facts about each one. It’s like having your own personal astronomer guiding you through the cosmos.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 80mm (3.1 inches)
- Focal Length: 900mm (35.4 inches)
- Focal Ratio: f/11.25
- Mount Type: Manual Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mount
- Finder Scope: StarPointer red dot finder scope
- Eyepieces: Two 1.25-inch eyepieces included (25mm and 10mm)
- Tripod: Pre-assembled aluminum tripod with an accessory tray
- App Compatibility: StarSense Explorer app (iOS and Android)
Pros
- Easy Smartphone Integration: Seamless integration with the StarSense Explorer app, which provides a user-friendly interface and simplifies the process of locating and identifying celestial objects.
- Interactive Learning Experience: The app offers educational information, interesting facts, and guided tours, enhancing the overall stargazing experience and making it engaging for beginners and children.
- Portable and Lightweight: Customers highlight the telescope’s lightweight design, making it easy to carry and set up in different locations. It’s a great option for those who enjoy taking their telescope on camping trips or to remote observing sites.
- Clear and Detailed Views: The 80mm aperture and quality optics provide sharp and detailed views of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae.
- Quick Alignment: Automatic alignment feature of the StarSense Explorer app is a time-saver, allowing you to start observing faster and reducing frustration.
Cons
-
Manual Alt-Az Mount: For this mount you’ll need to adjust the telescope’s position manually as objects move across the sky.
- Smartphone Dependency: Reliance on a smartphone for operation can be a drawback, especially for those without compatible smartphones or in areas with poor cell phone reception.
- Limited Magnification Range: The included eyepieces may not offer high enough magnification for detailed observations and may require an upgrade.
- Stability Concerns: Stability issues with the lightweight tripod, particularly on windy nights. You might need to use weights or upgrade the tripod for steady viewing.
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a remarkable computerized telescope that combines power, precision, and portability.
Featuring a Schmidt-Cassegrain design, this telescope offers exceptional versatility and performance for both celestial and terrestrial observations.
With an impressive 8-inch aperture and a focal length of 2032mm, it delivers high-resolution views of celestial objects with remarkable clarity.
The Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system of the NexStar 8SE consists of a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a corrector plate.
This design effectively combines the light-gathering capabilities of a large aperture with the compactness of a folded optical path. The result is a telescope that offers a long focal length in a compact and portable form factor.
Equipped with Celestron’s advanced computerized technology, the NexStar 8SE features a motorized single fork arm altazimuth mount and a built-in GoTo system.
This allows for easy and precise automated tracking of thousands of celestial objects. Simply enter your desired target using the intuitive hand controller, and the telescope will accurately align and track it, providing you with breathtaking views of planets, star clusters, galaxies, and more.
The NexStar 8SE comes with a versatile 25mm eyepiece, providing a magnification of 81x. Additionally, it includes a 1.25-inch star diagonal that ensures comfortable viewing angles.
The stainless steel adjustable tripod offers stability and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferred viewing height.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 203.2mm (8 inches)
- Focal Length: 2032mm (80 inches)
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Mount Type: Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
- Finder Scope: Red-dot finder scope included
- GoTo System: NexStar Computerized System with SkyAlign
- Eyepiece: 25mm (81x magnification)
- Tripod: Stainless Steel Adjustable Tripod
Pros
- Schmidt-Cassegrain Design: The telescope’s Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system combines the advantages of a large aperture with a compact design, delivering excellent performance in a portable package.
- Computerized GoTo System: The NexStar 8SE features a motorized mount and an advanced GoTo system, making it easy to locate and track celestial objects. Its database of thousands of objects provides a wealth of observing opportunities.
- High-Quality Optics: With its 8-inch aperture and long focal length, the telescope offers impressive image quality and resolution, allowing for detailed views of planets, star clusters, and more.
- Portable and Easy to Set Up: The compact and lightweight design, along with the included stainless steel tripod, makes the NexStar 8SE easy to transport and set up at different observing locations.
- Versatile Observing Capabilities: Whether you’re interested in planetary observation, deep-sky imaging, or astrophotography, the NexStar 8SE’s versatile design and compatibility with accessories make it a versatile choice.
Cons
Limited Field of View: Due to its high focal length, the telescope may have a narrower field of view, which can restrict observations of wide-angle objects.
Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Mastering the advanced functions of the telescope may require a learning curve and additional external resources, such as guides or tutorials, to fully utilize its capabilities.
Power Requirements: The telescope’s motorized functionality requires an external power source, which means you need to ensure a stable power supply during your observations.
Limited Accessories Included: The telescope comes with basic accessories, and additional items like eyepieces and filters need to be purchased separately to enhance your viewing experience.
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope is a powerful and versatile instrument designed for both beginner and intermediate astronomers.
With its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length, this telescope offers exceptional light-gathering capabilities, allowing you to observe celestial objects in impressive detail.
The telescope features a sturdy and stable equatorial mount, which enables precise tracking of celestial objects as they move across the night sky.
The mount’s slow-motion controls make it easy to follow objects and make precise adjustments, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking during extended observations.
The SpaceProbe 130ST comes with a high-quality parabolic primary mirror, which helps minimize spherical aberration and delivers sharp, high-contrast images.
Its shorter focal length also provides a wider field of view compared to longer focal length telescopes, making it ideal for observing larger celestial objects like star clusters and nebulae.
This telescope is well-suited for both visual observation and astrophotography. The included rack-and-pinion focuser allows for precise focusing, while the adjustable eyepiece holder accommodates various eyepieces and accessories.
Additionally, the telescope’s tube is equipped with a convenient built-in handle, making it easy to transport and set up at your preferred observation location.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 130mm (5.1 inches)
- Focal Length: 650mm (f/5)
- Mount Type: Equatorial
- Focuser Type: Rack-and-pinion
- Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
- Includes two 1.25″ Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm)
- Includes smartphone camera adapter
- Includes DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260 and collimation cap
Pros
- Impressive Light-Gathering Power: The 130mm aperture for its ability to capture a significant amount of light, resulting in clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
- Versatile for Various Observations: The telescope’s equatorial mount and slow-motion controls allows for smooth tracking and precise adjustments, making it suitable for both visual observation and astrophotography.
- Sharp and Contrast-Rich Images: Parabolic primary mirror and shorter focal length provide sharp and high-contrast images, particularly when observing star clusters, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
- Portable and Easy to Set Up: Built-in handle and compact design of the telescope to be convenient for transportation and quick setup.
Cons
- Learning Curve for Equatorial Mount: Using an equatorial mount may require some practice and familiarity with its operation, especially for beginners.
- Limited Accessories Included: While the telescope comes with essential accessories, additional eyepieces and filters may be needed to expand your observation options.
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope is a compact and versatile telescope designed for amateur astronomers and stargazers.
With its portable design and user-friendly features, it offers an excellent entry point into the world of astronomy.
Featuring a 4.5-inch (114mm) parabolic primary mirror, the telescope provides impressive light-gathering capabilities, allowing for clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
Whether you’re observing the Moon, planets, or deep-sky objects, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro telescope delivers sharp and contrast-rich images.
The tabletop design of the telescope makes it highly portable and easy to set up. It comes with a sturdy altazimuth mount that provides smooth and precise movements, allowing you to track objects smoothly across the night sky.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 4.5 inches (114mm)
- Focal Length: 450mm
- Focal Ratio: f/4
- Mount Type: Altazimuth
- Includes two Explorer II 1.25″ Kellner telescope eyepieces (17mm and 6mm)
- Finderscope: EZ Finder II reflex sight
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector
- Includes DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260 and collimation cap
- Weight: 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
Pros
- Portable and Easy to Set Up: The tabletop design and lightweight construction make the telescope highly portable and convenient for on-the-go observations. Setting up the telescope is quick and hassle-free.
- Wide Field of View: The short focal length and fast focal ratio provide a wide field of view, allowing for immersive observations of large celestial objects such as star clusters and nebulae.
- Beginner-Friendly: The included EZ Finder II reflex sight helps beginners easily locate objects in the night sky, making it a great choice for those new to astronomy.
- Versatile Observing Options: The two included eyepieces offer different magnifications, providing flexibility for observing various objects and tailoring the viewing experience to your preferences.
Cons
- Limited Magnification Range: Telescope’s maximum useful magnification is somewhat limited compared to higher-end models. However, it still provides satisfactory views of a wide range of celestial objects.
- Altazimuth Mount Limitations: The altazimuth mount lacks automated tracking and requires manual adjustments to keep objects in view. This may require some practice and patience, especially when observing at high magnifications.
The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is a powerful and user-friendly telescope that offers exceptional views of the night sky. With its large aperture and sturdy construction, it is a popular choice among amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
Featuring an 8-inch (203mm) parabolic primary mirror, the XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope gathers a significant amount of light, allowing for impressive views of celestial objects.
Whether you’re observing the Moon, planets, or deep-sky objects, this telescope delivers sharp and detailed images with excellent contrast.
The Dobsonian design provides a stable and easy-to-use platform for the telescope. The telescope sits on a robust wooden Dobsonian base, which allows for smooth and precise movements.
It offers simple manual tracking, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced observers.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 8 inches (203mm)
- Focal Length: 1200mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5.9
- Mount Type: Dobsonian
- Includes a 2″ Crayford focuser that accepts 1.25″ and 2″ telescope eyepieces
- Eyepiece: 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece
- Finder Scope: EZ Finder II reflex sight
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector
- Includes DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260 and collimation cap
- Weight: 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg)
Pros
Impressive Light-Gathering Power: With its 8-inch aperture, this telescope gathers ample amounts of light, allowing for stunning views of celestial objects. It provides enhanced details and clarity, making it ideal for observing planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
Enhanced Stability: Equipped with a solid and stable base, the telescope ensures minimal vibrations during observations. This stability is crucial for achieving sharp and steady images, particularly when using higher magnifications or capturing astrophotography.
Expandable Features: The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian is compatible with a wide range of accessories.
Cons
- Bulky and Heavy: The XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is a large and relatively heavy telescope, making it less portable compared to smaller and more compact models. It may require additional effort for transportation and setup.
- Manual Tracking: The telescope’s Dobsonian mount requires manual tracking, which means you need to continuously adjust the telescope to keep objects in view. This can be challenging when observing at high magnifications or tracking fast-moving objects like planets.
Telescope Buyers Guide - What To Look Out For
Congratulations! You’ve now explored the top telescopes available. But how do you choose the one that suits you best? Here are some essential factors to consider before making your final decision:
Aperture Size: The diameter of the telescope’s primary mirror or lens determines its light-gathering capacity. A larger aperture allows for brighter and more detailed views of celestial objects.
Telescope Type: Refractor, reflector, or compound? Each type has its advantages and is suitable for different purposes. Reflectors offer affordability and versatility, while refractors excel in providing sharp images. Compound telescopes combine the best of both worlds.
Portability: Consider the size and weight of the telescope, especially if you plan to travel or explore different viewing locations. A lightweight and compact telescope can be more convenient.
Mount Stability: A sturdy mount ensures stability and smooth tracking of celestial objects. Look for equatorial or alt-azimuth mounts that offer ease of use and precision.
Additional Accessories: Don’t forget about eyepieces, filters, and tripods. They can enhance your viewing experience and expand the capabilities of your telescope.
When purchasing a telescope, research reputable brands known for quality craftsmanship and customer support. Take advantage of reliable sources, such as reputable astronomy websites and user forums, to gather more insights and recommendations.
Remember, your budget, long-term goals, and personal preferences play a significant role in your decision-making process. By carefully considering these factors, you’ll find the telescope that aligns perfectly with your astronomical aspirations.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, our collection of articles is here to assist you in selecting the ultimate telescope. Discover insights on choosing the best telescope for the views you are looking for, determining the ideal aperture for your needs, and exploring the key factors that affect price to analyze when making your telescope selection. Unleash your astronomical aspirations with our expert guidance!