
Contents
- The Best Celestron Telescopes Reviewed
- 1. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope
- 2. Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope
- 3. Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian Telescope
- 4. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope
- 5. Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope
- 6. Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Refractor Telescope
- 7. Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
- Frequent Asked Questions:
- What are the advantages of a Celestron computerized telescope?
The Best Celestron Telescopes Reviewed
Celestron is one of the most well-known telescopes manufacturers in the world. They have been in business for decades, and their telescopes have always been known for their high quality and incredible features. If you’re looking for the best Celestron telescopes available, then you’ll want to read this post!
We’ll take a look at four of the most popular Celestron telescopes, and we’ll tell you all about their features and what makes them so great. So, if you’re ready to see what all the Celestron telescope hype is about, then stay tuned – we have a lot of great info in store for you!

Schmidt-Cassegrain
Celestron NextStar 6SE Computerized Telescope
Features
Aperture: 150mm
Focal Length: 1500mm
Mount Type: Manual Alt-Azimuth

Refractor Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
Features
Aperture: 70mm
Focal Length: 900mm
Mount Type: Manual Alt Azimuth

StarSense Explorer
Celestron 8" Dobsonian Telescope
Features
Aperture: 203mm
Focal Length: 1200mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth Dobsonian
Our top 7 picks
These are our top 7 picks for the best Celestron 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 8-inch Dobsonian to the compact AstroMaster 70AZ, so let’s begin
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope is a user-friendly and versatile instrument designed for both beginners and amateur astronomers.
Its 70mm aperture and fully coated glass optics deliver crisp and bright views of celestial objects, making it an ideal tool for observing the Moon, planets, star clusters, and more.
The telescope features a manual Alt-Azimuth mount with a pan handle control and clutch mechanism, ensuring smooth and precise pointing.
The package includes essential accessories like two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), an erect image diagonal, and a StarPointer finderscope to aid in locating objects.
The telescope is a user-friendly and portable option that’s well-suited for beginners and casual astronomers. Its compact design, included accessories, and educational software make it a great starting point for exploring the wonders of the night sky.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 70mm (2.76″)
- Focal Length: 900mm (35″)
- Focal Ratio: f/13
- Optical Design: Refractor
- Optical Coatings: Fully Coated
- Mount Type: Manual Alt Azimuth
- Height Adjustment Range: 812.8mm – 1295.4mm (32″ – 51″)
- Software: Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Pros
- Quick and easy no-tool setup, perfect for beginners.
- Lightweight and portable design for convenient transport and setup.
- Fully coated glass optics provide clear and bright images.
- Manual Alt-Azimuth mount with pan handle control for easy navigation.
- Starry Night Software and SkyPortal App offer educational resources and planning tools.
Cons
- Limited to a maximum useful magnification of 165x, which might not be suitable for detailed deep-sky observations.
- Included eyepieces are basic; enthusiasts might want to invest in additional eyepieces.
The Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope brings together modern features and exceptional optics in a compact and user-friendly package.
A part of the iconic “orange tube” telescope series, the 6SE offers an impressive 6-inch aperture, delivering detailed views of the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
Equipped with advanced GoTo technology, SkyAlign alignment system, and a computerized mount, this telescope is suitable for both beginners and experienced observers.
The telescope is a sophisticated and versatile instrument that combines a solid optical performance with advanced technology.
Its computerized mount and user-friendly features make it a great choice for both beginners looking to explore the night sky and experienced astronomers seeking convenience and automation.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 150mm (5.91″)
- Focal Length: 1500mm (59″)
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
- Star Diagonal: 1.25″ Star Diagonal
- Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
- Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
- Instrument Load Capacity: 12 lbs (5.44 kg)
- Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds – max speed 5°/second
- Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South
- Power Requirements: 8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)
- NexStar+ Database: 40,000 objects, 200 user-defined programmable objects
Pros
- Impressive Optics: 6-inch aperture provides detailed views of celestial objects.
- Advanced GoTo: Fully automated mount with a database of 40,000+ objects locates and tracks targets.
- SkyAlign Technology: Easy alignment using three bright objects, even for beginners.
- Portable Design: Single fork arm mount breaks down into compact components for transport.
- High-Quality Construction: Sturdy build ensures accurate pointing and tracking.
- Versatile Accessories: StarPointer finderscope, NexStar+ hand control, and more enhance the observing experience.
- Adaptable: Compatible with various accessories like GPS modules and auto-align functionality.
Cons
- Price: Higher cost compared to manual telescopes, but justified by its computerized features.
- Batteries: Requires 8 AA batteries (not included) for operation when not connected to an external power source.
- Weight: Mount and telescope components add up to around 28 lbs, which might be heavier for some users.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8″ Dobsonian telescope combines smartphone technology with advanced features, making stargazing accessible and captivating for all enthusiasts.
Equipped with an impressive 8″ parabolic primary mirror and XLT coatings, it delivers exceptional performance and clarity for celestial observations.
The StarSense Explorer app, compatible with most modern smartphones, takes your stargazing experience to the next level.
Using patented sky recognition technology, the app analyzes star patterns in real-time.
Simply dock your smartphone and align it with the telescope’s optics. Within minutes, the app generates a comprehensive list of visible celestial objects.
On-screen arrows provide intuitive guidance, turning green when a target is ready to be observed through the eyepiece.
With audio descriptions and detailed information on thousands of objects, the app enriches your exploration of the cosmos.
The Dobsonian-style base of the telescope showcases substantial diameter bearings and adjustable altitude tightening, ensuring smooth and precise movements as you track celestial objects.
Its ergonomic design allows for easy adjustment and precise pointing, while the included carry handles and dust covers facilitate convenient transport and storage.
With its 8″ Newtonian reflector optical tube, the StarSense Explorer offers impressive light-gathering capabilities, providing sharp and bright views of various celestial wonders.
From Jupiter’s moons to Saturn’s rings, the ethereal beauty of the Orion Nebula, and the captivating Andromeda Galaxy, this telescope reveals their intricate details.
XLT optical coatings enhance contrast and light throughput, allowing you to discern subtle features on the Moon, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8″ Dobsonian comes with a high-quality 2″ Crayford focuser, a 25mm Plössl eyepiece, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, an eyepiece rack, and a collimation tool.
Its robust construction and top-notch materials ensure durability and consistent performance under various conditions.
In summary, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8″ Dobsonian combines smartphone integration, advanced optics, and user-friendly features to unlock the wonders of the night sky.
It’s a telescope that inspires exploration and provides breathtaking views of the cosmos.
Key Specifications:
- Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
- Aperture: 203mm (8″)
- Focal Length: 1200mm (47.24″)
- Focal Ratio: f/5.9
- Highest Useful Magnification: 480x
- Lowest Useful Magnification: 29x
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Dobsonian base
- Finderscope: StarPointer™ red-dot finderscope
- Focuser: 2″ Crayford focuser
- Weight: 43.4 lbs (19.68 kg)
Pros
- Smartphone integration with the StarSense Explorer app for effortless celestial object tracking.
- Impressive 8″ parabolic primary mirror and XLT coatings for exceptional performance and clarity.
- Dobsonian base with smooth movements and ergonomic design for precise pointing.
- Extensive database, audio descriptions, and detailed information enhance the stargazing experience.
- High-quality optics and XLT coatings deliver sharp and bright views of celestial objects.
- Convenient carry handles and dust covers for easy transport and protection.
- Compatible with most modern smartphones for user-friendly operation.
Cons
- Requires a compatible smartphone for full functionality.
- Manual operation without computerized tracking features.
- The Dobsonian base design may be less portable compared to other telescope types.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope offers an accessible way to explore the celestial wonders of our universe.
This telescope features a 127mm aperture, providing bright and clear views of celestial objects including the Moon, planets, and star clusters.
With its manual German equatorial mount and included accessories, this telescope is designed for both novice and intermediate astronomers.
The telescope offers an economical entry into the world of astronomy.
While it’s not designed for advanced astrophotography or in-depth observations, it provides beginners with an opportunity to explore the beauty of the night sky and learn more about celestial objects.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 127mm (5″)
- Focal Length: 1000mm (39″)
- Focal Ratio: f/7.87
- Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
- Finderscope: 5×24
- Optical Coatings: Glass mirrors coated with aluminum and SiO₂
- Mount Type: Manual German Equatorial
- Height Adjustment Range: 812.8mm – 1295.4mm (32″ – 51″)
Pros
- Affordable Option: Provides an entry point for beginners interested in astronomy.
- No-Tool Setup: Quick and easy setup process for hassle-free observing.
- Accessories Included: Comes with two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, and a finderscope.
- Versatile Magnification: Multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens offer a range of magnification options.
- Starry Night Software: Access to educational astronomy software for learning and planning.
- German Equatorial Mount: Allows for precise tracking of celestial objects.
- Newtonian Reflector Design: Provides a cost-effective way to achieve decent light-gathering capabilities.
Cons
- Manual Tracking: Tracking celestial objects requires manual adjustments, which might be challenging for beginners.
- Limited Astrophotography: Manual tracking and lack of motorized mount make deep-sky astrophotography difficult.
- Simple Finder: The included 5×24 finderscope might be limited for precise object location.
- Limited Light Gathering: While sufficient for casual observations, the telescope’s aperture might limit views of fainter deep-sky objects.
The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope is a versatile instrument designed for both daytime and nighttime observations.
Its 102mm aperture and coated all-glass optics deliver bright and clear images of the Moon, planets, star clusters, and more.
With a manual altazimuth mount and erect image optics, this telescope is suitable for terrestrial and astronomical use, making it a dual-purpose tool for nature observation and stargazing.
The telescope is a versatile and beginner-friendly instrument that offers both celestial and terrestrial observation capabilities.
Its dual-purpose design, along with included accessories and software, makes it a suitable choice for individuals interested in exploring the natural and celestial worlds.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 102mm (4″)
- Focal Length: 660mm (26″)
- Focal Ratio: f/6.5
- Optical Design: Refractor
- Finderscope: Built-in Red Dot Finder
- Star Diagonal: Erect Image, 90° (1.25″)
- Optical Coatings: Fully Coated
- Mount Type: Manual Alt Azimuth
- Height Adjustment Range: 812.8mm – 1295.4mm (32″ – 51″)
Pros
- Dual-Purpose: Erect image optics allow for terrestrial and astronomical observations.
- No-Tool Setup: Quick and easy setup process for both day and nighttime use.
- Coated Optics: Fully coated glass optics provide clear and crisp images.
- Accessories Included: Comes with 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, a red-dot finderscope, and a diagonal.
- Economical: Offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
- Portable: Compact and lightweight design, making it suitable for travel.
- Starry Night Software: Included software enhances the learning and observing experience.
Cons
- Manual Tracking: Manual altazimuth mount requires adjustments for tracking celestial objects.
- Limited Magnification: Higher magnifications might be limited due to the telescope’s aperture size.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Refractor Telescope is designed to introduce you to the wonders of the night sky with ease and convenience.
This telescope features a 70mm aperture and comes with a manual German equatorial mount, providing a stable platform for locating and tracking celestial objects.
With its included accessories and Starry Night Software, it’s an excellent choice for beginner astronomers looking to explore the cosmos.
The telescope is a user-friendly and budget-friendly option for individuals new to astronomy.
Its included accessories, easy setup, and Starry Night Software make it an appealing choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky and learn about celestial objects.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 70mm (2.76″)
- Focal Length: 700mm (28″)
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Optical Design: Refractor
- Finderscope: 5×24
- Star Diagonal: 1.25″ Erect Image Diagonal
- Optical Coatings: Fully Coated
- Mount Type: Manual Equatorial
- Height Adjustment Range: 812.8mm – 1295.4mm (32″ – 51″)
Pros
- Easy Setup: Quick and tool-free assembly for beginners.
- Equatorial Mount: Manual German equatorial mount with slow motion control knobs for precise tracking.
- Accessories Included: Comes with eyepieces, a Barlow lens, finderscope, and star diagonal for versatile observations.
- Starry Night Software: Included software enhances the learning and observing experience.
- Portable: Lightweight and compact design for easy transport.
- Fully Coated Optics: Provides clear and crisp images of celestial objects.
- Affordable: Offers an accessible entry into astronomy.
Cons
- Manual Tracking: Equatorial mount requires manual adjustments for celestial object tracking.
- Limited Aperture: 70mm aperture might limit the ability to observe fainter deep-sky objects.
- Simple Accessories: While sufficient for beginners, more advanced users might seek higher quality eyepieces and accessories.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope is an advanced and user-friendly telescope that combines high-quality optics with a fully computerized Altazimuth mount.
With its 130mm Newtonian Reflector objective lens, this telescope delivers exceptional views of celestial objects, making it perfect for celestial observing.
Setting up the NexStar 130SLT is a breeze, thanks to the quick-release fork arm mount and the pre-assembled, adjustable stainless steel tripod.
The telescope comes with a StarPointer™ red-dot finderscope, which aids in alignment and accurate object location, ensuring a seamless stargazing experience.
This telescope offers a versatile range of observations, from revealing lunar surface details and Venus phases to polar caps on Mars and Jupiter’s moons. You can even enjoy breathtaking views of Saturn’s rings.
Equipped with a computerized Altazimuth mount, the NexStar SLT telescope allows for automatic tracking of celestial objects as they move across the night sky.
The NexStar+ hand control makes slewing to 40,000+ celestial objects effortless, and the SkyAlign technology ensures quick and easy setup.
You can power the NexStar 130SLT using 8 AA batteries or a PowerTank portable battery for remote dark sky locations. Additionally, a 12V AC adapter can be used for power supply.
The telescope comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a StarPointer™ red dot finderscope, star diagonal, and two eyepieces (25mm and 9mm).
The telescope is also compatible with various Celestron accessories, such as StarSense AutoAlign, SkyPortal WiFi module, and PowerTank Lithium.
Key Specifications:
- Aperture: 130mm (5.12″)
- Focal Length: 650mm (26″)
- Focal Ratio: f/5
- Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
- Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.07 arc seconds
- Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
- Height Adjustment Range: 762mm – 1270mm (30″ – 50″)
- Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds – max speed 3°/second
- Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, and EQ South
- Power Requirements: 12 VDC – 8xAA Batteries (not included)
- Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Pros
- High-quality optics and computerized mount for excellent celestial observations.
- Easy and quick setup with no-tool assembly and SkyAlign technology.
- Versatile viewing capability, ideal for both night-sky observing and daytime wildlife observations.
- Comes with bonus Starry Night Special Edition Software for enhanced astronomical knowledge and planning.
- Compatible with a wide range of Celestron accessories, offering room for future upgrades and enhancements.
Cons
- No periodic error correction for the mount.
- The altazimuth mount might have limitations for certain types of astrophotography.
- Auto guiding not available with this telescope for long-exposure photography.
Frequent Asked Questions:
Best Celestron Telescope
Celestron telescopes are some of the most popular and trusted telescopes in the market. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about the best Celestron telescopes.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best Celestron telescope for my needs?
When choosing the best Celestron telescope, consider factors such as the aperture size, focal length, magnification power, and whether you need computerized or manual controls.
How does the aperture size of a Celestron telescope affect its performance?
The aperture size of a Celestron telescope determines the amount of light it can gather, which directly impacts the telescope’s ability to resolve fine details and provide brighter images of celestial objects.
What are the advantages of a Celestron computerized telescope?
A Celestron computerized telescope offers the convenience of automatic tracking celestial objects, making it easier for beginners to locate and observe planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
How can the celestron powerseeker telescope benefit a beginner astronomer?
The Celestron PowerSeeker telescope is ideal for beginners due to its ease of use, affordability, and the ability to provide clear and detailed views of the night sky.
What are the key features to look for in a Celestron telescope for stargazing and astronomy?
When choosing a Celestron telescope for stargazing and astronomy, consider features such as a large aperture for light gathering, a stable tripod, and compatibility with astrophotography accessories.
If you want to see further comparisons between Celestron and Meade or Sky-Watcher please take a look at our articles!