The night sky holds endless wonders, from the familiar craters of the moon to distant galaxies billions of light-years away. For those captivated by the cosmos, a telescope is the gateway to exploration. Choosing the right instrument can be a complex undertaking, especially when seeking the best telescopes for professionals or serious enthusiasts who demand high performance and advanced features. This guide explores top contenders across various categories, helping you find the perfect optical partner for your astronomical pursuits, whether you’re focused on deep-sky imaging, planetary detail, or automated observation.
May brings the Flower Moon on May 12, a sight that only looks better when viewed through one of the best telescopes. As the month wears on and the full moon dims, there is a great opportunity to see stars of different colors in the night sky. Catch the blue-white stars of the Summer Triangle asterism, orange Arcturus and reddish Antares across the night sky. For fans of the planets, you will need a good telescope to make the most of Saturn’s pre-dawn appearances this month, even showing up next to the crescent moon on May 22.
There are so many things to consider when buying a telescope, especially when it is your first. It can be a daunting task, but our guide makes it a breeze. We cover a range of budgets, skill levels and purposes so that you can pick the telescope that is right for you. Our expert reviewers get hands-on with the models that we recommend, testing out their observational capabilities, ease-of-use and whether they are as good as advertised.
The quick list
Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope on a white backgroundBest for beginnersCelestron NexStar 4SE
Best for beginners
A great scope for beginners, the Celestron NexStar 4SE is easy to use and set up, it produces clear and bright images and has a whole host of useful features.
Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope on a white backgroundBest budget telescopeCelestron Inspire 100AZ
Best budget telescope
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a great beginner scope for anyone just getting started with astronomy, it comes with a variety of accessories.
Celestron Astro Fi 130 telescope on a white backgroundBest value for enthusiastsCelestron Astro Fi 130
Best value for enthusiasts
We were really impressed with the Celestron Astro Fi 130 when we reviewed it and found it’s very good value for money.
Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 telescope on a white backgroundBest premiumCelestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
Best premium
We think this is an exceptional telescope that’s easy to set up and offers breath-taking views. It’s suitable for experienced astronomers too.
Celestron Origin on a tripod on a white backgroundBest for astroCelestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory
Best for astrophotography
This smart telescope takes beautiful deep sky photos in just a few seconds, but it’s not an all-rounder telescope.
Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope on a white backgroundBest motorized telescopeCelestron NexStar 8SE
Best motorized telescope
A fantastic scope for any experience level, incredibly easy to use yet powerful enough for deep space exploration and even astrophotography.
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Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope on a white backgroundBest for portabilityCelestron Astro Fi 102
Best for portability
If you live in an urban area with lots of light pollution and need a telescope you can comfortably carry to dark sky sites, this could be the one for you.
Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 PRO on a white backgroundBest for accessoriesSky-Watcher Skymax 150 PRO
Best for accessories
This telescope is suitable for capturing everything from nebulas to galaxies. It has outstanding optical quality with no signs of distortion, and can accommodate plenty of accessories.
Unistellar eQuinox 2 Smart TelescopeBest smart telescopeUnistellar Equinox 2
Best smart telescope
If you’ve got the budget for it, this is Unistellar’s most advanced telescope to date. It has a very reliable app and features a Smart Light Reduction feature to eliminate light pollution in urban environments.
Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD Schmidt-Cassegrain TelescopeBest for deep spaceCelestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD
Best for deep space
Great for experienced, long-time astronomers, this scope is excellent for astrophotography thanks to the Edge HD technology. It’s a little on the heavy side, but it can carry a load of up to 30 lbs.
Celestron Classic Firstscope 76mm Tabletop TelescopeBest for kidsCelestron FirstScope 76 Tabletop telescope
Best for kids
This is a great tabletop telescope and an ideal starting point for beginners and young astronomers. It’s easy to set up and put away, but it’s not the most powerful.
Best telescopes 2025 that we recommend
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Best for beginners
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Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope set up in a field at dusk with tripod
In our full review of the Nexstar 4SE, we found it was quick and easy to set up, perfect for beginners who want a quality go-to telescope.(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
Side view of Celestron NexStar 4SE GoTo telescope setup outdoors
The Celestron NexStar 4SE’s GoTo technology means you can easily find and track specific celestial objects.(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
Close up of the hand controller for the Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope
This scope will fit nicely on your tabletop.(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
Detailed view of the fork arm mount on the Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope
The NexStar 4SE features a 4-inch (102mm) aperture and a focal length of 1325mm.(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
Close up of the finderscope on a Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope
The 4SE has a built-in star diagonal operated by a flip mirror at its base.(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
Side profile of the orange tube Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope on a wooden table
Celestron’s orange tube design is definitely an eye-catcher(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
User setting up and operating the Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope in a backyard
Setting up the Celestron 4SE is a cinch, but despite the small tube, transporting it was cumbersome when on foot(Image credit: Jonathan Lansley-Gordon)
Celestron NexStar 4SE
Best for finding planets: It can find celestial objects easily with Celestron’s SkyAlign technology.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth
Aperture: 4-inches / 102mm
Focal length: 1325mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm
Weight: 23 lbs (10.44kg) fully assembled
Reasons to buy
+Uncomplicated, quick setup
+Auto finds night sky objects
+High quality, sturdy build
+No collimation required
Reasons to avoid
-Narrow field of view
-Not very portable
-Limited accessories supplied
Buy it if
✅ It’s your first telescope: This scope is easy to use and set up, making it perfect for beginner astronomers.
✅ You want GoTo technology: You can easily find and track specific celestial objects with little or no prior knowledge.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to travel with it: This telescope isn’t the most portable as the tripod doesn’t fold down entirely.
The bottom line:
🔎 Celestron NexStar 4SE: If you want to view the planets and bright objects in the sky quickly and effortlessly, the Celestron NexStar 4SE will certainly do the job. ★★★★
The Celestron NexStar 4SE is a fantastic choice for beginners thanks to its fully computerized mount. Celestron’s SkyAlign technology identifies the current date and time as well as your location to auto-find various targets within the night sky at the push of a button, making it easy for newcomers to get to grips with stargazing. For those starting out who aim to become advanced users or even professionals, mastering GoTo systems like this can be a valuable first step, though the best telescopes for professionals often feature more robust equatorial mounts and larger apertures.
This telescope has a 4-inch (102mm) aperture and a focal length of 1,325mm, enough to give sharp views of the planets and other bright sky objects. The downside is that this combination results in a fairly narrow field of view of only 1.2 degrees, which means you will struggle to fit bigger deep sky objects into the view. The NexStar 4SE comes with a 25mm Plossl eyepiece, but we think you’ll get better results if you purchase an additional 32mm eyepiece and Barlow lens to make the most of the 241x highest useful magnification.
This telescope is very sturdy in design, which is reflected in its weight. At 23 lbs (10.4 kg) the NexStar 4SE is far from the lightest on this list, nor is it the most portable, as its accompanying tripod doesn’t fold down completely.
Another thing to note about this telescope is how power-hungry it is; the mount tears through the 8xAA batteries required so quickly, we’d recommend using an external power source instead. Because of this, the NexStar 4SE is perhaps best suited for those who want to stargaze from their backyard rather than take it on the go.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Solid and sturdy build, signature orange colors. |
| Performance | Great for observing the moon and planets. |
| Functionality | Alignment correction can be tricky. |
Best budget telescope
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Side view of the Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor telescope with corrugated iron backdrop
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ comes with a plethora of helpful accessories, but after our full review, we’d recommend updating the eyepieces.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Close up view of the focusing knob on the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope
This telescope is easy to set up and use, even for beginners.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Red flashlight accessory slotting into the tripod of the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope
A small red flashlight slots in to illuminate the accessory tray.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Finderscope attached to the tube of the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope
A StarPointer Pro finderscope features a bullseye and sits close to the eyepiece.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Smartphone adapter and eyepiece for the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope
A smartphone straps to one side using elasticated cords while an eyepiece fits in the other.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Celestron Inspire 100AZ lens cap used as a smartphone holder for astrophotography
A smartphone straps to one side using elasticated cords while an eyepiece fits in the other.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Side profile of the star diagonal included with the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ comes with 20 mm and 10 mm Kellner eyepieces.(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor
Best budget telescope for for budding skywatchers who want to get up and running quickly
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 3.94-inches / 100mm
Focal length: 660mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm
Weight: 20 lbs (9.07kg)
Reasons to buy
+Sharp views of planets and the moon
+Handy smartphone adaptor
+Built-in red light
+Lightweight frame
Reasons to avoid
-Bearings lack precision
-Some chromatic aberration
-No solar observing possible
Buy it if
✅ You’re a beginner: We found it easy to set up and take down, perfect for beginners.
✅ You want to take astro shots on your smartphone: The lens cap cleverly turns into a smartphone holder so you can capture images of the night sky.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You aren’t confident locating objects yourself: This telescope doesn’t have GoTo technology, so you’ll need to be able to locate specific celestial objects yourself (or with the help of a stargazing app).
❌ You want detailed views of deep sky objects: While this telescope can give great views of planets and the moon, objects further away may appear a little underwhelming.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron Inspire 100az: Aimed at beginners and those looking to upgrade, this 4-inch refractor performs best with the moon and planets. It comes with a lens cap that converts to a smartphone holder for easy astrophotography. ★★★★
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a great choice for beginners. Its user-friendly features and sturdy build make it a breeze to use even for the uninitiated, and it’s a relatively affordable option compared to other telescopes in this guide. For those starting their journey towards becoming advanced amateurs or even seeking the best telescopes for professionals in the future, this provides a solid foundation for learning fundamental observational skills.
An achromatic refractor with a 4-inch/100mm aperture and a reasonably short focal length of 660mm, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ is designed to be used at home to view planets, the moon and deep sky objects. It’s perched on a simple altazimuth mount that moves side to side and up and down, with a panhandle to lock it in the exact position you want.
The 100mm aperture gathers a significant amount of light, allowing clear observations of faint celestial objects like nebulas and galaxies. Moreover, its long focal length provides substantial magnification for detailed views of planets and other nearby objects.
During our Celestron Inspire 100AZ review, we noticed a small amount of false color (purple color fringing), and a slight blurring in the field of view. The latter is easily resolved by investing in one of the best eyepieces to make the most of the Inspire 100AZ’s optical system. The slight amount of false color shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most, unless you are particularly keen on getting completely accurate colors.
The Inspire 100AZ telescope comes with various accessories including two eyepieces, a red LED flashlight to maintain night vision, an accessory tray and a StarPointer Pro finderscope for locating celestial objects. We loved that the lens cap turns into a smartphone adapter, so you can take astro shots with your phone.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Fairly lightweight. |
| Performance | Excels with lunar views. |
| Functionality | Easy to set up and take down. |
Best value for enthusiasts
The Celestron Astro Fi 130 Newtonian Reflector telescope on a white background
The Celestron Astro Fi 130’s wide field of view will allow you to see large galaxies without having to reposition the telescope often. (Image credit: B&H Photo)
Celestron Astro Fi 130
Best value enthusiast telescope: A guide to the night sky, packed with technology at a low price
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Newtonian Reflector
Mount type: Computerized altitude-azimuth single fork
Aperture: 5.19-inches / 130mm
Focal length: 650mm
Highest useful magnification: 307x
Lowest useful magnification: 19x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm and 10mm
Weight: 18 lbs (8.6kg)
Reasons to buy
+Suitable for low budgets
+Great entry-level telescope
+Vixen dovetail for mount changes
+Portable
+Computer recommends targets
+Finds targets at touch of button
Reasons to avoid
-Eyepieces limit observations
-Focuser of low quality
-Battery drains quickly
-Useless without app
Buy it if
✅ You want a beginner-friendly, grab & go, easy-to-use telescope: We thought this was a great entry-level telescope that can find targets at the touch of a button and is great for on-the-go observations.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a ‘traditional’ telescope: We found this telescope is completely useless without the app, so if you want a more traditional telescope without much of the newer technology, look elsewhere.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron Astro Fi 130: A good telescope at an exceptionally good price, it has everything you’d need if you’re just starting out, although we would recommend upgrading some of the pieces included. It can lose charge quickly in cold conditions, though, so consider buying an additional power source. ★★★½
Celestron’s Astro Fi 130 is a very capable entry-level telescope with an affordable price tag. This well-constructed telescope consists of a Newtonian reflector and a sturdy aluminum tripod, 10mm and 25mm Kellner eyepieces offering 65x and 26x magnification, and a red dot finder. While not typically considered among the best telescopes for professionals, its GoTo capabilities and portability make it a useful tool for rapid setup and casual observation or outreach.
We’d strongly recommend purchasing some mid-range Plossl eyepieces to get the very best out of this scope. During our Celestron Astro Fi 130 review, we also noted that its batteries can be quick to drain in cold weather, so you might want to consider investing in 12V rechargeable batteries.
This telescope is a great choice for beginners; it has everything they need to get started on their stargazing journey. The SkyAlign technology doesn’t require prior knowledge of the night sky to get ready for viewing, and the Celestron SkyPortal app makes it easy to control the scope via your smartphone or tablet. The app can even recommend celestial objects to view and guide the computerized mount to them. Learning the ropes on an accessible GoTo scope like this can be a good stepping stone for amateur astronomers.
The optics on the Astro Fi 130 allow for good views of the moon, offering enough magnification to see the craters and rilles on the lunar surface. Venus and Mars are also easy to pick out, and we were even able to catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very sturdy build with well constructed tube and tripod. |
| Performance | Makes use of SkyAlign technology for easy alignment. |
| Functionality | Great for lunar and planetary observing, but some views are fuzzy. |
Best premium
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on a tripod
Automatically track objects as they move across the sky with this high-quality Catadioptric telescope. (Image credit: B&H Photo)
Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
Best GoTo scope for seeing the universe in HD, but it has a premium price point
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized alt-azimuth fork arm
Aperture: 9.25-inches / 235mm
Focal length: 2350mm
Highest useful magnification: 555x
Lowest useful magnification: 34x
Supplied eyepieces: 13mm, 40mm
Weight: 62.60 lbs (28.39kg)
Reasons to buy
+Crisp views with no defects
+Easy to set up
+High-quality design
Reasons to avoid
-Isn’t very portable — best for backyard star gazing
-Expensive
Buy it if
✅ You want to view a wide range of subjects: This scope has a large aperture which enables clear and detailed views of a wide range of celestial objects, including planets, deep-sky objects and nebulas.
✅ You’re an experienced skywatcher: Although its easy setup is a dream for beginners, this scope is best suited for more advanced, passionate astronomers who want a full view of the universe.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want something portable: Portability isn’t one of the Evolution 9.25’s strengths, so it’s best used for backyard gazing.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25: A fantastic telescope best suited to experienced skywatchers, with a price tag to match its premium features. It’s not the easiest to transport, but we think it’s one of the best GoTo telescopes you can buy ★★★★½
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 is an outstanding GoTo scope that provides breath-taking views of the night sky. With a large 9.25-inch aperture and precise tracking mount, it’s a strong contender when considering the best telescopes for professionals focused on visual observation or planetary imaging from a fixed location. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube boasts a generous aperture of 235mm and a sturdy single-fork arm mount for stability and precision. The motorized mount features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows for an impressive 10 hours of uninterrupted stargazing.
The NexStar Evolution 9.25 comes with a good selection of accessories including a red dot finderscope, star diagonal, accessory tray, international AC adapter, hand control and two eyepieces (13mm and 40mm).
Unlike the previous options in this list, the NexStar Evolution 9.25 is a great pick for more experienced skywatchers looking for a top-of-the-range telescope. It’s an investment, sure, but it’s impressively designed and boasts quality features.
Astrophotographers may also find this telescope and its motorized mount to their liking as it can track the movement of celestial objects. You can easily control the NexStar Evolution 9.25 through the free Celestron SkyPortal app, which removes the need for a controller and frees up your hands during shoots.
While it boasts an impressive design, this telescope is on the heavier side. As such, it’s definitely not the most portable option, and we think it’s best suited for backyard stargazing. Nevertheless, its robust construction and excellent features more than make up for this if you’re not looking for a telescope to take on the go.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | A bit bulky and tricky to transport. |
| Performance | Crisp views with no defects. |
| Functionality | Motorized mount a good choice for astrophotography. |
Best for astrophotography
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Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory smart telescope setup outdoors
The Celestron Origin looks like a classic Celestron optical tube, minus an eyepiece.(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
Celestron Origin smart telescope positioned in a field for night sky imaging
The camera inside the Celestron Origin enables you to capture beautiful shots of the night sky. (Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
Handles on the mount of the Celestron Origin smart telescope
There are several handles on the Origin’s mount to make carrying it easier.(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
View of Saturn captured using the Celestron Origin smart telescope
The Celestron Origin enabled us to view Saturn, although we struggled with focusing on planets.(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
Deep sky astrophoto of the Crescent Nebula NGC 6888 taken with a Celestron Origin telescope
An example of a sharp astro shot taken without a filter with the Celestron Origin. The subject is the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888).(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory
Best for astrophotography: This smart telescopes can take clear photos of deep sky objects in seconds
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)
Mount type: Motorized Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 6-inches / 152mm
Focal length: 335mm
Highest useful magnification: N/A
Lowest useful magnification: N/A
Supplied eyepieces: N/A
Weight: 41.6 lbs (18.6 kg)
Reasons to buy
+Crystal clear deep sky photos in seconds
+Quick set up
+Easy-to-use, helpful app
+Stacks and processes images automatically
Reasons to avoid
-Not ideal for all celestial objects
-Quite large and heavy
Buy it if
✅ You want an automated telescope: Focusing, tracking, finding targets and stacking processed images is all automatic with this one.
✅ You want to take deep sky images: The Origin can do this and more in just a few minutes, with little pre-knowledge required.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want a traditional telescope: This one doesn’t have an eyepiece and only gives you views of the night sky on a mobile device.
❌ You’re on a budget: At around $4,000, this telescope is on the pricier side.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory: This (pricey) smart telescope can do every part of stargazing autonomously, and produces beautiful photos of the night sky in seconds. ★★★★½
The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory is a smart telescope unlike any other, in that it doesn’t come with an eyepiece and has a built-in camera instead. Essentially, it allows you to view and image the night sky on a mobile device rather than through the telescope directly. Utilizing a RASA optical design, which is favored for wide-field astrophotography, this telescope is a serious tool for capturing deep-sky images and could be considered one of the best telescopes for professionals specifically focused on automated imaging and data collection.
The result is beautiful, clear images of deep sky objects and distant galaxies in a matter of seconds, even in areas with light pollution. During our Celestron Origin review, we found that within seconds of selecting an object in the accompanying app, the telescope could capture crystal clear images of nebulas with almost no noise. We liked the fact the ‘snapshot’ mode allows you to manually adjust settings to take single photos, too. That said, we didn’t have much luck imaging planets, though it may be that we needed more time with the telescope to get to grips with it.
Beginners will love this telescope thanks to the quick and easy setup. It can also handle every part of stargazing automatically, from focusing to tracking targets, which means you can start using it with no previous astronomy experience. The Origin app is easy to use and makes taking images effortless. The ‘Planetarium View’ shows users a representation of the night sky, and tapping on an object gives you the option to slew the telescope to it directly.
The Celestron Origin looks like a standard telescope, but as mentioned above, it doesn’t have an eyepiece. It’s also on the heavy side, so it’s not one to buy if you’re looking for a telescope to take on the go. The nearly $4,000 price tag might also put off some potential buyers, but if you have the funds, we’d highly recommend this smart telescope.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Bulky, but full of useful features on the mount. |
| Performance | Beautiful, clear photos of deep sky objects. |
| Functionality | Motorized mount, but not a traditional telescope with an eyepiece. |
Best motorized telescope
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope side view
The clutter free sides make the 8SE easy to manouver without breaking any ‘bits’ off(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Included 25mm eyepiece for the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope
The NexStar 8SE comes with a 25mm eyepiece. You’d probably want to invest in a 10mm eyepiece for a closer look at celestial objects(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Finderscope attached to the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope tube
Although the included NexStar 8SE finderscope looks very basic, it’s actually surprisingly effective.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Large focus knob on the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope tube
The focus knob is large. It can easily be found in the dark and can be operated when wearing gloves(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Front view of the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope with 8-inch aperture
The NexStar 8SE has a 203.2mm aperture lens which means you can observe deep-sky objects with breathtaking detail and vividness.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Hand controller and mount controls for the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope
The controls on the NexStar 8SE are easy to use, even for beginners. (Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brokes)
Hand controller for the Celestron NexStar 8SE GoTo telescope
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is controlled by an in-built hand controller rather than an app.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Celestron NexStar 8SE
Best motorized scope: Ideal for astrophotography and deep space observing, giving excellent image clarity and detail
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized alt-azimuth fork arm
Aperture: 8-inches / 203mm
Focal length: 2032mm
Highest useful magnification: 480x
Lowest useful magnification: 29x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm
Weight: 32 lbs (14.48kg)
Reasons to buy
+Incredibly bright views
+Sharpness across the entire field of view
+Pricey, but good value for money
Reasons to avoid
-Will price some beginners out
-Slewing using the remote is a little laggy, but not much
Buy it if
✅ You’re looking for a long-term telescope: There’s no question that this telescope is pricey, but it’s one that will last you for decades — it’s not called ‘The World’s Most Beloved Telescope’ for nothing.
✅ You want to use it for astrophotography: Thanks to the smooth and accurate tracking, this scope is a great option for taking stunning astro images of deep sky objects.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: Although this is definitely worth the money and we’d recommend it if your budget can stretch to it, it is very pricey. If you’re on a budget or you’re new to the medium, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that will be more than good enough.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron NexStar 8SE: An outstanding telescope with incredible optics that would suit a beginner, intermediate or advanced astronomer. It’s great for astrophotography and gives beautifully bright and detailed views. Our only fault with it is that it can price out beginners. ★★★★½
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is one of the most flexible telescopes we’ve ever reviewed, and an ideal scope to learn and grow with. It’s beginner-friendly, requiring no prior knowledge of the night sky to use, yet its stunning optics will be enough to satisfy intermediate to advanced astronomers as well. Its combination of a large aperture and motorized GoTo mount makes it a solid option, bridging the gap between advanced amateur scopes and the best telescopes for professionals who need reliable tracking and good light gathering. The only downside is the price, but if you have the funds, then we have no qualms about recommending it.
The Celestron SkyAlign app helps you to align the scope using three bright stars, after which the entire operation is automated. You simply push the buttons on the handheld remote to select your desired celestial object and the motorized mount will slew the telescope towards your target. You can select from a range of objects categorized under ‘solar system’, ‘stars’ or ‘deep sky’, or you can select ‘sky tour’ which will automatically choose objects of interest to show you depending on your location.
With an 8-inch aperture and Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, this telescope is able to absorb a huge amount of light and offers bright and clear views of objects within our solar system and beyond. The catadioptric construction, which combines both refraction and reflection, has allowed Celestron to keep the distinctive orange tube relatively short, so it’s eminently portable for taking with you on the hunt for darker skies.
In our Celestron NexStar 8SE review we were seriously impressed by the smoothness and accuracy of the motorized fork arm and think it would be a great option for those seeking to do long-exposure astrophotography. However, the telescope does require a whopping 8x AA batteries, so we’d recommend buying some rechargeable batteries for this power-hungry scope to prevent future costs from mounting up. This is especially important considering that the range of the Celestron NexStar 8SE means that you’ll likely be using it for many years to come.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Can be transported as a fully-assembled setup. |
| Performance | Outstanding optics, slightly tricky to align if you’re not used to it. |
| Functionality | Easy to assemble and disassemble. |
Best for portability
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Celestron Astro Fi 102 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope setup outdoors
The telescope may not be the most attractive, and some might even say it looks a little ‘toyish,’ but the optical quality is good.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Side view of the Celestron Astro Fi 102 portable telescope
While this telescope is very portable, we found the finish doesn’t feel very premium.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Eyepieces included with the Celestron Astro Fi 102 portable telescope
The telescope comes with a 25 mm eyepiece and a 10mm eyepiece providing 53x and 132.5x magnification respectively.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Finderscope attachment on the Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope tube
The finderscope is attached to the tube with ease.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Accessory tray on the tripod of the Celestron Astro Fi 102 portable telescope
The accessory tray is useful for keeping your gear nearby and tidy in the dark(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Battery pack for the Celestron Astro Fi 102 portable telescope
The battery pack requires 8 AA batteries. We’d like it if the cable connection was a little more robust.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Dimensions of the optical tube assembly of the Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope
The optical tube assembly is 38.1cm long and 11.7cm in diameter. (Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Celestron Astro Fi 102
Best lightweight and portable go-to mount scope for beginner sky watchers
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Aperture: 4.0-inches / 102mm
Focal length: 1325mm
Highest useful magnification: Up to 100x with digital zoom
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm and 10mm
Weight: 6 lbs (2.7kg)
Reasons to buy
+Very portable thanks to its lightweight design
+Reasonably and fairly priced
+No prior experience needed
Reasons to avoid
-Optics could be better
-Tripod isn’t the best quality
-Doesn’t feel like a premium product to the touch
Buy it if
✅ You’ll be traveling with it: This scope is our top choice for portability, so it’s ideal if you plan on taking it away on camping trips or to areas with darker skies.✅ You’re a beginner: If you just want to look at the moon and some planets, this is a great choice.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want good quality parts: This telescope has an element of ‘you get what you pay for’. It’s adequate for basic astronomy, but the tripod isn’t the best quality, the optics could be better and it didn’t have a premium feel.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron Astro Fi 102: Best suited for viewing the moon and planets, this telescope is great for beginners and anyone with no prior experience. It can be a little tricky to setup initially, and it’s not the best quality scope we’ve reviewed, but it’ll do the job. ★★★½
The Celestron Astro Fi 102 has many benefits for newcomers to astronomy — it’s relatively easy to set up, it has a motorized mount that automatically slews to your chosen target and it’s in an affordable price bracket for a Maksutov-Cassegrain scope. It also has an array of convenient features and accessories to help you get started. While not typically listed among the best telescopes for professionals, its extreme portability might make it a niche tool for outreach or quick surveys in diverse locations.
One of the things we loved about this scope in our Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope review was its portability. It has a compact body and weighs only 6 lbs (2.7kg), so it’s extremely easy to carry with you out in the field. A word of caution, though, it’s not as robust as some pricier scopes and probably couldn’t withstand getting wet, so make sure to take a cover with you in case of passing showers. We also think it would feel more stable with a sturdier tripod as the one that’s included felt a bit flimsy and needed some extra weighing down.
This telescope comes with integrated WiFi so you can pair it with your phone using the Celestron SkyPortal app. The app contains around 100,000 celestial objects that you can select for the telescope to slew to, making it easy for beginners to navigate the sky above them with no prior knowledge.
For the price, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 offers good views of the moon and its craters and closer planets such as Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. In good conditions, you can also hope to catch a glimpse of Uranus or Neptune. There is some sharpness drop-off towards the edges, but you’d need to purchase a much more expensive scope to avoid this.
The plastic casing is acceptable but we don’t think it could survive a substantial knock or a soaking from a passing shower as the seals aren’t great, unlike some of the hardier, fully-sealed telescopes available. Exploring the hobby at this level can be a good start for those who might one day seek the capabilities of the best telescopes for professionals. For those interested in starting out, exploring options for telescope amateur might be helpful.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Highly transportable, but tripod needs weighing down. |
| Performance | Initial setup can be tricky, but after that it’s a breeze. |
| Functionality | Large database of celestial objects on SkyPortal. |
Best for accessories
Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 PRO Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with accessories laid out
This scope is a great astrophotography all-rounder; you can capture everything from planets to deep-sky subjects. (Image credit: Amazon)
Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 PRO
Best for accessories: The Skymax 150 PRO can accommodate CCD or DSLR cameras, filter wheels and other add-ons
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Equatorial (EQ-5 Pro)
Aperture: 5.90-inches / 150mm
Focal length: 1800mm
Highest useful magnification: 450x
Lowest useful magnification: 36x
Supplied eyepieces: 28 mm
Weight: 13.23 lbs (6kg)
Reasons to buy
+High-quality, lightweight build
+Excellent optics
+Great for a wide selection of astrophotography
Reasons to avoid
-Not all models come with a tripod
-Comes with only one eyepiece
Buy it if
✅ You want to travel with it: Most astrophotography involves traveling to dark sky sites, and this telescope is light enough to do just that.
✅ Your primary focus is astrophotography: We recommend this telescope as the best for astrophotography thanks to its amazing optics.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re looking for something super sophisticated: For those looking for high-end, sophisticated instruments and have the money to spend on them, a smart telescope would likely be a better fit.
The bottom line
🔎 Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 PRO: This telescope is perfect for astrophotographers who want to take it on shoots — it has great quality optics and an excellent build. It can accommodate plenty of accessories, although not all models come with a tripod. ★★★★
The Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 is perfect for astrophotographers thanks to its high-quality equatorial mount, which can suit both short and long-exposure shots. Its robust build, excellent optics, and capacity for numerous accessories make it a strong contender for serious amateur astrophotography and could be considered among the best telescopes for professionals involved in portable imaging setups.
This telescope weighs in at just 13.23 lbs (6kg) so you can easily take it to different locations to seek out darker skies. It works well with many equatorial mounts and accommodates additional accessories like CCD or DSLR cameras, filter wheels and other add-ons. It also comes with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy mount attachment.
This well-built Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope comes with a 28mm focal length eyepiece that provides 64x magnification, enabling you to see detailed views of various celestial objects.
The Skymax 150’s optics are impressive, delivering crisp, distortion-free views. It’s a versatile telescope, perfect for capturing images of planets or distant galaxies and nebulas. It’s also user-friendly and easy to accessorize, making it a great choice for astronomers and astrophotographers of all abilities. We also think the Skymax 150 is very good value compared to some other products on this list.
The focuser is very smooth to operate and the telescope keeps a good amount of fine focus once it’s been found, which is vital for long nights of astrophotography sessions.
If this isn’t the right telescope for your needs, but you’re still after a Sky-Watcher scope, check out our Sky-Watcher deals hub to find more models from the brand.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | High quality build, excellent optics. |
| Performance | Outstanding optics, with no sign of distortion. |
| Functionality | Great for a wide selection of astrophotography. |
Best smart telescope
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Unistellar eQuinox 2 smart telescope operating at night under a starry sky
The Unistellar eQuinox 2 can smoothly and silently slew to night sky objects and image them within minutes of getting it out of the box.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Power button on the Unistellar eQuinox 2 smart telescope mount arm
Only a single button appears on the eQuinox 2 telescope, the power button which glows red when on and connected.(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Screenshots of the Unistellar smartphone app interface
All of the functionality of this telescope can be accessed with the accompanying app(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
Unistellar eQuinox 2 telescope
Best smart telescope: This smart telescope offers simple astronomy powered by a clever smartphone app
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Newtonian Reflector
Mount type: Motorized GoTo alt-azimuth
Aperture: 4.49-inches / 114mm
Focal length: 450mm
Highest useful magnification: 400x digital
Lowest useful magnification: 50x optical
Supplied eyepieces: N/A
Weight: 19.8 lbs (9kg)
Reasons to buy
+Beautiful, simple layout and design
+Get views of the night sky fast
+App is easy to operate
Reasons to avoid
-Image resolution is average
-Can’t orientate telescope in twilight
-Laggy views when focusing
Buy it if
✅ You live in an urban area: This scope has a Smart Light Pollution Reduction feature that removes light pollution, s it’s a great option if you don’t live near a dark sky site.
✅ You want simplicity: This is an incredibly sleek, all-in-one telescope that has no need for additional accessories and can take you to your chosen celestial objects with ease.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: Unsurprisingly, this is an expensive bit of kit, so it’ll price out most beginners and anyone who doesn’t have a big budget.
The bottom line
🔎 Unistellar eQuinox 2: An easy-to-use motorized smart telescope that can locate night sky objects at the push of a button, the eQuinox 2 can have you exploring the stars in minutes without the need for prior knowledge, although its in-built camera isn’t quite detailed enough. ★★★★½
The Unistellar eQuinox 2 packs all the latest smart technology in a sleek and modern motorized reflector telescope. It features a single power button on the fork arm, and all other controls are operated via the Unistellar app. Unlike traditional telescopes, you won’t get a finderscope, eyepieces or other accessories included in the package because the Unistellar eQuinox 2 doesn’t need them. Its autonomous nature and light pollution reduction technology offer unique capabilities, positioning it as a modern solution potentially among the best telescopes for professionals involved in automated sky surveys, citizen science projects, or public outreach in challenging urban environments.
The telescope contains a 6.2MP image sensor (an improvement over the 4.9MP sensor in the previous model) which captures several images one after the other and stacks them to give the appearance of a long exposure. As a result, objects become brighter as the image on your phone or tablet screen gets updated in real-time.
While this may not appeal to astronomers who enjoy a more traditional approach to sky-watching, it has particular benefits when stargazing from urban locations thanks to the Smart Light Pollution Reduction feature, which removes the effects of light pollution as you view. We also like that it’s very easy to save and share photos of what you’re seeing in real-time.
During our Unistellar eQuinox 2 review, we found it quick and easy to set up using the Autonomous Field Detection feature, after which you can use Unistellar’s intuitive app to navigate automatically to different objects in the night sky. The menu screen displays a choice of objects that are currently available to view, as well as objects that will make an appearance within the next few hours. Alternatively, you can search for the specific object you’re interested in in their huge database of 37 million stars and over 5,000 celestial objects.
It’s worth noting, though, that this high-tech telescope will set you back around $2,000. If your budget will stretch that far, then the Unistellar eQuinox 2 may be the telescope for you.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Slim, sleek, neat package. |
| Performance | Quick go to location of night sky objects. |
| Functionality | Doesn’t orientate until well after twilight, easy once oriented. |
Best for deep space
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Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and mount
The Celestron Advanced VX8 comes packaged with Celestron’s imager focused Advanced VX mount.(Image credit: Future/Michael Covington)
Computerized mount control for the Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD telescope
Computerized mount finds celestial objects, taking commands from hand box or via USB from your PC.(Image credit: Future/Michael Covington)
Camera attached to the back of a Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD telescope
An astrocamera (not included) or DSLR attaches in place of the eyepiece for photography through the telescope (Image credit: Future/Michael Covington)
Celestron Advanced VX mount with camera and telephoto lens
Advanced VX mount (older version shown, with aftermarket saddle) can carry camera and telephoto lens for dramatic deep-sky images (Image credit: Future/Michael Covington)
Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD
Best for pinpoint sharpness across the whole field of view, this is one for veteran astronomers
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Mount type: Motorized equatorial
Aperture: 8-inches / 203.2mm
Focal length: 2032mm
Highest useful magnification: 480x
Lowest useful magnification: 29x
Supplied eyepieces: 40mm
Weight: 61 lbs (27.67kg)
Reasons to buy
+EdgeHD has the best optics available in a telescope of this size
+Computerized mount finds and tracks objects reliably
+Dovetail mount system
+Proven design on the market for years, incrementally refined
Reasons to avoid
-Setting up requires some knowledge of the sky
-Only one eyepiece is supplied
-Needs a sturdier mount for serious long-exposure photography
Buy it if
✅ You want to see everything: While some telescopes are only good for seeing the moon and planets or deep space, this telescope is good for seeing all types of celestial objects.
✅ You want a seamless experience: We found the motorized mount on this telescope very smooth and slick.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re a beginner: This telescope is intended for those with experience and knowledge of the sky and telescopes, so if you’re just starting out, we’d suggest a more beginner-friendly model.
❌ You want something lightweight: At 61 lbs (27.67kg), this telescope is heavier than most other choices in this guide.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD: Intended for serious amateurs, this optically excellent telescope is suitable for all types of visual astronomy with its rugged, lightweight computerized mount. If you know the sky and plan to be doing astronomy for a long time, this is the telescope to get. ★★★★½
Celestron’s EdgeHD technology greatly improves Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, especially for astrophotography. Normally, these telescopes produce a curved focal plane that doesn’t match the flat surface of a CCD camera sensor. This mismatch causes field curvature, making stars at the image edges appear blurry. However, Celestron’s EdgeHD technology solves this problem by providing a perfectly flat field. This enables astrophotographers to capture sharp and detailed photos across the entire frame without any blur. This advanced optical design, combined with a robust equatorial mount, firmly places the Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD among the best telescopes for professionals or advanced amateurs focused on high-quality imaging and detailed observation across the entire field of view.
During our Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD review, we were pleased to find that the optics in the EdgeHD negate the blurred edges, creating a perfectly flat field right to the edge of the frame for pinpoint sharpness across the whole image. The Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD’s optical performance is impressive, with crisp and clear views with no optical distortion or false color.
The Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD can handle a weight of up to 30 lbs (13.6kg), ensuring stable and secure support for the tube and all your accessories. The package includes the standard NexStar+ hand controller, a 40mm eyepiece and access to Celestron’s SkyPortal app and Starry Night Special Edition software.
As a bonus, the optical tube assembly includes Celestron’s Advanced VX mount, specifically designed for photographers. It can capture images across the meridian (an imaginary north-south line) without requiring a meridian flip. The setup also corrects errors periodically while tracking objects and includes an auto guider port.
Views of Saturn and Jupiter are dramatic; globular clusters are resolved into stars; all the Messier Objects are plainly visible; and with a trained eye and a dark country sky, galaxies are visible down to 12th magnitude. It’s a telescope you won’t outgrow.
Check out our Celestron deals page to see if you can snap up a bargain.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | EdgeHD optical design outperforms Schmidt-Cassegrain. |
| Performance | Finds and tracks celestial objects reliably. |
| Functionality | Great views of all types of celestial objects. |
Best for kids
Celestron FirstScope 76 tabletop reflector telescope on a white background
The Celestron FirstScope is a low-budget tabletop instrument to instill some sky-watching enthusiasm into your children. (Image credit: Amazon)
Celestron FirstScope 76 Tabletop telescope
Best tabletop telescope suited to on-the-go astronomers with small hands
Our expert review:
Specifications
Optical design: Reflector
Mount type: Dobsonian
Aperture: 2.99-inch / 76mm
Focal length: 11.81-inch / 300mm
Highest useful magnification: 180x
Lowest useful magnification: 11x
Supplied eyepieces: 4mm, 20mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs / 2.04kg
Reasons to buy
+Portable
+Easy to use
+Robust build
+Low investment for casual or young astronomers
+Fast focal ratio for easy observations of wide-angle targets
Reasons to avoid
-Loose focuser
-Some observations lack clarity and detail
-A challenge to collimate
-Finderscope not supplied
Buy it if
✅ You want low investment: For casual viewing, this telescope is a great option with a low price point.
✅ You don’t want to spend ages setting it up: It arrives assembled and ready to go, so no complicated setup process needed.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to find objects easily: It doesn’t come with a finderscope, so anyone wanting to locate certain celestial objects easily may get frustrated.
❌ You want all the extras: This package doesn’t include a finderscope, so you’ll need to either buy one separately or consider another telescope package that does.
The bottom line
🔎 Celestron FirstScope 76 Tabletop Telescope: If you have children who have been bugging you for a telescope and you can’t quite commit to a moderately-priced instrument, then the FirstScope may be for you — especially if the moon and casual glances at the night sky are of interest. ★★★★
As you might have guessed from its name, the Celestron FirstScope 76 is designed to be a kid’s first telescope. As you’d expect, it’s really easy to set up and use, as it comes fully assembled in the box. It’s ready to go as soon as you open it up, perfect for impatient kids who just want to get started. While certainly not among the best telescopes for professionals, it serves as an excellent introduction to astronomy for young minds, potentially fostering a lifelong interest.
In our Celestron FirstScope 76 Tabletop telescope review, we noted that it’s ideal for little hands since the tube can easily be pushed to the desired target. It’s also fully equipped for decent night sky observations with two basic eyepieces included — 4mm and 20mm. It features a 76mm aperture (nearly three inches) and a fast focal ratio of f/3.95, which means you’ll be able to spot celestial objects as well as some fainter deep-sky targets. You won’t get close-up views, but it’s good enough for newcomers to the field. Although they weren’t totally pin-sharp, we were impressed with the great views of craters we saw and thought they were a great starting point.
You’ll notice that the telescope’s base is short, meaning that you’ll need to place it on a table in order to use it comfortably: a hindrance for some observers, however, if you have children who have been pestering you for a telescope, the FirstScope is the perfect solution, especially given its small build and ease of use.
The Celestron FirstScope 76 is very portable, weighing only 4.5 lbs (2.04kg). However, being a tabletop telescope, it’s not really one you want to use in the wild as it’ll need somewhere to stand. If you’re weary of its low price-point, don’t be: The Celestron FirstScope is built very sturdily with durable, non-glossy plastics, so it looks and feels premium too.
Perhaps the only real complaint we have about the FirstScope is that is doesn’t come with a finderscope — a tool that aids in aligning the telescope. Having one would enhance the overall experience for young astronomers, so we’d highly recommend purchasing a red dot finder to go with this telescope (thankfully, they’re relatively inexpensive).
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Good quality build for the price. |
| Performance | Provides a ‘wow factor’ for young observers. |
| Functionality | Optics struggle to pick out detail. |
Contributing experts
Telescope FAQ answered by
Telescope FAQ answered byDr Gemma Lavender
A contributing expert to Space.com, Live Science, All About Space and more, Gemma is the author of several books including ‘Quantum Physics in Minutes’. She holds a degree in physical sciences, a Master’s in astrophysics and a PhD in computational astrophysics and became fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2011. Gemma is also the Communications and Outreach Officer at the European Space Agency.
Telescope FAQ
How do I choose the right telescope for me?
Choosing the perfect telescope can be a serious challenge, especially as a beginner. There’s a lot of jargon and technical knowledge that surrounds them. Plus, you’ve got hundreds of options to choose from, with multitudes of different configurations, settings, all at a wide range of prices. For those aiming to find the best telescopes for professionals or serious advanced amateur use, the considerations become even more critical, focusing on precision optics, robust mounts, and advanced capabilities.
The good news is that quality of telescopes has drastically improved in recent years, so most models’ quality is usually pretty good these days; you’re unlikely to end up with a total dud. That said, there are better options than others, and we’ve endeavored to only include the very best in this guide.
The most important factor in choosing a telescope is the optical quality it provides. You’ll also want to think about what aperture you need and whether you need a more portable model or a larger, more powerful one. Beginner telescopes are a brilliant option if you’re just starting out in the field. For those aiming higher, considering specialized instruments optimized for specific tasks like astrophotography or deep-sky observing is key. Exploring resources for telescope amateur can provide valuable insights for those progressing in the hobby.
In order to get the best possible views of the night sky, you’ll also need to consider where you’re observing from, what objects you’d like to see in particular, your setup if you’re going to attempt astrophotography, and more. If you’re planning on roaming with your telescope, weight and portability are other factors to take into consideration.
We’d strongly advise you to stick to reputable telescope dealers to buy your scope from. That way you’ll be sure to get exactly what you’ve ordered, and many will provide a warranty with your purchase. Astronomical equipment businesses also tend to offer the best deals on their products, and have advisors on hand to help you make the right decision for you.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the different types of telescopes you can buy, as well as which model we think is best.
What types of telescope are there?
There are three main types of telescopes: reflector, refractor and catadioptric telescopes. Each type has characteristics that make it more or less suitable for different astronomical tasks and different levels of astronomers, from beginners to those seeking the best telescopes for professionals.
Reflectors have a main mirror to gather and focus light, whereas refractors have an objective lens. Catadioptrics have a main mirror, and a lens of the same diameter. All three of these types of telescopes have ‘sub-types’ which vary by design. For example, the most basic reflector telescopes have a Newtonian design, which means they have a main mirror and a smaller, secondary one to divert the light at right angles to the eyepiece from the top of the telescope.
As we’ve mentioned above, nowadays, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to quality (and relatively affordable!) telescopes. So, which type should you opt for? We think Newtonian reflector telescopes on a simple undriven alt-azimuth mount (known as a ‘Dobsonian’) offer the best value in terms of aperture.
However, if you are interested in learning your way around the night sky ‘the old fashioned way’, then a Dobsonian telescope might be the way to go. They don’t come with any bells and whistles, so you’ll need to arm yourself with a star map to make sense of stargazing. Dobsonians collect a lot of light, and they have enough resolving power to deliver breathtaking views of celestial objects. Dobsonian telescopes over 6 inches in aperture tend to be pretty large and imposing, so you’ll need to consider where it can be stored if you purchase one. A garden shed or garage might be the best option. While powerful visually, manual Dobsonians are not typically considered among the best telescopes for professionals needing tracking for imaging or precise data collection.
If you add an equatorial or computerized mount, Newtonian or refractor telescopes become much more expensive. You can find several types of computerized mounts for Newtonian telescopes: Dobsonians (push-to or GoTo), single time-mounted (tracking or GoTo) and German equatorial (GoTo). For reference, for a computerized push-to Dobsonian, you’ll be looking at spending about twice as much than for a manual model of the same aperture, while a GoTo will set you back almost four times the price of its manual counterpart. A premium Newtonian on a German equatorial mount can be as much as ten times more expensive than one on a manual mount! These advanced mounts are often necessary features on the best telescopes for professionals.
If ease of use, portability and convenience are high on your requirements, and you like gadgets, then a short focal length refractor of up to 4 inches or a catadioptric (Schmidt- or Maksutov-Cassegrain) up to 5 inches on a computerized mount may well fit the bill. These are versatile telescopes with high magnification which enables you to observe amazing details on the moon and planets.
Achromatic refractors with short focal lengths typically display a degree of false color around the edges of bright objects like the moon because they can’t focus all wavelengths of light to a precise point. Most users are happy to accept this drawback because refractors are so easy to use and care for; however, if you’re after a clean, high-contrast view without false color, the Maksutov is the best option here.
The best views of the night sky are obtained through apochromatic refractors. Using special glass objectives, they focus all wavelengths of light to as near a single point as possible and are free of false color. It is worth noting though that apochromats cost around four times as much as equivalent-sized achromats. It’s up to you whether you’re prepared to invest that kind of money into your skywatching. For many professionals, this level of optical performance is non-negotiable.
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor telescope with included accessories
Refractors are usually supplied with a simple alt-azimuth mount that allows you to slew from left to right and up and down. (Image credit: Amazon)
How does a refractor telescope work?
Refractors work by bending — or refracting — the light they gather to give you a view of your astronomical target. Easy to set up, the refractor is best suited to planetary and lunar viewing, using lenses to collect and focus light to form an image, while an eyepiece magnifies the view. While smaller refractors are great for beginners, larger aperture apochromatic refractors with premium mounts can be counted among the best telescopes for professionals focused on planetary observation or wide-field imaging.
The refractor has a fairly straightforward design, with a main objective lens at one end and a star diagonal with a threaded eyepiece at the other. Being intuitive to use, the refractor is often a popular instrument for novice astronomers, given their low maintenance. Refractors are usually affixed to a simple alt-azimuth mount, that slews from side to side and up and down to locate a desired target. Being easy to use means these telescopes are also simple to manufacture (at least for novice models) and, therefore, cheaper to buy.
The downside is that the higher the aperture, the more expensive the refractor gets. Unfortunately, this means that a basic refractor is also the number one target to replicate in mail-order catalogs and other non-reputable vendors, so caution must be exercised when purchasing this type of telescope.
Refractors are particularly good at giving highly magnified and high contrast images and, because of this, are ideal instruments to use when looking at solar system targets such as the moon and the planets. The best refractors usually have an aperture of 2 inches (60mm) or more and will provide you with reasonable views of astronomical objects. A 3 to 4-inch (80 mm – 90 mm) would be best suited if you’re looking for a larger aperture.
The drawback of a refractor is that it can suffer from chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing. When a single lens doesn’t focus all the colors emitted from a target object at the same point, bright objects such as the moon, Venus or Jupiter usually have a colored halo around them. To reduce this problem, many refractors are manufactured as achromatic or APOchromatic (also known as Extra Dispersion (ED) telescopes).
The achromatic refractor is cheaper than the apochromatic refractor and, combined with its efficiency, is often the type of telescope that novice astronomers go for. Even if you choose the more expensive achromatic, you’ll likely get a stubborn degree of purple fringing around some targets.
Unless you’re a seasoned skywatcher and you can afford to go for the more expensive apochromatic — which corrects for such an effect by using exotic glass for the lenses — this degree of color fringing will not ruin your observing experience to any great extent. If you decide to go for the expensive option, you will be stunned by the views you will get through these excellent telescopes. Be warned, though, you might find that some apochromatics come without a tripod, something that you’ll have to buy separately along with any accessories.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ telescope pointing at the sky near a brick wall
Reflector telescopes are excellent for low-magnification targets such as galaxies and nebulas. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
How does a reflector telescope work?
There are two common types of reflector telescope — the Newtonian and the Dobsonian. The way these instruments operate is the same — they both use mirrors to reflect light to create an image of the object you’re looking at.
The Newtonian telescope comprises a curved light-collecting mirror, which can be found at the tube’s base. The light that hits this mirror is reflected back to the front of the tube, where a smaller flat mirror — oriented at 45-degrees — brings light to the observer who can see their chosen object.
The Newtonian can be found on alt-azimuth mounts, but you shouldn’t be too surprised to find this type of reflector is more popularly affixed to an equatorial mount, allowing the telescope to follow the rotation of the sky while being aligned with your hemisphere’s celestial pole. This reflector is a favorite in the amateur astronomy community due to its versatility in observing a wide selection of astronomical targets and allowing for astrophotography. With Newtonians, you can also buy a large aperture for less money — for instance, an eight-inch (203.2 mm) reflector would cost you less than a refractor with the same aperture, allowing you to get much more value for your money. Larger aperture reflectors, especially those with advanced mounts, are often included when discussing the best telescopes for professionals focused on deep-sky observation or imaging.
Newtonian reflector telescopes do require some maintenance. The mirrors must be aligned periodically to ensure that they are reflecting light properly. The mirrors can also become tarnished over time, so they may need to be repainted. If you choose a Newtonian reflector telescope, select one with a protective mirror coating. This will help extend the mirrors’ life and make them easier to maintain.
Some beginners to the hobby of astronomy might find setting up and using an equatorial mount tricky — that’s where the Dobsonian comes in. These telescopes give the capabilities of a reflector without the complexities an equatorial mount will bring since it employs an alt-azimuth mount. Dobsonians are very simple to use and can easily be pulled into orientation when looking at astronomical objects. If you’re not confident in navigating your telescope though, then GoTo or computerized Dobsonians and Newtonians (that slew to objects for you using an in-built motor) are on the market — but cost more. Learn more about these in our ‘What are Dobsonian telescopes’ guide.
Whatever reflector you choose, these telescopes are excellent for low-magnification targets such as galaxies and many nebulas.
Meade Instruments LX65 GoTo telescope with a catadioptric optical tube
The short optical tube allows high power magnifications in smaller packages. (Image credit: B&H Photo)
How does a catadioptric telescope work?
Ideal for astrophotography, the catadioptric is an excellent instrument for taking a wide range of astronomical targets and is manufactured in order to take the best parts of two kinds of telescopes: The reflector and the refractor. What’s more, the catadioptric takes advantage of a lightweight design, meaning that it’s much more portable than other kinds of telescopes and its sealed optics promote little to no maintenance. The only major downside to choosing a catadioptric is that the vast majority can be expensive. However, if you are on a strict budget, picking up one of these instruments isn’t unheard of — you’ve just got to make sure to shop around. Many of the best telescopes for professionals, particularly for planetary observation and imaging, are catadioptric designs due to their combination of long focal length, compact size, and corrected optics.
While refractors use lenses, and reflectors make use of mirrors, to create and magnify an image, the catadioptric makes use of both lenses and mirrors for high-definition and superior views. During your observations, light from your chosen target passes through to a lens, which corrects or reduces aberration that distorts the view that is later taken in through the eyepiece. Curved primary mirrors then reflect this light onto a secondary mirror, which then reaches your eyes. You will find two kinds of Catadioptric telescopes — the Schmidt-Cassegrain and the Maksutov-Cassegrain.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain, also affectionately known as the ‘Mak’, corrects the optical problem that is experienced by reflectors — an aberration effect called ‘coma,’ which can make objects look distorted and appear like they have a tail. This effect is reduced or banished with the combined efforts of a spherical mirror and a meniscus lens, the latter of which is ‘weakly negative’. The Maksutov is also adept at correcting for chromatic aberration, or color fringing, a distortion that creates an unwanted purple or blue edging around bright night-sky objects.
Packed into its short optical tube is a system that allows you to target higher magnification objects such as the planets, moon and double stars. Additionally, if you struggle to find objects and your way around the night sky, then both this type of catadioptric telescope and the Schmidt-Cassegrain can be found in abundance and equipped with a GoTo system.
The other most common kind of catadioptric, the Schmidt-Cassegrain, offers similar capabilities to the Maksutov and will allow you to make general observations of planetary targets and stars. It is also possible to expand the telescope’s field of view with the help of corrector lenses, enabling exquisite views of an even wider selection of astronomical targets.
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian with red dot finderscope
A finderscope attached to a telescope may look like this. Pictured is the Celestron Starsense explorer 8-inch dobsonian red dot finderscope. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
What is a finderscope?
A finder scope is a low-power (low magnification) telescope that sits on your main telescope, to help you track down your desired subject. Your main telescope will typically have a narrow field of view, meaning you’ll see only a little portion of the sky when you look through it. Your finder scope, with a wider field of view, assists you in pointing your telescope, making it easy to hone in on your target with minimal searching and repositioning. For both amateur and professional astronomers, a reliable finderscope or equivalent alignment aid is crucial for quickly locating targets, especially before engaging motorized tracking or imaging systems.
Center your subject in the finder scope’s frame; there are usually crosshairs or a dot so you know when it’s central. Now when you look through your telescope’s eyepiece, your subject will be centered here too.
Many telescopes include a finder scope with the package. But if you need to purchase one separately, it’s important to know that there are two main types. One has a straight-through view, and one has a right-angled view. If you have a Newtonian reflector telescope you’ll want a right-angle finder. And if you use a refractor or catadioptric due to the location of their eyepieces you should buy a finder with a straight-through view. Some finder scopes will also be magnified — higher magnification and a narrower field may be desirable if you need pinpoint accuracy.
You’ll also come across the terms ‘inverted’ or ‘erect image.’ The latter means the finder scope has a correcting prism that flips the image the ‘right way up’ (top-to-bottom) and ‘around’ (left-to-right). Some finder scopes don’t have a correcting prism, so you see either a back-to-front image or upside down. This can be disorientating and make finding subjects more difficult, especially if you’re just starting out and wondering why your telescope’s controls seem to be inverted.
What does aperture, magnification and focal length mean on a telescope?
Time to dispel jargon myths with a bit of a telescope glossary. Understanding these terms is fundamental for anyone choosing an instrument, particularly when comparing the capabilities of the best telescopes for professionals versus entry-level models. The larger a telescope’s aperture (the size of its main lens or primary mirror) the more light is collected and more fine detail is revealed. For example, a 200 mm aperture collects four times more light than a 100 mm telescope. Under ideal conditions, a 100 mm telescope reveals stars down to magnitude +11.8, while a 200 mm telescope will show stars down to magnitude +13.3. A 100 mm telescope will ‘split’ a double star separated by 1.5 arcseconds and resolves a three-kilometer lunar crater; however, a 200 mm telescope resolves a crater just 1.5 km across and a double star separated by just 0.6 arcseconds. Resolution is limited by the telescope’s optical quality and the steadiness of the Earth’s atmosphere. Larger apertures are a key characteristic of the best telescopes for professionals seeking maximum light-gathering power and resolution.
Telescopic magnification depends on the telescope’s focal length (the distance between the objective lens/primary mirror and the point of focus of the light it collects) and the focal length of the eyepiece used. Magnification is calculated by dividing the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length. For example, a 100 mm telescope with a focal length of f/8 (eight times the telescope’s aperture) has a focal length of 800 mm; used in conjunction with an eyepiece of 10 mm it will deliver a magnification of 80 times (800 divided by 10).
With any telescope, the range of useful magnification depends on a telescope’s aperture and focal length, combined with the focal length of the eyepiece. Too low a magnification (taking in as wide an area as possible) will actually waste light since the ‘exit pupil’ of the eyepiece will be larger than the diameter of the pupil of your dark-adapted eye. On average, the adult pupil will dilate to around 7 mm in dark conditions. Therefore the exit pupil delivered by an eyepiece ideally needs to be 7 mm or smaller so that all the light gathered by the telescope — especially when attempting to see faint objects — can be taken in. Exit pupil can be calculated by dividing the telescope’s aperture by the magnification delivered by any particular eyepiece.
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian eyepiece holder close up
Telescope eyepieces can be changed to adjust the magnification of a telescope. Pictured is the eyepiece from the Celestron Starsense explorer 8-inch dobsonian. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Magnification: How do telescope eyepieces work?
Eyepieces work by magnifying the light focused by the telescope’s primary mirror or objective lens. Every telescope eyepiece has a specific focal length (given in millimeters), and the shorter this figure is, the higher the magnification. To calculate the magnification provided by any particular eyepiece on any telescope, divide the telescope’s focal length by the focal length of the eyepiece used. For example, a 1000 mm focal length telescope (say, a 100 mm refractor of f/10, or a 200 mm Newtonian of f/5) will deliver a magnification of 100 with a 10 mm eyepiece (1000 divided by 10 = 100).
Although any telescope can give impressively high magnifications using short focal length eyepieces, there is a point when increasing magnification will provide a worse image rather than improve it. When an object is magnified, its brightness is reduced as the finite amount of light is spread over a larger area. In addition, increasing magnification exacerbates the amount of atmospheric turbulence visible; therefore, high magnifications can only be used when seeing conditions are good. Finally, high magnification is practical only with driven telescopes. Otherwise, the object will quickly drift out of the field of view. Serious observers, including professionals, often invest in high-quality eyepieces to maximize the performance of their instruments, including the best telescopes for professionals.
As a guide, your highest power eyepiece should deliver a magnification double the telescope’s aperture in millimeters — for example, 200x on a 100 mm telescope, 400x on a 200 mm telescope, and so on.
It’s best to have at least three good quality eyepieces that deliver low, medium and high magnifications — say around 50x, 100x and 200x. Taking as an example a 100 mm f/10 telescope, those eyepieces would be of 20 mm, 10 mm and 5 mm focal length. Let’s assume that these particular eyepieces are of the commonly used Plossl variety. A field of view around one degree across (an area of 0.8 square degrees) is given by the 20 mm eyepiece — ideal for sweeping the deep skies and finding objects. The 10 mm eyepiece will just take in the half-degree diameter moon and have a field covering just one-quarter that of the 20 mm eyepiece. With its high magnification, the 5 mm eyepiece has a field of view covering just one-sixteenth that of the 20 mm eyepiece and can only be used when seeing conditions allow.
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*Editor’s note 05/08/2025***:** Updated introduction to include details of the May 12 full moon, colorful stars in the night sky (Summer Triangle, Arcturus, Antares) and Saturn’s appearance.
How we test the best telescopes
To guarantee you are getting honest reviews and informed recommendations of the best telescopes, each telescope is thoroughly tested and used for observation to see how it performs in all aspects. This rigorous testing process is particularly important when evaluating options that could be considered the best telescopes for professionals, where precision, durability, and performance under various conditions are paramount.
By looking at the build of the Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) we can give a clear breakdown to our readers. This includes discussing the type of telescope (refractor, reflector, catadioptric), how many parts the OTA consists of, the size of the OTA and the clarity of the lens. This is important because some telescopes require advanced collimation (alignment) of the mirrors and consistent cleaning to make sure that they perform at their best.
Telescope accessories, like eyepieces and mounts, are assessed in terms of their functionality and quality. Alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts are tested in terms of smooth movement, especially if they are motorized. Star alignment is another important feature we test, as it can range from aligning a finder scope to advanced laser collimation techniques. The accuracy and reliability of tracking systems are key evaluation points for instruments designed for imaging or long-term observation.
Considering that telescopes are complicated optical instruments, we think about how much astronomical knowledge a user would need to operate the telescope with ease. Powerful intricate telescopes often require regular collimation and movement can misalign the mirrors meaning that they require adjustment before every observation. Our recommendations also include whether we think the telescope is portable and suitable for traveling to dark-sky sites.
The most important part of testing a telescope is seeing how powerful its observational abilities are. We give examples of what we were trying to observe and say how good the image was, with honesty. With a range of telescopes, our reviewers have observed the moon, Jupiter and a range of Messier objects, checking for a range of aberrations and distortions in the image.
To give you a review you can trust, we test the claims of the telescope manufacturers against their real-life use. Our staff and freelance reviewers are seasoned stargazers with many years of experience using telescopes. We also work with astronomy experts to ensure that we are giving you the most accurate and important information on telescope use.