Astronomical Telescopes

The best telescopes on the market to suit every level of astronomer and covers every budget. Here are the best telescopes on the market. There will be something here that’s perfect for you.

Telescopes are great for scoping out massive stars, but they’re just as helpful in looking at planets, and with a high-quality lens, you can get a clear view of almost every planet in the solar system.

The only problem is that astronomy can be quite complex, and if you need to know how to find the best telescope for your needs, there is a good chance that you’ll end up with a lackluster experience.

Below we have collated what we consider the best retail-level astronomical telescopes today.

 

Celestron 21023 Cometron FirstScope White

The Celestron 21023 Cometron FirstScope is a popular choice for beginners with a wide field of view. Commonly used to observe galaxies, star clusters, and comets. It features a lightweight, portable design, and since it’s easy to use, it’s a top pick for beginner astronomers.

The Celestron 21023 comes with two Kellner eyepieces. This telescope is the included finder scope, an excellent accessory for beginners. Designed with a 76mm aperture and features a Dobsonian style.

The Celestron 21023 is an upgraded version of the original FirstScope, and with a weight of only four pounds, it can be transported and used almost anywhere. The only downside is that it could be sturdy, and if you’re not careful, you could accidentally break it.

 

Key Features:

  • A fast focal ratio offers a wide field of view, perfect for observing comets, star clusters, galaxies, and more.
  • Lightweight and portable, a great grab-and-go telescope
  • Simple design makes it easy for beginners to use
  • The no-tool setup means you are up and observing in no time.

 

 

best telescopes on the market

 

Gskyer 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refracting Telescope

Gskyer is a well-known brand that helps tons of people dive head-first into the world of astronomy. This telescope model is a perfect example of Gskyer’s accessibility. An optical device is a beginner-friendly tool that anyone can use.

The most remarkable feature is the smartphone adapter. Astrophotography used to be a hobby that was out of reach for most. But with the included adapter, you can start snapping pictures to your heart’s content! It positions your phone’s camera to where your eye would be. That way, it can capture the light filling the optical tube. It even comes with a wireless remote to save pictures without ruining your telescope’s position.

 

Key Features:

  • 70mm aperture
  • High-transmission lens coating
  • Smartphone adapter and remote
  • Includes multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens
  • All-in-one kit

 

HEXEUM Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope

This Hexeum Telescope is suitable for an entry-level telescope. Hexeum is not a name I had heard of before, so I was interested to find out what the gear is like. They sell entry-level scopes and night vision binoculars. This product has high-quality optics and a full high transmission coated all-optical lens to improve image brightness and clarity. 

Thanks to the carrying bag, it has an excellent magnification for an entry-level scope and is very comfortable and convenient to use. I like this product because it is simple to set up, quick to use, and easy to focus on.

Key Features:

  • Excellent Quality Optics
  • Optimum Magnification
  • Portable And Convenient
  • Easy To Set Up

 

Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ Refractor Telescope

Here we have another product from Celestron, the popular ExploraScope 114AZ. This is a classic Newtonian reflector telescope, and it has been redesigned with a new mount and a fresh look.

It features a new altitude slow-motion rod for smooth, precise control, and the rod significantly increases pointing accuracy. This telescope comes with a StarPointer finder scope, which helps beginner astronomers navigate the night sky with a red dot.

The Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ works excellently at night but is as useful for daytime terrestrial observing. The telescope is engineered for the beginner and works well for observing the moon, stars, and planets.

The red dot finder scope makes it easy to sight objects, and the altitude rod allows for precise pointing. The Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ comes with everything an amateur astronomer would need to get started.

 

Gskyer Astronomical Telescope

The Gskyer brand isn’t as well-known as some competitors, but it’s quickly becoming a heavy-hitter. It’s trendy among astrophotographers and new hobbyists. It has all the features you need to start stargazing immediately. Best of all, you can take some killer photos right out of the box. Take this refractor telescope as an example!

All you need to do is grab your smartphone! This telescope comes with a smartphone adapter and a wireless remote. Get set up, and you can see what the telescope sees through your smartphone screen. With a press of the remote, you can save memories.

The telescope itself is surprisingly robust. It has high-transmission coatings, a massive aperture to let light in, and versatile eyepieces.

 

Key Features:

  • 90mm aperture
  • 600mm focal length
  • High-transmission coating
  • Includes three eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens
  • Collapsible aluminum tripod
  • Smartphone adapter with wireless remote
  • Easy-to-adjust altazimuth mount

 

SOLOMARK Telescopes for Adults

Check out this refractor from Solomark. It might not look like much at first glance. But when you dig into the details, you’ll see that this unit has much to offer.

It’s a well-built refractor that utilizes premium optics inside. The lenses are all coated to manipulate light as efficiently as possible. The treatments help to reduce distortion, ensuring that your picture is crystal-clear and vibrant.

Another standout feature is the mount. Instead of a standard altazimuth mount, you’re getting an equatorial mount. This design makes up for the Earth’s rotation. As a result, you get better tracking and more precision. The mount has a counterweight, too. It’s easy to move around and make those tiny adjustments you need to get things right.

 

Key Features:

  • 70mm aperture
  • 700mm focal length
  • It comes with two Plossl eyepieces
  • Equatorial mount
  • Coated optics
  • Phone adapter and tripod included

 

Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for something affordable, consider the Celestron 21024 FirstScope astronomical telescope. This product is another excellent choice for beginners and comes with a 76mm reflector aperture.

The optical tube can be moved around for easier viewing and features a portable, lightweight design. 

The Celestron 21024 comes with two eyepieces, and Galileo inspired it. The main reason why this product is excellent for beginners is that it’s a simple Newtonian reflector scope.

The optical tube sits on a rotating tabletop stand and allows you to observe objects in the night sky. A significant advantage of the Celestron 21024 is the 76mm primary mirror, which you’d have trouble finding for such a low price.

However, since it’s a cheaper scope, it only comes with a few features you’d get from an expensive alternative. Even if you purchase this telescope and never use it, the exterior is stylish enough to serve as a beautiful tabletop decoration.

 

Celestron 31036 AstroMaster LT 76AZ

 

best telescopes on the market

Astronomical Telescope for Viewing Planets and Galaxies

 

For Breathtaking Views

One of the best telescopes on the market is made by Celestron is the AstroMaster LT 76AZ. As another entry-level scope, this product features a simple design and requires no tools to set up. For convenience, it has a StarPointer permanently mounted to the optical tube.

A quick-release dovetail attachment makes positioning this telescope easy, and the convenient pan handle allows for quick and accurate pointing.

The Celestron 31036 AstroMaster LT 76AZ comes with a pre-assembled tripod, and the steel tube legs serve as a sturdy foundation for countless hours of observation. A central selling point for this product is the portability, and the compact design makes transporting this scope quick and easy.

If you try hard enough, you can find some things that could be improved for this product, but for the price, it’s one of the best beginner telescopes available. 

 

Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope

The NexStar 8 SE is designed for consumers with plenty of money to spend.

With such a long list of features, this telescope leaves no stone unturned, and it’s one of the best products for beginner, intermediate and advanced astronomers. This Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope features an eight-inch aperture and has a StarPointer finder scope attached to the optical tube.

The Celestron NexStar 8 SE has a SkyAlign feature, making it easy to align the scope with three bright celestial objects. The included database comes with 40,000 objects, and you can define up to 200 things.

A central selling point for this telescope is the optical system, allowing you to get bright, crisp images of distant objects. One of the only downsides is the short battery life, and despite the price, this isn’t a good telescope for astrophotography.

 

Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope

Need a telescope you can take anywhere? This model from Celestron has you covered! Get away from the city lights and find a dark location to take full advantage of this optical device. It’s purposely made for compact storage. It even comes in a backpack! The entire thing collapses for easy storage, making it a breeze to lug to your favorite viewing spot.

Celestron’s optics have lenses that are fully coated for high light transmission. Not only that, but you get a wide objective lens that light pours into. Suddenly, you can pick up distant planets and celestial objects you could never view before.

 

Key Features:

  • 70mm aperture
  • 400mm focal length
  • Fully coated lenses
  • Altazimuth mount
  • Includes two lenses
  • It comes in a portable backpack
  • It weighs about 4.2 pounds

 

 

Conclusion

The universe is full of wonders, but these objects are barely noticeable to the naked eye since they’re so far away. With help from the best astronomical telescopes, you can unlock the finer details and observe things that most people will never see.

The best best telescopes on the market are equipped with incredible optics. Even if you can only afford a cheaper telescope, the ability to uncover and observe celestial objects will never get boring.

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