There are several excellent computerized telescopes available for viewing planets and galaxies. The best one will depend on your needs, budget, and experience level.
Best Computerized Telescopes
Here are a few popular options:
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Celestron NexStar 8SE:
It is a highly regarded computerized telescope with an 8-inch aperture, offering great views of planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects. It has a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and a user-friendly hand controller.
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Meade LX200-ACF:
Meade’s LX200 series telescopes are known for their excellent optics and tracking capabilities. They come in various aperture sizes, such as 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch, and offer computerized GoTo functionality for locating and tracking celestial objects.
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Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope:
While not a traditional computerized telescope, the XT10i IntelliScope is a popular option for those who want manual control with some computer assistance. It features a large 10-inch aperture and an intelligent object locator system that helps you find and track objects manually.
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Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS:
This telescope boasts an impressive 11-inch aperture and a computerized dual fork arm mount with GPS alignment. It offers a vast database of celestial objects, and its large aperture allows for excellent views of planets and galaxies.
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Sky-Watcher SynScan Dobsonian:
If you’re on a tighter budget, the SynScan series from Sky-Watcher offers computerized GoTo functionality at a more affordable price. The 8-inch and 10-inch models are top-rated for planetary and deep-sky observations.
When considering a computerized telescope, it’s essential to factor in your experience with telescopes and astronomy, as more advanced models may have steeper learning curves. Additionally, remember that accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and sturdy mounts are crucial for optimizing your viewing experience.
The Best Telescope for Astrophotography Beginners
For beginners interested in astrophotography, it’s essential to consider a well-suited telescope for capturing images of celestial objects.
Here are a few telescopes that are commonly recommended for astrophotography beginners:
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Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO:
This refractor telescope features an 80mm aperture and a short focal length, making it a great choice for wide-field astrophotography. It offers excellent color correction and sharp images, making it suitable for capturing galaxies, nebulae, and wide-angle night sky views.
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Celestron NexStar 6SE:
While primarily known as a computerized telescope, the 6SE is also a capable instrument for astrophotography. It has a 6-inch aperture and is relatively compact, making it portable for field use. It can capture detailed images of planets, the Moon, and some brighter deep-sky objects.
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Orion ED80T CF Triplet Apochromatic Refractor:
This refractor telescope has an 80mm aperture and a short focal length, making it ideal for astrophotography. It utilizes extra-low dispersion glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and produce high-contrast images of celestial objects.
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William Optics Zenithstar 61 APO:
The Zenithstar 61 is a compact, portable apochromatic refractor telescope. Its 61mm aperture provides wide-field views and is suitable for capturing galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. It is often recommended as an entry-level option for astrophotography.
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Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series:
This refractor telescope features a larger 102mm aperture and offers excellent optics for astrophotography. It balances portability and image quality, making it suitable for capturing a wide range of celestial objects.
When starting with astrophotography, it’s important to note that the telescope is just one component of the setup. Other crucial equipment includes a sturdy equatorial or astrophotography-specific mount, a camera capable of long-exposure imaging, and various accessories like auto guiders, filters, and adapters. It’s also recommended to begin with shorter exposure times and practice basic techniques before diving into more advanced astrophotography endeavors.
Do You Need a Telescope for Astrophotography?
While a telescope is commonly used for astrophotography, it is not the only option available. Various types of cameras and equipment can be used to capture deep-space images.
Let’s explore a few different approaches to astrophotography:
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DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras:
Many beginners start astrophotography using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. By attaching a camera to a sturdy tripod, you can capture wide-field images of constellations, the Milky Way, and even some deep-sky objects. You can also use camera lenses with wide apertures to capture night sky images.
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Camera with Telephoto Lens:
A telephoto lens allows you to capture more detailed images of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects. With a camera and a telephoto lens mounted on a stable tripod, you can photograph objects such as the Moon’s craters, the phases of Venus, or even the more giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
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Dedicated Astrophotography Cameras:
Specialized cameras, such as CCD or CMOS, are explicitly designed for astrophotography. These cameras often have high sensitivity to capture faint objects, low noise performance, and cooling systems to minimize sensor heat. They can be used with telescopes or camera lenses to capture detailed images of planets, galaxies, nebulae, and more.
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Camera with Telescope:
A telescope can be paired with a camera for more advanced astrophotography to capture detailed images of celestial objects. This setup requires a telescope mount capable of tracking celestial objects and adapters to connect the camera to the telescope’s focuser. This approach allows for capturing images of planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
So, while a telescope is commonly used for astrophotography, it is not a strict requirement. You can start capturing stunning night sky images with a camera and tripod or explore more advanced techniques with dedicated astrophotography cameras or a camera-telescope combination.
How to Choose a Telescope for Astrophotography
Choosing a telescope for astrophotography requires careful consideration of several factors.
Here are some significant factors to remember when selecting a telescope for astrophotography:
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Aperture:
The aperture, or the diameter of the telescope’s main optical component (usually the objective lens or primary mirror), determines the amount of light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows for capturing more detailed and brighter images. Generally, a telescope with a larger aperture is preferable for astrophotography, but remember that larger apertures may require more advanced mounts and can be heavier and more expensive.
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Focal Length:
The focal length affects its field of view and magnification. Longer focal lengths provide higher magnification, which helps capture detailed views of planets and smaller objects. Shorter focal lengths are better for wide-field astrophotography, capturing larger objects like galaxies and nebulae. It’s essential to find a balance based on your astrophotography goals.
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Optical Design:
Telescopes come in various designs, such as refractors, reflectors, and compound telescopes. Refractors use lenses, reflectors use mirrors, and compound telescopes combine both. Each design has its advantages and considerations. Refractors are generally well-suited for astrophotography due to their lack of central obstruction and minimal optical aberrations. Reflectors are often more affordable and offer larger apertures but may require additional corrector lenses. Compound telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassegrains, are compact and versatile but may have a narrower field of view.
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Mount and Tracking:
For astrophotography, a stable mount is crucial. Equatorial mounts are commonly used as they allow for precise tracking of celestial objects during long-exposure photography. Look for mounts with accurate motorized tracking systems and sturdy build quality to support the telescope and camera setup. Go-To functionality, which automatically locates objects in the sky, can be helpful for beginners.
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Weight and Portability:
Consider the weight and portability of the telescope, especially if you plan to travel to different locations for astrophotography. Lighter setups are more convenient, but be mindful of the balance between portability and the stability required for long-exposure imaging.
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Accessories and Compatibility:
Check the compatibility of the telescope with various astrophotography accessories, such as camera adapters, focusers, and auto guiders. Ensure that the telescope can accommodate the necessary accessories for connecting your camera and capturing images effectively.
It’s also worth noting that astrophotography can be a complex and evolving field. It’s beneficial to start with more straightforward equipment and techniques and gradually progress as you gain experience and knowledge. Consider your budget, level of experience, and specific astrophotography interests when selecting a telescope, and be prepared to invest in additional equipment and learning resources as you develop your skills.
