Best Telescopes

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 26, 2024
Learning the secrets of the Cosmos - this has always been seen as way to improve your knowledge and outlook on the world. Maybe you want to buy a powerful tool and do astrophotography? Modern telescopes have an option for everyone. Our review will show you 5 of the best available. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Optical surveillance system
Aperture size and Focal length
Adjustment system (Mount)
Eyepieces and magnification
Special features
Warranty
 
PROS
It is very portable as for this type of a telescope. You can easily mount it on a tripod and operate the unit with the utmost convenience.
CONS
The user manual that comes in a package doesn't describe the whole assembly process, so it might be a rather complicated task for a novice.
OUR VERDICT
Due to its equatorial mount and adjustable tripod, this telescope is very convenient for tracking celestial objects in the night sky.
detailed parameters
Optical surveillance system
Newton's reflector
Aperture size and Focal length
130 mm, 650 mm
Adjustment system (Mount)
Equatorial adjustment
Eyepieces and magnification
25mm Orion Sirius Plossl (1.25") - (26X) and 10mm Orion Sirius Plossl (1.25") - (65x)
Special features
A special EQ-2 equatorial mount, slow-motion hand controls and dual setting circles, Starry Night SE Software, 6x30 Finder Scope
Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

In the kit there are two eyepieces giving a magnification of 50 and 250 times, as well as a 3-fold Barlow lens. With this kit, you can see thousands of small details on the moon, study Mars and Venus in more detail, and even see the colored discs of Uranus and Neptune.

CONS

The finder scope is not of great quality.

OUR VERDICT

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ telescope has all the necessary basic functions for a novice observer. The mount tripod has an adjustable height and can be conveniently set for any height. There is also a shelf for accessories.

detailed parameters
Optical surveillance system

Newtonian Reflector

Aperture size and Focal length

127 mm, 1000 mm

Adjustment system (Mount)

German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod

Eyepieces and magnification

20mm (50x), 4mm (250x), 3x Barlow Lens, Finderscope 5x24

Special features

Starry Night Astronomy Software Package, accessory tray included

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Convenient, compact and portable. A quality product from a well-known brand. Wide viewing range. Comes with a handy carry bag.

CONS
The tripod is unstable and need to be redesigned and reinforced.
OUR VERDICT

A great telescope for a reasonable price. Perfect for those who want to start their astrology hobby without breaking the bank.

detailed parameters
Optical surveillance system
Refractor telescope
Aperture size and Focal length
70 mm, 400 mm
Adjustment system (Mount)
Altazimuthal adjustment
Eyepieces and magnification
Plessl 20mm (20x) and 10mm (40x)
Special features
Multilayered antireflecting optics, convenient bag, and "TheSkyX - First Light Edition" software
Warranty

2 years

PROS
The Meade telescope has a long aperture for improved viewing range, and the refractor ssystem means that it is ready to use straight out of the box. An additional eyepieces and a Barlow lens enhance the magnification and set this telescope apart from the competition.
CONS
Another model with a tripod in need of redesign. However, it doesn't affect the picture you get.
OUR VERDICT
This represents amazing value for your money, backed up by numerous customer reviews.
detailed parameters
Optical surveillance system
Refractor telescope
Aperture size and Focal length
102 mm, 600 mm
Adjustment system (Mount)
Azimuthal adjustment with a classical dovetail mount
Eyepieces and magnification
26 mm (23x), 9 mm (67x), 6,3 mm (95x); 2x Barlow lens (46x, 134x, 190x)
Special features
DVD atlas of celestial bodies
Warranty

1 year

PROS

The optical lenses have a multilayer structure and are complemented by a green coating, which allows you to increase the brightness and clarity of celestial objects.

CONS

Smartphone adapter is difficult to place.

OUR VERDICT

The Gskyer Telescope has a rather large magnifying power of 120x so you can make scientific observations and study space. At the same time, its dimensions are small enough for transportation and for stationary installation, for example, on the balcony.

detailed parameters
Optical surveillance system

Refractor telescope

Aperture size and Focal length

70 mm, 400 mm

Adjustment system (Mount)

Height adjustable Aluminum tripod (31.5")

Eyepieces and magnification

25 mm (16x), 10 mm (40x), 3x Barlow lens

Special features

Smartphone adapter, Wireless camera remote and Carry Bag included

Warranty

Lifetime maintenance

X

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ORION SpaceProbe 130ST (09007)

Optical Surveillance System

The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope is equipped with a Newtonian reflector system that ensures its unpretentious operation. The luminosity of this type of a telescope is quite impressive, so you will be able to track the dim objects. If you choose such a telescope system, make sure to remember that you should avoid abrupt changes of temperature in order not to damage the coating of mirrors.
Review of ORION SpaceProbe 130ST (09007) Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Adjustment

The telescope comes with an equatorial mount that includes two axes. The first is aimed at the celestial pole (polar axis), and the second is in the plane of the equator (declination axis) to compensate the Earth's daily rotation. As a result, you are able to use the telescope not only for surveillance but also for taking pictures of celestial objects. Just imagine how great your photos will look in the interior of your home!
ORION SpaceProbe 130ST (09007) Equatorial Reflector Telescope in the use

Performance Opportunities and Ease of Use

This telescope is ideal for tracking not only the moon but also planets, as well as deep-sky objects: galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. The telescope is attached to a durable and stable aluminum tripod. In order to start tracking the sky, there is no need to buy anything additionally. All necessary items are included in a package and have instructions for assembly and adjustment. Here you can find two types of eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) to observe the celestial objects at different zooming range, a tripod accessory tray, a 6x30 finder scope, 1.25-inch rack and a pinion focuser, the Starry Night astronomy software and a collimation cap. Therefore, you won't face any additional expenses to start enjoying your telescope in use.
Detailed review of ORION SpaceProbe 130ST (09007) Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Special Features

The device also comes with the special Starry Night astronomy software, which allows you to get information about all the stellar objects, to easily operate the telescope as well as to plan thoroughly your observations and understand what you see. The program requires a PC with the pre-installed operating system Windows 7, 8, 10, or an Apple iMac with OS X 10.4 or above. In conclusion, we can say that it is an ideal device for both a beginner and an experienced stargazer.
ORION SpaceProbe 130ST (09007) Equatorial Reflector Telescope application
Last updated price $359.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00D05BKOW

VIDEO
Telescope Review - Orion

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

This telescope is wonderful and is versatile. It is a bright scope with a wide field of view. It is on a equatorial mount which if you plan on growing into the hobby will want to learn how to use.

Mount Information

The tripod and mount went together easy, but it was obvious that it is economically built.

Features

I agree if I had to do this a second time and I could probably do it in 15 by the second or third time. However, as a beginner with no prior experience, expect an hour to 1 1/2 hour to assemble.
 

Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ

Perfect for Novice Users

Telescopes can be a little intimidating to those who haven't really used one before, especially the more powerful models that are a bit beyond a small, very basic kit. These devices are fun to use, but getting just the right adjustments to them can be difficult for novices, especially when it comes to knowing exactly what to adjust. That's why the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a great model for novices. This model was made to be easy to use for anyone, even novices, while still being powerful enough to meet the needs of more experienced telescope users.

All of the necessary basic functions required by novice users are present on this telescope, including the ability to easily adjust its position, the ability to lock it in place, and even a handy finder scope that allows for easily finding the part of the sky you want to look at. The tripod mount that comes with the telescope is adjustable to any height, making it a perfect option for parents to use with their children. The mount even includes a shelf for accessories, making this one of the more convenient models available on the market. This accessory shelf lets you keep any kinds of star charts or other helpful items at hand while you are searching the skies.

Review of Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope - Manual German Equatorial Mount

Powerful Magnification

Despite the features of this telescope that appeal to novice users, this model is also powerful enough to meet the needs of those who are more experienced with telescopes and who need more advanced capabilities. One case in point here is the magnification abilities of this telescope, which is among the best that you will find in models of its price range. Two separate eyepieces are included that provide a magnification of 50 and 250 times, respectively, as well as a 3-fold Barlow lens. These lenses give you the ability to see all of the small details that you want to make out on celestial bodies, including the moon.

Another included feature with this telescope that makes it perfect for novices is the bonus Starry Night Astronomy Software Package, which you can download to your laptop or desktop PC. This software package lets you chart the skies, helping you locate and identify thousands of different stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, turning you into an amateur astronomer in your own backyard. With all of these features coupled with the very reasonable price of this telescope, both beginners and more advanced users should find this model to be an ideal choice for their celestial adventures.

Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope - Manual German Equatorial Mount in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $169.58
Stock In stock
ASIN B0007UQNKY

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The image I got out of this telescope was beautiful. At the lowest level of magnification, the moon barely fit in the view, and allowed for crisp viewing of craters, mountain ridges, and other lunar features.

Features

I got this one as a Christmas gift. It seemed like a good telescope for basic astronomy, with many nice features.

Mount Information

The tripod legs are not very rigid but if you tighten the top screws it will help alot.
 

Celestron Travel Scope 70 (21035)

Optical Surveillance System

The Celestron Travel Scope is based on the refractor optical viewing system. This telescope is a compact, mobile product. The lens construction makes this telescope usable in all weather conditions, despite it average size. It has a diameter of 70mm, this travelscope has a focal length of 400 mm. The product comes with 2 Plessl eyepieces, one 20mm with 20x magnification, the other 10mm with 40x magnification.
Review of Celestron Travel Scope 70 (21035) Travel Scope

Adjustment

The flexible altazimuth viewer ensures the owner gets blur-free views. This simple, convenient system is perfect for beginners. It is just as good for astronomical photography which gives you clear unblurred images.                                                                                  

Celestron Travel Scope 70 (21035) Travel Scope in the use

Performance Opportunities and Ease of Use

The Celestron Travel scope is good for both viewing the beauty of the Earth or the solar system. It is portable, compact and easy to operate. It has a solid aluminium platform which ensures a stable viewing base. Travelers and lovers of outdoor activities find this telescope extremely portable and take it with them wherever they go.
Detailed review of Celestron Travel Scope 70 (21035) Travel Scope

Special Features

Just like the Orion StarMax, this telescope is compact and portable. It comes with its own travel bag for easy packing and mobility. TheSkyX - First Light Edition" software is included with the telescope. The SkyX includes useful information about stars, celestial bodies, and has an informative, cartographical manual. Also, this telescope has a anti-reflection, multi-layered optics.
Celestron Travel Scope 70 (21035) Travel Scope application
Last updated price $99.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B001TI9Y2M

VIDEO
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Review Model 21035

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

This is a great scope and I use it for target practice, star gazing, and general snooping from balconies while on vacation. The tripod is flimsy as others report.

Features

It works well, has all the features you would want and does not skimp on providing the adjustment/controls you need, even providing the adjustment wheel for both left and right handed.

Mount Information

The tripod mount is not designed for DSLR photography. But with the included smartphone adapter, it is easy to use iPhone and android to take photo.
 

Meade Infinity 102 AZ Refractor Telescope

Optical Surveillance System

The Meade Infinity is a refractor telescope, capable of being used in any weather. This telescope with it’s average size is built for outdoor use. Its optical surveillance system gives the owner excellent focus for such a compact telescope. The diameter is 102mm and the length is 600mm. A wide selection of eyepieces come as standard - 26mm with 23x, 9mm with 67x, 6.3mm with 95x magnification specs. A twofold Barlow lens completes the set giving magnification choices of 46x, 134x and 190x.
Review of Meade Infinity 102 AZ Refractor Telescope

Adjustment

The Meade Infinity telescope just like other models has an azimuthal viewing scope, making this telescope more convenient for amateur star gazers.

                                                                                                                           

Meade Infinity 102 AZ Refractor Telescope in the use

Performance Opportunities and Ease of Use

The optical power, the surveillance system, magnifying eyepiece and the lenses all combine to give an opportunity to stargaze planets, satellites and nearby celestial bodies. It offers a clear, blur-free view. A good choice of telescope for for the whole family. It comes with a convenient base and a reliable tripod.
Detailed review of Meade Infinity 102 AZ Refractor Telescope

Special Features

A bonus feature of this telescope is a DVD atlas of celestial bodies, providing valuable information on the name or coordinates of the object you may wish to observe. This makes it an invaluable tool for the novice astronomer looking to discover the wonders of the universe.

Meade Infinity 102 AZ Refractor Telescope application
Last updated price $675.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00LY8JWAQ

VIDEO
How to setup the Meade Telescope (HD & Fully Closed Captioned)
 

Gskyer AZ70400 70mm

Compact but Powerful

One of the issues that often holds back people from purchasing a telescope is that they often aren't the most convenient devices to store away. Although most come with a tripod mount that can be easily folded up, they still require careful storage and will take up plenty of space. The same things that make them difficult to store away easily also make them much harder to transport. With the Gskyer AZ70400 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope, though, such issues will be a thing of the past. This telescope has surprisingly small dimensions that will make it both easy to store and to transport, which should convince those who are otherwise on the fence about purchasing a bulky item to go ahead and make the jump to trying this model out.

Just because it's easy to store and transport, though, doesn't mean that it's missing out on power. In fact, this compact telescope is surprisingly powerful for one of its size, offering a magnification of up to 120x, making it truly powerful enough to be of use to most anyone, ranging from beginners to seasoned amateur astronomers who want a compact telescope for their home. The magnification may not be up to par with more expensive models, but for one in this price range, it's just about perfect.

Review of Gskyer AZ70400 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope

Multilayered Lenses

One thing that many people tend to overlook with the lenses of a telescope is their build quality and how they're made, which can dictate a lot in regards to the quality of the image you are getting. With this telescope, though, there should be no question about it thanks to the multilayered design of these lenses. The multiple layers plus the addition of a green coating on the lenses let you increase the brightness and clarity of any of the objects you are viewing through it, especially at night. This coating allows for the natural light being produced at night to contribute to brightening the image, removing the need for extra accessories.

Note that you can't use additional accessories with this model, though. The telescope comes with two replaceable eyepieces as well as a 3x Barlow lens that increases the magnification of each eyepiece. In addition, this telescope even supports the ability to be controlled remotely, as it comes with a wireless controller for adjusting the telescope from a distance. In fact, you can even connect your smartphone to the telescope and use it to collect amazing quality pictures of the celestial bodies, something that many people have only ever been able to dream about doing before. With these as well as many other features, this low-cost but high-powered telescope will be the perfect tool for any beginner amateur astronomer.

Gskyer AZ70400 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07GX8L24K

 

What Is a Telescope?

The following review is designed to compare the most popular telescopes for those of you wanting to take up astronomy. This invention allows owners to view distant celestial bodies and objects magnifying the radiation given off by distant light sources and analysing it.

The construction of a modern telescope allows the viewer to see distant objects clearly by refracting them or by highlighting a faintly lit object. To gain a broad knowledge about the cosmos and celestial bodies you might need a celestial atlas, a practical guide or an astronomy book.

We also suggest you consider one of the night vision devices.

What Features to Compare

The modern telescope market has a wide selection to suit nearly every taste. The correct lens and mirror system are vital when making your choice. There are 5 mains systems to consider when choosing - a reflector, refractor, Cassegrain, Maksutov-Cassegrain, and Schmidt-Cassegrain, thus make sure to not overlook the optical surveillance system. An important thing to consider is the aperture size and the focal length of the telescope because these features predetermine the optical power of the product. 

Next up, attention must be paid to an eyepiece and magnification. Selecting an eyepiece is a real headache for stargazers, because there are lots of diverse products varying in schemes and design. The scheme of the eyepiece determines its maximal magnification capability.

There are three main types of adjustment (mount) systems in the world of amateur telescopes, which are azimuthal, equatorial and the Dobson system. Each type of adjustment system has its own benefits and downsides. For example, an azimuthal adjustment is not excessive, inexpensive and lightweight, but is incapable of precise astronomical photography. Equatorial adjustment is more excessive and weighs more, but is more accurate when compensating for the Earth’s rotation without computers and servo-motors.

Performance opportunities and an Ease of Use feature give practical advice for easy maintenance. Also, different models offer different additions and special features which simplify handling and make it more enjoyable. As an example, some of the modern telescopes have a navigation system (GPS) which helps a user to find a defined object in a matter of minutes.

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