Choosing the best telescope for you may seem like a tedious task, especially when you’re not familiar with some of its features and details. While you’re bombarded with a couple of powerful telescopes online, the best pick out of them is the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope. It will show you thousands of stars, planets, galaxies, and more with just a single touch of a button. It seems like a simple task to purchase this best telescope on the market for its fully computerized operating system, durable build, and superior hand controls. Once you use the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope, none seems like a better fit for an excellent view. That’s what our experts stand up for. Another major plus of the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope is it features the longest focal length out of any other telescope on the market, ultimately producing the sharpest magnified images with superior control.
As far as telescopes are concerned, all needs and expectations are brought into one for viewing the epic sky. The biggest secret of buying the best telescope in today’s industry is that there are many telescopes prevailing on the market with basic, but efficient features that only some would benefit from. But if you’re looking for cutting-edge technology and upgradeable features, you need to look at something far greater than the basic ones. The Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope is a portable and durable telescope in the Celestron NexStar Series. It offers a 4 foot long telescope into an optical tube only 13 inches long. Ideal for astronomers of all levels, this best telescope plays out the perfect balance between mirrors and lenses to focus on what we think thousands of galaxies, stars, and planets. This innovative technology makes the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope both the perfect reflector and refractor telescope. The aperture of this best telescope is big enough to let light travel through comfortably, plus the clarity specifics are 80% better than some of the higher-grade telescopes on the market.
The Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope is an upgraded telescope for elite telescope users and expert astronomers who demand superior depth precision and higher-grade durability. If you’re looking to buy an expensive telescope with cutting-edge technology and design capabilities, the Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope is the best telescope for you. It offers a waterproof and fogproof construction with an ED glass element for ideal color correction and contrast. The retractable hood is designed to protect the telescope away from stray light or moisture, which prolongs the lifespan and performance of this best telescope. With the Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope, you get high-quality scope at an expensive price tag, at least when compared to the ones we’ve featured on our list.
There are two essential advantages of any telescope: one is the price and the second is the performance. How easy would it be to purchase a telescope that’s the best combination of those? The BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope is an affordable refractor telescope with excellent and easy to use features for the beginner astronomer as much as for the professional go-getter. It offers a durable, adjustable tripod and 300x power with its 400mm focal length. The BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope is a compact and powerful entry-level performer with many amateur to advanced features for all kinds of people. If you use this for travel, it’s well-equipped, and if you desire to use this for general terrestrial viewing, it’s perfect for that too. The glass-coated optics and 70mm objective lens on this best telescope are impressively designed to view over 10,000 star clusters, double stars, stars, galaxies, and other magnificent wonders.
What you should know before reading on
Before you fully understand the best telescope for you and the kind of customer feedback it presents online, it’s important for you to understand what you’ll be using and how. Apart from that, you must know the clear-cut difference between a refractor, reflector, compound, and travel telescope. If you really wish to commit to learning a telescope, you should look at its basic features and parts of the best telescope in the industry. Our top performers make the cut for beginners, intermediates, and seasoned astronomers to meet their needs. Essentially, before you begin to consider the top contenders on our list, you must determine which is more apt for you: a pair of binoculars or a high-quality telescope. With a telescope, you can see in more detail of the deep sky than with a pair of binoculars. There are many terms to have basic knowledge of before using a telescope and that’s the only way you’ll succeed in using one. Factors including aperture, focal length, magnification, mount, etc. are words that you may not be familiar with as far as a telescope is concerned. To learn more about astronomy, it’s important to carefully consider all these factors presiding in each of our top contenders on the market. With such an understanding, you know what telescoping really means, how you can achieve a professional level, and learn more about the wonders of the night sky.
Our best pick: Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope
Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope gathers light and radiance as well as those that professional astronomers use to take on road trips with simple, navigational hand controls. If you want perfect alignments from the best telescope, this is an excellent choice for you. It is impressively portable and powerful with reliable tester experience and customer feedback online. For crystal clear and detailed faraway visuals, you get 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope comes with StarBright XLT high transmission coatings for better standard performance and efficiency. For locating objects precisely, it comes with StarPointer finderscope and nearly 40,000 object database and 200 user-definable objects. Choosing the right tool for the job means getting the best possible treatment and technology for long-term performance. If you want to take your telescope on road trips, climbing adventures, and other suitable trips that allow you to understand the most of what you see up above, there’s none better and more portable than the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope. For specific needs and scenarios, this best telescope features intelligent features such as the ‘Tour’ feature for a customized list of best objects in the sky for your exact time and location, using the bright LCD screen for superior hand controls. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned astronomer or a beginner looking for new ways to make the most out of the night sky, there are only a few that cater to all needs and expectations, and the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope is one of them. If you’re worried about GPS alignment, it also has a patented SkyAlign feature with two-star align and solar-system align procedures. With this best telescope, you get a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and a powerful handheld computer controller.
Lastly, it’s only fair that you opt for the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope with simple to use features and straightforward setup at high power. For those struggling to keep up with thousands of celestial objects in the night sky, the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope is very good at observing and shows some impressive optics for professional performance.
Our upgraded pick: Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope
Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope
The best attraction of the upgraded Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope is the 45-degree slanted lens barrel for better viewing experiences. Its durably lightweight magnesium-alloy body and extra low dispersion glass elements make this best telescope a treat to handle as well as see through under any light conditions. The outstanding image quality and clarity of its lens is housed perfectly well to maximize light transmission and protect against sudden shocks or damages. The Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope also features a durable standard receptacle that is compatible with most telescope manufacturers’ eyepieces, not just Pentaxs’. The unique ‘O’ ring assembly on the receptacle is designed to perfectly allow the body of the scope to fill with nitrogen and make the body fog proof. This design also helps eliminate weather damage or keeps away the telescope from any interference for wide-angle viewing. If you’re having difficulty focusing and aligning various elements, at the same time, the extendable eye-cup and Super Multi-Coating of the Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope allows smoother and more effective visibility. For placement capabilities, it features a protective rubber armoring, extensible lens hood, and a raised line for a comfortable and reliable standing. With recent discoveries in telescope features and durability, the Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope lets you connect a camera to it for the perfect digiscoping experience. There are only a few upgraded telescopes on the market that feature 6mm holes in 500 yard target, and this best telescope is a proud part of them. With no excessive brightness, chroma, or compromised clarity, this best telescope works effortlessly. It locates, targets, and lets the light in for the optimal optic and the highest stability and tracking like never experienced before.
Lastly, the Pentax PF-80ED-A ED Waterproof Angled Spotting Scope lets you navigate and control what you’re seeing, without having to pull out any external tool such as a flashlight for better performance. It is durable, portable, and powerful with excellent design and easy to focus features we know our readers would prefer.
Our affordable pick: BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope
BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope
The BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope is probably the best value you’ll get for powerful and reliable performance. If you want to learn more about the night sky, experiment with different features and alignments, this is the best telescope for you. It shows the flexibility to use one of the interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x power for enhanced viewing capabilities. For those interested in what it has to offer, technology wise, it also features The Deepsky Astronomy Software for both beginners and professional astronomers. What this technology does is it searches over 10,000 nebulae, star clusters, double stars, variable stars, and other celestial objects that you can simply download to your PC and embark on an exciting journey. It also has a Limited Lifetime Warranty for the perfect telescoping experience for both amateurs and professionals. The assembly and maintenance of this best telescope are doable. Considering its features and construction, the BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope shouldn’t succumb to minor or harsh damages. It’s as strong as one is made, which is exceptional at such an affordable price. We found that the Barlowe lens this best telescope features is extremely sharp and clear, it is lightweight for road trips and camping trips, and for better protection against weather, it features holders for each of the eyepieces. All this and much more in a simple, durable, and handy carry bag so you leave yourself with plenty of time to assemble, target, and dwell. The 90-degree diagonal alignment feature 5×24 finder scope of this telescope are some of its best features.
As much as we know about telescopes, the BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope is worth your consideration. It makes so much more sense to you if you want an inexpensive yet powerful telescope on the market.
Best refractor telescope
Meade Instruments Infinity AZ Refractor Telescope
Nothing caps off a great trip under the night sky like the precision and control of a best refractor telescope. Depending on which telescope you need- a refractor telescope is a commonly used and the least expensive telescope on the market. The Meade Instruments Infinity AZ Refractor Telescope, in particular, is a simple, durable, and easy to assemble telescope to deliver bright and accurate images for both land and other celestial objects. It’s made with high-quality components and is backed with an impressive technology used for everything you’ll need to view the night sky vividly. The 50 mm refracting telescope feature makes this best telescope ideal for all kinds of telescoping. For versatile uses, it comes with 3 different eyepieces to provide low, medium, and high powered magnification so you can switch from land to moon to planets in a seconds without any interference. It supports over 10,000 celestial objects with its Autostar Suite Astronomy planetarium DVD. Lastly, the optical tube design, mount type, and weight of this best telescope helps you target better during celestial viewing.
Best reflector telescope
Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
For a large reflector telescope, the Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope is more than sufficient for amateurs as well as seasoned astronomers. It features an 8-inch aperture, better locating technology, and over 14,000 celestial objects database for the perfect telescoping experience. You never have to worry about buying another reflector telescope as long as you have this best telescope with you. The IntelliScope Computerized Object technology, locating multiple celestial objects has never been this simple and quick. Coupled with the innovative technology, you can simply select any celestial object from its database and locate it via the telescope with the right field of view. Another impressive feature of the Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope is the Crayford focuser that ensures you get a wider and more accurate field of view with its 2-inch telescope eyepieces. A well-made beast, this best telescope is more than enough for beginners, and is the main pick for different clusters, planets, stars, and many celestial wonders. Anyone looking to upgrade to a sturdy and reliable reflector telescope, the Orion 10018 SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope is the best go-to choice for you.
Best computerized telescope
Levenhuk SkyMatic 135 GTA Computerized Telescope
A computerized telescope is one with advanced stability and control features unlike any telescope on the market. It focuses on issues that other conventional telescope miss out on, and that’s its most absolute specialty. Like none other, the Levenhuk SkyMatic 135 GTA Computerized Telescope offers incredible stability and support for clear image viewing and accurate location. It comes with a simple, but effective Go-To function to help find, locate, and lock multiple celestial objects in the sky. With a focal length of 650 mm and a 130 mm objective lens diameter, this best telescope is designed for deep-planetary observations. It’s rugged, professional, and precise for your benefit. The Auto-Tracking and AZ SynScan telescope control and tripod steel make everything much easier when you want it to be. Beginners will find this best telescope as experienced as those with higher-grade functions and a steep price tag. For aperture, useful magnification, clarity, usability, and stability, the Levenhuk SkyMatic 135 GTA Computerized Telescope is a level-headed and sturdy pick for most people. No matter what you want from your telescope, there’s little more than a little in this best telescope for you.
Best durable telescope
Celestron SkyProdigy 130 Telescope
The Celestron SkyProdigy 130 Telescope is sure a prodigy for those looking to find the best telescope on the market. Its general features include a fully automatic alignment procedure, a fully computerized Altazimuth mount, quick-release fork arm mount, an optical tube, and a stainless steel tripod and accessory tray for absolute durability and control. It is the most durable find on the market, simply because it packs 30 hours of bound and determined power and a proven computer technology for precision in performance. The impressive Flash Upgradeable Hand Control Software helps download new celestial data over the internet, plus the already existing database of over 4,000 celestial objects making locating and targeting much simpler than before. We brought in the Celestron SkyProdigy 130 Telescope as our best telescope on the list because of how well it performs in terms of accuracy and adjustment. One of the easiest ways to locate and target celestial objects can be experienced through this best telescope, and customers seem to love the Celestron SkyProdigy 130 Telescope most for that quality only. To sum it up, we found that the pulses and performance of this best telescope are beyond compare.
Best portable telescope
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope is one for portability and stability- better for it than any other competitor on the market. With computerized hand control features, this best telescope gives you transformational ability to gawk at over 4,000 celestial objects, clusters, planets, galaxies, etc. As long as the telescope is used correctly, it works professionally for a really, really long time. So, you don’t have to bother buying a new one anytime soon or later. With enhanced magnification processes and increased eyepiece scale, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope offers more protection, stability, and function over all else. In general, this best telescope offers wider field of views, portability, and upgraded go-to tracking using Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope’s sharpest and rugged technologies. With the a wide field of view ranging about 26 times better than other conventional telescopes, this best telescope is ideal for deep-sky observations and better alignment tracking. The fact is that if you want balanced and well-rewarded views of the sky, you should trust the features of the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope.
Best compact telescope
Orion 10014 SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion 10014 SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope makes the ideal beginner telescope with compact, durable, and rugged features for better performance. If you’re a first-timer taking out the big guns for the perfect telescoping experience under the night sky, you might find the telescope too complicated for your skill level, to begin with. You need something handy, efficient, and functional like this best telescope. It offers fully accessorized control, impressive optical performance, and a great value for the price. The 4.5-inch light gathering mirror stored in a durable enameled steel tube is ideal for beginners, intermediates, and seasoned sky-gazers who have lots of lessons to learn about the wonders of the universe. Better than the classic refractor beginner telescope, this best telescope provides incredible quality and performance for a compact telescope on the market. The spherical primary mirror affects the views seamlessly, with no occurring interference or grains. The plastic focuser is unbreakable and relentless at its function. To summarize, the Orion 10014 SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope is the force you need to shoot straight at better tracking and observation performance.
Best value telescope
Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope
This one is a best-selling value for the money. It is engineered to do wonders for all kinds of astronomers seeking for the perfect combination of quality, value, function, and drive. It comes with a fully coated optical glass with high transmission coatings for improved clarity in display and brightness. For perfect terrestrial viewing, it features accurately enhanced images, something that works well for celestial viewing too. The magnifying power of each of its lens, the mount, and technology makes this best telescope the perfect tracking and telescoping model on the market. It’s a great value for most people looking for professional-grade and a popular performance package at a reasonable price. The Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope is a more focused buy with extended performance life and design functions. For optics, ease of use, stability, and tracking, the Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners, intermediates, and seasoned buyers. For a worthwhile investment, this best telescope offers incredible features and support you’ve never before experienced in life. With compatible add-ons no-tool setup, the enhanced views from this best telescope are worth considering.
Best travel telescope
Celestron 21035 Travel Telescope
The Celestron 21035 Travel Telescope is suitable for users looking for something handy to pack up and take on road trips for perfect dark sky viewing. To reach ambient light skies, in dark areas, it can be difficult to know what you’re up against, especially with a standard telescope. At such times, you need something travel specific with proper hand controls and stability which makes it easier to navigate without pulling too much of the weight. Keeping the average traveler in mind, this best telescope features a compact, durable, and portable design, ideal for viewing both celestial and terrestrial objects. It comes with a custom-made durable backpack and a 20mm and 10mm eyepieces for a perfect telescoping experience. These eyepieces provide 20 times the magnification, ideal for observing moons, planets, clusters, galaxies, etc. If you want to bring distant wildlife back to life inches away from your eyesight, the Celestron 21035 Travel Telescope is an excellent choice. The SkyX astronomy software and 70 portable telescope features brilliant views at an exceptional value, especially for those looking for a sturdy and compact travel telescope on the market.
Best viewing telescope
Celestron 22150 Omni XLT AZ Refractor
For extravagant views, the Celestron 22150 Omni XLT AZ Refractor is among the best of the best telescopes we’ve come across. Astronomers who regularly set out into the universe with the help of a professional telescope require a high-quality telescope with exceptional viewing standards, something that’s exactly similar to the Celestron 22150 Omni XLT AZ Refractor. It is a sufficient, versatile, and functional telescope featuring a large 102mm aperture and wider field of views for both astronomical and on-land gazing. In real life, you can never have it all, but as far as telescopes are concerned, the Celestron 22150 Omni XLT AZ Refractor is the complete package for you. It will be difficult to walk away from this best telescope, thanks to the slow-motion Altazimuth mount for easy point and clutching, the single arm mount for perfect positioning and a rugged Premium StarPointer finderscope. To summarize, the Celestron 22150 Omni XLT AZ Refractor is easy to assembly, maneuver, and track with. With modern features, this best telescope is far more portable than many other higher-grade models on the market.
Wrapping it up
There are many high-ranging telescopes on the market, and while choosing the best telescope for you can seem like a tedious pursuit, with the correct know-how mentioned in this guide, you’ll get through like a breeze. All our recommendations are customer feedback tested and compared to find what’s the best telescope for you. So far, the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope ranks as the most powerful and functional telescope for celestial and/or terrestrial viewing. It’s willing to commit to hundreds of uses and versatile applications, for traveling, camping, or just another day under the open dark sky. In addition to our top best telescope pick, we have sourced fresh and relevant picks based on reviews and feedbacks, collected from customers, experts, and trusted news websites online. All our recommendations are tried and true for their features and design performance. And if you talk to experts, they’ll tell you that all our recommendations are well-prepared for intensive deep-sky observations. As you can tell from our guide, we have dedicated hours and hours of research in our products, and it happens, our readers benefit greatly from our expertise.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.