This is our favorite of all telescopes due to its compact catadioptric design which combines technology from refractors and reflectors to deliver a powerful view of the cosmos at a fraction of the weight and size. Superbly sharp and bright thanks to the 8-inch aperture and powerful with a focal length of 2032mm, the NexStar 8SE sits atop a strong, sturdy motorized single fork arm mount which can be controlled via either the hand controller or through a computer by use of its ethernet connection. Whether you need a travel-friendly telescope, want to share a table-top model for use with the kids or fancy investing in one of the best computerized catadioptrics you can buy we have you covered.īut you can also observe your favorite stars and galaxies with the best binoculars for stargazing and capture stunning cosmological images with one of the best astrophotography cameras too.īack in the 1980s Celestron made big waves among astronomers with their orange-tubed Schmidt-Cassegrains and, 40-something years on, this line is still fantastic value and gives superb optical performance.

Learn how we do this in our how we test section below. That's why we've covered a range of the very best beginner telescopes to get you up and running with minimal set-up and fuss, all the way up to the most sophisticated professional-level scope that should last astronomy veterans for years to come.īut how do you know which telescope is right for you and which accessories that ship with the scopes do you really need to achieve the best viewing quality? We've rounded up the best models depending on your skill level and budget and our expert team have got hands-on with the telescopes themselves so we can vouch for their quality and build. If you want to spy the craters of the lunar surface, spot the rings around Saturn and gaze deep into the Pinwheel galaxy, you'll need to know the strengths and weaknesses for observing night sky objects for each telescope. Before you delve deep into your pockets, you'll want to know what you're spending your money on. The best telescopes reveal the wonder of the solar system and beyond, but they don't come cheap.

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