10 best telescopes

Both strict pragmatists and romantic natures love to look at the sky and dream of stars. Buying a telescope can satisfy both children's desires, and craving for knowledge, and the pursuit of a miracle. Before buying a telescope, it is important to understand that there is no universal model, and special attention should be paid to the technical characteristics of the instrument.

How to choose a telescope

When buying a telescope, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following selection criteria:

1. Place of installation. To use the telescope on a balcony or in a room in a city apartment, you need to choose a model for close studies, since you will not be able to see distant objects because of the night lighting of city streets. Outside the city, where the sky is darker, you can use a telescope with a strong approximation of objects. If frequent moves are planned to observe the sky from different points, you will need a telescope with a simple assembly and installation mechanism, convenient for placing in the trunk of a car.
2. Main characteristics. First of all, it is the diameter of the lens or aperture and focal length. The larger the aperture, the better the visibility. For the townspeople enough 120-150 mm. Observing remote constellations will require a lens diameter of at least 200 mm. The maximum aperture is 406 mm.
3. Mount. It is designed to fix the structure. The main ones are equatorial, azimuthal and Dobson systems, each designed for specific operating conditions. Azimuth mount is recommended for the study of ground objects, has a simple design and is designed for beginners. The equatorial system helps to get high-quality photographs, direct the technique along the coordinates and find dull celestial bodies. Dobson mount is a simplified version of the azimuth device.

Based on the reviews and recommendations of professional astronomers, our experts made a rating of the best telescopes.

Top telescope rating

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best telescopes for beginners	1	Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ	18 990 ₽
	2	Veber MAK 1000/90	8 450 ₽
	3	LEVENHUK Skyline 80 PLUS	16 965 ₽
	4	Meade Polaris 127mm	16 490 ₽
The best telescopes for observing far space	1	Sky-Watcher Dob 16 "(400/1800) Retractable SynScan GOTO	193 903 ₽
	2	Meade LightBridge 16 "f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian	236 150 ₽
	3	Sky-Watcher Dob 10 "(250/1200) Retractable	56 190 ₽
The best auto-guided telescopes	1	Celestron Advanced VX 8 "EdgeHD	179 990 ₽
	2	Sky-Watcher Dob 8 "(200/1200) Retractable SynScan GOTO	81 770 ₽
	3	LEVENHUK SkyMatic 135 GTA	44 141 ₽

The best telescopes for beginners

Fans of observing distant objects, who have not yet mastered all the features and capabilities of sophisticated technology, will be satisfied with simple, relatively inexpensive telescopes with optical characteristics that allow one to get first impressions of the beauty of the starry sky. For this, an aperture of up to 200 mm is enough. Beginning astronomers, it is desirable to purchase collapsible, lightweight models to find the most convenient observation points.

Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ

Rating: 4.9

Model Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ is the only device in the rating that can satisfy both novices and astronomers. The lens diameter is 130 mm, which makes it easy to contemplate not only close, but also distant objects. The moon and all the planets of the solar system can be studied in great detail. The telescope is equipped with small shelves for equipment.

Advanced finders and manual controls make it easy to point optics at a target. The simple mechanism of the device simplifies the assembly of the product. Excellent image is provided by high resolution and penetrating abilities of the telescope. The optimal equatorial mount helps to observe the elusive celestial bodies. Additionally, the set includes a tripod and special software.

Veber MAK 1000/90

Rating: 4.8

Telescope Veber MAK 1000/90 was created to study objects of deep space and the various planets of the solar system. The device is 100% satisfy the needs of amateurs and professionals in the field of astronomy. The optical tube is made of waterproof anodized aluminum, and the body is covered with a layer of thick rubber with anti-slip properties.

The optical quality of the telescope provides a clear contrast image. The manufacturer has provided a convenient focusing system that allows you to easily change the mode from accurate to fast ZAasw and back, the movement of the drum switch. The rotation of the zoom ring takes place smoothly and evenly. Azimuth mount is used. The presence in the configuration of a special adapter allows you to change the standard eyepiece to a more powerful one. The set is supplemented with a table stand and a case with a shoulder strap for comfortable transport.

LEVENHUK Skyline 80 PLUS

Rating: 4.8

The Skyline 80 PLUS telescope favorably differs from analogs in high-quality optics, giving a clear and sharp image. Long focal length combined with a compact tube size. The manufacturer applied an improved azimuth mount with a simple, affordable beginner control. The mount has a horizontal level and handles for smooth movement of the telescope. The tripod is aluminum, with rubber tips on the legs, very stable.

Mirror parts of the tube are coated with aluminum, a multi-layer anti-reflection coating is applied to the optical lenses. To quickly search for star objects in the night and day sky, the telescope is equipped with a red dot finder. Additional eyepieces are included in the scope of delivery: 25 mm for a wide view and 10 mm for a significant increase.

Meade Polaris 127mm

Rating: 4.7

The high-quality and convenient telescope Meade Polaris 127mm occupies a worthy place of our rating, as it is most effective for observations outside the city. The reflector type model with a large lens diameter provides a clear contrast image without a color halo around the objects of observation. The kit comes with three eyepieces and a Barlow lens that allows you to expand the range of observations.

Equatorial mount made of stainless steel, reliable and stable. The movement of the optical tube is made with smooth movements with dosed out effort. If desired, you can install motor drives. It is possible to adjust the height of the tripod, which makes observation convenient regardless of height. Present finder with red dot for easy detection of objects. The telescope is equipped with a shelf for accessories, a dovetail quick assembly device.

The best telescopes for observing far space

If all celestial objects near our Earth have already been studied, and an interest has arisen in observing distant galaxies, it is worth thinking about buying a more powerful telescope. The main characteristic of telescopes for observing objects in far space is the lens diameter of more than 200 mm. Such telescopes have large dimensions and weight, which affects the price and complicates transportation.

Sky-Watcher Dob 16 "(400/1800) Retractable SynScan GOTO

Rating: 4.9

A high place ranking is a telescope-reflector with a large lens with a diameter of 400 mm. It is suitable for observing distant stars, flying comets and asteroids. The device is equipped with a homing system that guarantees an accurate and fast search for celestial bodies. The main mirror with a diameter of 406 mm - a parabolic shape, ensures the transmission of a correct and clean image.

An Dobson azimuth mount with SynScan AZ is used. The observer is offered to select an object from the database, after which a homing on the indicated celestial body will occur and its retention in the center of the field of view. A well-designed pipe design allows it to be folded for transportation or storage, reducing its size by one and a half times. The kit includes additional eyepieces in 25 mm and 10 mm, an eyepiece adapter, a control panel and a set of cables.

Meade LightBridge 16 "f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian

Rating: 4.9

LightBridge 16 "f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian telescope with Meade optics is considered by professionals to be the most successful model for observing distant objects. Maximum aperture, Craifford precise focus, fluoride-magnified covering of the main mirror provide a bright and clear image. A wide-angle view is provided for viewing. eyepiece. The search for objects is facilitated by a laser point finder.

The mechanical parts of the device belong to the premium class. The movement of the optical tube is smooth and effortless, thanks to the steel bearings. The built-in battery-powered fan is located on the rim of the main mirror, and prevents it from fogging. The base of the mount is made of chipboard, metal parts - from a lightweight aluminum alloy, which facilitates the design. Compared to competitors, the LightBridge 16 "f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian telescope is the easiest and most convenient to transport.

Sky-Watcher Dob 10 "(250/1200) Retractable

Rating: 4.8

The model belongs to the type of Newton reflectors. The design of the telescope allows you to fold the optical tube, reducing its length by 1.5 times. This feature greatly reduces the weight of the device. The most effective Sky-Watcher Dob 10 "(250/1200) Retractable for research beyond the starry sky outside urban conditions.

Characteristics of the device are provided by the use of optical glass of excellent quality, with a lens diameter of 250 mm, by the ultra-accurate Creyford two-inch focusing device. Users mark a clear image without distortion and photochrome. An optical finder is provided for targeting. The complete set is added with the adapter and two additional eyepieces of system of Kellner. Dobson's mount allows you to move the pipe up and azimuth. Simplified design is convenient to assemble and install the device.

The best auto-guided telescopes

Auto-guided telescopes allow you to simplify the search for celestial bodies by reducing human participation before specifying the desired object in the database attached to the device. Requires basic computer skills and ability to use software.

Celestron Advanced VX 8 "EdgeHD

Rating: 4.9

Advanced VX 8 "EdgeHD telescope is designed using innovative technologies and provides astrographic picture quality.Optics EdgeHD allows you to observe an excellent image of the starry sky without curvature at the extreme points of view. The optical tube is compatible with the photographing system, and is equipped with ventilation slots with mesh filters. Clips of a mirror perfectly fix the image at any movements of a pipe. Applied unique optical coating Celestron StarBright XLT.

Computerized mount is the latest development that extends the control of the telescope. Smooth movement is provided by powerful engines on both axes, fine tuning - optical angle sensors. There are ports for connecting additional devices and astrophotography. The keys of the control panel are highlighted.

Sky-Watcher Dob 8 "(200/1200) Retractable SynScan GOTO

Rating: 4.8

The Sky-Watcher Dob 8 "(200/1200) Retractable SynScan GOTO mechanism makes a telescope effective for exploring distant objects in outer space. Thanks to a large-diameter parabolic mirror, you can easily study nebulae, stars, as well as asteroids and comets. and a clear image can be observed around the city. For the purpose of adjustment, the Crayford focus focuser is used.

For convenient transportation, the optical tube can be folded, and it will become 1.5 times smaller than its original size. Dobson mount allows you to operate the model without using a tripod or tripod. In addition to manual control of the pipe stroke, the presence of motor drives is provided. The autotargeting system is able to find the desired celestial body among 42,000 objects and will keep it in the field of view of the observer without his participation.

LEVENHUK SkyMatic 135 GTA

Rating: 4.7

Experienced astronomers recommend the model SkyMatic 135 GTA type reflector as a good gift to children. Optical qualities of the device allow to study in detail the satellite of the Earth and near planets. The telescope is equipped with a lens with a maximum diameter of 130 mm, which allows it to be used in an urban environment. The set contains interchangeable eyepieces that magnify the image 65 and 26 times. The adapter allows you to install other, not included eyepieces. Ease of use, available even to a beginner, is provided by the autoname system. The controller's database contains coordinates of 42,000 celestial bodies.

The telescope is equipped with a cable to connect to a PC to control it using software. Suitable for astrophotography. The low weight of the construction makes it easy to transfer the model to a new observation point, even to a student.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.