10 best telescopes

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Both strict pragmatists and romantic natures love to look at the sky and dream of the stars. Buying a telescope can satisfy children's desires, cravings for knowledge, and the desire for 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 device.

How to choose a telescope

When buying a telescope, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following selection criteria:

1. Installation site. To use a telescope on a balcony or in a room in a city apartment, you need to choose a model for close research, since distant objects still cannot be seen because of the night illumination of city streets. Outside the city, where the sky is darker, you can use the telescope with a strong approach of objects. If you intend to travel frequently to observe the sky from different angles, you will need a telescope with a simple assembly and installation mechanism that is convenient for placing in the trunk of a car.
2. Main characteristics. First of all, it is the lens diameter or aperture and focal length. The larger the aperture, the better the visibility. For townspeople, 120-150 mm is enough. Observing distant constellations will require a lens diameter of at least 200 mm. The maximum aperture is 406 mm.
3. Crowbar. It is designed to fix the structure. The main ones are the equatorial, azimuth and Dobson systems, each designed for specific operating conditions. The azimuth mount is recommended for studying terrestrial objects, has a simple design and is intended for beginners. The equatorial system helps to obtain high-quality photographs, direct equipment to coordinates and find dim celestial bodies. The Dobson mount is a simplified version of the azimuth device.

Based on the feedback and recommendations of professional astronomers, our experts have compiled a rating of the best telescopes.

Rating of the best telescopes

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

Best telescopes for beginners

Fans of observing distant objects, who have not yet mastered all the features and capabilities of complex technology, will be satisfied with simple, relatively inexpensive telescopes with optical characteristics that allow them to get first impressions of the beauty of the starry sky. An aperture of up to 200 mm is sufficient for this. Novice astronomers are encouraged to purchase collapsible, lightweight models to find the most convenient observation points.

Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ

Rating: 4.9

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ is the only device in the ranking 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 equipment shelves.

Advanced finders and manual controls make it easy to aim the optics on the target. The simple mechanism of the device makes it easy to assemble the product. The excellent image is provided by the high resolution and penetrating powers of the telescope. An optimal equatorial mount helps to observe elusive celestial bodies. Additionally, the kit includes a tripod and special software.

Advantages

• universal lens;

• stylish design;

• The best ratio of price and quality;

disadvantages

• unstable mount;

• large mass.

Veber MAK 1000/90

Rating: 4.8

The Veber MAK 1000/90 telescope is designed to study deep space objects and various planets of the solar system. The device will 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 qualities of the telescope provide clear contrast images. The manufacturer has provided a convenient focusing system that allows you to easily change the mode from precise to fast ZAasw and vice versa by moving the drum switch. The zoom ring rotates smoothly and evenly. An azimuth mount is used. The presence of a special adapter in the package allows you to change the standard eyepiece for a more powerful one. The set is completed with a table stand and a case with a shoulder strap for comfortable transportation.

Advantages

• light weight;

• convenient focusing;

• compactness;

disadvantages

• poor build quality.

LEVENHUK Skyline 80 PLUS

Rating: 4.8

The Skyline 80 PLUS telescope compares favorably with analogs with high-quality optics, which give a clear and sharp image. The long focal length is combined with the compact tube size. The manufacturer used an improved azimuth mount with simple, beginner-friendly controls. The mount has a horizontal level and handles for smooth movement of the telescope. Aluminum tripod with rubber feet, very stable.

The mirror parts of the tube are coated with aluminum, the optical lenses are coated with a multilayer antireflection coating. The telescope is equipped with a red dot finder to quickly find stellar objects in the night and day sky. Supplied with additional eyepieces: 25 mm for wide viewing and 10 mm for high magnification.

Advantages

• stable tripod;

• improved mount;

• low price;

disadvantages

• lack of a case.

Meade Polaris 127mm

Rating: 4.7

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

Equatorial mount is made of stainless steel, reliable and stable. The optical tube is moved by smooth movements with a dosed effort. Motor drives can be installed if desired. The tripod height can be adjusted, which makes observation convenient regardless of height. There is a finder with a red dot for easy object detection. The telescope is equipped with an accessory shelf and a quick dovetail assembly.

Advantages

• three eyepieces;

• equatorial mount;

• availability of software – electronic planetarium;

• large lens size;

disadvantages

• not detected.

The best telescopes for observing deep space

If all celestial objects near our Earth have already been studied, and there is interest in observing distant galaxies, it is worth considering buying a more powerful telescope. The main characteristic of telescopes for observing objects in deep space is a lens diameter of more than 200 mm. These telescopes are large and heavy, which adds cost and complexity to transportation.

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

Rating: 4.9

The highest place in the rating is taken by a reflector telescope with a large lens 400 mm in diameter. It is suitable for observing distant stars, passing 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 – parabolic shape, provides a correct and clear image.

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

Advantages

• homing system;

• maximum lens size.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Meade LightBridge 16 “f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian

Rating: 4.9

The LightBridge 16 “f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian reflector telescope with Meade optics is considered by professionals to be the most successful model for observing distant objects. Maximum aperture, Crayford precision focusing, fluoride-magnesium coating of the main mirror give a bright and clear image. Eyepiece Finding objects is facilitated by the finder with a laser dot.

The mechanical parts of the device are of a premium class. The optical tube moves smoothly and effortlessly thanks to the steel bearings. A built-in battery-powered fan is located on the frame of the main mirror to prevent fogging. The base of the mount is made of chipboard, the metal parts are made of light aluminum alloy, which facilitates the construction. Compared to competitors in the rating, the LightBridge 16 “f / 4.5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian telescope is the most lightweight and convenient for transportation.

Advantages

• wide-angle eyepiece;

• built-in fan;

• maximum lens size;

disadvantages

• chipboard base.

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

Rating: 4.8

The model belongs to the Newtonian reflector type. The telescope design allows the optical tube to be folded, reducing its length by 1.5 times. This feature significantly 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.

The characteristics of the device are ensured by the use of optical glass of excellent quality, a 250 mm objective lens, an ultra-precise two-inch Crayford focusing device. Users note a clear image without distortion and photochrome. An optical finder is provided for aiming. The complete set is supplemented with an adapter and two additional eyepieces of the Kellner system. The Dobson mount allows you to move the pipe in elevation and azimuth. The simplified design is easy to assemble and install.

Advantages

• two eyepieces;

• light weight;

• foldable pipe;

• large lens size;

disadvantages

• inconvenience of using in the city.

The best auto-pointing telescopes

Auto-pointing telescopes simplify the search for celestial bodies by reducing human involvement to specifying the desired object in the database attached to the device. Basic computer skills and software skills are required.

Celestron Advanced VX 8 “EdgeHD

Rating: 4.9

The Advanced VX 8 “EdgeHD telescope is designed with innovative technologies to provide 'astrographic' picture quality. EdgeHD optics allow you to view the starry sky perfectly without distortion at the extreme points of view. The optic tube is compatible with the photography system, and is equipped with ventilation slots with mesh filters. mirrors perfectly capture the image at any movement of the pipe.Used a unique optical coating Celestron StarBright XLT.

The computerized mount is the latest in telescope control capabilities. Smooth movement is provided by powerful motors on both axles, fine tuning is provided by optical steering angle sensors. Ports for connecting additional devices and astrophotography are provided. The control panel keys are backlit.

Advantages

• large lens size;

• control from a computer.

disadvantages

• automatic targeting is not stopped.

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

Rating: 4.8

The reflex mechanism Sky-Watcher Dob 8 “(200/1200) Retractable SynScan GOTO makes the telescope an effective device for studying distant objects in outer space. Thanks to the large diameter parabolic mirror, you can easily study nebulae, stars, asteroids and comets. and a clear image can be observed over the city. For adjustment using the Crayford focuser. To increase the field of view and thoroughly study the object, an adapter is included for attaching additional eyepieces of 10 mm and 25 mm.

For convenient transportation, the optical tube can be folded, and it will become 1.5 times smaller than its original size. The Dobson mount allows you to operate the model without using a tripod or tripod. In addition to manual control of the pipe movement, motor drives are provided. The auto-targeting 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.

Advantages

• two eyepieces with an adapter;

• mount with motor drives;

• parabolic mirror;

• large lens size;

disadvantages

• not detected.

LEVENHUK SkyMatic 135 GTA

Rating: 4.7

Experienced astronomers recommend the SkyMatic 135 GTA reflector as a good gift for children. The optical qualities of the device make it possible to study in detail the Earth's satellite and nearby planets. The telescope is equipped with a lens with a maximum diameter of 130 mm, which allows it to be used in urban environments. The set includes interchangeable eyepieces with 65 and 26 times magnification. The adapter allows you to install other eyepieces not included in the kit. Ease of use, accessible even to a beginner, is provided by the auto guidance system. The controller's database contains the coordinates of 42,000 celestial bodies.

The telescope is equipped with a cable for connecting to a PC to be controlled by software. Suitable for astrophotography. The light weight of the structure makes it easy to transfer the model to a new observation point, even for a schoolchild.

Advantages

• little weight;

• the possibility of astrophotography;

• great lens size;

disadvantages

• slight focusing play.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.