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We’ve rounded up the best telescopes for stargazing in this comprehensive guide. As well as picking the very best models, we’ve included telescopes to suit every level of astronomer and catered for every budget.
At the bottom of the guide, we’ve described what type of telescopes are most suited to which activity (e.g., Lunar or deep space observations). This may help you decide what is best for you out of the models we’ve selected to be on this list.
If you’re an avid bargain hunter, check out our telescope deals page, which is regularly updated with the best telescope deals as we find them. Deals aside, though, if you’re seriously interested in getting the best stargazing experience, this is the guide for you as we’ve listed the best models from top manufacturers, available now at reputable retailers.
Celestron NexStar 4SE
Best for finding planets and other celestial objects easily with Celestron’s SkyAlign technology.
SPECIFICATIONS
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Aperture: 4 inches (102 mm)
Focal length: 52.16 inches (1325mm)
Highest useful magnification: Up to 100x with digital zoom
Supplied eyepieces: 1.25 inch
Weight: 21 lbs (9kg) fully assembled
Boasting the build quality we’ve come to expect from the other models in Celestron’s NexStar range, the 4SE is optically comparable with the aforementioned Celestron Astro-Fi 102 but instead of relying on a smartphone, this model comes with a chunky and tactile hand controller. It is a good buy for beginner astronomers as it’s very simple to use and produces a clear and bright picture which is why we gave it four out of five stars during our Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope review.
The field of view is somewhat limited, which some users may find frustrating when manually slewing, but as Celestron’s SkyAlign software and GoTo system finds objects for you, this isn’t a deal breaker. The hand controller also allows nine different slewing speeds allowing for small corrections or a quicker scan of the night sky if you choose.
Given the power-hungry nature of the NexStar SE scopes, an external power supply is advised. The scope can otherwise quickly drain a whole pack of AA batteries. This does further limit portability further unless you are using it in combination with a portable power station.
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor
Best for budding skywatchers who want to get up and running quickly
SPECIFICATIONS
Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 3.94″ (100 mm)
Focal length: 25.98″ (660 mm)
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Focal ratio: f/6.5
Supplied eyepieces: 10 mm, 25 mm
Weight: 20 lbs. (9.07 kg)
An excellent telescope for the beginner or those on a tighter budget, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a great choice for those looking for a complete package that offers more in the way of accessories than most starter telescope bundles.
The Inspire 100AZ comes with a 90-degree erect image diagonal with a 1.25-inch fitting that makes the telescope suitable for terrestrial (daytime/on land) and celestial views, a pair of eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm), a red LED flashlight for preserving vision, an accessory tray, StarPointer Pro finderscope and a smartphone adapter for basic astrophotography. Be mindful that given the refractor’s focal ratio, the Inspire 100AZ is limited to short-exposure photography.
During the observations we made in our Celestron Inspire 100AZ review, we noticed a small amount of false color (purple color fringing), and a slight blurring in the field of view was noticeable. The latter is easily resolved with a careful selection of eyepieces, so we recommend investing in additional eyepieces to make the most of the Inspire 100AZ’s optical system and to ensure that it translates into the quality of your photos, if you’re taking them False color, on the other hand, is to be expected in telescopes at this price point but it doesn’t ruin the experience unless you’re exceptionally particular about color accuracy.
The overall build of this refractor is impressive. The StarPointer is a pleasant surprise since it’s able to pick out faint stars under moderate light pollution for an accurate star-hopping experience.
Celestron Astro Fi 102
Best lightweight and portable go-to mount scope for beginner sky watchers
SPECIFICATIONS
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Aperture: 4.01-inches (102 mm)
Focal length: 52.16- inches (1325mm)
Highest useful magnification: Up to 100x with digital zoom
Supplied eyepieces: 25 mm and 10 mm
Weight: 6 lbs. (2.7kg)
After undertaking our Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope review we’d say this is perfect for beginners who don’t have prior knowledge of the night sky but want to start learning and enjoying it straight out of the box.
It’s not a budget scope by any means, but if you’re looking for a telescope that comes from a trusted brand that is highly portable, this one is worth your consideration.
This is a good grab-and-go option when weighing in at just 6lbs (2.7kg). It doesn’t have a huge footprint as some telescopes do, so you can leave it set up at home without compromising your space too much, though it is easy enough to pack away and reassemble at will.
We think the final finish on the telescope looks and feels a little toyish, and compromises such as the materials used have been made to keep the scope as lightweight as possible. Despite the slightly lackluster final finish though, the image is attractive, and you can explore the detail on the Moon’s surface, Saturn and its rings, Mars and Jupiter. You may also see nebulae and other deep sky objects in the right sky conditions.
It’s very quick and easy to sync with Celestron’s SkyPortal app, which contains approximately 100k celestial objects to explore.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
Best for backyard moon and planet gazing without compromising on optical quality
SPECIFICATIONS
Optical design: Reflector
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 4.49″ (114 mm)
Focal length: 39.37″ (1,000 mm)
Highest useful magnification: 269x
Lowest useful magnification: 16x
Supplied eyepieces: 10 mm, 25 mm
Weight: 10.41 lbs. (4.72 kg)
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114 can be enjoyed by beginner and intermediate skywatchers alike. It will be especially desirable to busy users who lack the time required for lengthy set-up procedures. During our Celestron StarSense Explorer LT114 review we timed assembling this telescope — it took less than 20 minutes!
Celestron’s StarSense technology is built into this reflector, which provides an extremely easy way to align the telescope. The skywatcher needs to download the StarSense app from Google or Apple(opens in new tab) and take a smartphone image through the eyepiece, the app then works out which stars are in the telescope’s field of view to calculate which way it is facing, clever.
The app not only provides an immersive experience but also offers interesting information on each of the targets you observe, giving you a better understanding of what you’re looking at.
You can enjoy the gas giant of Jupiter(opens in new tab) by using the 10 mm eyepiece. The views are clear, but you’ll need a selection of eyepieces (check out our best eyepiece buying guide) and filters in order to pick out the coloration of the atmospheric bands. The planet’s largest moons are visible as clear, sharp points of light. Views of the moon, Venus(opens in new tab) and the Beehive Cluster (Messier 44) are also pleasing and clear.