5 best telescopes for beginner astronomers

When it comes to stargazing, a good telescope is essential. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Here, we'll take a look at the top 5 best telescopes for amateur astronomers.

1. Celestron NexStar 8SE

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a popular choice among amateur astronomers for its ease of use and advanced features. This telescope is designed for people who want to explore the night sky with minimal setup and maximum enjoyment.

One of the standout features of the Celestron NexStar 8SE is its computerized mount. This mount allows for quick and easy pointing to any object in the night sky. With the push of a button, you can easily find and track objects such as planets, galaxies, and nebulas. The mount also has a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, making it easy to find new and exciting things to observe.

Another great feature of the Celestron NexStar 8SE is its high-quality 8-inch aperture. This aperture allows for bright and clear views of deep-sky objects, making it perfect for viewing galaxies, nebulas, and even distant stars. The telescope also has a long focal length, which gives it a high magnification and a wide field of view.

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is also easy to set up and use. It comes with a lightweight, sturdy tripod, and it only takes a few minutes to assemble. The telescope also has a built-in SkyAlign technology which makes it easy to align the telescope with the night sky.

In addition, the Celestron NexStar 8SE has an elegant design with a single fork arm mount, which makes it easy to transport and set up. It also comes with a StarPointer finderscope, which helps to locate objects in the night sky, a 25mm eyepiece and a StarDiagonal.

2. Meade LX90-ACF

The Meade LX90-ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) is a high-performance telescope designed for amateur astronomers. It boasts a number of features that make it a powerful tool for observing the night sky.

One of the most notable features of the LX90-ACF is its advanced coma-free optical system, which provides sharp, clear images across the entire field of view. This is achieved by using a combination of a hyperbolic primary mirror and a elliptical secondary mirror, which work together to eliminate the coma distortion that is commonly found in other telescope designs.

The LX90-ACF also features a large aperture, with a diameter of 8 inches. This allows for the collection of a significant amount of light, which makes it possible to observe faint objects in the night sky with great detail. Additionally, the telescope comes with a high-quality StarLock system, which allows for automated and precise tracking of celestial objects.

The LX90-ACF also has a sturdy, durable design, with a heavy-duty mount and tripod that provide a stable platform for observing. The telescope is also equipped with a number of convenient features, such as a built-in GPS receiver and a digital display that provides information about the current position of the telescope.

3. Orion SkyQuest XT8

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 is a high-quality telescope that is perfect for both amateur and professional astronomers. With its 8-inch aperture, this telescope is capable of capturing stunning images of the night sky, making it a popular choice among stargazers.

One of the key features of the Orion SkyQuest XT8 is its large aperture. The 8-inch aperture allows for a wide field of view and the ability to capture more light than smaller telescopes. This means that the Orion SkyQuest XT8 can reveal fainter objects in the sky, such as distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

In addition to its large aperture, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 also features a parabolic mirror that is made of high-quality Pyrex glass. This mirror is able to capture and reflect a large amount of light, resulting in bright and clear images. The telescope also comes with a 2-inch focuser that allows for easy and precise focusing, making it easy to capture the perfect image.

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 is also a great telescope for those who are looking for an easy-to-use telescope. The telescope comes with a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to set up and use. It also comes with a user-friendly manual that will guide you through the setup process and help you to get the most out of your telescope.

Another great feature of the Orion SkyQuest XT8 is its durability. The telescope is made of high-quality materials that are built to last, making it a great investment for anyone who is serious about stargazing. The telescope also comes with a sturdy mount that is able to hold the telescope steady, allowing you to capture clear and stable images.

Overall, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 is a great telescope for both amateur and professional astronomers. With its large aperture, high-quality mirror, and easy-to-use design, this telescope is capable of capturing stunning images of the night sky. It is also a durable and long-lasting investment, making it a great choice for anyone who is serious about stargazing.

4. Celestron CPC 800

The Celestron CPC 800 is a high-performance telescope that is designed for advanced amateur astronomers and professional researchers. With its powerful 8-inch aperture and advanced computerized GoTo technology, this telescope is capable of capturing stunning images of deep space objects and providing precise tracking and pointing capabilities.

The CPC 800 features a highly advanced optical system, which includes a fast f/10 primary mirror and a fully multi-coated optical path. This provides the telescope with excellent light-gathering capabilities and produces sharp, high-contrast images. The telescope also includes a StarBright XLT coatings, which increase light transmission and enhance image quality.

The CPC 800 also features a highly advanced computerized GoTo mount, which is capable of automatically pointing and tracking objects in the sky with precision. This mount is equipped with a built-in GPS receiver and a sophisticated database of over 40,000 celestial objects, making it easy for users to locate and observe a wide range of celestial objects with ease.

The CPC 800 also includes a variety of advanced features, such as a built-in polar alignment scope and a user-friendly hand control that allows for easy control and customization of the telescope. Additionally, the telescope is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including eyepieces, filters, and cameras, allowing users to further customize their observing experience.

5. Orion StarBlast 4.5

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 is a compact and powerful telescope that is perfect for amateur astronomers looking to explore the night sky. With its 4.5-inch aperture and compact design, this telescope is a great choice for those who want to get into the hobby of stargazing without breaking the bank.

One of the key features of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 is its aperture. The 4.5-inch aperture allows for the collection of a significant amount of light, making it possible to see a wide variety of celestial objects. This includes stars, planets, galaxies, and even nebulas. The telescope's aperture also makes it ideal for observing the Moon, which is a popular target for many amateur astronomers.

Another great feature of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 is its compact design. The telescope is only 14 inches long and weighs just 6 pounds, making it easy to transport and set up. This makes it a great option for those who want to take their telescope on camping trips or to star parties. It's also great for backyard stargazing and for those who don't have a lot of room to store a large telescope.

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 also comes with a wide variety of accessories to enhance your stargazing experience. This includes a 25mm eyepiece, which provides a wide field of view and is great for observing larger objects such as the Moon and planets. The telescope also comes with a red-dot finder, which makes it easy to locate and track celestial objects.

In terms of performance, the Orion StarBlast 4.5 is a great telescope for its price range. It provides clear and sharp images and is capable of reaching high magnifications. It's also easy to use and maintain, making it a great option for beginners.