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BEST CELESTRON TELESCOPES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Celestron NexStar 8SE
Celestron
NexStar 8SE
Advanced Computerized Telescope
High-quality computerized telescope designed for intermediate to advanced astronomers. It offers impressive optics and user-friendly features.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Excellent light-gathering capability
  • User-friendly computerized system
  • Portable and easy to transport
  • High-quality optics
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Requires power source for mount
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ
Celestron
PowerSeeker 127EQ
High Power Reflector Telescope
Is an affordable and powerful reflector telescope, ideal for beginners interested in astronomy.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Good light-gathering capability
  • Comes with multiple eyepieces
  • Equatorial mount for easy tracking
CONS
  • Not as portable
  • Requires some setup and adjustment
Celestron Travel Scope 70
Celestron
Travel Scope 70
Compact Travel Telescope
Is perfect for on-the-go stargazing, offering portability and ease of use.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Highly portable
  • Easy to set up
  • Affordable price
  • Includes backpack for transport
CONS
  • Limited aperture
  • Not suitable for deep-sky observation
Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD
Celestron
Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD
Astrophotography-Ready Telescope
Is designed for serious astrophotography enthusiasts, offering premium optics and a robust mount.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High-quality optics
  • Excellent for astrophotography
  • Robust and accurate mount
  • Extensive object database
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Heavy and less portable
Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
Celestron
NexStar Evolution 9.25
Innovative Smart Telescope
Smart, app-controlled telescope with premium features and optics.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Outstanding optics
  • Integrated WiFi and app control
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • Smooth and precise tracking
CONS
  • High cost
  • Heavy and bulky
BEST OF THE BEST
Celestron NexStar 8SE
Advanced Computerized Telescope
Aperture: 8 inches (203.2mm)
Focal Length: 2032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Weight: 24 lbs
Mount Type: Single Fork Arm Altazimuth

The Celestron NexStar 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a popular choice among amateur astronomers due to its combination of powerful optics, ease of use, and advanced features. Featuring an 8-inch primary mirror, this telescope provides excellent light-gathering capability, making it suitable for observing a wide range of celestial objects, from the Moon and planets to deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.

The NexStar 8SE comes with Celestron's iconic orange-tube design and a fully computerized GoTo mount that allows you to locate and track objects with the push of a button. The telescope is equipped with a StarPointer finderscope, a sturdy steel tripod, and Celestron's SkyAlign technology, which makes alignment quick and easy.

This telescope is also compatible with Celestron's SkyPortal app, enabling wireless control from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just getting started, the NexStar 8SE offers an excellent balance of performance, portability, and advanced features.

PROS
  • Excellent light-gathering capability
  • User-friendly computerized system
  • Portable and easy to transport
  • High-quality optics
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Requires power source for mount
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ
High Power Reflector Telescope
Aperture: 127mm (5 inches)
Focal Length: 1000mm
Focal Ratio: f/8
Weight: 21.4 lbs
Mount Type: German Equatorial

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is designed for the aspiring astronomer who wants a powerful yet affordable option. With a 127mm aperture, this telescope provides bright and detailed views of celestial objects such as the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.

Its equatorial mount allows for smooth tracking of objects as they move across the night sky.The PowerSeeker 127EQ comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm) and a 3x Barlow lens, giving you a range of magnification options to explore different celestial phenomena.

The included finderscope makes it easier to locate objects, and the mount's slow-motion controls help you track them accurately.This telescope is an excellent choice for beginners due to its ease of assembly and use.

It also comes with Celestron's Starry Night software, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the night sky and helps you plan your observing sessions.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Good light-gathering capability
  • Comes with multiple eyepieces
  • Equatorial mount for easy tracking
CONS
  • Not as portable
  • Requires some setup and adjustment
Celestron Travel Scope 70
Compact Travel Telescope
Aperture: 70mm (2.76 inches)
Focal Length: 400mm
Focal Ratio: f/5.7
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Mount Type: Manual Altazimuth

The Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope is designed for those who love to explore the night sky while on the move. With a 70mm aperture and a lightweight design, this telescope is perfect for camping trips, vacations, or quick backyard observations.

Despite its compact size, it offers impressive views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.The Travel Scope 70 comes with a full-height tripod, two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), and a custom backpack for easy transport.

Its altazimuth mount allows for smooth and intuitive pointing and tracking of objects. This telescope also includes Celestron's SkyPortal app, which can be used to identify and locate celestial objects.

This is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who wants a portable and easy-to-use telescope. Its compact size and included accessories make it a convenient option for outdoor adventures and spontaneous stargazing sessions.

PROS
  • Highly portable
  • Easy to set up
  • Affordable price
  • Includes backpack for transport
CONS
  • Limited aperture
  • Not suitable for deep-sky observation
Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD
Astrophotography-Ready Telescope
Aperture: 8 inches (203.2mm)
Focal Length: 2032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Weight: 60 lbs
Mount Type: German Equatorial

The Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD Telescope is an excellent choice for astrophotographers and advanced amateur astronomers who demand high performance and precision. This telescope features an 8-inch EdgeHD optical tube, which provides sharp, clear images across a wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing detailed photos of celestial objects.

The Advanced VX mount is designed to provide smooth and accurate tracking, essential for long-exposure astrophotography. It includes an autoguider port and can support a variety of accessories to enhance your imaging experience.

The mount's NextStar+ hand controller offers a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, allowing you to easily locate and track your targets.This telescope is also compatible with Celestron's StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi module, expanding its functionality and making it easier to use.

With its combination of advanced features, high-quality optics, and sturdy mount, the Advanced VX 8 EdgeHD is a top choice for serious observers and astrophotographers.

PROS
  • High-quality optics
  • Excellent for astrophotography
  • Robust and accurate mount
  • Extensive object database
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Heavy and less portable
Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
Innovative Smart Telescope
Aperture: 9.25 inches (235mm)
Focal Length: 2350mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Weight: 61 lbs
Mount Type: Computerized Altazimuth

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 Telescope is a cutting-edge instrument that combines high-quality optics with modern technology to provide an unparalleled stargazing experience. With a 9.25-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain primary mirror, this telescope offers exceptional light-gathering ability and image clarity, making it perfect for observing a wide range of celestial objects.

One of the standout features of the NexStar Evolution 9.25 is its integrated WiFi, which allows you to control the telescope using the Celestron SkyPortal app on your smartphone or tablet. This app provides access to a vast database of celestial objects and offers guided tours of the night sky.

The telescope also features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, providing up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, making it convenient for extended observing sessions.The NexStar Evolution mount is equipped with worm gears for smooth tracking and precise pointing.

It also includes a hand controller with a database of over 40,000 objects. With its combination of advanced technology, high-quality optics, and user-friendly features, the NexStar Evolution 9.25 is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers.

PROS
  • Outstanding optics
  • Integrated WiFi and app control
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • Smooth and precise tracking
CONS
  • High cost
  • Heavy and bulky

How our picks compare

SpecificationCelestron NexStar 8SECelestron PowerSeeker 127EQCelestron Travel Scope 70Celestron Advanced VX 8 EdgeHDCelestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
Aperture8 inches (203.2mm)127mm (5 inches)70mm (2.76 inches)8 inches (203.2mm)9.25 inches (235mm)
Focal Length2032mm1000mm400mm2032mm2350mm
Focal Ratiof/10f/8f/5.7f/10f/10
Weight24 lbs21.4 lbs3.3 lbs60 lbs61 lbs
Mount TypeSingle Fork Arm AltazimuthGerman EquatorialManual AltazimuthGerman EquatorialComputerized Altazimuth