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Best Celestron Telescopes

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Experienced product tester and reviewer with 5+ years, providing unbiased reviews and ensuring product quality and user satisfaction.
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Main Features

  • 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain primary mirror
  • Fully computerized GoTo mount
  • StarPointer finderscope
  • SkyAlign technology
  • Compatible with SkyPortal app

Product Overview

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

Product Specifications

  • Aperture 8 inches (203.2mm)
  • Focal Length 2032mm
  • Focal Ratio f/10
  • Weight 24 lbs
  • Mount Type Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
Best Price / Quality
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ

Main Features

  • 127mm Newtonian reflector
  • Equatorial mount with slow-motion controls
  • Two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm)
  • 3x Barlow lens
  • Starry Night software included

Product Overview

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

Product Specifications

  • Aperture 127mm (5 inches)
  • Focal Length 1000mm
  • Focal Ratio f/8
  • Weight 21.4 lbs
  • Mount Type German Equatorial

Main Features

  • 70mm refractor telescope
  • Full-height tripod included
  • Two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm)
  • Custom backpack for transport
  • SkyPortal app compatibility

Product Overview

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

Product Specifications

  • Aperture 70mm (2.76 inches)
  • Focal Length 400mm
  • Focal Ratio f/5.7
  • Weight 3.3 lbs
  • Mount Type Manual Altazimuth

Main Features

  • 8-inch EdgeHD optical tube
  • Advanced VX equatorial mount
  • NextStar+ hand controller
  • Autoguider port
  • Compatible with StarSense and SkyPortal

Product Overview

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

Product Specifications

  • Aperture 8 inches (203.2mm)
  • Focal Length 2032mm
  • Focal Ratio f/10
  • Weight 60 lbs
  • Mount Type German Equatorial

Main Features

  • 9.25-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain mirror
  • Built-in WiFi for app control
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Worm gears for smooth tracking
  • SkyPortal app compatibility

Product Overview

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

Product Specifications

  • Aperture 9.25 inches (235mm)
  • Focal Length 2350mm
  • Focal Ratio f/10
  • Weight 61 lbs
  • Mount Type Computerized Altazimuth

Guide to Finding the Best Celestron Telescopes

Choosing the right telescope can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available from a reputable brand like Celestron. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by breaking down key factors and highlighting some of the best models suited for various needs.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to understand what you want to achieve with your telescope. Are you interested in casual stargazing, deep-sky observation, or astrophotography? Answering this question will significantly narrow down your options.

Key Features to Consider

  1. Aperture: The diameter of the telescope's main optical component (lens or mirror) is crucial. A larger aperture allows more light to enter, resulting in clearer and more detailed images. For beginners, an aperture between 70mm and 100mm is often sufficient. More experienced astronomers might prefer 150mm and above.

  2. Mount Type: Celestron telescopes come with different mount types, each with its own advantages. Altazimuth mounts are straightforward to use and ideal for beginners. Equatorial mounts are better for tracking celestial objects, making them suitable for more advanced users and astrophotographers.

  3. Portability: If you plan to transport your telescope frequently, consider its weight and size. Some telescopes are designed to be compact and easy to set up, making them perfect for travel.

  4. Optical Design: Celestron offers various optical designs including refractors, reflectors, and compound (catadioptric) telescopes. Refractors are generally good for planetary and lunar observations. Reflectors are often preferred for faint deep-sky objects. Compound telescopes provide a balance, offering good performance for a wide range of observations.

Recommended Models

  1. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ: This is an excellent entry-level telescope that offers good value for its price. With a 127mm aperture and an equatorial mount, it is capable of providing clear views of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. It’s a good choice for beginners who want to learn the ropes of equatorial tracking.

  2. Celestron NexStar 130SLT: This model is part of Celestron’s computerized telescope series, which makes finding celestial objects much easier. The 130mm aperture and Newtonian reflector design offer bright and detailed images. The SkyAlign technology is particularly user-friendly, making it ideal for novice astronomers who want to delve deeper without the hassle of manual navigation.

  3. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ: For those looking for a simpler, more portable option, the AstroMaster 70AZ is a solid choice. It’s a refractor telescope with a 70mm aperture, making it ideal for lunar and planetary observations. The altazimuth mount is easy to use, and its lightweight design makes it convenient for travel.

  4. Celestron NexStar 8SE: This is a step up for those who are more serious about their astronomy. The 8-inch aperture provides stunningly clear and bright images of both planetary and deep-sky objects. The computerized GoTo mount can locate thousands of celestial objects at the push of a button, making it an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced users.

  5. Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT: For the serious astronomer or astrophotographer, this model offers an 11-inch aperture and a fully computerized dual fork arm mount. The optical performance is exceptional, and it comes with features like GPS alignment, making it easier to set up and use despite its complexity.

Additional Considerations

  • Accessories: Depending on your level of interest and expertise, you might want additional accessories like different eyepieces, Barlow lenses, or filters. Many Celestron telescopes come with basic accessories, but investing in higher-quality ones can enhance your observing experience.

  • Budget: Your budget will significantly influence your choice. While it's tempting to go for the most feature-rich model, it's often better to start with something more affordable and upgrade as your skills and interest grow.

  • Learning Curve: Some telescopes come with a steeper learning curve due to their advanced features. Make sure to read reviews and perhaps watch tutorial videos to understand what each model entails in terms of setup and usage.

Conclusion

Selecting the right Celestron telescope involves assessing your specific needs, understanding key features, and balancing those with your budget. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simplicity or an advanced user seeking high performance, Celestron offers a telescope that will meet your requirements. By considering the models and features discussed in this guide, you’re well on your way to making an informed decision that will enhance your stargazing experience.