Best Telescopes of 2026
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Our top pick
- 116% Off
Celestron 11069 NexStar 8SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Advanced GPS, Astroimaging and AutoAlign Features, Black/Orange
The Celestron 11069 NexStar 8SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a stellar choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. Its iconic orange tube houses an 8-inch aperture, providing impressive light-gathering capabilities to explore the solar system and beyond. The telescope's fully automated GoTo mount simplifies locating and tracking over 40,000 celestial objects, making it accessible for all skill levels. SkyAlign technology ensures a quick setup, allowing more time for observation. The compact design, coupled with a sturdy tripod, makes it easy to transport. Additionally, the included Starry Night software enhances your stargazing experience with interactive sky simulations. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore the night sky or an enthusiast looking for a reliable and powerful telescope, the NexStar 8SE is a top choice that combines ease of use with advanced features.
Essential tips for choosing the telescopes
Telescopes are powerful tools of exploration, allowing us to view distant stars, planets and galaxies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced astronomer, having the right telescope can make a world of difference. Telescopes come in many shapes and sizes, with each type offering its own advantages and disadvantages. This guide will help you choose the telescope that best suits your needs.
There are two main types of telescopes: refractors and reflectors. Refractors use a lens to gather and focus light, while reflectors use a combination of mirrors to gather and focus light. Refractors tend to be the more popular choice, as they are generally more compact and less expensive. Reflectors, on the other hand, have larger apertures and can provide a better view of distant objects. It is important to note that both types of telescopes require some assembly and maintenance.
When it comes to telescopes, the two most important features are the aperture and the magnification. The aperture is the diameter of the lens or mirror and is the most important factor in determining the clarity and detail of the image. The magnification is the amount that the image is enlarged and is typically measured in millimeters. The higher the aperture, the more light your telescope can gather and the more detail you will be able to see. The higher the magnification, the more you can zoom in to view distant objects.
Computerized telescopes are a great way to get the most out of your telescope. They use a computer to help you locate and track objects in the sky. They are usually more expensive than manual telescopes, but they can save you time and frustration when trying to find and observe objects. Some computerized telescopes have additional features such as the ability to take photos or video.
Telescopes are usually mounted on a tripod or equatorial mount. Tripod mounts are the simplest and most common type of mount, while equatorial mounts allow you to track objects as the sky moves. If you plan to use your telescope for astrophotography, an equatorial mount is essential. The mount should be sturdy and well-balanced, as any movement or vibration can blur the image.
The right accessories can make a big difference in your viewing experience. Eyepieces are a must-have for any telescope and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Barlow lenses and filters can also help enhance your view. If you want to take photos or videos, you'll need a camera adapter and a DSLR camera.
