Contents
Top 5 Best Telescope Reviews
Why buy a telescope?
We have all heard stories of magical land with glittering stars and celestial bodies in the sky in childhood. The imagination itself was enough to land us in the world of those magical stars and planets.
With the passage of time, the fantasy of such stories take a more realistic turn and grow up into a deeper curiosity of viewing such heavenly bodies. We all are aware that most of the celestial bodies are not visible through naked eyes and hence to quench the thirst of curiosity, a well-equipped telescope is required.
A mere peep into the telescope lands into the beautiful world of stars and planets which was limited till imagination before.
Difference of watching planets through a telescope
Telescope is not just a device that allows a user to watch far distant heavenly bodies. The quality and clarity of the view makes the entire difference in watching the planets via naked eyes and a through a telescope. You can also check some history of Telescope from here as well.
For instance, moon can be easily viewed through bare eyes however, watching it through the telescope presents a more realistic and original view of the moon. The three dimensional quality of the telescope impart a different image.
Besides that, a user can witness the change in shadows of the moon with the change in phases through a quality driven telescope.
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Variety of telescopes
A telescope is no regular device and has a complicated theory to understand. The use of telescope is not limited to one single purpose and hence there are different forms of telescope available for serve different needs of the user.
At present there are mainly 3 forms of telescopes including Refractors, Reflectors and compound telescope. The refractors are the most common type of telescopes available in the market with the lens right at the front of the tube. Reflector form of telescope is the most reasonably priced.
They use the mirror at the rear to gather light for its functioning. The last form of telescope is compound telescope and functions in conjunction with both lens and mirrors.
Essentials of a telescope
There are 2 major features of the telescope that are crucial for its functioning namely, Aperture and the mount. Aperture is nothing but the entire diameter of the lens/mirror required for collecting light for its operation.
The specification regarding the diameter is readily available on the telescope itself and is measured in millimeters or inches. The larger the aperture, the better is the view of the telescope. The mount on the other hand is the support that withheld the weight of the telescope.
Though every telescope comes with its mount system, it can also be bought separately. There are several mounts that easily allow the telescope to lift up, down and sideways without any inconvenience.
Things to note before settling for a telescope :-
Power Rating
Variation in power of the telescope may end up in disappointing the user and fail to endure its claim of clarity and perfect view. Each form of telescope has its own power requirement.
For instance, a refractor with an aperture diameter of 2.4 inch may not require more than 120 power magnification. Using the telescope on highest power magnification may blur the image and presents a fuzzy image.
Mount
Mount of the telescope has an important role to play in adjusting and supporting the weight of the telescope. If the mounting of the telescope is not right, there is no point in checking the views.
A non- adjustable mount may wobble a lot and may fail to keep the telescope at one fixed position. Hence the focus should not be entirely on the quality of the telescope. One must validate every aspect of the mount of the telescope before choosing it from the market.
Retail outlets
A device as important as a telescope should be bought from a retail store with variety of forms and multiple price range. A good retail store always has all three forms of telescopes used by astronomers and people for daily use.
Like other different devices, the telescope is also available in multiple price range allowing a user to pick from its best options.
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Listed below are some telescope reviews that offer value for money quality to users :
Top 5 Best Telescope Reviews Under 100, 200, 500 Dollars
#1. Celestron NexStar 127SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black)
Features and specification
Celestron has been the best known brand that has ever existed in helping the user to gaze stars far and distant in the sky. There are multiple telescopes launched by this company with different specifications each of which has successfully made its mark in the market as well as impressed the users with its quality driven performance.
The device features an aperture diameter of 127 mm and has gathered a lot of appreciation of its clarity. As far as power of the telescope is concerned, it offers a magnification range of 60X.
The magnification of the telescope works on excellent scale and pampers its user by presenting even the minutest of the details such as Saturn rings, craters on the moon and others. The specifications and features of the telescope are such that it makes up the best telescope for entry level users.
Installation and setup
Being an entry level telescope, Celestron’s NexStar 127SLT is very easy to set up and install. The telescope does not involve a lot of fixing and screw management. The company has made an exception by focusing not only on developing a quality-driven telescope but also on its easy installation and simple set up.
The most surprising aspect of the telescope is that it does not require any special tool and sets up in not more than 10 minutes by a single individual. Unlike traditional telescope that took hours for their installation, Celestron Nexstar’s telescope is nothing less than a revolution.
Standout aspect
Every single trait of the telescope is remarkable and worth appreciation. However, the most exceptional feature of this device is its highly advanced technology. Thanks to the high impacted technology, the view presented by the telescope is full of clarity and appeal.
The views displayed by this telescope may not compete with the display image of other professional telescopes however being a entry level telescope, the device offers more than what anyone can ask for.
Maintenance
Despite of its multiple features, the device does not call for any special handling or maintenance. The only time the device call for attention is at the time of its installation. Once the setup is complete, the telescope needs to place away from extreme sunlight and moisture.
Optical component of the telescope is the only part that needs to be validated every now and then. The lens or mirrors of the telescope should be not be touched with bare hands as they tend to get stained if the hands are not cleaned. Use of brushes and cleansing liquid can be used for proper cleaning of the telescope.
Upside Of The Device
- The most significant aspect of this telescope is its easy setup feature that makes it an apt device for entry level. Besides the set up feature, the telescope is easy to use and operate as well.
- Unlike most of the telescopes, the alignment does not pose any problem and there is no requirement for extra documentation for aligning the telescope.
- Vision and clarity of the telescope is enhanced owing to the high quality optics which is way better considering the telescope to be entry leveled.
- The device comes with a huge record of tips and tricks to easily navigate and trace many heavenly bodies in the galaxy.
Downside Of The Device
- For all the features the device offers, the price of the telescope is relatively higher than what other telescopes offer with same aperture diameter.
- Whilst the companies are effortlessly trying to build a telescope with minimal weight, heavy weight of the device place a negative mark on its popularity.
#2. Orion 8945 SkyQuest XT8
Features and specification
Orion has been astronomer’s favorite brand for exploring sky and wonder stars with extreme clarity. This is a device that is sworn by the professionals due to its tremendous technology and advanced features. Orion is no new name to the users of telescope and has a reputation of presenting products each with different set of features and quality performance.
The major specification of the telescope includes an 8 inch mirror with 1200 mm focal length imparting a focal ratio of f/5.9. The steel tube of the telescope is extremely powerful and measures 46 inch. An additional accessory includes a plossl eyepiece with a length of 25 mm which is an absolute treat to its users.
Apart from the eyepiece, the box of the telescope contains all major and minor equipment that are essential for the smooth operation of the device.
Installation and setup
Putting together the pieces of the telescope is no complicated task and does not require a lot of procedures. The best part about installing the telescope is that the entire kit required for the installation of the telescope is provided with the package available with the telescope.
The added accessories include multiple Allen wrenches and a head screwdriver from Philips. Overall the telescope only needed a bit adjustment. Even a beginner who has not assembled a telescope before can install the device in a maximum of 30 minutes.
Standout aspect
The most noticeable part of this telescope is that it exhibits the qualities of both small level and professional level telescope. The device is neither too bulky like a huge telescope nor it has been reported to present a low level display of images. The device is apt for both beginners and professional users like astronomers as it provides a perfect blend of clarity, cost efficiency and performance.
The telescope satiates the curiosity of better display image for the beginners and satisfies the professional users for most of the high profile features required. The ‘T adapter’ of the telescope facilitates a user to attach a camera along with the device easily thorough it preset setting feature.
Maintenance
The device requires special attention in the initial stages and utilizes its efficiency for a longer period of time. The maintenance part of the telescope requires a little handling and storage space. Handling including keeping the lens cap on when the telescope is not in use as keeping it wide open all the time may attract lot of dust and stains which may impact the functionality of the device.
Besides that, it should be assured that no regular cleansing agent should be used for the cleaning of the lens and mirror of the device. Cleaning should be done with a quality cleaner specially built for cleaning the lens with a microfiber cloth.
Upside Of The Device
- Owing a telescope from Orion assures a user about the longevity and durability of the device. Also, the manufactures guaranty regarding the device further adds to the faith and longevity of the telescope.
- For all it offers, the telescope is priced way too less than what it offers. The telescope has left other such devices behind in the competition in comparison to price and quality.
- The clarity of the celestial bodies such as moon’s crater and saturn’s ring is assured owing to the perfect focal ratio of f/5.9
- The telescope is apt for both kids and professional users as it pampers kids by fulfilling their fantasy and satisfy the astronomers with a highly advanced features meant solely for them.
- The flexibility of the steel tube is worth mentioning as it allows a user to rotate the telescope in any direction they prefer without posing any inconvenience or hassle.
Downside Of The Device
- Telescope is slightly heavy in weight as compared to other similar devices under the same price range.
- The device is not suitable for experts with a lot of skilled experience and may disappoint the users owing to lack of many advanced features.
#3. Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope
Features and specification
Exclusively meant to target the customer base of amateur users, Celestron once again proves its worth by launching its 127EQ powerseeker telescope. The efficiency of the telescope is evident from the maximum customer reviews the product has gained and the affordable price range it is available at.
Celestron has withheld a trustworthy reputation amongst its customer base owing to its high quality devices and its existence for over 50 years. Being a reflector telescope, the mirrors of the device gather maximum light and deflect them for displaying the image.
This telescope provides an extremely good clarity with details of the moon thanks to the aperture diameter that measure 127 mm. The detailing of the telescope is such that it allows a user to view nebulas and star clusters as well. Another worthy aspect of the device is its high-transmission aluminum coated glass optical that further enhances and define the viewing image.
Installation and setup
Many users misconstrued the installation process to be complicated due to its multiple features and technology. However, despite of its variety of traits, the setup of this device is a child’s play. The telescope comes with an instruction manual that provides a step by step guidance to set up the telescope.
With an additional lending hand, the process of installation speeds up and the work is done sooner than estimation. The most relieving factor about the telescope is that it does not require any additional equipment or accessory for its installation.
Standout aspect
The feature that attracts the user the most is the addition of manifold accessories along with the telescope. The device accompanies an equatorial mount with a focal length of 1000 mm.
Besides the mounting support, the telescope also comes with tripod for extra support. The tripod of the telescope is built with a high impacted aluminum with tray to gather all the accessories of the telescope at one place.
Maintenance
It is evident that a telescope with such impeccable features and traits will definitely require attention for its longevity and durability. As far as maintenance of the telescope is concerned, it is advisable to collimate the device once in a while.
Most of the users try to project images with their telescope. It is strictly advised to not to use the telescope as a projector as it may impact the lens quality. Special supervision is required for using the telescope around the kids. Never use a regular cleaning agent to clean the lens/mirror of the telescope as it may impact the quality and efficiency of the lens of the device.
Upside Of The Device
- Amazing viewing capability of the telescope is assured owing to the top notch quality of optical instrument installed in the device.
- The magnification of the telescope is simply outstanding and the image displayed by the telescope is astounding when it works in conjunction with magnified eyepieces.
- Another advantage of the telescope is that it accompanies many additional accessories required for the functioning of the device.
- Putting the pieces of the telescope together is another simple and easy task that can be processed in not time without any hassle.
- Being very portable, it is very easy to carry the telescope from one place to another without posing any problem or inconvenience to the user.
- Celstron offer a 2 year warranty on the telescope when the device is purchased exclusively from amazon.
Downside Of The Device
- As informed before, the device asks for a lot more than just attention. It is very important to handle and properly maintain the telescope. Being fragile enough, the device can be adversely impacted if not handled properly.
#4. Orion 10014 SkyQuest XT 4.5 Classic Dobsonian
Features and specification
Orion makes a drastic entrance over and again with its yet another popular and remarkably awesome features of its product. Though Orion has gifted its users with different products that have variety of features, its 10014 skyquest XT 4.5 model has made an exception among the users.
The model imparts a clarity many professional astronomers and expert star gazers crave for. It has the ability to display a better and clearer image of the celestial bodies that appear fuzzy and fade with other telescopes. Being accommodated with an aperture of diameter 4.5 inches, the telescope is extremely compact and portable to use.
The features demonstrate are apt for both beginners and professionals. The telescope is based on a wooden base that makes a flat ground support for the telescope. The weight of the device is just 17.6 pounds making the telescope neither too heavy neither too light to carry around. The attached handle on the telescope offers easy packing and lifting the telescope to explore new points in the galaxy.
Installation and setup
Since the telescope is extremely light weight in nature, installation and placing the telescope is no big affair. The handle attach to the telescope allows easy facility to pick and lift the telescope. Moreover, the telescope does not require fixing any screws during the set up and installation which makes the procedure extremely easy and breezy.
Standout aspect
The most impeccable aspect of the telescope is its magnification power. Be it a day or night, the views and display image presented by the telescope are extremely clear and bright.
The telescope has a clarity level enables a user to view the Jupiter’s moon as well as the cracks and fractures in a comet that passes by the sky. The device is best for those who travel constantly and need to carry their telescope with them. With an easy to carry device as Orion’s telescope, one get portability and quality both in one single hand.
With the use of exclusive quality of materials in its infrastructure, the device is extremely durable as well. The plus point of the telescope is its added accessories that accommodates with the package. Despite of its high technology, the device is extremely user friendly as it can be used and operated by any member of the family and even by a kid.
Maintenance
Maintenance is not just about handling and taking care of the device but it also emphasis on the store and outlet the product is purchased from. As far as maintenance of Orion’s telescope is concerned, a user must invest its money keeping in mid the retail store the device will be purchased from.
Secondly, it is important to place the telescope in area that is not very close or prone to dust and windy air. Exposure to lot dust particle may adversely impact the quality of lens/mirror of the telescope. Another point to consider is to care about the eyepieces by keeping them in their protective case if they are not being used.
It is also important to put the dust covers on, if the telescope is not used by the users. Regular cleaning of the mirror/lens is also important to maintain the quality of the view. Using a regular or standard cleaning agent for cleaning may harm the lens/mirror.
Hence a specialized cleaning agent should be required for the cleaning the lens. Cleaning the lens once an year will be sufficient for the functioning of the telescope.
Upside Of The Device
- The configuration of this unique set of telescope is extremely simple thanks to the Dobsonian table and the handle attached to the telescope for easy movement.
- The most stand-out aspect of the telescope is its affordable price. Considering the assortment of features it offers to its user, the cost marked to the telescope is negligible.
- The aperture of the telescope has a diameter of 4.5 inches which is relatively large and imparts a remarkable view of the celestial bodies in the sky.
- The telescope does not require any additional support from a tripod or a stand. The Dobsonian base of the telescope provides a flat and correct support to the telescope and does not let the device wobble.
Downside Of The Device
- The scope of the telescope should be covered in a case or a protective bag. However, the telescope does not offer any such prevention or any other gear to safeguard the scope of the telescope.
#5. Celestron 21036 PowerSeeker 70AZ Telescope (Black)
Features and specification
Celestron has always assisted its user to resolve and unfold the mysteries of the universe by the dint of its devices with extraordinary and astounding traits. Its 21036 model is an entry level device that is best suited for beginners or kids who love gaze stars in the sky.
Like its many variants, the current model of Celestron has been in the lime light owing to its quality and designing. The device is loved by family members who love to explore the sky with their children. The device is reasonably priced and acts as an indispensable investment for those who crave to land on the moon and travel through the stars.
Though the magnification of the telescope is very regular, the view it provides to its user is pretty impressive considering the telescope is entry leveled. The aperture of the telescope has a diameter that measures 70 mm accompanied by couple of eyepieces that enhances the image clarity of the telescope.
Installation and setup
The device is favored and desired by most of the users owing to its image quality. The installation and configuration of the telescope is pretty convenient and easy as it does not involves any specialized or additional tools or equipment for its assembly.
However, for beginner who has not assembled a telescope before, the procedure could be a little tedious and hence the use manual is mandatory. The manual provides step by step guidance to assist the user to assemble the telescope without any hassle. The mount available with the telescope further facilitates the installation process.
Standout aspect
The telescope has multiple specifications and features namely, an aperture of 70 mm diameter, a barlow power of 3X and multiple eyepieces. When all these components work together, the view provided by the telescope is absolutely mind rattling and goes beyond realms of magnificence.
The telescope not just sends to the moon but also impart a clear visibility of the objects on the earth such as trees, fine details of the branches and more. As far as the magnification of the telescope is concerned, it even allows the user to peep into the rings of the Saturn and surface of the moon with extraordinary quality.
To view the celestial bodies, it is very important to track them first. These objects tend to disappear is not tracked properly on the telescope.
Maintenance
As much as it is remarkable, the device works on minimal supervision and only a little bit of handling is needed. The lens/mirror attached to the telescope is prone to get affected if not kept aloof from the dust and dirt particles.
It is better to place the telescope at a location that does not accumulate dust or attract dirt particles. Besides this, the telescope should not be left uncovered when not in use. There should be proper cleaning of the telescope with a cleaning agent that is especially meant to clean the lens/mirror of the telescope.
Upside Of The Device
- The beauty is designed and equipped with certain technologies to ensure that is suits both the beginners as well as professionals. Being an entry level telescope, the device offers much more than its capacity to deliver.
- The view imparted by the telescope is extraordinary and way better than what is expected from an entry level telescope.
- Apart from presenting the views from the heavenly bodies, the telescope also shows the images of earthly objects such as trees and fine details of the branches which look absolutely stunning.
- The telescope comes with software that once downloaded into the computer allows a user to find a maximum of 10,000 celestial bodies.
- The configuration of the telescope is pretty easy and does not involve a lot of hassle. The instruction manual of the telescope allows a user to easily set up the device with step by step guidance.
Downside Of The Device
- The major downside of the telescope is that most of the components of the telescope are built with cheap quality of plastic that does not make the telescope very durable.
Conclusion
Travelling in the sky all the way through the stars used to be within the reach of astronauts.
However, with such quality driven and high impact telescope available in the market, gazing the stars is like a moon walk. Listed products are the best and have their own set of features.
Most of the devices are meant for the beginners where as some of them can be used by the experts as well. Each of the devices is worth their weight in gold and being associated with renowned brands and have never disappointed their users.
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It’s a great informative article indeed. I have a little interest in astronomical works and I always wish that if I could be an astronaut. We all dreams never come true always. From this article, I learn much information about a rotating multiple-mirror telescope. I appreciate the effort you took to share it with us. Hope, will get more from you soon.