The Best Telescopes 2024

1. Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 5SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price. Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century In the 1970s, Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers. Four decades later, we’ve improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder’s intent. View the Universe’s Most Impressive Celestial Objects The 5SE’s five-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that the solar system has to offer: Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 5SE to a dark-sky site and you’ll see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more. Revolutionary Single Fork Arm Mount We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard. Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible. Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself! Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with You The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign. If you want to explore the world of astroimaging, the 5SE is a perfect choice. Its built-in wedge allows you to track long exposures. You can even remove the telescope’s secondary mirror and replace it with a DSLR or astronomical CCD camera for wide field images captured at f/2 using a Fastar/HyperStar lens assembly. Or, if you’re interested in imaging the Moon and planets, pair your NexStar 5SE with one of our Skyris cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.

Celestron’s iconic “orange tube” design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike. 5-inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability at an affordable price. You’ll get impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor. Fully automated GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects. Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.

2. Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope with Communication Device, Intact Black Orange

Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 8SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering impressive views at an economical price. Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century In the 1970s, the classic Celestron 8 brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers. Four decades later, we’ve improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder’s intent. Big Mirror, Small Price With a full 8 inches of aperture, the 8SE reveals details in even the faintest celestial objects. With this much light-gathering ability, you’ll clearly observe Cassini’s Division in Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and the Great Red Spot. Beyond the solar system, your 8SE will show you hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more. And don’t forget the Moon—you’ll see craters and geographic features like never before. Revolutionary Single Fork Arm Mount We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard. Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with pushbutton ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible. Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself! Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with You The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Control your telescope using your iPhone or iPad with our SkyQ Link, or add GPS functionality with SkySync. If you’re interested in astroimaging, the NexStar SE is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast, wide field imaging. For planetary imaging, there’s no better choice than a NexStar 8SE paired with one of our Skyris cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope with Communication Device, Intact Black Orange Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope with Communication Device, Intact Black Orange Iconic 8to inch Schmidt-Cassegrain design, perfect for both beginners and experienced astronomers Large 8-inch aperture provides excellent ligh gathering ability for spectacular views of the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects Fully automated GoTo mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects for easy locating and tracking SkyAlign technology allows for quick alignment using any three bright objects, making setup simple and fast

3. Unistellar Odyssey Fully Automated and Compact Smart Telescope - Black

Celestron AstroMaster Accessory Kit Brand New Includes Two Year Warranty The Celestron

Odyssey is an advanced Smart Telescope, yet it’s compact, lightweight, user-friendly and working with an intuitive app to allow you to observe the Universe from any light polluted city. It’s the first telescope to let you discover both planets and far away nebulae or galaxies with just a click on your App. Our Stellar Autofocus ensures perfect sharpness throughout the observation. Unistellar partners with NASA and SETI for Research.

4. Celestron - Travel Scope 70 DX Portable Telescope - Gray/Black

40x and 100x power magnification; 114mm diameter; 1000mm focal length; f/9.0mm focal ratio; 2x 1.25" eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm, 2x Barlow lens; includes smartphone dock and tripod; StarSense Sky Recognition technology (with StarSense Explorer app)

Get a new perspective on nature and the Universe with the ideal day-to-night telescope, Travel Scope™ 70 DX. This refractor telescope includes a full height tripod and lots of bonus accessories, include a smartphone adapter so you can capture images and video through the eyepiece. It all packs up into a high-quality custom backpack—ready to go wherever your adventures take you. Whether you take it along on your next camping trip or enjoy an impromptu backyard stargazing session, setting up the telescope is a breeze. Even on your first time out, you can assemble the telescope and its accessories in just a few minutes. The adjustable tripod legs allow you to customize the telescope’s height or place it on raised surfaces like a picnic table. By night, Travel Scope™ 70 DX delivers great views of the planets, the Moon, star clusters and brighter deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy. During the day, Travel Scope™ 70 DX doubles as a spotting scope. Enjoy amazing views of birds, wildlife, boats on the water, migrating whales, and so much more. The entire telescope kit weighs just 3.3 pounds, so you can take it anywhere, hassle-free. Smartphone adapter and Bluetooth shutter release Create your own stunning images and video of celestial or terrestrial objects with the smartphone adapter. With its light, rigid frame, this accessory allows you to connect any smartphone to your Travel Scope’s eyepiece. The additional magnification provided by the eyepiece allows your phone to capture great images of the Moon and planets. This smartphone adapter installs easily by clamping over the top of an eyepiece. The smartphone is held in position with the help of tightening knobs that securely lock your phone in place. To capture the best image, Celestron has also provided a Bluetooth shutter release that allows you to trigger the camera’s shutter on any Android or iOS smartphone remotely, without disturbing the placement of your phone and telescope. NOTE: Some large and/or bulky phone cases (including folio style cases) may need to be removed for the phone to fit in the adapter. Manual Alt-Azimuth telescope Navigate the sky confidently with Travel Scope™ 70 DX’s intuitive pan handle. The Alt-Az control with clutch allows for smooth tracking and accurate pointing. Like a photographic tripod, you can move the clutch in an up/down, left/right fashion to follow your object in the eyepiece. Deluxe Accessories Included In addition to the smartphone adapter and Bluetooth shutter release, Travel Scope™ 70 DX includes a full selection of optical accessories, including two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), an erect image diagonal, a finderscope, a 2x Barlow lens, and a 1.25” Moon filter. The two eyepieces offer different magnifications so you can view your subject at low or high power. The erect image diagonal allows for more comfortable viewing and right-side-up images. The permanently mounted finderscope will help you locate objects and quickly center them in your telescope’s eyepiece. Lastly, the Moon filter reduces glare and increases contrast on the surface of the Moon. Travel Backpack Pack up your optical tube, tripod, eyepieces, and accessories safely and securely in the included custom backpack. Starry Night Software Download Celestron’s Starry Night Software and learn about the night sky, celestial objects, and how to plan your next observing session. Celestron Starry Night Software is the premier astronomy software package on the market, providing detailed information, plus tips and tricks for viewing our Solar System and beyond. Downloadable Robert Reeves’ Lunar Landscapes eBook Familiarize yourself with the Moon, our neighboring world, with Robert Reeves’ Lunar Landscapes eBook. This fascinating guide will take you on a tour of the Moon’s top geographical features, from the crater Tycho to the Sea of Tranquility where Apollo 11 astronauts landed.

5. Celestron - Starsense Explorer LT 114AZ Telescope App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Silver/Black

40x and 100x power magnification; 114mm diameter; 1000mm focal length; f/9.0mm focal ratio; 2x 1.25" eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm, 2x Barlow lens; includes smartphone dock and tripod; StarSense Sky Recognition technology (with StarSense Explorer app)

Celestron has reinvented the manual telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first telescope that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time. StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners thanks to the app’s user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It’s like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. Dock, Launch, Explore Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you’ll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app. After aligning your phone to the telescope’s optics (a quick, 2-minute procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear onscreen, guiding you as you to move the telescope. When the object is ready to view, the bullseye turns green. Smartphone Compatibility StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here. Patent-Pending StarSense Sky Recognition Technology StarSense Explorer uses patent-pending technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly reorient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database. While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone’s gyros and accelerometers, which aren’t as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece. Sturdy Altazimuth Mount StarSense Explorer LT’s simple altazimuth mount makes it easy to move the telescope to find your target. An altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod helps you fine tune the telescope’s pointing position and follow targets as they appear to drift across the night sky. It’s all anchored by an adjustable, full-height tripod. Dazzling Views with High Quality Optics With a large 114mm (4.5”) objective lens, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and beautiful Pleaides Open Star Cluster. Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites Even if you live in a light polluted city location, StarSense Explorer is advanced enough to be able to pick out Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, the Orion Nebula, double stars, and a few more of the most famous celestial objects. But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 4.5” Newtonian and relatively dark skies, the Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Open Star Cluster, and so many more are easily within your reach. The entire telescope kit weighs just 10.4 pounds, so it’s perfectly portable and easy to bring on your next camping trip or to a remote observing site. Everything You Need to Observe Immediately When you unbox your new StarSense Explorer LT, you’ll find: 114mm Newtonian reflector optical tube StarSense dock for your smartphone Low powered (25mm) and high powered (10mm) eyepiece 2x Barlow lens to double the power of each eyepiece StarPointer red dot finderscope, perfect for using the telescope during the day or without the StarSense Explorer app Altazimuth mount with slow motion control rod Full-height tripod with an accessory tray to keep you organized

6. Celestron - Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Silver/Black

114 mm aperture; magnification from 19x to 52x; 500mm focal length; red dot viewfinder; camera adapter and full-size tripod included

Celestron has reinvented the manual telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first telescope that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time. StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners thanks to the app’s user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It’s like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. Dock, Launch, Explore Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you’ll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app. After aligning your phone to the telescope’s optics (a quick, 2-minute procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear onscreen, guiding you as you to move the telescope. When the object is ready to view, the bullseye turns green. Smartphone Compatibility. StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list, click here. Patent-Pending StarSense Sky Recognition Technology. StarSense Explorer uses patent-pending technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly reorient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database. While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone’s gyros and accelerometers, which aren’t as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece. High Quality Altazimuth Mount with Slow Motion Control. An ultra-stable altazimuth mount provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer DX. Slip clutches and geared slow motion controls in both axes help you move the telescope smoothly and zero in your target. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you’ll be able to follow them with just a turn of the knobs. It’s all anchored by an adjustable, full-height tripod. Dazzling Views with High Quality Optics. With a large 130mm (5”) objective lens, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out impressive detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and beautiful Pleaides Open Star Cluster. Highly reflective coatings on both the primary and secondary mirror enhance the views even more. Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites. Even if you live in a light polluted city location, StarSense Explorer is advanced enough to be able to pick out Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, the Orion Nebula, double stars, and a few more of the most famous celestial objects. But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 5” Newtonian and relatively dark skies, the Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Open Star Cluster, and so many more are easily within your reach. The entire telescope kit weighs just 18 pounds, so it’s perfectly portable and easy to bring on your next camping trip or to a remote observing site. Everything You Need to Observe Immediately. When you unbox your new StarSense Explorer DX, you’ll find:130mm Newtonian reflector optical tube StarSense dock for your smartphone. Low powered (25mm) and high powered (10mm) eyepiece. StarPointer red dot finderscope, perfect for using the telescope during the day or without the StarSense Explorer app. Altazimuth mount with slow motion controls. Full-height tripod with an accessory tray to keep you organized

7. National Geographic - 114mm Reflector Telescope with Astronomy App

Celestron AstroMaster Accessory Kit Brand New Includes Two Year Warranty The Celestron

Observe the wonders of the night sky with this National Geographic StarApp reflector telescope. The built-in mount holds your smartphone securely, letting you locate constellations easily by using the ARTelescope App, while the 114mm aperture lets your view deep sky objects. This National Geographic StarApp reflector telescope features two Plossl eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens for multiple magnification options.

8. Celestron - Eclipsmart Travel Solar Scope 50 Refractor Telescope - White/black

Eco-Glass lenses; 10x magnification; multicoated lens; roof prisms; rubber armored barrels; dual-hinged, foldable design; compact size

Celestron’s EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is a dedicated white-light solar telescope for the observer on the go. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to transport—perfect for viewing the solar photosphere and sunspots. At the heart of this 50mm refractor-style solar scope, you’ll find Celestron’s Solar Safe, full-aperture glass filter material, which ensures safe views of eclipses, transits, sunspots, and any other solar event. The EclipSmart telescope features a dual-lens, non-removable glass solar filter that conforms to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) standard. The EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 offers much higher magnifications for viewing sunspots or planetary transits than you would get using solar eclipse glasses or binoculars. The telescope comes complete with everything you need and makes it easy to share the Sun as well as partial and total solar eclipses with the whole family. Solar Safe Technology EclipSmart solar products feature Solar Safe filter technology—the ultimate protection from harmful solar radiation, including IR and UV light, plus 99.999% of visible light. Celestron Solar Safe filter technology is safe for direct observation of the Sun. Solar Safe products conform to and meet the transmission requirements of ISO 12312-2:2015(E), Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun, EN 1836:2005 + A1:2007 (E) for an E15 Filter for the Direct Observation of the Sun and AS/NZS 1338.1:2012, Filters for Eye Protectors. Important safety note: inspect your filter before every use. Do not use and discard if damaged, scratched, or separated from the frame in any way. Manual Alt-Azimuth telescope Navigate the sky with a pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch for smooth and accurate pointing. Move the clutch in an up/down, left/right fashion to track the Sun in the eyepiece as it appears to drift across the daytime sky. Accessories Included The EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 comes with one eyepiece (20mm), a hybrid star diagonal for a more comfortable viewing angle, a permanently attached solar finderscope, and a travel backpack. Solar Finderscope – The EclipSmart telescope comes with a safe solar finderscope that allows you to align your telescope without looking directly at the Sun. The finderscope comes pre-installed and ready for use. Simply center the projection arm’s shadow on the bull’s eye, and the Sun will be positioned within the field of view of your telescope’s eyepiece. Travel Backpack – A custom backpack comes with your telescope so you can store your optical tube, tripod, eyepieces, and accessories. Traveling with your EclipSmart scope is a breeze; all the components fit comfortably inside the backpack. Upcoming Eclipses 2023 - On October 14, 2023, the famed “Ring of Fire” will encircle a darkened Moon during a spectacular annular eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely. The Sun's corona is not visible during an annular eclipse. 2024 - On April 8, 2024, the Moon will completely cover the Sun during an awe-inspiring Total Solar Eclipse. Observers within the path of totality will witness the sun’s dazzling corona, the “diamond ring” effect, and day turn to night.

9. Explore One - Aurora II 114mm Reflector Telescope - Flat Black

Celestron AstroMaster Accessory Kit Brand New Includes Two Year Warranty The Celestron

Observe the fine details of deep-sky beauties with this Explore One Aurora II reflector telescope. The 114mm aperture enhances a clear and precise view, while the red dot finder helps locate your target. A fully adjustable metal tripod provides a stable base. This Explore One Aurora II reflector telescope includes an accessory tray for holding an extra eyepiece and smooth motion controls for subtle adjustments.

10. National Geographic - 114mm Reflector Telescope

CELESTRON Observer's 8-Piece Accessory Kit for Select Telescopes: Compatible with most telescopes with a 1.25" focuser; includes 17mm and 6mm Plossl eyepieces, 2x Barlow lens/T-adapter, 3 eyepiece filters, microfiber cleaning cloth and carry case

Discover the allure of deep sky observation with this National Geographic series reflector telescope. The 114mm aperture and 500mm focal length ensure excellent light-gathering quality, letting you enjoy a high-detail view of distant planets and other celestial objects. This National Geographic series reflector telescope features a full-size tripod with an accessory tray for additional stability and storage, while the included adapter helps you easily capture detailed images.