Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
The best universal telescopes for beginners: budget up to 20,000 rubles. |
1 | Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ | The most versatile model |
2 | LEVENHUK Strike 90 Plus | The best telescope for beginners to observe the moon and planets of the solar system |
3 | Veber 400/80AZ | Low cost and balanced parameters |
1 | Veber 800/203 EQ | The optimal combination of price and functionality |
2 | Sky-Watcher Dob 8" (200/1200) | Buyers Choice |
3 | Meade LightBridge 12" f/5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian | Best Features |
1 | Celestron NexStar 8 SE | Better pointing accuracy |
2 | Sky-Watcher Dob 8" (200/1200) Retractable SynScan GOTO | Convenient transportation |
3 | Bresser National Geographic 70/350 | German quality and reasonable price |
1 | BRESSER Junior Space Explorer 45/600 AZ | Most comfortable height adjustment |
2 | Telescope Veber UMKA 76/300 | Best price |
3 | Meade Infinity 50mm | Maximum functionality for minimum cost |
1 | Celestron Travel Scope 70 | The easiest |
2 | Sky-Watcher BK Mak90EQ1 | Lots of features at an affordable price |
3 | LEVENHUK Skyline Travel 70 | Compact model with automatic guidance |
Galileo was the first to think of using the spyglass that already existed by that time to observe celestial bodies.The increase that his optical device gave out was only three times, but this turned out to be enough to start rapid technical progress: after six months, the scientist achieved an eight-fold increase, and a little later - 32-fold.
The main thing to consider when buying is that a good telescope is one that is often used. Much depends on the observer himself, and skill, as you know, comes with experience. Before buying, you should decide on the purpose of the device, its design (stationary or portable), type of mount, type of guidance.
How to choose the right telescope
The best universal telescopes for beginners: budget up to 20,000 rubles.
Devices from this category have relatively universal characteristics, which allows them to be used both for observing the planets of the solar system and for studying deep-sky objects. The diameter of the lens in the telescopes we have selected does not exceed 90 mm, which makes it impossible to see too dim objects, but there will be less flare, which means that it will be possible to use the device even within the city. It is also worth noting that beginners are unlikely to want to spend large amounts on their first amateur device, so we will limit the budget to twenty thousand rubles.
3 Veber 400/80AZ
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 6550 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
400/80 AZ from Veber is a typical representative of the amateur class of telescopes. This is an achromatic refractor with an 80mm lens. Due to the small aperture, it will not be possible to observe distant space, but even within the city there will be almost no flare. It is also worth noting the excellent aperture ratio, which allows you to get a juicy, bright picture.
Finally, the advantages include low weight (4 kg) and small dimensions, which makes it easy to transport the telescope. Unfortunately, such a good picture is spoiled by the mediocre quality of the azimuthal installation - poor build quality does not provide sufficient reliability and smoothness of movement, which will make it difficult to aim at an object and follow it. There is only one way out - to change the tripod and mount. It is considered among the best users due to its very low cost and balanced parameters.
A bit of the history of the creation and development of the telescope
Galileo was the first to think of using the spyglass that already existed by that time to observe celestial bodies. The increase that his optical device gave out was only three times, but this turned out to be enough to start rapid technical progress: after six months, the scientist achieved an eight-fold increase, and a little later - 32-fold.
As optics and technology have evolved, it has become clear that lens size is critical to magnification and image quality. Now the telescopes used by professional space explorers are real giants. For example, in the Atacama Desert in Chile, a structure with a diameter of 39.3 m is being built, which is called the European Extremely Large Telescope.
But even ordinary lovers of the starry sky do not have to be content with an increase of only 32 times, as was the case with Galileo. Even children's telescopes of compact size can have a useful magnification of up to 100! And ordinary serial models for advanced amateurs are magnified by 200 times, while demonstrating a high-quality picture with virtually no distortion.
2 LEVENHUK Strike 90 Plus
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 19400 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
This amateur telescope is very convenient and easy to operate. It is mounted on an azimuth type mount that does not require prior adjustment before use. The red dot viewfinder mounted on the telescope tube makes it easy for beginners to find objects in dark skies. The maximum magnification with the included eyepiece is 300x. The telescope comes with three eyepieces, a compass and a 3x Barlow lens. The lens diameter is quite standard for telescopes in this category and is 90 mm.
Many novice users believe that this is the best telescope for observing the Moon and the planets of the solar system. Among the additional advantages they call the ability to connect a special astrocamera, excellent workmanship, quality factor and ease of use.
1 Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 16990 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
This is a universal inexpensive model that is equally well suited for studying the starry sky and ground objects. This amateur telescope is functional yet very easy to use. It can be called optimal for beginners, because thanks to the special technology of the optical system, the image of the telescope is oriented correctly. Also, the advantages include specialized software "TheSkyX - First Light Edition" – to identify celestial bodies from 10,000 objects included in it, a strong equatorial German mount.
The lens diameter is 90mm and the maximum magnification with the included eyepiece is 100x. The 13x-213x zoom capability allows you to observe objects of different distances. Buyers who opted for this particular model have never regretted their decision. They begin positive reviews with words about the quality factor of the product, the excellent quality of its manufacture. Many note the ease of self-assembly even for a beginner, excellent optics and, in general, regard it as a great option for the home.
The best telescopes for observing deep space
Over time, novice astronomers become "crowded" within the solar system. All visible planets have already been studied up and down, but something new is still wanted. In this situation, buying a special telescope designed to observe distant galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and other deep-sky objects will help out. For this, reflectors with a diameter of more than 200 mm are used. A large aperture collects more light, which means that for observations it is better to get out of the city, where there will be no artificial sources that create flare. It should also be taken into account that the increased diagonal of the lens requires an increase in the dimensions of the device, and this already directly affects the weight, transportability and cost.
3 Meade LightBridge 12" f/5 Truss-Tube Dobsonian
Country: USA
Average price: 89990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
Before us is a reflector with a 305 mm lens, which provides simply gorgeous aperture, and hence image detail. The magnification is also at an excellent level - up to 600x. It is worth noting the ability to disassemble the structure for transportation.The disadvantages include only the high cost and the use of two-inch eyepieces, which will make it difficult to find new ones.
The advantages of users include a very large useful increase, excellent aperture f / 5, high resolution (0.45 arcsec). The presence of a red dot finder makes it easier to find celestial objects in dark skies, which is especially pleasing for beginners. Separately, they note the extended configuration. The disadvantages include the complexity of the design - only an experienced user can deal with it, as well as a lot of weight and high cost.
2 Sky-Watcher Dob 8" (200/1200)
Country: Canada (made in China)
Average price: 37390 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Telescopes from Sky-Watcher are among the most popular among deep space lovers. And no wonder, because their devices are distinguished by very good build quality and balanced parameters. However, it is difficult to call them the best. Yes, this is a reflector with a 203 mm lens and a long focal length, which in theory gives the best magnification, but in reality the characteristics are only slightly better than those of the leader, but the price is an order of magnitude higher. So it turns out that there is only one significant advantage - high popularity, thanks to which it will not be difficult to buy a telescope and find other owners.
Among the advantages, users name the relatively high resolution (0.56 arcsec) and penetrating (14.2) abilities and the excellent configuration of the telescope. Many point to the good quality of materials and assembly, but show dissatisfaction with the high cost of the device.
1 Veber 800/203 EQ
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 21209 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
This device in some respects is similar to the silver medalist of our rating. The same 203 mm lens is used here, however, due to the shorter focal length, the resolution and penetration are slightly worse, although the maximum useful magnification remains the same - 403x. Why, then, did a telescope with not the best characteristics become the best? It's simple - it is cheaper by almost 10 thousand rubles. In addition, a full-fledged tripod is used here, which allows you to use the device even in an open field. And the equatorial mount simplifies observation.
Also, users in the reviews among the advantages of the telescope name the lowest weight (26 kg), floor installation on a tripod, and a maximum magnification of 246x with the eyepiece that comes with the kit. There are no complaints about the quality of workmanship either. But already experienced stargazers believe that it is impossible to buy a good 200 mm Newton for such a price, and even with a mount, so this model can only be recommended to less advanced beginners.
The best telescopes with automatic aiming
The essence of these devices is simple: there is an ordinary telescope, on which a special mount is installed, which automatically aims at the selected object using motors. This solution is suitable for both beginners and professionals who want to save their time. When choosing telescopes with automatic aiming, it should be borne in mind that they require initial setup, batteries, and are much more expensive than their manual counterparts.
3 Bresser National Geographic 70/350
Country: Germany
Average price: 34900 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The refractor telescope from Bresser does not have the largest lens diameter (only 70 mm), but it is endowed with a host of other advantages. The main advantage is unsurpassed German quality. Everything is perfect in it - materials, assembly, accuracy, image clarity. A useful magnification is 18x-88x, which is more suitable for observing the Moon and other nearby celestial objects.
It is really pleasant to use the device - floor mounting on a tripod, automatic aiming, azimuth mount, tracking mechanism. As additional advantages, users call the presence of a GoTo control panel, a moon filter and a moving map of the starry sky. But the main feature of the telescope is that its database contains about 272,000 objects - this is much more than other models with automatic guidance. The downside is that this telescope is more suitable for beginners than for advanced users, if only because of the small diameter of the lens.
2 Sky-Watcher Dob 8" (200/1200) Retractable SynScan GOTO
Country: Canada (made in China)
Average price: 97000 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
A Newtonian reflecting telescope with a 203 mm objective lens and a focal length of 1200 mm is an excellent choice for those who want to observe distant space objects. Useful magnification is 34x-406x, which is a very good indicator, and the automatic aiming and tracking mechanism make observation easy and enjoyable even for inexperienced users.
In the reviews, users point out many pointing speeds as advantages: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 200x, 400x, 600x, 800x, 1000x, as well as a folding design, which greatly simplifies the transportation of the device. Another advantage over other models is the automated Dobson mount. The disadvantages could be attributed to the high cost, but in comparison with similar telescopes from the same category, it turns out to be quite affordable.
1 Celestron NexStar 8 SE
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 130945 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
This telescope uses the Schmidt-Cassegrain optical scheme, thanks to which the “tube” turned out to be very compact, but at the same time it did not lose image quality. The maximum useful magnification (480x), as well as the resolution (0.57 arcsec) are considered very good indicators. It is also worth noting the possibility of floor installation, which allows you to monitor even in an open field.
Finally, the advantages of the NexStar 8 SE include an advanced control system - you can use the built-in 19-key remote control with a two-line LCD screen, and the proprietary NexRemote system for PC, which provides simply incredible opportunities. The only drawback is the high cost.
The best telescopes for kids and teens
Optical instruments for young astronomers are chosen by parents especially carefully. After all, it is important not only to satisfy the child's interest in the stars and planets, but also to support his craving for knowledge, and also not to scare away the complexity of settings and controls.Therefore, the popular children's series of telescopes are distinguished by attractive design, simple pointing systems, and are complemented by star charts and digital planetariums.
3 Meade Infinity 50mm
Country: China
Average price: 3990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
This is the best gift you can give a child. Despite the low cost, the telescope is equipped with automatic aiming, and a useful magnification is 30x-150x. The long-focus lens of an achromatic pair of lenses produces an image with almost no distortion, and the telescope design is compatible with various astronomical accessories – Barlow lenses, filters, incomplete eyepieces.
Many users who are themselves interested in observing the starry sky believe that among inexpensive children's telescopes this is the best option, which fails neither in image quality nor in manufacturing quality. Therefore, it is not possible to single out any significant shortcomings. The only drawback is not very convenient mount without adjusting the friction force along the azimuth axis. Everything else is great.
2 Telescope Veber UMKA 76/300
Country: Russia
Average price: 3730 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Compact and stylish Dobson mount reflector is an excellent telescope for observing the planets of the solar system. In order to view the moon in every detail, the kit includes not only several interchangeable lenses, but also a lunar filter. The turret mount is especially suitable for children - it is stable, does not take up much space on the table and will allow the young astronomer to easily master the aiming of the telescope.The elegant white color and the image of the Umka bear cub from the cartoon of the same name will help the device blend harmoniously into the interior of the nursery.
Customers are satisfied, first of all, with an excellent price, as well as an unusual design and ease of use. Large array of lenses and filters included – another plus of the telescope. But if you think about the future, this telescope can also have drawbacks - it is extremely simple, it is only suitable for studying the Moon and planets of the solar system, so over time it may be necessary to purchase a more serious device with improved characteristics.
1 BRESSER Junior Space Explorer 45/600 AZ
Country: Germany
Average price: 6295 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The BRESSER Junior series telescopes are specially designed for children and teenagers. These classic azimuthal refractors feature a lightweight aluminum tripod with a wide range of height adjustments to accommodate children of all sizes. The body color is offered to choose from - there are red, blue, green and even pink. The set includes several eyepieces, including a reversing eyepiece, so the telescope can also be used for ground-based observations.
According to customer reviews, this is a great gift option for a child who is fond of astronomy. Attractive design, traditionally high quality Bresser optics and easy operation - just what you need for observing the starry sky and developing an interest in science. Their advantages include reliability of design, low cost and good equipment. There is only one reason for dissatisfaction - the small diameter of the lens (only 45 mm).
The Best Portable Telescopes for Travelers
The optical tube of a telescope, especially with a larger lens, is a rather complex system of lenses and mirrors, so it cannot be miniature. The mount and tripod contribute to the dimensions and weight of the device. But it is especially good to observe celestial bodies where there are no lights of a big city and dust in the air - in an open field, in the mountains or at sea. For those who like to travel, special, lightweight models of telescopes are produced, the design of which uses a lot of know-how, which makes it possible to conveniently and safely transport the instrument to the observation site.
3 LEVENHUK Skyline Travel 70
Country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 7990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Designed specifically for traveling, not at home, the LEVENHUK Skyline Travel 70 telescope has a shortened optical tube and minimal weight. When folded, the model easily fits in a small backpack that comes with the kit. Easy-to-operate azimuth mounting of the telescope will not cause difficulties even for beginners, and a lightweight aluminum tripod with height-adjustable legs will allow you to observe the sky anywhere.
The package includes all the necessary accessories - a Barlow lens, two eyepieces and a diagonal mirror. A useful magnification is 12x-140x. A feature of the model is automatic guidance, which is not so common among inexpensive models. No significant flaws were found in the telescope, so it can be safely called one of the best.
2 Sky-Watcher BK Mak90EQ1
Country: Canada
Average price: 24270 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
This telescope with an aperture of 90 mm is a representative of the family of mirror-lens optical instruments assembled according to the Maksutov-Cassegrain scheme. Therefore, the length of the optical tube is only 240 mm. Compactness and reliability - the hallmarks of this telescope - make it possible to use it both at home and outside the city. It does an excellent job with highlights, but the best image quality can be obtained where they are absent - in nature.
Telescope owners praise the excellent optics and advanced equatorial mount. According to experienced users, the clarity and contrast of the image that the device produces is at the highest level. The price of the device, of course, is not small, but this model can be safely called universal. From all this, users deduce the main advantage – the biggest features in this price range. And the disadvantages include only a high price.
1 Celestron Travel Scope 70
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 7475 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
This alt-azimuth mount refractor is specially designed for people who travel a lot, but it could just as well be at home. It is lightweight - only 2,888 kg, when disassembled, it fits easily into the practical backpack included in the kit. A reliable tripod allows you to prepare the device for use at home or outdoors in a matter of minutes. In addition, the reversing lens included in the kit allows you to use the telescope as a telescope for terrestrial observations.
Despite the fact that this is a budget device, Celestron does not allow any indulgence in terms of optics - the high-quality optical system of this telescope allows you to get the maximum useful magnification of 165x. Of the shortcomings, some users point to the poor stability of the tripod, but this is largely due to its low weight.