Let’s face it, there are only a handful of activities that are half as exciting as observing the night sky and gazing up at the infinite beauty of the cosmos. However, getting the best telescope is usually a daunting task as what might be among the popular brands might not necessarily fit your requirements. Hopefully, with our review of some of the best performing telescopes we could find, you will be able to get what you need. So without further ado check out our telescope review and be on your way to view the stars up close.
Celestron NexStar 6 SE
Key Features:
- Features a fork ark mount for quick release
- Comes with an accessory tray and an optical tube that requires zero tools to set up
- Features over 40,000 object database with 200 expanded information objects, plus 200 user-defined objects
- Built with a SkyAlign feature that makes for an easy and fast alignment process
- Features a star pointer finderscope for accurate object locating alignment
- It has a standard StarBright XLT high transmission coating plus a 6 inch Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope design
The Celeston NexStar 6 SE telescope features a combination of portability with high performance. Including the tripod, its total weight is about 30 pounds giving you a 1500mm focal length precision optical system wrapped in an ultra-portable build. It offers a whopping 44% light-gathering capacity making it a go-to telescope for any astronomer.
Built with the revolutionary SkyAlign alignment technology, the NexStar 6 SE is capable of offering a tour of the sky
with over 40,000 celestial objects on its database not to mention its easy handling and control. For a really fast and easy alignment, all you have to do is plug in the optional SkySync GPS accessory and you can download data from GPS satellites. Truth be told, the NexStar 6 by Celestron takes out all the mysteries of the universe. So whether you are a budding astronomer looking for an adventure or you simply enjoy stargazing, the NexStar telescope is a must-have tool for those looking to take a closer look at the night sky.
Orion StarBlast 6i
Key Features:
- Contrast-rich optics for a brighter view of deep sky objects with a 750mm focal length
- Features a grab-and-go compact built that weighs about 23.5lbs
- Clever tabletop reflector is beginner-friendly with over 14,000 celestial object database
- It has a push button IntelliScope computerized locator that is easy to use
- 6” aperture substantial optics reveals sharper moon images plus brighter Mars, Jupiter and Saturn images
- Includes a Finder II aiming device with starry night software and an eyepiece rack
The Orion StarBlast 6i telescope is without a doubt a portable telescope with a 6” f/5.0 reflector that is built ready for use by both newbies and long time astronomers alike. It features a computerized location system that lets you pinpoint hundreds, possibly even thousands of objects with the simple push of a button. Yes, that’s right, with the
StarBlast 6i reflector telescope; you get the advantage of using Orion’s acclaimed IntelliScope technology that is capable of locating over 14,000 celestial objects with its simple-to-use locator. Its small and lightweight form makes it easy to use on table tops, the hood of your car or conveniently on an outdoor stairway or other sturdy flat surfaces. Thanks to its robust construction plus adjustable Teflon bearings on the base of the telescope, you get smooth maneuvering for the best performance.
TwinStar 6″ iOptron
Key Features:
- Comes with a database of over 5,000 celestial objects with an iOptron GoToNova controller
- Equipped with an E-computer controlled mount plus an iOptron SmartStar
- Features a 25mm and 10mm Plossl 1.25” diameter with eyepieces included
- Built with a short tube design that can yield up to 400x magnification
- It has a 150mm objective 6 inch mirror plus 1400mm focal length
If you are looking for a telescope that will fit your backyard astronomy needs, then look no further than the TwinStar 6” iOptron computer-controlled telescope. It features a simple North Star alignment that lets you view celestial objects even with the handheld controller. Its computerized mount does the heavy lifting and in combination with the large 150mm primary mirror and an overall 1400mm focal length, you get to achieve deep space astronomy like never before. With the simple push of a button to see a new object, the TwinStar blue 6” iOptron reflector telescope lets you observe galaxies, fabulous nebulae, binary star systems and the famous deep space Messier objects. In fact you can even check out the moon or the rings of Saturn with outstanding detail. Besides, with its 5,000 celestial objects database you will easily enjoy stargazing, not to mention its GoToNova controller that is one of the easiest to use in the market.
Meade Infinity AZ
Key Features:
- Comes with an instructional DVD and astronomy software
- Features a red dot viewfinder to help you point your telescope at celestial objects
- 102mm(4”) aperture with a 600m focal length and an achromatic refractor optical design
- Variety of viewing situations with a 26mm low, 9mm medium and 6.3mm high eyepiece magnification
- Slow motion controls with altazimuth mount and a panhandle for tracking precision for both day and night
If you are an observer who loves to view both terrestrial and astronomical objects, the Meade Infinity AZ telescope is what you need. It features a combination of altazimuth mount and quality optics to enable you to achieve superb viewing. So whether you are just starting out or you are a professional astronomer, the Meade Infinity 102mm telescope is a great way for discovering more of the cosmos.
In fact, telescope that is best suited for beginners who have never owned a telescope is the Meade Instruments Infinity AZ refractor telescope. It features a large 102mm aperture to enable sufficient light penetration for bright and sharp images allowing you to observe celestial objects such as the moon, the rings of Saturn or even the moons of Jupiter with impressive detail. The Meade Infinity 102mm AZ will allow you to explore the world and beyond the solar system with ease. With an easy-to-assemble design and a right side-up image, it’s practical to use for daytime viewing of birds, the ocean and wildlife in addition to night time celestial viewing.
Celestron Inspire 100AZ
Key Features:
- Features entry level setup with pop-up tripod legs, a locking knob and folding accessory tray
- Built with an asymmetrical mount design that delivers incredibly lightweight stability
- Comes with erect image optics for a fully correct image and easy viewing for both day and night astronomy
- Features an integrated Smartphone adapter that is ideal for buzzing astronomers
- Comes with a new and bold lens cap design
- It has a focus micrometer that lets you return to a specific focus point with specific targets
- Features a red LED removable flashlight that can be used as a spotlight
With a combination of features such as an easy assembly and Smartphone adaptability, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor telescope is one of the most notable intermediate-friendly instruments for astronomy viewing. It comes with the largest aperture in the entire Celestron Inspire family line of telescopes, not to mention a short tube that gives you a perfect wide angle view that is ideal for deep sky object viewing. In the Celestron Inspire 100 AZ telescope package you get fully-coated glass optics, a solid atlazimuth mount and a uniquely designed asymmetrical telescope with sturdy steel tripod. Built inside the unit is a Smartphone adapter on the lens cap which lets you place your Smartphone on a rubberized friction surface allowing your camera to view through the imaging port. Besides, on the mount there is a red LED flashlight which is removable to let you use it as you wish. Plus the focus micrometer comes with a numbered scale for position and focus indication, not to mention a quick specific focus point return feature that is ideal for infinity focusing.
