Best Celestron Telescopes: Review and Comparison

As we embark on the enthralling journey of celestial exploration in 2024, the name Celestron resonates as a symbol of quality and innovation in the world of astronomy. This guide delves into the realm of Celestron telescopes, instruments that have captured the imaginations of stargazers, from beginners to experts.

Here, we'll navigate through the intricate details that make Celestron telescopes stand out, helping you find the perfect telescope to unlock the mysteries of the night sky.

If you're pressed for time, here's our pick of the top three Celestron Telescopes:

Celestron Telescopes: Buyer’s Guide

In the realm of astronomy, Celestron stands as a beacon of quality and innovation, offering a diverse range of telescopes that cater to both novices and seasoned stargazers.

Drawing from our experience, we understand that choosing the right Celestron telescope involves several key considerations, ensuring that your celestial journey is both rewarding and awe-inspiring.

Aperture: The Heart of a Telescope

At the core of every telescope's capabilities lies its aperture – the diameter of the primary lens or mirror. This crucial feature determines the amount of light the telescope can gather, directly influencing the level of detail and clarity in the images you observe. Larger apertures undeniably offer superior image quality, unveiling a richer tapestry of stars, planets, and deep-sky wonders.

However, they also translate into more substantial, heavier telescopes, which could impact portability and cost. Through our practical knowledge, we recommend balancing the desire for high-resolution images with the practicality of telescope size. Celestron's range, spanning apertures from a modest 50mm to an impressive 14 inches, ensures there's a perfect match for your specific astronomical aspirations and lifestyle.

Optical Design: Refractors, Reflectors, and Catadioptrics

The optical design of a telescope – the arrangement of its lenses and mirrors – significantly affects its performance. Celestron telescopes come in three primary designs: refractors, reflectors, and catadioptrics. Refractors, employing lenses, are known for their sharp, high-contrast images, yet they grapple with chromatic aberration, especially in larger sizes.

Reflectors, on the other hand, use mirrors to capture light, offering larger apertures at more affordable prices, but they require regular maintenance and can suffer from optical imperfections.

Catadioptric telescopes, a blend of lenses and mirrors, correct many of these optical flaws, resulting in compact, versatile instruments. However, they often come with higher focal ratios and narrower fields of view. When selecting a Celestron telescope, consider which optical design aligns best with your observing preferences and the types of celestial objects you're most eager to explore.

Mount: The Foundation of Observation

A telescope's mount is more than just a support structure; it's integral to how you navigate the night sky. Alt-azimuth mounts, with their straightforward up-down (altitude) and left-right (azimuth) movements, are wonderfully suited for casual sky watching. However, they don't compensate for the Earth's rotation, necessitating manual adjustments to keep celestial objects in view.

Equatorial mounts, aligned with the Earth's axis, enable the telescope to smoothly track the stars' motion across the sky, making them ideal for astrophotography and extended observations. Celestron offers both mount types, including advanced computerized versions that automatically pinpoint and follow thousands of celestial objects, as seen in models like the Celestron NexStar 130SLT and Celestron StarSense Explorer 8".

The choice of mount should reflect your observing habits and whether you wish to delve into astrophotography.

Accessories: Enhancing the Experience

The right accessories can vastly enhance your telescope's capabilities. Eyepieces, the primary accessories, dictate magnification and field of view. Swapping eyepieces can dramatically change what you see, but always consider their quality and compatibility with your telescope. Filters play a vital role in augmenting contrast and diminishing glare, especially when observing the Moon, planets, or the Sun (using specialized solar filters).

For those drawn to astrophotography, camera adapters enable the attachment of smartphones or DSLRs, allowing you to capture the celestial splendor. And don't overlook the importance of protective cases and covers, they safeguard your telescope against the elements and during transportation.

Remember, the best telescope is the one that meets your needs and ignites your passion for the stars. As you embark on this celestial adventure, let Celestron be your guide to the wonders of the universe.

Best Celestron Telescope Models: TOP 6

Here are the top current Celestron telescope models that you can find on the market:

Celestron Telescopes Comparison

For easy comparison, here is a table of specifications of the best Celestron telescopes:

Now let's take a closer look at each of the Celestron telescope models.

Celestron NexStar 8SE

Premium Choice

The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope, a remarkable blend of technological innovation and optical excellence, is an ideal instrument for both beginners and experienced stargazers. This telescope, distinguished by Celestron’s iconic orange tube design, is a computerized telescope featuring state-of-the-art features for an extraordinary stargazing experience. With an optical tube length of 432 millimeters and a substantial 203 millimeters objective lens diameter, it boasts superior light-gathering capabilities.

The NexStar 8SE comes with a Plossl eyepiece, renowned for its ability to provide sharp and high-contrast views. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, featuring an 8-inch aperture, ensures detailed observation of celestial objects. This model’s focal length of 2032 mm (80 inches) and a focal ratio of f/10 enhance its versatility in various observing conditions. The telescope also offers an impressive magnification of 81x, a limiting magnitude of 14, and a theoretical maximum magnification of 480x.

Equipped with an altazimuth mount, the NexStar 8SE is intuitively designed for ease of navigation across the night sky. Its fully-automated GoTo mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects simplifies the tracking and locating process, making it highly accessible for beginners. The telescope also includes advanced features like a reflex finderscope, manual focus, and is battery-powered for convenience.

Assembly and transportation are made easy thanks to its single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod. Celestron's unique patented single fork arm with integral hand control design ensures a smooth operating structure. The SkyAlign technology enables quick and accurate alignment. Additionally, the telescope is equipped with NexRemote telescope control software, enhancing its usability.

Celestron, a trusted brand in telescopes since 1960, offers unbeatable customer support and a two-year warranty on the NexStar 8SE, ensuring peace of mind for its users.

Summary: As indicated by our tests, the Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope expertly combines user-friendly features with advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for stargazers at all levels. Its powerful light-gathering capability, automated tracking system, and ease of assembly and use, backed by Celestron’s trusted support and warranty, make it a compelling option for anyone keen to explore the cosmos.

Celestron StarSense Explorer 8"

Best Overall

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian Telescope revolutionizes stargazing with its unique blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features. This model, part of Celestron's renowned lineup, brings the wonders of the universe to both beginners and seasoned astronomers in an accessible manner.

At its core is the patented StarSense sky recognition technology, a groundbreaking feature that utilizes your smartphone to analyze star patterns, calculating the telescope's position in real time. This technology, coupled with the StarSense Explorer app, tailors your astronomical experience by generating a list of celestial objects to view based on your exact time and location. The app's compatibility with devices like the iPhone 6 and newer Android phones makes it widely accessible.

The telescope itself boasts a large 8-inch (203mm) aperture Newtonian reflector. The high-quality parabolic primary mirror, enhanced with high-reflectivity XLT optical coatings, ensures exceptional light gathering power. This power allows you to view a wide array of celestial objects, from planets and star clusters in urban settings to fainter, deep-sky objects in darker environments.

Supporting this optical prowess is a manual Dobsonian base, notable for its ultra-stability. The base features large diameter altitude bearings with variable tensioning and smooth Teflon azimuth bearings. This design facilitates easy aiming and tracking of celestial objects, as indicated by on-screen arrows in the app. When aligned, the bullseye turns green, signaling readiness for observation.

Celestron, a trusted name in astronomy since 1960, stands behind this product with an unbeatable warranty and support. The purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited access to a team of US-based experts.

The StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian is an all-inclusive package. It comes equipped with a 25mm Plössl eyepiece, a 2” Crayford focuser, the StarSense smartphone dock, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, an eyepiece rack, and more. This telescope is not just an instrument but a gateway to the cosmos, designed for convenience, quality, and an immersive celestial experience.

Summary: After conducting experiments with it, we've found that the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian Telescope is a marvel of modern astronomy technology, perfectly blending ease of use with advanced features. Its combination of smartphone-enabled star recognition, powerful optics, and a stable base makes it an ideal choice for anyone eager to explore the night sky. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned observer, this telescope promises an enriching and accessible astronomical adventure.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130

People's Choice

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 is a trailblazing telescope that harnesses the power of smartphone technology to provide an unmatched astronomical experience. Designed for both novices and seasoned skywatchers, this telescope simplifies the process of exploring the cosmos.

Central to its design is the patented StarSense sky recognition technology. This innovative feature utilizes a smartphone to analyze star patterns and accurately calculate the telescope's position in real time. The StarSense Explorer app, compatible with iPhone 6 and up and most newer Android phones, generates a list of the best celestial objects to view based on your location and time. This integration offers a personalized stargazing journey, guiding you to observe planets, nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, and more.

The optical prowess of the StarSense Explorer DX 130 lies in its high-quality 130mm (5.12”) Newtonian reflector. The telescope features a large aperture and highly reflective coatings on the primary mirror, enabling significant light gathering ability. This capacity allows for clear and detailed views of the Moon's craters, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.

The telescope's manual altazimuth mount is designed for ease of use, with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls. It facilitates effortless tracking of celestial objects, guided by on-screen arrows. When aligned, the bullseye indicator turns green, signaling the object is ready for viewing.

Celestron's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their unbeatable warranty and support. The StarSense Explorer DX 130 comes with a 2-Year US Warranty and access to a team of US-based experts.

In addition to the telescope, the package includes two eyepieces, a red dot finderscope, a full-height tripod, and more, ensuring you have everything needed for a complete astronomical experience.

Summary: The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 represents a significant leap in accessible astronomy. By combining sophisticated smartphone technology with a high-quality optical system, it offers an intuitive and engaging way for people of all skill levels to explore the night sky. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced astronomer, this telescope promises a user-friendly and rewarding stargazing experience.

Celestron NexStar 130SLT

Author's Choice

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT, part of the NexStar SLT Series, is a compact and portable computerized telescope designed for both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family stargazing adventures. Its design is especially suitable for weekend camping trips or visits to dark sky sites, with a focus on ease of transport and assembly.

At the core of this telescope is a Newtonian reflector optical design with a significant 130mm (5.12") aperture. This large primary mirror provides 30% more light-gathering power than the 114mm model, delivering fully color-corrected views ideal for astronomical use. The telescope's focal length of 650mm (26") and a focal ratio of f/5 ensures wide-field views, making it perfect for observing a variety of celestial objects.

The NexStar 130SLT is equipped with a computerized NexStar+ hand control, offering a database of over 4,000 celestial objects. This feature allows for automatic slewing to any of these objects, making it easy for users of all levels to find and track stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope's manual focus and altazimuth mount, combined with its user-friendly interface, provide an engaging and educational experience for both beginners and experienced stargazers.

Further enhancing its user-friendly design is the StarPointer red-dot finderscope, simplifying the process of aligning and locating objects. The SkyAlign technology allows for easy alignment by centering any three bright objects in the eyepiece. The telescope is also flash upgradeable, allowing you to download product updates over the Internet.

Constructed with an aluminum optical tube, the telescope is both durable and lightweight (weighing 11.4 pounds). Its optical coatings and a range of eyepieces (25mm and 9mm) enhance the viewing experience. The telescope boasts a high useful magnification of 307x, a lowest useful magnification of 19x, and a limiting stellar magnitude of 13.1, making it powerful enough to explore fainter celestial objects.

Celestron, a reputable brand in the telescope industry since 1960, offers a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from US-based experts, ensuring confidence in your purchase.

Summary: Our analysis of this product revealed that the Celestron NexStar 130SLT telescope is a versatile and user-friendly option for anyone interested in astronomy. Its combination of a large aperture, computerized control, and portability makes it an excellent choice for families or individuals looking to explore the night sky. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced observer, the NexStar 130SLT offers a rewarding and educational stargazing experience.

Celestron AstroMaster 80AZS

Bestseller

The Celestron AstroMaster 80AZS is a professionally designed short-tube refractor telescope that caters to the needs of beginner astronomers and is equally suitable for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. This telescope stands out for its superior optics, featuring an 80mm aperture objective lens crafted from high-quality, coated glass. This sizeable aperture provides enhanced views compared to a standard 70mm model, capturing more light and revealing finer details of celestial objects without significantly adding to the weight.

The AstroMaster 80AZS comes equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that offer both low- and high-power viewing capabilities. These eyepieces, combined with the included 2x Barlow lens, allow for versatile magnification options, doubling the power of each eyepiece for up-close views of the Moon, planets, and distant star clusters.

An exclusive feature of this telescope is the range of Popular Science accessories it includes: a full-height tripod for stable views, a Bluetooth shutter release, a smartphone adapter for astrophotography, a Moon filter for enhanced lunar observation, and star diagonal for comfortable viewing angles. The smartphone adapter is particularly noteworthy as it enables users to attach any smartphone to the telescope eyepiece for capturing stunning images and videos of celestial objects.

The AstroMaster 80AZS is renowned for its ease of assembly and user-friendly design. Weighing just 10 pounds, it's designed for quick setup without any tools, making it ideal for impromptu stargazing sessions. The refractor's short focal length makes it excellent for wide-field astronomical observations as well as daytime terrestrial viewing.

As a testament to its quality, Celestron offers an unbeatable two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts. Additionally, purchasers get a free download of Celestron’s Starry Night Astronomy Software, an educational tool that provides comprehensive information on thousands of celestial objects, printable sky maps, and more, enhancing the overall stargazing experience.

Summary: The Celestron AstroMaster 80AZS telescope is a well-rounded instrument ideal for beginners and families. It combines high-quality optics with user-friendly features and versatile accessories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore both the night sky and terrestrial landscapes. With its ease of use, portability, and the backing of Celestron's renowned customer support, it offers a comprehensive and enjoyable introduction to the world of astronomy.

Celestron FirstScope

Best Budget

The Celestron FirstScope Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is a compact, user-friendly telescope designed specifically for beginners and amateur astronomers. This telescope combines Celestron's renowned quality with a simple, portable design, making it an excellent choice for those new to stargazing.

Central to the FirstScope's design is its 76mm Newtonian reflector optical tube. This quality Dobsonian-style telescope features a large primary mirror with enough light-gathering ability to view celestial wonders like Saturn's rings and the Orion Nebula. The telescope's 300mm focal length (f/3.95) offers a wide field of view, making it easier to locate and observe objects in the night sky.

Navigating the night sky with the FirstScope is straightforward and intuitive. It operates on a rotating tabletop stand, allowing users to simply move the tube in the direction of the desired object. This feature makes it particularly suitable for young astronomers and beginners who are learning how to find and follow celestial objects.

The FirstScope is not only a tool for exploration but also a tribute to the great astronomers of the past. Its optical tube is adorned with the names of notable scientists and astronomers, honoring their contributions to our understanding of the universe.

Portability is a key feature of the FirstScope. It's lightweight (weighing only 3.7 pounds) and compact (9"D x 9"W x 16"H), making it easy to transport and set up for impromptu stargazing sessions. Whether you're heading to a dark sky site or observing from your backyard, the FirstScope is designed for convenience.

Included with the telescope are two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), providing magnifications of 15x and 75x. This allows for versatility in viewing, from wide-field observations of star clusters to detailed views of lunar craters. The FirstScope also offers a range of magnifications, with the highest useful magnification at 180x and the lowest useful magnification at 11x.

Celestron, a trusted name in the field of astronomy since 1960, ensures customer satisfaction with its products. With the purchase of the FirstScope, you also receive access to Starry Night educational software and Celestron's SkyPortal planetarium app, enhancing the educational experience of exploring the night sky.

Summary: Our findings show that the Celestron FirstScope Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is an excellent entry-level telescope, combining ease of use, portability, and quality optics. It is ideally suited for beginners, especially children or those taking their first steps into astronomy. The FirstScope not only offers a practical way to explore the night sky but also serves as an educational tool, inspiring curiosity about the universe and its many wonders.

FAQ about Celestron Telescope Models

How do I set up my Celestron telescope?

Setting up a Celestron telescope is an exciting step into the world of astronomy! While each model has its unique setup process, here's a general guide to get you started:

• Begin by assembling the tripod and mount as detailed in the manual. Ensure all parts are snugly fitted;
• Carefully attach the optical tube to the mount. Use the provided knobs or screws to secure it in place;
• Next, attach the finder scope or StarPointer. This is crucial for aligning the telescope with the night sky;
• Insert your eyepiece into the focuser and secure it with the thumbscrew;
• If your telescope model is computerized or motorized, now's the time to connect it to a power source or insert the batteries;
• Perform a star alignment, or if your model has it, utilize the SkyAlign feature for accurate alignment;
• Finally, you can use the hand controller or Celestron's app to navigate the cosmos, finding and tracking celestial objects.

How do I clean my Celestron telescope?

Keeping your Celestron telescope clean is key to ensuring clear, crisp views of the stars and planets. Here’s how to do it safely:

• Start by gently dusting the optical tube, mount, and tripod with a soft cloth or a blower brush;
• For lens or mirror cleaning, lightly use a lens pen or a microfiber cloth. Avoid liquids or harsh chemicals that might harm the coatings;
• For tougher grime, a diluted solution of water and dish soap or isopropyl alcohol can be applied with a cotton swab or cloth. Gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outward. Be gentle to avoid scratches;
• Dry the optics carefully, using a clean cloth or a hair dryer on a low setting;
• Always store your telescope in a dry, dust-free environment, and use lens caps or dust covers for added protection.

For more cleaning tips, you can explore Celestron’s Knowledgebase² or get in touch with their Technical Support.

Does my Celestron telescope come with a warranty?

Absolutely! Celestron prides itself on quality, which is why they offer a limited warranty on their products. This warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for up to two years, depending on your specific model. It's important to note that this doesn't include damage from normal wear, accidents, misuse, or unauthorized alterations.

To make a warranty claim, you'll need to show your proof of purchase and get in touch with Celestron Technical Support for guidance. If needed, the product may have to be sent to Celestron or an authorized service center. While shipping costs within the continental U.S. are covered, charges may apply for other areas.

Don't forget to register your product on Celestron's Product Registration page to activate your warranty. You can also find detailed warranty terms in your product's manual or on Celestron's website.

Best Celestron Telescopes: Conclusion

In conclusion, Celestron's diverse range of telescopes offers something for every astronomer, whether you're taking your first steps into the cosmos or are a seasoned skywatcher. Each model, with its unique features and technological advancements, is designed to enhance your stargazing experience, making astronomy accessible and enjoyable.

As we've seen, choosing the right Celestron telescope is about aligning your astronomical aspirations with the right combination of aperture, optical design, mount, and accessories. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to make an informed decision, ensuring your celestial adventures with a Celestron telescope are as boundless as the universe itself.

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