All Telescope Reviews: 167 Telescopes Tested

Each of our telescope reviews goes into great detail about the features and capabilities of the scope in discussion. In order to help you choose the best telescope for your needs, we consider nine factors: optics, focuser, mount, accessories, moon and planet viewing capacity, wide-field viewing of DSO, ease of use, portability, and value. We then assign a final telescope rating of 1–5 stars to each telescope, with 5 being the best. There are many excellent telescopes available, but there are significant differences between them, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Find all our in-depth reviews of telescopes below.
Why trust us?

When it comes to the telescopes we review, our editorial board (which is comprised entirely of astronomers) makes unbiased judgments. Please keep in mind that our performance rating system on this page is completely unrelated to any kind of monetary gain. Read our telescope testing methodology.

4.1/5

Celestron AstroFi 130

Reflector

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A tripod-mounted 130mm Newtonian with phone-controlled GoTo, albeit power-hungry and not any different in views from a 130mm tabletop Dobsonian.

Read Review

3.9/5

Celestron StarSense 150mm Tabletop Dobsonian

Reflector

Tabletop Dobsonian

Read Review

3.6/5

Orion AstroView 6 EQ

Reflector

German Equatorial

Tripod-mounted 6” f/5 Newtonian with a basic accessory package. Not the most sturdy or well-made; Dobsonians are generally a better option.

Read Review

4.4/5

Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope

Reflector

Tabletop Dobsonian

No-longer-made PushTo version of the original Orion StarBlast 6 featuring sharp 6” f/5 optics paired with the convenience of Orion’s IntelliScope digital object locator.

Read Review

3.3/5

Celestron NexStar 130SLT

Reflector

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A decent telescope limited by its tripod stability; similar models such as the Astro Fi 130 or Virtuoso GTi 130mm provide more features and sturdier mountings.

Read Review

3.4/5

Celestron NexStar 4SE

Maksutov-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A 4” GoTo Maksutov-Cassegrain on a heavy-duty tripod. Sturdy and capable, but only insofar as what any other 4” Maksutov offers. Rather heavy/bulky.

Read Review

3.9/5

Celestron Omni XLT 102

Refractor

German Equatorial

A classic high-quality 4” refractor offering stunning views of the Moon, planets, and other bright targets.

Read Review

2.7/5

Celestron’s NexStar 102SLT

Refractor

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

4” GoTo refractor suffering from mechanical shortcomings and mediocre optical quality.

Read Review

4.3/5

Explore Scientific 10” Truss Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

Expensive but compact with all-metal construction, Explore Scientific’s 10” Truss Tube Dobsonian fits almost anywhere, though it’s quite expensive to get up and running.

Read Review

3.5/5

NexStar 127SLT Telescope

Maksutov-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A 5” Maksutov-Cassegrain with a GoTo mount, the NexStar 127SLT is a sharp but perhaps undermounted telescope.

Read Review

4.1/5

SkyWatcher 8″ Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

A simple but powerful 8” Dobsonian with a basic accessory package offering the same performance as other models but with a lower price tag.

Read Review

4.9/5

Apertura AD8 Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

A highly praised 8″ Dobsonian, offering a comprehensive start in astronomy. Features like a cooling fan and dual-speed focuser ensure minimal aftermarket buys.

Read Review

TelescopicWatch Editor's Choice
4/5

Zhumell Z8

Reflector

Dobsonian

Identical to the Apertura AD8, this 8″ Dobsonian is just as highly recommended.

Read Review

4/5

Celestron Omni XLT 150

Reflector

German Equatorial

A beginner-friendly, medium-aperture telescope and equatorial mount. Offers quality views, though a bit cumbersome for a 6” reflector.

Read Review

4.3/5

Explore Scientific 10″ Hybrid Truss Tube Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

A bit complicated for newbies, this telescope offers a large aperture and all the compactness of a truss tube Dobsonian, in a sturdy metal frame.

Read Review

4.5/5

Orion SkyQuest XT8

Reflector

Dobsonian

A popular 8″ Dobsonian that may require additional accessories for an optimal experience, yet remains a solid recommendation for beginners.

Read Review

3.9/5

Orion StarSeeker IV 130mm

Reflector

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

130mm GoTo reflector offering manual aiming options and WiFi-operated pointing, but other telescopes offer the same features for a lot less money.

Read Review

3.8/5

Vixen R130SF/Porta II

Reflector

Alt-Az Fork

A 130mm f/5 Newtonian paired with a simple but elegant alt-azimuth mount and tripod, the R130SF itself doesn’t offer appreciably different views from other 130mm reflectors sold at a fraction of the price but the Porta II certainly makes for a nice mount.

Read Review

3.5/5

Meade ETX90 AT

Maksutov-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Meade’s flagship beginner telescope, the ETX-90’s latest incarnation offers plenty of features but commands an extraordinarily high price compared to the competition.

Read Review

3.7/5

Celestron Omni XLT 120

Refractor

German Equatorial

A 4.7” refractor offering decent lunar, planetary, and deep-sky views and sporting high-quality construction/optics.

Read Review

3/5

Celestron SkyProdigy 130

Reflector

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

An upgraded version of the NexStar 130SLT featuring Celestron’s StarSense AutoAlign, which rarely works as advertised and isn’t worth the hassle on this telescope.

Read Review

4.6/5

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Intelliscope

Reflector

PushTo Dobsonian

Orion’s PushTo-equipped 8” Dobsonian, featuring a lightweight Dobsonian base and Orion’s Intelliscope digital setting circles to help you navigate the night sky.

Read Review

4.1/5

SkyWatcher 8″ Flextube

Reflector

Dobsonian

While a bit more time-consuming to set up, this 8” Dobsonian stands out for its collapsible design, perfect for storing in tight spaces.

Read Review

4.7/5

Celestron StarSense Explorer 8

Reflector

PushTo Dobsonian

An 8″ Dobsonian with unique StarSense Explorer tech for easy sky navigation. Offers good views but may not provide best value in its price range.

Read Review

4.7/5

Explore Scientific FirstLight 8″ Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

This 8” Dobsonian may not be a first pick but stands out with premium design features to accommodate heavier aftermarket accessories and a base that packs flat.

Read Review

4.4/5

SkyWatcher 10” Classic Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

A basic but capable 10” Dobsonian equipped with two eyepieces and a 9×50 finder to get you started.

Read Review

4.7/5

Explore Scientific 10″ FirstLight Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

Known for high-quality fittings and collapsible base, it needs additional eyepieces for a complete experience.

Read Review

3.7/5

Celestron NexStar 5SE

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Popular but costly for beginners, this telescope offers decent quality but provides inferior views compared to more affordable alternatives.

Read Review

4.9/5

Apertura AD10

Reflector

Dobsonian

Award-winning 10” Dobsonian with excellent features, accessories and performance for the price, sold exclusively by High Point Scientific.

Read Review

TelescopicWatch Editor's Choice
4.9/5

Zhumell Z10 Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

Manufactured by GSO, this 10″ Dobsonian is identical to the Apertura AD10, providing excellent views and superb value for your money.

Read Review

4.5/5

Orion SkyQuest XT10

Reflector

Dobsonian

A 10″ Dobsonian stripped to the bare essentials, the SkyQuest XT10 provides the same performance as any other quality instrument of its aperture.

Read Review

4/5

SkyWatcher 10″ FlexTube Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

Popular for its collapsible design, this 10” Dobsonian is beginner-friendly but may have compromises in performance and value.

Read Review

4/5

Meade ETX125AT GoTo Telescope

Maksutov-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A compact 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain great for lunar and planetary viewing but limited in deep-sky and astrophotography capabilities.

Read Review

4/5

Celestron NexStar 6SE

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A middle-of-the-pack 6″ Schmidt-Cassegrain with quality optics and sturdy mount, ideal for lunar, planetary, and some deep-sky viewing.

Read Review

4.7/5

Celestron StarSense Explorer 10″ Dobsonian

Reflector

PushTo Dobsonian

A 10″ Dobsonian with a lightweight base and StarSense Explorer technology to aid you in exploring the night sky, the StarSense Explorer 10” Dobsonian offers an unmatched experience for newcomers.

Read Review

4.8/5

Apertura AD12 Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

Explore galaxies and nebulae with the 12″ AD12 Dobsonian, offering Apertura’s high-quality accessory bundle and features like a dual-speed focuser with a huge 12” primary mirror.

Read Review

TelescopicWatch Editor's Choice
4.8/5

Zhumell Z12 Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

A 12″ Dobsonian scope designed for deep-sky enthusiasts, identical to the Apertura AD12 in every way and similarly offering unforgettable views at the eyepiece.

Read Review

3.7/5

Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Newtonian

Reflector

GoTo German Equatorial

An entry-level astrophotography kit, Celestron’s 6″ Newtonian on the Advanced VX mount is an okay tool for the job if you don’t mind upgrading the focuser straightaway.

Read Review

3.7/5

Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Celestron’s flagship 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain is paired with a number of mount and tripod options; the 8SE is certainly the most affordable but far from the sturdiest of these configurations.

Read Review

4/5

SkyWatcher 8″ FlexTube GoTo Dobsonian

Reflector

GoTo Dobsonian

Automated tracking in an 8″ Dobsonian. The 8” FlexTube GoTo offers convenience, albeit with a price that rivals that of larger manual scopes.

Read Review

4.1/5

Celestron NexStar Evolution 6

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A high-quality 6″ telescope with an integrated battery and WiFi. Pricey, with identical views to the more affordable Celestron NexStar 6SE.

Read Review

4.5/5

Celestron StarSense Explorer 12” Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

With a lighter base and StarSense Explorer tech, this 12″ Dobsonian is a bit easier to use than its manual counterparts, while offering spectacular views of deep-sky objects as well as those in our own Solar System.

Read Review

3.7/5

Vaonis Vespera Smart Telescope

Refractor

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A tiny 50mm astrophotography rig equipped with advanced features in a compact and convenient package.

Read Review

4.3/5

SkyWatcher 10″ FlexTube GoTo Dobsonian

Reflector

GoTo Dobsonian

A 10″ motorized Dobsonian with a collapsible tube, featuring full GoTo and Sky-Watcher’s FreedomFind technology allowing for manual aiming.

Read Review

3.5/5

Celestron Advanced VX 8 Newtonian

Reflector

GoTo German Equatorial

An 8″ Newtonian on the Advanced VX mount, suitable for visual use but a little undermounted and underperforming for astrophotography purposes.

Read Review

4.5/5

SkyWatcher 12″ FlexTube Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

The 12″ FlexTube Dobsonian offers a balance in portability and performance, easing transport without compromising on observational power.

Read Review

4.2/5

Orion SkyQuest XX12i IntelliScope

Reflector

PushTo Dobsonian

A 12″ truss tube Dobsonian providing impressive views and with Orion’s Intelliscope technology to assist you in finding your target.

Read Review

4/5

Celestron Advanced VX 6″ SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German Equatorial

3.2/5

Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Refractor

Refractor

GoTo German Equatorial

A big and impressive 6” refractor, this scope is cool to look at but completely impractical and lacking in performance for the price.

Read Review

4.3/5

Explore Scientific 12″ Truss Tube Dobsonian

Reflector

Dobsonian

A compact, all-metal truss tube Dobsonian with premium features – accessories sold separately.

Read Review

2.5/5

Unistellar eVscope eQuinox

Reflector

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A “digital telescope” offering convenience but disappointing in quality and performance, often misconstrued as a satisfactory telescope for novices.

Read Review

4.2/5

Celestron NexStar Evolution 8

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

An 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain with integrated WiFi and battery, offering convenience and quality views, along with some astrophotography capabilities.

Read Review

4/5

Celestron Advanced VX 8″ SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German EQ

A versatile 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain on the Advanced VX mount, offering various capabilities for changing interests within astronomy.

Read Review

4/5

Celestron Advanced VX 700 Maksutov

Maksutov-Cassegrain

GoTo German EQ

A 7″ Maksutov excelling in planetary views but with limited usefulness beyond. The Advanced VX mount complements it well, despite the high price.

Read Review

3.8/5

Celestron CPC 800 GPS SCT

Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

An 8″ aplanatic SCT with all-round usefulness but underperforming compared to specialized telescopes at this price.

Read Review

3.8/5

Meade 8″ LX90 ACF

Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Meade’s low-cost rival to the 8” fork-mounted Schmidt-Cassegrains sold by Celestron, offering optical performance on par with the EdgeHD design but without any of the astrophotography-friendly hardware or software features of Celestron’s telescopes and mounts like HyperStar or CWPI.

Read Review

3.9/5

Celestron Advanced VX 8” EdgeHD

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo German EQ

An 8″ aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain versatile in functionality, but under-mounted for astrophotography and comparably pricey for visual observation.

Read Review

4.2/5

Celestron Advanced VX 9.25″ SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German EQ

This 9.25″ SCT on the Advanced VX mount is ideal for planetary viewing and deep-sky observation, but not for deep-sky astrophotography.

Read Review

4.2/5

Celestron Advanced VX 800 RASA

Schmidt Camera

GoTo German Equatorial

An 8″ F/2 astrograph designed for deep-sky astrophotography, the RASA is fast but demands specific accessories and familiarity with astrophotography.

Read Review

3.9/5

Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25″

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Celestron’s C9.25 XLT optical tube is excellent, but it’s rather big for the lightweight and compact NexStar Evolution mount to carry, even with the addition of a beefed-up tripod borrowed from the CPC telescopes.

Read Review

4.1/5

Celestron NexStar Evolution 8″ EdgeHD

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A high-quality 8″ telescope but with few advantages over the regular NexStar Evolution 8, considering the additional cost.

Read Review

4/5

Celestron CGEM II 800 8″ SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German Equatorial

An 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and equatorial mount designed for imaging; we’d recommend you upgrade to the EdgeHD version if that’s your goal.

Read Review

3.9/5

Celestron Advanced VX 11″ SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German Equatorial

Celestron’s Advanced VX can technically hold the C11 XLT optical tube, but we’d recommend you consider a heftier mount like the CGEM II before choosing this combination of telescope and mounting.

Read Review

3.6/5

Celestron CPC 800 EdgeHD

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

An 8″ aplanatic SCT with all-round usefulness but underperforming compared to specialized telescopes at this price.

Read Review

4.3/5

Celestron CPC 925 XLT GPS

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Celestron’s 9.25” Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube coupled to a simple and capable alt-azimuth fork mount.

Read Review

4.7/5

SkyWatcher 14″ FlexTube GoTo Dobsonian

Reflector

GoTo Dobsonian

A monster 14” Dobsonian with GoTo and Sky-Watcher’s unparalleled FreedomFind technology to quickly navigate between stunning deep-sky objects.

Read Review

3.5/5

Celestron Advanced VX 9.25″ EdgeHD

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo German Equatorial

An under-mounted 9.25″ EdgeHD telescope, unsuitable for deep-sky imaging and offering no otherwise relevant advantages over the regular C9.25 XLT.

Read Review

4.3/5

Celestron CGEM II 800 8″ RASA

Schmidt Camera

GoTo German Equatorial

An 8″ specialized telescope optimized for deep-sky astrophotography, offering short exposure times but unsuitable for visual observation.

Read Review

4.6/5

Celestron CGX 800 8″ EdgeHD

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo German Equatorial

An astrophotography-oriented setup from Celestron, offering excellent all-round performance for both visual and imaging needs.

Read Review

4.4/5

Celestron CPC 1100 GPS

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A high-performance 11” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with GPS functionality for easy alignment and tracking.

Read Review

3.8/5

Vaonis Stellina Smart Telescope

Refractor

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

An all-in-one 80mm apochromatic refractor designed exclusively for astrophotography, providing ease of use and automated image processing.

Read Review

4.2/5

Celestron CGX 925 SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German Equatorial

A versatile 9.25″ Schmidt-Cassegrain mounted on the CGX, Celestron’s advanced equatorial mount designed for astrophotography and easy setup.

Read Review

3.6/5

Celestron CPC 925 EdgeHD

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

A 9.25″ aplanatic SCT offering decent visual and astrophotography capabilities in a single, albeit rather bulky, package.

Read Review

3.6/5

Meade 8″ LX200 ACF

Aplanatic SCT

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

An 8″ aplanatic SCT with good all-round performance but lacking in value and modern features compared to Celestron’s EdgeHD offerings.

Read Review

4.4/5

Celestron CGEM II 1100 11″ SCT

Schmidt-Cassegrain

GoTo German EQ

A large 11″ Schmidt-Cassegrain and equatorial mount, mainly designed for visual observation and planetary imaging.

Read Review

3/5

Unistellar eVscope 2

Reflector

GoTo Alt-Az Fork

Marketed as innovative, this “digital telescope” falls short in functionality and value, with high cost and lackluster performance compared to traditional telescopes.

Read Review

Discontinued Scopes’ Reviews

Apertura DT6

Celestron SkyProdigy 6