Astronomy is an all-ages hobby, everyone is welcome to enjoy the wonders of the universe. Our team of Gear Experts has taken the time to compile a list of some of the best telescopes for adults. Out of the hundreds of telescopes from our carefully curated selection of gear, these are the best telescopes for adults to view the wonders of the cosmos - all of which can access our solar system and deep sky objects, and can be upgraded with accessories!
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ -
This 130mm Newtonian is ideal for beginner astronomers. The StarSense is the first telescope series that allows you to use your smartphone to analyze the night sky and easily locate your targets in minutes using the telescope’s “push-to” system. You’ll be able to view hundreds of objects, including several planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! The accessories included with this telescope will make your stargazing experience even more enjoyable. You’ll be ready to go right out of the box with the StarSense smartphone dock, 25mm eyepiece, 10mm eyepiece, red dot finder, and tripod accessory tray. Check out our experience using the Celestron StarSense Explorer in the video below:
Celestron NexStar 8SE -
For budding astronomers looking to take their hobby to the next level - look no further than the Celestron NexStar 8SE. The 8" of aperture will show you the universe in incredible detail. Galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, comets, planets, asteroids, double stars, and more will be visible right from your backyard. Our NexStar 8SE bundle comes with everything you need to enjoy views of the universe: five eyepieces, a 2x Barlow Lens, six color filters, an aluminum eyepiece and filter carry case, a portable power supply, and an AC adapter. Check out our video below to learn how easy it is to set up the Celestron NexStar 8SE:
Apertura AD10 Dobsonian -
With this fully manual telescope, you're in control! The Apertura AD10 is great for adults who want to learn the night sky and feel a sense of accomplishment all with a large 10" light bucket! With large optics on a precision Dobsonian base, you'll be able to see everything the night sky has to offer. Galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and planets galore. See for yourself why this is one of our most popular telescopes!
Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 -
Looking to step things up a bit? The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 does just that. This scope comes with the same optics and aperture as the NexStar 8SE mentioned above, but everything else has been improved. Download the Celestron app and use the planetarium interface to discover objects that are currently visible based on your time and location. You can leave your hand control behind and locate all the best celestial objects with a tap of your smartphone or tablet. You can even enjoy up to 10 hours of stargazing with the internal lithium battery, ensuring that your nights under the stars aren’t cut short by power issues! The upgraded technology and excellent build quality of this telescope are sure to impress.
Celestron Origin Smart Telescope -
As the best smart telescope on the market, the Celestron Origin combines remarkable optical performance with effortless usability, making this system invaluable for those aiming to capture next-level images with ease. A custom-designed 6” RASA is the star of the show, providing unmatched light gathering ability and a fast f/2 focal ratio. The tried-and-true Celestron NexStar Evolution fork arm mount supports this optical tube and ensures exceptional tracking accuracy for sharp, pinpoint stars within your images. Additionally, the Sony IMX178MC 6.3MP back-illuminated sensor offers exceptional sensitivity and has a small pixel size of 2.4um that pairs perfectly with the custom-designed 6” RASA. This entire system breaks down into three highly manageable parts, and its intuitive app interface is effortless to navigate!
Vaonis Vespera Pro -
For those in search of an all-in-one, portable, automated astrophotography solution, the Vaonis Vespera Pro is the ideal choice! Equipped with a high resolution sensor and the innovative Vaonis CovalENS technology, stunning, highly detailed images are delivered straight to your smartphone or tablet. CovalENS is the first “panorama mode” introduced within smart telescopes, enabling you to explore vast, sweeping views of the night sky. This technology automatically stitches multiple frames together to create a singular, high resolution image. The hassle-free setup and no assembly required makes it quick and easy to gain access to the wonders of the cosmos. The simple, compact design provides effortless transportation, allowing you to discover our universe no matter where your journey takes you!
Honorable Mention - Entry Astrophotography Kit
Move Shoot Move Nomad Starter Kit Plus -
Apertura V2 Compact Aluminum Tripod -
Wanting to get started with astrophotography with just your DSLR and camera lens? This kit includes everything you need to get started. The small, yet mighty, Move Shoot Move Nomad supports up to 7.7 lbs. and tracks the sky with incredible precision, while the robust Apertura V2 Compact Aluminum Tripod provides a stable base. Set up is effortless, and the lightweight, compact nature of this kit makes it a breeze to travel with. Perfect for wide field Milky Way shots, reveal faint dust lanes, nebulous details, and thousands of stars within your frames. Be sure to check out our comprehensive Photographing the Milky Way Knowledge Center for an in-depth look at how to capture breathtaking images of our very own galaxy!
Questions? Contact Us!
Have any questions about any of these telescopes? Interested in more recommendations? We’re here to help! Our experts are on standby to assist you in finding the telescope of your dreams without breaking the bank. Reach out by completing our contact form today.
This Article was Originally Posted on December 5th 2022
