Best Telescopes For Adults

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!

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Computerized Telescopes

Computerized telescopes, also known as “Go-To” telescopes, make exploring the cosmos a breeze! After a simple sky alignment, internal motors provide automatic slews to your desired target with the help of the included hand controller or your smart device. Whether you plan to view the wonders of our solar system or wish to take a deep look into space, these Celestron NexStar telescopes are the way to go!

Celestron NexStar SE Telescope with power supply, ac adapter, and eyepiece kit
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope Bundle —

Aperture Focal Length Mount Weight Key Inclusions
203.2 mm (8") 2032 mm Computerized
Alt-Az
32 lbs. 1.25" Eyepiece & Filter Kit
Portable Power Supply
AC Adapter
25 mm Eyepiece


Looking for a simple, yet powerful computerized telescope? Check out this tried and true Celestron NexStar 8SE! This classic system provides 8” of aperture for incredible detail on the planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and plenty more. Also, the patented XLT High Transmission coatings from Celestron further enhance performance by providing stark detail and high contrast within your eyepiece. Enjoy traversing the night sky with the powerful NexStar+ hand controller thanks to its database of over 40,000 celestial objects, and with the 1,2,3 SkyAlign Technology, locating objects is a walk in the park! Setup of this fully Go-To computerized telescope is quick and easy as no extra tools are required for assembly. This special bundle comes equipped with everything you need to enjoy views of the universe: six eyepieces, a 2x Barlow Lens, six color filters, an aluminum eyepiece and filter carry case, a portable power supply, and an AC adapter. Wanting to dabble in astrophotography? Not a problem! This Celestron NexStar 8SE is a great launchpad for planetary imaging. With versatility like this, you’re sure to have exciting nights under the stars for years to come.



Celestron 8" NexStar Evolution Computerized Telescope —

Aperture Focal Length Mount Weight Key Inclusions
203.2 mm (8") 2032 mm Computerized
Alt-Az
42 lbs. StarSense AutoAlign
1.25" Star Diagonal
Two Eyepieces
Built-In WiFi


If you’re interested in something a bit more powerful than the Celestron NexStar 8SE, the Celestron NexStar Evolution is the standout choice! This step up replaces the traditional SCT with a revolutionized optical design, the Celestron EdgeHD. Thanks to its set of rear corrector lenses, spherical mirrors, and aspherical front corrector lens, any aberrations are virtually eliminated. Not only does this provide peak clarity for visual observations, it’s exactly what’s needed for outstanding astrophotos! The patented Celestron StarBright XLT optical coatings ensure the utmost light transmission through to your eyepiece or camera sensor, maximizing performance. This next-level computerized telescope includes integrated WiFi for effortless control with your smart device, a convenient built-in lithium-iron phosphate battery to keep you powered, and impressive tracking accuracy courtesy of the robust single fork arm mount. Also included is the innovative StarSense AutoAlign Accessory for hassle-free Go-To operation! This helpful addition offers automatic alignment of your telescope to help you bypass the lengthy manual process. With its advanced features and convenient inclusions, it’s easy to see why the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8” EdgeHD is a top contender for the best telescopes for adults.

 
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Non-Computerized "Push-To" Telescopes

Manually locating objects within the night sky can no doubt be one of the most time consuming, headache-inducing aspects of amateur astronomy. But thanks to Celestron, it no longer has to be! The StarSense series offers simple, app-guided navigation across the night sky, helping you spend less time locating and more time observing.

Celestron 114 mm LT StarSense Explorer —

Celestron 130 mm DX StarSense Explorer —

Aperture Focal Length Mount Weight Key Inclusions
114mm (4.49") 1000 mm Push-To Alt-Az 10.4 lbs. StarSense Smartphone Dock
25 mm Eyepiece
10 mm Eyepiece
Red Dot Finder
130mm (5.12") 650 mm Push-To Alt-Az 18 lbs.


If you’re looking for an incredibly fun, interactive stargazing experience, the Celestron StarSense series is a wonderful choice! These “push-to” systems pair with your smartphone to make finding objects in the night sky a breeze. The process is simple. (1) Dock your smartphone, (2) launch the app, and (3) observe the night sky! After selecting your desired target, orange arrows will be displayed on your phone, guiding you in the direction to point your scope. Once the arrows disappear and a green bullseye takes its place, your object will be centered within your eyepiece, ready for observation. The Celestron StarSense LT 114AZ and DX 130AZ come with everything you need for a night of stargazing right out of the box. No adapters, tools, or external equipment necessary! Setup of these Celestron StarSense Explorer Reflectors take less than five minutes, making them the perfect choice for beginner astronomers wishing to explore the wonders of the universe with ease.

 
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Dobsonian Telescopes

If you’re looking for huge views and effortless motion across the night sky, Dobsonians are your best bet! These simple systems feature a Newtonian reflector mounted atop a Dobsonian rocker-box, marrying exceptional light gathering power with hassle-free target tracking. Highly popular, and for good reason, see why the Apertura Dobsonians are the prime choice for astronomers of any experience level!

Apertura AD Dobsonians

Ask just about any seasoned astronomer and you’ll hear their stargazing journey began with a Dobsonian telescope. This is due to the exceptional value they offer: big, bright views at a highly affordable price! Apertura Dobsonians set the standard for excellence, offering best-in-class optics, superior build quality, and a fully comprehensive kit complete with high quality accessories. A total of five premium Dobsonians are available: 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, and 16”. Each of these systems deliver striking scenes of the cosmos. Whether you’re a beginner wishing to benefit from the highly portable 6” model, or an advanced observer ready to experience the power of the 16” model, there’s an Apertura Dobsonian for you! Everything from the Moon to far distant galaxies are well within reach, and the easy-to-manuever bases make exploring the night sky a highly engaging, wondrous experience. Apertura firmly believes in the quality and reliability of their Dobsonians, which is why each telescope comes backed by the Apertura Absolute Warranty!

Aperture Focal Length Weight Key Inclusions
AD6 — 152.4mm (6") 650 mm 42.9 lbs. Right Angle Correct Image Finder

2" to 1.25" Adapter for Focuser

Two Eyepieces

4-Slot Eyepiece Tray

Apertura Absolute Warranty
AD8 — 203.2mm (8") 1200 mm 52.2 lbs.
AD10 — 254mm (10") 1250 mm 66.2 lbs.
AD12 — 305mm (12") 1520 mm 86.1 lbs.
AD16 — 406mm (16") 1800 mm 129.5 lbs.
 
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Smart Telescopes

Smart telescopes have transformed the astrophotography scene, simplifying the process significantly! Housing everything you need for capturing beautiful images of our Moon, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, these next-gen telescopes help you explore the night sky with a tap of a button on your smartphone. Take a look at our top picks for the best smart telescopes for adults:

Celestron Origin Mark II Smart Telescope —

Aperture Focal Length Mount Weight Key Inclusions
152.4mm (6") 335 mm Alt-Az Fork Arm 41.6 lbs. Sony IMX678C Sensor
AC Power Supply
Sturdy Tripod


Changing the face of the smart telescope scene, Celestron has taken their expertise to deliver a new kind of smart telescope experience: the Celestron Origin Mark II Intelligent Home Observatory! The custom 6” RASA makes this the smart telescope with the best optics, hands down. Enjoy bright, beautiful images thanks to the large 6” aperture, a wicked-fast f/2 ratio, and sharp resolution with the onboard Sony IMX678C sensor. Operating as the brain center of the Origin is a reliable Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, which stacks and preprocesses your frames for you in real time. Backed by Simulation Curriculum, the genius behind the Sky-Atlas software, the Celestron Origin App is intuitive to navigate for seamless image acquisition! Setup of the Origin itself is a piece of cake, with this system breaking down into three manageable parts: the tripod, the mount, and the OTA. Though less compact than other smart telescopes on the market, the Origin is still highly portable, and easily fits in the trunk of most vehicles.

ZWO Seestar S30 Pro smart telescope
Seestar S30 Pro All-in-One Smart Telescope —

Aperture Focal Length Mount Weight Features
30mm (1.18") 160 mm Alt-Az 3.64 lbs. USB Type-C Charging Cable
Solar Filter
Carrying Case


As the perfect entry into the word of astrophotography, the ZWO Seestar S30 Pro makes imaging the night sky easier than ever before! This tiny yet mighty system encapsulates an entire imaging rig into a single compact unit. Camera, telescope, mount, and computer all have been packed into the miniature 3.64 lb. body. This provides you with astroimaging enjoyment anywhere you go, at a fraction of the price of a full-fledged astrophotography system, making the hobby accessible to just about anyone! With the built-in WiFi, connect your smartphone or tablet and begin exploring the night sky with ease. The ZWO Seestar will find, focus, and begin tracking and capturing images of your selected target with little input required. Take stunning photos of the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, our Moon, our Sun, and plenty more, and share them with your friends and family with a click of a button. Optimal for beginners and giving you the best bang for your buck, the ZWO Seestar is a great choice for those who prioritize simplicity and performance.

Vaonis Vespera Pro Smart Telescope —

Aperture Focal Length Mount Weight Features
50mm (1.97") 250 mm Alt-Az 11 lbs. Hard Carrying Case
Anti-Theft System
Tripod


Delivering a note of elegance to the world of smart telescopes, the Vaonis Vespera Pro is a simple, yet sophisticated instrument for imaging the stars! This eye-catching device features a modern build, sleek contours, and a polished design. Inside of this frame, high performance internal hardware is paired with cutting-edge algorithms to deliver striking detail on the cosmos. The large Sony IMX676 sensor provides a whopping 12.5 MP, the highest megapixel count of any smart telescope on this list. When paired with the innovative CovalENS technology from Vaonis, the first “panorama mode” ever embedded into a telescope, you’re given the power to image sweeping scenes of up to 50 MP in resolution. Talk about detail! Setup is as easy as attaching the tripod and powering up the comprehensive Singularity App on your smart device. Also, enjoy taking your Vespera Pro with you anywhere with the included hard case, providing automated, engaging astronomy experiences on-the-go.


Honorable Mention — Entry Astrophotography Kit

Entry Astrophotography Kit

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Mount Head -

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, Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Mount Head supports up to 11 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!


 
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About the Author

Cierra Armijo

Content Writer and Web Assistant

"It’s no secret astrophotography is a complex hobby. The intricate nature of gear setup, image acquisition, and image processing can easily become overwhelming, and I’m committed to developing content that is easy to understand and accessible to astroimagers of any level!"

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This Article was Originally Posted on December 5th 2022