Telescopes

Buying a telescope is a daunting process and one that many people (including us!) get wrong the first time. There is a lot to understand to ensure that you get the right model for you and your circumstances.

Find here guides to explain the key things you need to know and to recommend the best models.

Guides & Recommendations

Most Powerful Telescope You Can Buy

Find the most powerful telescopes that you can buy to use at home today

Best Smart Telescopes

Check out our overview and comparison of all available smart telescopes

What is a GOTO Telescope?

What does “GOTO” mean and is it right for you?

Monocular vs Telescope: What are the Differences?

Understand the differences between telescopes and monoculars

Best Telescopes for Astrophotography

See our unique analysis of which telescopes are being used by the most successful astrophotographers today

Binoculars vs Telescopes for Astronomy

Can binoculars be as good as telescopes for astronomy?

Spotting Scopes vs Telescopes for Astronomy

What are the differences between spotting scopes and telescopes and what is best for astronomy?

Best Apochromatic Refractor Telescopes

“Apos” are one of the best telescope types for astrophotography – find the best models here

Best Telescopes for Planetary Imaging

We analyzed hundreds of planetary images to find the best telescopes

Best Focal Length for Astrophotography

Find out the optimum focal length telescopes for astrophotography

Best Focal Ratio for Astrophotography

Find out the focal ratios of telescopes most successful for astrophotography

What is an Astrograph?

An astrograph is a telescope that works just for imaging – find out more here

Astronomy Photographer of the Year: Telescopes

See our analysis of what telescopes have been used in nearly 700 images shortlisted for the competition

Best Telescopes for Kids

Find the right telescope for your child with this overview and recommendations

Best Computerized Telescopes

Check out our recommendations for GoTo/computerized telescopes

Celestron Nexstar Models Comparison

Comparing the SE, SLT, and Evolution ranges

Best Telescopes for Beginners

Find the best telescopes for beginners so you don’t make the wrong choice

Reflector vs Refractor Telescopes

What the different types mean for a telescope buyer

Telescope Brands: Best & Worst

Is the manufacturer important when buying a telescope?

Best Travel Telescopes

We recommend the five best travel telescopes for different budgets

Celestron Nexstar 8SE vs Evolution 8 vs 8 HD

Comparing the best 8-inch Celestron telescope packages

Best Celestron Starsense Explorer Telescopes

Comparing the different StarSense Explorer telescope models

Schmidt-Cassegrain vs Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes

Examining the advantages and disadvantages of SCTS and Maks to help you decide what is right for you

How Much Does a Good Telescope Cost?

Understand how much you need to spend on a telescope and what you get for your money

Why Are Telescopes So Expensive?

The key reasons why telescopes are not cheap, what factors increase the price, and why you get what you pay for

Best 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescopes

Perfect for astronomy, find the best models available

What is Telescope Aperture?

What is aperture and what do you need in a telescope?

Is Higher Aperture Better?

Aperture is a term used differently for telescopes and camera lenses, but is higher always better?

Dwarf II Smart Telescope Review

Read our hands-on review of this budget smart telescope

Dwarf II vs ZWO Seestar S50

These two budget smart telescopes are shaking up the astrophotography world, but which is best?

Best Barlow Lens

Increase the magnification of your telescope with these budget components to compliment your eyepieces

Demystifying Telescope Focal Length: A Deep Dive

Understand what focal length is and what you should look for in choosing the right telescope for you.