9 Best Celestron Telescopes of 2024; Reviews
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I love Celestron telescopes and they have been a part of my life since I was a teenager. Celestron makes the best telescopes and has a track record of reliability dating back to the 1960s.
Today, Celestron makes a wide range of telescopes for different budgets and ability levels. That means there’s probably a Celestron telescope just for you too.
This article is a comprehensive review of the 9 best Celestron telescopes that will cover each scope in detail so you can figure out which one will give you a top-notch stargazing experience.
I have tried my best to include a Celestron telescope for everyone and for all-level users, from beginner to professional, for backyard astronomy to astrophotography.
Best Celestron Telescopes
Comparison Table
| Image | Title | Best For | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Top | Celestron - PowerSeeker 80EQ | Best Under $200 | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron - NexStar 6SE Telescope | Best Computerized Pick | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron – StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ | Best Smartphone App Enabled | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron - NexStar 130SLT | Best for Planets | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron - PowerSeeker 127EQ | Best Under $300 | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope DX | Best Portable Pick | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor | Best for Beginners | See on Amazon | |
 Top | Celestron - 114LCM Computerized Telescope | Best Under $500 | See on Amazon |
Best Celestron Telescopes - Reviews
1. Celestron - PowerSeeker 80EQ
(Best Under $200)
- PERFECT BEGINNERS TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope.
- MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE
- MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES: The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope features 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), erect image diagonal, finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
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Specifications
- Aperture: 80 mm (3.15″)
- Focal length: 900mm
- Focal Ratio: f/11
- Mount: Equatorial
- Eyepiece: 20mm, 4mm
- Magnification: 45x, 225x
- Weight: 16.38 lbs (7.4 kg)
The Celestron PowerSeeker 80 EQ is an 80mm is lightweight, versatile, and durable which makes it one of the best Celestron telescopes for beginners.
The optical tube and visibility are by far its best assets allowing observation of the moon, planets, and double stars.
As a refractor with an included diagonal, you can also use this telescope for terrestrial viewing for short-range use.
With the highest theoretical magnification of 189x and a focal ratio of f/11, it provides excellent imaging for everyone’s favorite sights in the sky.
This is a great starter telescope that can show you things such as the details on the surface of the moon, the rings of Saturn, and the polar ice caps on Mars.
The details are clear if not the sharpest (small aperture) and are more than adequate in providing excellent views.
The focal ratio of f/11 makes it so this telescope is the best at focusing on brighter, detailed objects. That is why it is great at finding and imaging the planets, the moon, and other similar objects.
Why We Recommend It
The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ Refractor Telescope comes with fully coated optics that cut down on aberrations of image quality.
The telescope comes with a German equatorial mount and standard tripod base.
The equatorial mount allows you to align the telescope with the equator which makes it easy to keep objects in the eyepiece for hours, even all night if you want to.
The mount is sturdy and responsive. The knobs are smooth and fluid to use. The whole setup looks sharp and works as intended.
Included in the package is a 1.25” erect image diagonal that allows for terrestrial viewing.
It also comes with two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, and a red dot finderscope. These accessories are more than enough to get you off the ground when starting your telescope outfit.
Pros
- Decent optics
- Lightweight & portable
- Can be used for terrestrial use
- Stable tripod and mount
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons
- Not powerful enough for advanced users
- Mediocre accessories
2. Celestron - NexStar 6SE Telescope
(Best Computerized Pick)
- 6-Inch aperture: The 6-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, while retaining a compact form factor.
- Fully-automated go to mount: Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the go to mount built into our telescopes for astronomy beginners automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- Easy to assemble and break down: SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready in minutes.
- Bonus free starry night software:
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based exper
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Specifications
- Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 150mm (5.9″)
- Focal length: 1500mm
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Mount: Computerized – Alt-Azimuth
- Eyepiece: 25mm
- Magnification: 60x
- Weight: 30 lbs. (13.6 kg)
The Celestron NexStar 6SE is a Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope that essentially combines the very best components of Reflector and Refractor Telescopes.
A single 25mm Plössl eyepiece is supplied with the Celestron 6SE to provide a magnification of 60x.
The robust build of the NexStar 6SE promises to last years of observing sessions, provided it is treated with care.
Read NexStar 6SE full review here.
The optical tube is supported by an innovative one-armed fork design that is much easier to adjust and handle.
The one-armed fork allows you to take the optical tube off the base for cleaning, adjustments, or travel easily without the headache and hassle of other designs.
The telescope employs Celestron’s SkyAlign technology that enables calibration for accurately finding targets extremely easy.
With the NexStar 6E, the GoTo controller takes all of the navigational work out of the equation, so you can instead focus on enjoying the beautiful sights the sky has to offer.
Why We Recommend It
This telescope is a capable tool for various applications, including lunar, planetary, and brighter deep-sky observations. It also makes a capable instrument for lunar and planetary astrophotography.
You will require a T-ring or adapter if you choose to image with a CCD, CMOS, or DSLR or a smartphone adapter for photography with your iPhone or Android.
The telescope comes with a 25mm eyepiece, a 90-degree star diagonal, NexStar+ hand controller, Starpointer red dot finder, and an accessory tray.
The GoTo module provides a database of 40,000+ objects. One of the best features of the controller is Sky Tour mode, which will take you on a guided tour of the most popular objects in the sky based on the current date and time.
Its 6-inch aperture makes it one of the best Celestron telescopes for viewing planets and brighter deep space objects.
Pros
- Great optics with optical coatings
- Sturdy computerized mount
- Decent aperture
- No color fringing or coma
- Vixen dovetail for flexible mount changes
- Excellent tracking system
- High-quality build
Cons
- Drains batteries quickly
- Comes with only one eyepiece
3. Celestron – StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ
(Best Smartphone App Enabled)
- UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Just follow the arrows to locate stars, planets & more!
- PATENT-PENDING STARSENSE SKY RECOGINITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind scope uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time.
- APP GENERATES A LIST OF TONIGHT’S BEST OBJECTS TO VIEW: The app tells you what’s in the sky based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, star clusters from the city PLUS fainter, deep sky objects from darker locations.
- EASY TO SET UP AND USE:
- 80MM REFRACTOR OPTICA TUBE: Features fully coated glass optics for bright, sharp vie
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Specifications
- Type: Refractor
- Aperture: 80mm(3.1”)
- Focal length: 900mm
- Focal Ratio: f/11
- Mount: Altazimuth Mount
- Eyepiece: 25mm,10mm
- Magnification: 36x, 90x
- Barlow lens: 2x
- Weight: 9.2 lbs. / 4.2 kg
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone Telescope allows you to tour the night sky with your smartphone.
The StarSense Explorer app calculates your position in real-time and guides you with a list of currently visible objects.
The 80mm aperture of this starter telescope from Celestron can gather enough light for major Solar System details and exceptionally bright deep space objects.
Designed as a complete observation rig, Celestron includes a variety of accessories to get you viewing right out of the box.
In addition to the telescope, mount, and tripod, you also get two eyepieces (25mm, 10mm) that provide you with high and low magnifications, a Barlow lens that effectively doubles the power of each eyepiece, plus a 90° diagonal.
The telescope, even put together, is also quite lightweight, just 9.2 pounds. That makes it easy to move around, meaning you can take this from inside a house to a car, to a backyard or a field, without needing help.
Why We Recommend It
The LT 80AZ gathers enough light to show you the Moon in all its glory, as well as Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and many bright deep-sky objects.
This one of the best Celestron refractor telescopes can double as a daytime spotting scope as well, although you would forego using your smartphone when viewing earth-based objects.
The telescope can be paired with the StarSense Explorer App.
Once the telescope is paired with the app, it will pick up on sky objects as you aim the telescope into the sky, while also naming what you’re looking at with your eye.
The app will let you know objects that are viewable every night, when they’re rising and setting, and where they’re located.
You also get some highlights on the sky objects, tips on how to find them — and the app will also read, aloud, some of these details.
Moreover, the telescope absolutely works without a smartphone attached. It’s an extra element, and nice to use but won’t render the telescope unusable if it’s not downloaded.
Pros
- StarSense Explorer App is extremely useful
- Lightweight & portable
- No color fringing
- Great for planets and the moon
- Best for beginners
- Minimum maintenance
- Affordable
Cons
- Mediocre accessories
- Mount could be better
- Takes time to sync smartphone app to telescope
4. Celestron - NexStar 130SLT
(Best for Planets)
- Computerized star locating telescope: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it. Compatible with 2 inch eyepieces
- Compact and portable/
- Newtonian reflector optical design: The NexStar 130SLT is the largest in the SLT family. The 130mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail.
- Fast setup with skyalign.
- Bonus free starry night software: The NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation. Compatible with starsense technology and Wi
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Specifications
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Aperture: 130mm (5.12″)
- Focal length: 650mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5
- Mount: Computerized Alt-az
- Eyepiece: 25mm, 9mm
- Magnification: 26x, 72x
- Weight: 18.0 lbs.(8.2 kg)
The Celestron – NexStar 130SLT is lightweight, easy to use and it is perfect for someone looking for their first computerized telescope.
This computerized telescope comes with a convenient Newtonian design with a 5.11-inch aperture that can gather enough light to see our solar system and beyond.
The 130SLT includes two 1.25” Kellner eyepieces, a 25mm for 26x magnification and a 9mm for 72x.
Read my full-page in-depth review of the Celestron NexStar 130SLT telescope.
At f/5.0, this scope is also relatively fast which makes it an ideal companion for viewing distant objects beyond our solar system.
The NexStar 130 SLT comes with Celestron’s NexStar+ hand controller, which is equipped with their SkyAlign technology.
All you’ll need to do is enter a few details into the hand controller, and the telescope will point itself at any one of 40,000 different objects in its memory.
Just select the galaxy, nebula, or star cluster you’d like to observe, and the motorized mount takes its instructions from the database and points the telescope in exactly the right place.
Why We Recommend It
This NexStar 130 SLT scope delivers a level of crispness and image clarity that most budget telescopes are unable to equal.
Quality computerized telescopes are expensive, but as one of the handfuls of GoTo scopes in the entry-level market, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT has a leg up over the high-end competition – affordability and decent quality.
With a 5” aperture and fast quality optics, maximum light transmission is guaranteed, and crisp, bright, and clear views are an expectation that is delivered.
You can also dabble in some limited, short exposure astrophotography of the moon and planets with a CCD or webcam-style eyepiece camera.
The mount requires 8x AA batteries which is not ideal, but it’s also similar to many other GoTo power requirements in the market. You can use a 12V power tank which is the better, more reliable option.
Pros
- Easy, no-tool setup
- Light, portable, and affordable
- Wide field of views
- Computerized go-to tracking
- Decent aperture
Cons
- Small mount
- Sensitive to vibration
- Drains batteries quickly
5. Celestron - PowerSeeker 127EQ
(Best Under $300)
- Perfect entry-level telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope.
- Manual German equatorial mount: It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob
- Compact and portable
- Multiple accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Users can also download BONUS Starry Night Astronomy Software Package
- Unbeatable and customer support:You’ll also receive a 2-year and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based expe
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Specifications
- Type: Reflector
- Aperture: 127 mm(5)
- Focal length: 1000mm
- Focal Ratio: f/7.9
- Mount: Equatorial
- Eyepiece: 20mm, 4mm
- Magnification: 50x, 250x
- Weight: 21.38 lbs.(9.7 kg)
The 127EQ is one of the best Celestron PowerSeeker telescopes that cost under $200 and it packs a good aperture, premium quality features, and it’s built like a wall of bricks.
It’s a reflector telescope with an equatorial mount and it has a wide field of view, and it is the perfect telescope if you’re just trying out astronomy for the first time.
With its 127mm (5 inches) aperture, you can observe the lunar surface in great detail and also catch a spectacular glimpse of the nearby planets, nebulas, and galaxies.
The optical components of Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ are manufactured using top-quality glass and aluminum to ensure a flawless transmission of light. The resulting optics offer excellent definition and sharpness.
It comes with two eyepieces-a 4mm one and a 20mm one. The 4mm eyepiece boasts a whopping 250x magnification capacity. The 20mm piece, on the other hand, comes with a more practical 50x magnification power.
A 3x Barlow lens is also there to accommodate a threefold increase in magnification for each of your eyepieces.
The telescope comes with an Equatorial mount that is designed to be aligned with the equator which then allows for easy tracking of objects during the night.
Once the mount is properly aligned, tracking objects becomes easier because now they will be moving in straight lines as the earth rotates around the equator.
This is made even easier by the control knobs which allow for micro-adjustments and tiny movements of the mount. Once an object is locked in it can be easily followed with a few turns of a knob over a long period of time.
Why We Recommend It
Out of the box, this telescope is powerful, easy to assemble, and allows for general ease of use that Celestron swears is perfect for beginners and families alike.
Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ is capable of showing you a remarkable range of astronomical objects, including the entire collection of Messier objects. You can also identify the phases of Mercury, cloud belts surrounding Jupiter and its orbiting moons, lunar cavities, and more.
The Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ is very easy to set up and operate; hence, it is quite appealing to amateur telescope users. It also offers great functionality to meet the needs of a beginner or intermediate stargazer.
This telescope incorporates a design that makes it suitable for users of all age groups. It’s small, lightweight and mobile. So, you can take it to your backyard or take it to your favorite stargazing spot outdoors where you can enjoy a sky full of stars and even catch a few meteor showers.
Pros
- Affordable & portable
- Perfect for beginners looking for a large aperture
- Great for planetary and lunar views
- Comes with a good mount and decent accessories
Cons
Suffers from minor optical aberration
6. Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS
(Best for Astrophotography)
- 11 inches Schmidt cassegrain telescope with celestron’s Premium Star Bright XLT optical coatings
- Optical Tube Length: 24 | Optical Tube Diameter: 12.3 | Optical Tube Weight: 65 lbs (with mount) | Tripod leg diameter: 2 | Mount Head Weight: 65 lbs (with optical tube) | Tripod Weight: 19 lbs | Total Telescope Kit Weight: 84 lbs
- Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 55 - 70
- Fully Computerized dual Fork arm altazimuth mount with internal GPS and database of 40, 000+ celestial objects
- Heavy duty tripod makes attaching the telescope so easy you can do it in the dark. Ergonomic design so you can comfortably lift and move the telesc
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Specifications
- Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 280 mm (11”)
- Focal length: 2800mm
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Mount: GoTo: Alt-Azimuth
- Eyepiece: 40mm
- Magnification: 70x
- Weight: 92 lbs.(42 kg)
The Celestron StarBright is a technologically advanced yet simple to use telescope. Its most immediately noticeable characteristic is its size.
The aperture alone is 11 inches in diameter, and it weighs in at a hefty 65 pounds, so you would need a certain amount of physical strength to carry it.
The 11” aperture and specialized coatings on the optics make it one of the best Celestron telescopes for deep space.
You can use this scope in light-polluted locations, and with even more astounding performance at a dark location.
As a slow telescope with a very long focal length, you’ll be able to achieve very high magnification suitable for lunar, planetary, and DSO observation and imaging.
The NexStar+ hand control has a 40,000+ object database, adjustable backlighting, a USB port, and 9 slew speeds.
It also comes with an RS-232 cable for computerized control, has an internal clock so you won’t have input date and time upon every startup, and its software can be updated online.
The computerized alt-az mount has dual fork arms, a dual-axis drive motor, and works with the NexStar hand control.
You will need a power supply to run the GoTo unless you are content with the supplied 12V car battery adapter.
The mount also has an internal 16-channel GPS receiver system that allows for easy alignment and locating of objects without having to guess.
Why We Recommend It
Despite its size, however, the StarBright is still relatively easy to mount on the included tripod.
Celestron has also included thoughtfully designed carrying handles that make the scope easier to carry.
Included in StarBright’s technological offerings is a database of more than 40,000 objects. You can use this database to identify objects in the sky or to select an object you wish to view that happens to be visible in your part of the sky that night.
When you choose an object to look at, the telescope will automatically locate that object for you.
The Celestron CPC 1100 GPS is also capable of long exposure astrophotography.
The mount is rock-solid as it supports the OTA with dual fork arms, very sturdy tripod legs, and you won’t need to extend it all the way since it does come to a full length of 70”.
The telescope is compatible with all cameras and its heavy-duty tripod allows heavy weights while keeping its ground even on irregular surfaces.
Pros
- Large aperture
- Fully coated excellent optics
- Incorporated GPS capability
- Accurate computerized tracking of sky objects
- The robust build will last a very long time
- Great for faint DSOs
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
7. Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope DX
(Best Portable Pick)
- Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.
- Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with 2 high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.
- Bonus bag, tripod, moon filter, 2x barlow, bluetooth shutter release, smartphone adapter and software: Highly portable and ready for your digiscoping adventures. Also includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based exper
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Specifications
- Aperture: 70mm (2.8″)
- Focal length: 400mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5.7
- Mount: Alt-Azimuth
- Eyepiece: 20 mm, 10 mm
- Magnification: 20x, 40x
- Weight: 3.3 lbs.(1.5 kg)
Celestron’s Travel Scope 70 DX is a low-cost refractor telescope that is easy to use, requires next to no maintenance, and is designed with the beginner in mind.
This is one of the best Celestron telescopes under $200 and it also comes with an easy-to-carry backpack designed to maximize travel.
It comes pre-assembled and ready-to-use, so you can just grab it and go. The 2.76-inch aperture is well-suited for the purpose of this portable telescope and provides bright and crisp views given its size.
Also included is Sky X software, which allows you to learn the basics of astronomy and how to use your new telescope. Sky X is a great addition to any telescope and is an excellent tool to help beginners.
For visual observation, you also get a moon filter to safely look at the moon, an erecting prism that corrects views horizontally and laterally so the Travel Scope can be used as a conventional spotting scope, plus two eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens.
Why We Recommend It
This Celestron Scope is made with ultimate portability in mind, so essentially, it’s designed for any observer who does a lot of traveling with their scope.
Its refractor-style optical tube assembly (OTA) has a respectable aperture that gathers the light needed to get great views of the moon, large planets like Jupiter and Mars, as well as stars and constellations.
A photo-style alt-az pan/tilt head easily mounts the OTA with a simple screw and has a single control handle that enables smooth movement and locks the altitude in place for hands-free use to minimize vibration.
In addition to the smartphone photo adapter, Celestron includes a Bluetooth remote shutter release that is compatible with most Android and iOS phones so you can take a photo or video without having to touch your devices, which can cause unwanted vibrations.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Extremely portable
- Comes with a smartphone adapter
- Comes with a backpack
- Anti-reflection fully coated optics
- Can be used as a terrestrial telescope
Cons
- Some false coloring
- Mediocre accessories
- Not for advanced users
8. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescpe
(Best for Beginners)
- Easiest setup of any entry level scope. With the folding accessory tray you just pop the tripod legs open, turn the lock knob and you’re ready to go.
- Bold new design - The main telescope lens cap comes with a fully integrated smartphone adapter built-in, perfect for the budding astrophotographer.
- Red LED flashlight - Stowed in the center of the mount head, the flashlight can be used to gently illuminate the accessory tray or can be removed for use as a spotlight when needed.
- Focus micrometer - Allows quick return to a specific focus point for specific targets (bird nests, infinity focus, et
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Specifications
- Type: Refractor
- Aperture: 100mm(3.9″)
- Focal length: 660mm
- Focal Ratio: f/6.6
- Mount: Manual; Alt-Azimuth
- Eyepiece: 20mm, 10mm
- Magnification: 33x, 66x
- Weight: 20 lbs.
The Inspire 100AZ is one of the best Celestron telescopes for beginners with an ingenious adaptor for smartphone astrophotography.
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ offers a complete observing package with a good-sized aperture, a focal length of 660mm, and plenty of features at a reasonable cost.
It comes with 20mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces, there’s a 90° erect image diagonal included, meaning the telescope is also suitable for terrestrial observations.
Completing the package is a useful red light LED torch, accessory tray/leg spreader, a dual-purpose dust cap, and access to Starry Night Basic astronomy software.
At just 6.1kg the whole assembly is light and easy to carry around even when it’s fully assembled, making it perfect as a grab-and-go telescope for beginners.
The 100mm aperture is large enough to see distant objects such as nebula, galaxies, and star clusters. It far outperforms smaller refractors which are geared more towards seeing the moon and the nearby planets.
You can see planets and some of their features like the Giant Red Spot on Jupiter and some of its cloud bands and moons.
You can also see Saturn, some moons, and the Cassini Division. The phases of Venus and Mars can be observed, but Uranus and Neptune will only be visible as dots.
The moon is fascinating to look at through the Inspire telescope with clear resolution and good contrast.
The mount is a free-form altazimuth mount that moves very smoothly and has functional settings that allow you to cruise around the night sky with fluid ease or hone in a specific spot with the same amount of precision.
Why We Recommend It
The telescope can be assembled in minutes without tools. Everything unfolds and hooks together without having to deal with small screws or specific tools.
This telescope also features fully coated glass optics which decreases potential anomalies in the viewing and increases image quality.
While this telescope isn’t made for astrophotography, you can use a smartphone to take photographs of both sky bodies and land-based objects.
The lens cap actually doubles as the smartphone adapter and allows you to attach your phone with bungees and anchor points to provide a secure setup.
This is one of the best Celestron refractor telescopes on our list and you can also use it for observing land-based objects. The 90-degree erect image prism is a diagonal that provides correct image orientation.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Built-in smartphone adapter
- Very low maintenance
- Beginner-friendly
- Decent aperture
- Aesthetically appealing
- Easy to set up and use
- Decent accessories
Cons
- Shaky tripod
- Mount could be better
9. Celestron - 114LCM Computerized Telescope
(Best Under $500)
- Computerized automatic telescope: The Celestron 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope with all glass optics can automatically locate 4,000 celestial objects with its GoTo mount and hand control, using star locating technology found on more advanced telescopes.
- Everything you need: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including an adjustable aluminum tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), & a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Download the SkyPortal App for added enjoyment.Apparent Field of View:1.6°
- Bonus free starry night software.
- You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based exper
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Specifications
- Type: Newtonian Reflector
- Aperture: 114 mm (4.5″)
- Focal length: 1000mm
- Focal Ratio: f/8.8
- Mount: Motorized; Alt-Azimuth
- Eyepiece: 25mm,9mm
- Magnification: 40x, 111x
- Weight: 15 lbs. / 6.8 kg
The Celestron 114LCM 114mm f/9 Computerized GoTo Reflector Telescope features a 114mm diameter parabolic primary mirror that is coated with highly-reflective aluminum to allow for detailed observation of the Moon and planets, with the ability to reach outside our solar system and view binary stars, clusters, galaxies, and nebulae.
It has a basic rack and pinion focuser that takes 1.25-inch eyepieces: 25mm and 9mm eyepieces are provided giving magnifications of 40x and 111x.
A built-in StarPointer red dot finder helps to aim the telescope, especially during the alignment phase.
As for the weight and height of the telescope, it comes in at around 5kg for the device, which is very reasonable and should not be very difficult for anyone to move around, even children.
You can lift the whole fully assembled system up and quickly take it outside for a quick look at the stars, which makes this a good grab-and-go computerized telescope that can be run on batteries.
Why We Recommend It
The brain of the 114LCM is the venerable NexStar+ controller. Equipped with a database of over 4000 objects, with the ability for users to program up to 99 of their own objects, the controller is a feature-rich GoTo system with multiple alignment aids including the Sky Align system.
The computerized capabilities of the GoTo Mount are quite accurate and should be able to track objects reasonably well.
Like almost all Celestron products, the Celestron 114 LCM Computerized Telescope comes with a 2-year warranty.
The LCM114 has a 4.5-inch primary mirror with a focal length of 1,000mm, which gives you a focal ratio of f/9.
It is definitely one of the best Celestron telescopes for under $500 and for its size, it offers good views with pin-sharp stars across almost three-quarters of the field of vision in the supplied 25mm eyepiece.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Accurate tracking
- Portable computerized telescope
- Affordable
- Decent optics
Cons
- Is too lightweight making it unstable
- Accessories are mediocre at best
Why Choose a Celestron Telescope?
Celestron has been a pioneer in producing world-class telescopes since the early 1960s. In the late 1950s, Tom Johnson, founder of Celestron, built a telescope from scratch to introduce his sons to the wonders of stargazing.
Johnson devised a new manufacturing process to make high-quality telescopes more affordable.
Before Celestron, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCTs) were produced individually by master optical craftsmen who spent hours hand-figuring the glass.
He streamlined this process by developing ultra-precise match plates, which allowed for mass production of the Schmidt corrector.
This technique allowed Johnson to create telescopes of unparalleled quality and bring them to market at a surprisingly low price.
Today, Celestron is known for creating quality optics that last. When you buy a Celestron telescope, you’re getting solid materials, clear optics, and an innovative design with plenty of capabilities.
Best Celestron Telescope Technologies
Celestron telescopes feature certain award-winning patented technologies which place Celestron telescopes miles ahead of its competitors such as Orion and Meade. If you’re in the market looking for the best Celestron telescope for yourself then you should make yourself aware of the following Celestron’s proprietary technologies and how they can help you achieve the best stargazing experience.
1. StarSense Explorer Technology
The StarSense Explorer Technology uses your smartphone to very accurately determine its pointing position, and then it tells you exactly which celestial objects are currently visible in the night sky and where to move your telescope to place those objects in the telescope’s eyepiece. This technology is a blessing for beginners and novices who are just getting started in astronomy.
2. Celestron Starry Night Software
Celestron Starry Night software helps the user to observe the Solar System and thousands of other celestial objects. Starry Night takes you on a guided tour of our Solar System, and can even model exactly how the night sky will appear from your own backyard, a neighboring town, or anywhere on Earth.
3. SkyAlign Technology
The SkyAlign Technology is another Godsend for beginners. It makes setting up and using a computerized telescope faster and easier than one could imagine.
It is the simplest method to align a computerized telescope, providing ease of use for beginners while retaining the accuracy demanded by experienced users.
4. StarSense Technology
The StarSense technology allows you to automatically locate and point your telescope to over 4,000 celestial objects contained in its database, along with a “Sky Tour” feature that automatically moves the telescope to the best astronomical objects currently visible at that time.
5. WiFi Technology
With Celestron’s telescopes integrated WiFi technology, you can slew your telescope to all the best celestial objects with a tap of your smart device. Connect your device to your WiFi telescope’s built-in wireless network and explore the night sky with Celestron’s SkyPortal mobile app for iOS and Android.
6. Celestron’s EdgeHD Optics
Celestron’s EdgeHD is an aplanatic flat-field Schmidt optical system that virtually eliminates both field curvature and off-axis star coma, providing an astrograph-quality system at a fraction of the price.
7. Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software
Once you have connected your PC to your telescope’s mount, the Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software makes selecting your target a breeze, and it makes pointing and tracking a sky object extremely accurate.
8. Celestron’s LiFePO4 Battery
Celestron’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries boast an un-recharged shelf life of 10 years, providing years of additional service as a LiFePO4 battery can be charged and discharged more than 2,000 times during its lifespan.
9. StarBright XLT Optical Coatings
The StarBright XLT Optical Coating is a unique enhanced multi-layer mirror coating made from precise layers of aluminum, SiO2 (quartz), TiO2 (titanium dioxide), and Si02 (silicon dioxide). Reflectivity is fairly flat across the spectrum, optimizing it for both imaging and visual observing.
10. All-Star Polar Alignment
The All-Star Polar Alignment technology lets you precisely track the motion of the sky. This ground-breaking technology present in the best Celestron telescopes allows users to choose any bright star while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment.
12. Fastar Technology
The Fastar technology increases the speed of the optical tube, a whopping 28 times. It basically increases the speed and sensitivity of Celestron optical tubes, allowing for brighter and more detailed images with shorter exposure
Features To Consider When Choosing A Celestron Telescope
Even with an excellent brand such as Celestron, you need to understand what the telescope’s specifications mean and how they affect performance.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind as you choose your best Celestron telescope.
1. Aperture
The most important aspect of any telescope is its aperture, the diameter of its main optical component, which can be either a lens or a mirror.
A scope’s aperture determines both its light-gathering ability (how bright the image appears) and its resolving power (how sharp the image appears).
Celestron’s aperture sizes range from three to 11 inches in diameter. When learning how to choose a telescope, knowing all you can about the aperture is crucial to your ability to see the night sky.
2. Focal Length
It is the distance between a telescope’s primary optics and its focal point. It works with the focal length of your eyepiece to produce your desired magnification. In many cases you will get the telescope’s focal ratio instead. This is just the ratio between the focal length of the telescope and its aperture.
The focal lengths of Celestron telescopes range from 360 to 1,250 millimeters.
3. Magnification
The larger the aperture size, the higher the magnification of the telescope. Most Celestron telescopes have between 120x and 480x magnification. The higher the magnification, the easier it is to view faraway objects.
4. Eyepieces
Eyepieces determine the magnification and field of view of a telescope. Different eyepieces are used to view different objects.
While most Celestron telescopes have only one eyepiece, certain models ship with more than one.
Some objects, such as nebulae and star clusters, appear quite large and are best viewed at low magnifications (which give a wider field of view), whereas planets appear very small and are normally viewed with high-magnification eyepieces.
One of the most common misconceptions in amateur astronomy is that magnification is the most important aspect of a telescope.
In reality, the diameter (aperture) of a telescope determines its power and different eyepieces are used to get the best view of a given object. Often the best view is at a low magnification.
5. Portability features
Size: On average, Celestron telescopes weigh between 10 and 50 pounds. Smaller telescopes mostly include tabletop and travel models. These are lightweight and easy to transport. Larger styles, while much sturdier, are significantly heavier and are best left in the spot they’re most often used.
Tripod: Celestron telescopes are usually made of aluminum or steel. They’re well-built and reinforced to support the weight of the telescope without shifting or wobbling.
Storage: Most travel Celestron telescopes come with travel bags. If you plan on traveling with a larger model, purchase one separately. You may be able to purchase one from the Celestron line or you can use a universal case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Celestron a good brand of telescope?
Celestron is one of the best brands of telescopes and it has been making a wide range of telescopes for all user-level for more than 50 years. It’s one of the most recognizable brands for amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers alike.
How do I choose a Celestron telescope?
As a general rule, choose a Celestron telescope that has 2.8 inches (70 mm) aperture, or preferably more. Make sure that the telescope’s mount is stable and it comes with decent accessories such as eyepieces, tripod, etc. The telescope should be easy to set up and use and should be portable enough.
Which is the best Celestron AstroMaster?
The AstroMaster 130EQ is the best Celestron telescope from the AstroMaster Series. This is the largest reflector in the Astromaster line and thus offers the best light gathering ability out of all of their starter telescopes. It can also be used for short-exposure astrophotography.
What is the difference between Celestron PowerSeeker and AstroMaster?
There is no particular difference between the Celestron PowerSeeker and AstroMaster Series. Both the series offer telescopes of various sizes with equatorial or alt-az mounts that are geared mainly towards beginners and intermediate users.
What can you see with a Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ?
The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ comes with an 80mm aperture that is large enough to show you decent views of the moon’s surface, Saturn’s rings, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. You’ll be able to see the phases of Venus and Mercury and bright objects like double stars.
What can I see with a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ?
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ can show you Jupiter’s cloud belts and Great Red Spot, the Cassini division in Saturn’s rings, the ice caps and albedo markings of Mars, and the tiniest craters on the moon’s surface. It can also show you many bright deep-sky objects.
Conclusion
Our pick for the best Celestron telescope is the Celestron CPC 1100 XLT. It comes with revolutionary SkyAlign Alignment Technology that redefines everything that amateur astronomers are looking for – quick and simple alignment, unsurpassed optical quality, ease of set-up and use, ergonomics, and enhanced computerization.
Our pick for the Best Celestron Computerized Telescope is the Celestron – NexStar 6SE. Its 6-inch aperture with excellent light-gathering ability provides impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
Written by:
Chandrashekhara Rao
I grew up in a rural community with a dark sky, and that is where I learned to appreciate planets and stars at an early age. I have been fascinated with all things astronomical since I was a kid and started with a cheap-and-cheerful 60mm refractor on a wobbly tripod.
ABOUT US
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