the best telescopes
Telescope – Buying Guide, Opinions and Comparison in 2022
Telescopes are remote observation equipment that, depending on their manufacture, will allow us to appreciate lunar craters, planets, stars and even the Milky Way. But also, they could be intended to allow easy viewing of flora and fauna during the day. The selection, as expected, requires prior documentation, which will allow you to take with you a team that really meets your needs. Svbony SV28, for example, is a waterproof telescope that you can use in any outdoor activity without worrying about unexpected precipitation. In addition, its structure is compact and light for practical handling. Telmu GS70060, for its part, is another good purchase option, which offers you a wide field of vision with horizontal and vertical rotation.
Opinions on the best telescopes
There are many types of telescopes aimed at children, amateurs and professionals. All of them with different specifications, designed to provide the best user experience for each group of users. Therefore, it is important to know in detail what the various brands have for you. Here is a list of the best telescopes.
ground telescope
Svbony 25-75x70mm
With a robust, compact and lightweight design, you will find this model that could well be the best value for money telescope and one of the cheapest on our list of recommendations.
This terrestrial telescope adapts to any type of weather situation, thanks to the fact that it incorporates IP65 protection against fog and water. In addition, the structure has been provided with an easy-to-remove sunshade, designed to specifically protect the lens from contact with water droplets, while helping to reduce glare caused by ambient light.
Among the interesting specifications of this telescope, we have its adjustable field of view from 13 to 19.5 meters, 15-millimeter eyepiece with 75 x 70-millimeter zoom, 70-millimeter objective lens, and a Bak4 prism glass lens. It also includes a tripod, soft case, cleaning cloth and a 5.5 x 10 centimeter mobile adapter. All these specifications improve its use at the level of visualization and manipulation.
This telescope has great manufacturing attributes that will allow you to use it no matter what season of the year you are in. Also, it is one of the cheapest.
Pros
Lens: The Bak4 prism glass of the lens provides an adequate level of clarity and resolution.
IP65 protection: You will not have to worry if you use the equipment and it rains, since it offers IP65 protection against mist and water.
Case: A soft case is incorporated for you to store and transport the equipment safely.
Adapter: An adapter is attached so you can place your mobile safely.
Cons
Eyepiece: The eyepiece could be a bit larger, to avoid straining when viewing the image.
astronomical telescope
Telmu GS70060
From the hand of the well-known manufacturer Telmu comes to the market this astronomical telescope with a stylized and modern design. Its body has been made of high-end robust aluminum and treated against corrosion. It also incorporates some adjustment parts and accessories in ABS polymer; a resistant thermoplastic with a soft touch. In addition, the lens glass is optical type F4 +K9.
It is a piece of equipment that, for many, is the best telescope, since it has quite convenient specifications such as its large K25 millimeter eyepiece, magnification of up to 116 times and focal diameter of 700 x 60 millimeters, so it improves observation.
Likewise, it is worth highlighting its wide field of vision with horizontal and vertical rotation. In this sense, from right to left you will enjoy a 360° rotation, while from top to bottom it will be 300°. In addition, it incorporates a tripod with a height of 40 centimeters and a support for the mobile.
If you are looking for the best telescope of the moment, do not hesitate to review the pros and cons of this model from the Telmu house.
Pros
Support: You can place your Smartphone and use it to adjust the focal length, thanks to the incorporation of a support.
Tripod: The built-in tripod can be adjusted in height up to 40 centimeters for greater comfort.
Field of vision: You will not have limitations regarding the field of vision covered, since it varies between 300° and 360° depending on the horizontal or vertical rotation.
Manufacturing: Its structure in aluminum and polymer offers resistance and stability.
Cons
Photographs: To take photographs with the mobile using this equipment, you must have a high-resolution camera, although its main function of observation is not limited in any way.
Celestron Telescope
Celestron Astromaster 130
By purchasing this product you will be taking home one of the best telescopes of 2022, designed so that you can get to know the night sky in detail. Thus, you can have at your fingertips the Moon, the different planets, the satellites of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, Andromeda, the Belt of Orion, among other bodies in outer space.
It is a Celestron telescope with a robust, compact and lightweight design, which offers you simple operation, since it does not require any type of assembly and, due to its portable format, you can take it camping or wherever you want. In addition, the product incorporates a pair of interchangeable lenses, a base for placing your mobile and a tripod, providing more stability.
To highlight in this telescope we have the presence of optical elements made up of coated glass and a 10-millimeter lens that favor observation. It also has a practical EQ-type stirrup that will allow you to perform a fairly precise tracking due to the smoothness of the turn when manipulating the knobs.
Celestron competes with other manufacturers to be the best telescope brand due to the quality present in each of its products. Proof of this is this model, whose positive and negative aspects we explain below.
Pros
Lens: You can exchange the lenses according to your convenience, since it incorporates a couple of them.
Format: You can store or transport it easily due to its compact and lightweight format.
Stirrup: Its EQ stirrup with knobs allows smooth tracking for greater precision when centering the eyepiece.
Design: It is a portable telescope with a robust body, mobile base and tripod.
Cons
Use: The equipment is aimed at beginners, so it may not be enough for someone with more knowledge.
Reflecting telescope
Zhumell ZHUS002-1 Z114
Although many people prefer to buy a refractor model, like the classics, having a reflector telescope at home is not a bad idea, as it is also a model that stands out for its qualities. First of all, this product is recommended for astronomy enthusiasts who want to move their telescope everywhere, as it is a light and small model that does not require a tripod to be used.
Thanks to its Dobsonian base, the telescope can be used on any surface and its movements will be totally fluid. The latter, along with its red dot finder, will make viewing and tracking targets easier, even for beginners.
The telescope includes two eyepieces with dimensions of 17mm and 10mm, which provide a magnification of 27x and 46x respectively. In addition to that, the focuser is an industry standard of 1.5 inches, but can be attached to various accessories to give you greater freedom of use.
To start discovering space, this telescope can be ideal, since it is a portable model, with good magnification and easy to use.
Pros
Finder: To help beginners find what they are looking for faster, this device comes with a red dot finder.
Eyepieces: To give you a better view of the sky, this product comes with two included eyepieces with 27x and 46x magnification.
Portable: This telescope is compact and quite light, therefore, it is easy to move from one place to another.
Cons
Allen key: To do the assembly it is necessary to have an Allen key, which is not included with the purchase.
refracting telescope
Amazon Eono
Those who want to acquire a traditional model that stands out for its quality will surely want to take home a refractor telescope. In this case, this model is made to start astronomy fans, so it is easy to set up and suitable for children and adults. Thanks to the fact that it is quite light, weighing only 2.1 kilograms, it will be possible to mobilize the telescope anywhere.
This product comes with a 70mm aperture and offers a 400mm focal length. Because the objective lens is FMC coated, everything will be seen brighter and clearer. It is worth noting that the two eyepieces of K6mm and K25mm also have the same coating and also have anti-reflective lenses. The magnification of each is 66x and 16x respectively.
Also, the purchase comes with a tripod and an instruction manual, so you can start using the telescope as soon as you have it at home.
With this telescope it will be possible to see the moon in great detail and children will surely be delighted with each new discovery.
Pros
Assembly: The assembly of this telescope is quite simple and, in addition, it will be easy to follow each step, since the purchase comes with an instruction manual.
Eyepieces: This telescope comes with two eyepieces that have different magnifications so you can focus exactly at the distances you want. These pieces, in addition, are anti-reflective and have an FMC coating to give greater clarity to the images.
Tripod: The tripod can be easily adjusted in height, to offer greater comfort of use.
Cons
Beginners: This is a beginner’s telescope, therefore experts will need to purchase a more suitable apparatus.
National Geographic Telescope
National Geographic 76/700
This National Geographic telescope has been designed for the exclusive use of beginners, making a fairly complete product available to each of them. Thus, they will be able to observe the Moon in detail and some planets, and even during the day it is possible to appreciate the environment due to the incorporation of a reverse lens.
When buying a telescope like this, you will enjoy three interchangeable eyepieces of 9, 12.5 and 25 millimeters. Likewise, you will have at your disposal a 5 x 24 viewfinder, a 1.5x straight lens and a lunar filter, in charge of controlling the luminosity of the objective for a better visualization. We cannot fail to mention the built-in tripod with three bases, made of lightweight aluminum and some robust polymer adjustment parts, providing strength and stability.
On the other hand, we have the 76-millimeter aperture, 28x to 233x zoom, 700-millimeter focus length and equatorial mount, which allows fast tracking once aligned with the Pole Star.
This telescope has great qualities for you to use it both at night and during the day. Next, we detail some of its attributes.
Pros
Tripod: A tripod with three aluminum bases is incorporated that provides stability to the telescope.
Zoom: You will enjoy a zoom from 28x to 233x, which you can adjust according to your convenience.
Reverse lens: With the reverse lens attached it is possible to use the equipment during the day.
Eyepiece: Three interchangeable eyepieces of 9, 12.5 and 25 millimeters are incorporated, which you must vary according to the type of tracking you are doing.
Cons
Adapter: The mobile adapter is not attached to the set of this telescope, however, you can purchase a universal one and adjust it.
Catadioptric Telescope
Celestron C50 Mini Mak
This is a catadioptric telescope with a compact and light format, whose length, width and height correspond to 25 x 8 x 9 centimeters, and the weight only reaches 900 grams. In this sense, you can easily manipulate the structure to capture images of flora or fauna outdoors. This is because its minimum focus is three meters away.
On the other hand, we must mention that the equipment has a lens with a 50-millimeter objective aperture and the crystals have been specially coated with a Bak 4-type prism. Thus, you will enjoy sharper images. In addition, it highlights a focal length of 580 millimeters and adjustable magnification from 25x to 75x.
It is important to remember the water treatment incorporated into the structure, which makes this telescope a suitable equipment to be used outdoors. Also, a case and a cleaning cloth are attached.
Calestron C50 Mini Mak is a daylight imaging telescope that offers you a compact and rugged design. Here are some of its specifications.
Pros
Waterproof: The moisture treatment allows the equipment to be used on rainy days.
Format: Its format of 25 x 8 x 9 centimeters and weight of 900 grams offer practical handling.
Crystals: The crystals have been coated with a Bak 4 prism, which provides greater sharpness to the image.
Accessories: A padded storage case and a cleaning cloth are attached.
Cons
Focus: By adjusting the magnification to 50x you will notice that the focus decreases quite a bit, so it is necessary not to exceed it so as not to reduce the quality of the image.
meade telescope
Meade ETX 90
This digital telescope incorporates an easy-to-handle manual control device with a database of up to 30,000 objects. Its compact and light structure is easy to move, since it also has a padded suitcase with compartments for placing accessories and the mount. Likewise, it has an aluminum tripod with height-adjustable bases and its respective transport bag to store and carry it easily.
On the other hand, a pair of 26 and 9.27 millimeter eyepieces are included in your purchase, which correspond to a magnification of 48x and 129x, useful for observing various objectives with good sharpness. In addition, the glass has an “Ultra High Transmission” coating, which increases the contrast of each image.
Due to these qualities, you will be able to observe with greater precision the details of the Moon, the planets and the stars, notoriously improving the observation experience. In addition, this Meade telescope has a DSLR camera sensor that comes into contact with the focus from the rear, thanks to the fact that the mirror folds.
This is a digital telescope with a robust, compact and pleasant aesthetic, which you should examine before the imminent purchase of equipment of this type.
Pros
Eyepieces: The pair of built-in eyepieces offer 48x and 129x magnification for greater observation precision.
Transport: You have a storage bag for the tripod and a padded case for the telescope.
Controller: An ergonomic controller is incorporated, for a more intuitive use of the equipment.
Sensor: You can easily take pictures thanks to the interaction of the DSLR sensor with the focus, due to the fold of the mirror.
Cons
Adapter: The adapter is not included in the package, but you can buy it separately, since it uses a universal format.
Guide to buying a telescope
Telescopes are equipment designed to observe, track and amplify objects present in the sky and even photograph them, which provide us with highly detailed images of the Moon, the planets, the stars, the Milky Way, among other celestial bodies. You can also use them to observe plants and animals. It is a team that has varied designs, suitable for amateurs and / or professionals, so the selection should not be taken lightly. In this sense, the recommendation is to review the following guide to buy the best telescope.
Shopping guide
Design
Telescopes are equipment that, like other products, have a wide variety of models, aimed at different targets and with prices ranging from cheap to slightly high amounts. Finally, everything will depend on your usage needs and your budget for making the purchase.
When reviewing the proposals of the brands specialized in telescopes, we will find compact and light designs that suggest quick handling. Thus, you can take the equipment with you to your camping trips or excursions. Likewise, there are the desktop models, which stand out for being a bit robust and having a small support that adapts to any horizontal surface.
On the other hand, there are the larger format telescopes, which are usually the professional type, whose tube is much longer, hence they necessarily require a tripod and incorporate a greater number of components. In fact, there are some computerized equipment that put at your fingertips a control knob that is easy to manipulate.
Accessories
The accessories incorporated by the manufacturer are a plus that any buyer would appreciate, since, thanks to them, the user experience with the product is much more enjoyable. In addition, in this way, time and money are saved as these elements do not have to be purchased separately. Therefore, when making a comparison of telescopes, you cannot leave out the review of this aspect.
Currently, it is not common to find a telescope on the market that does not incorporate at least one tripod, a fundamental piece for the placement of the tube. The important thing is that you make sure that it is a resistant structure, that it provides stability and that it can be easily adjusted in height. In fact, there are many manufacturers that have taken on the task of incorporating a pair of eyepieces into the purchase packages so that you can enjoy greater magnification, as well as a base for placing the mobile, in order to photograph the tracked objects.. Likewise, a storage bag for the tripod, a backpack or case for the telescope and a microfiber cleaning cloth are attached to clean the equipment.
Manufacturing materials
Without a doubt, the manufacturing materials are an aspect that can determine the useful life, lightness and stability of the telescope. Likewise, it is important that you take into consideration that its quality will influence how much the product costs.
The manufacture of a telescope involves the incorporation of various materials, so you should start by verifying the construction of the tube, which is generally polymer or aluminum. Ideally, it should be a robust, certified material, with a soft touch and, if possible, treated against moisture.
On the other hand, there is the aluminum tripod that accompanies the equipment. In this case, the ideal is to confirm that the alloy provides enough stability to support the telescope without deforming.
We must also emphasize the lenses, which are often made of plastic, which reduces the quality of the field of vision, so it is recommended that they be made of glass for better optics.
We cannot fail to mention the attached case, suitcase, bag or backpack for the storage of the equipment, which must be made of waterproof textile fabric, and have compartments and interior padding. In this way, you will protect the tube, the tripod and the accessories from friction, humidity and impacts.
Eyepieces and filters
For a correct visualization of the objects, the telescopes work with a series of eyepieces, which adapt to the area of the structure and help to enlarge the image. There are different eyepieces with various sizes. Thus, the smaller eyepieces are used to identify objects and, once the objective has been identified, eyepieces that offer a higher degree of magnification are adapted.
Similarly, there are color filters, which help to observe the planets and other astronomical objects, by combating light pollution. In this group, the classification is extensive and includes various codes and colors, so the choice will depend from one person to another, depending on what you want to observe and the other compatibility characteristics of the telescope.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a telescope?
If your telescope is desktop, you should place it on its small base, making sure that it has a non-slip coating that maintains stability on the surface. In case it incorporates a tripod, you will have to extend its legs and adjust the size according to your anatomy, to then fit the telescope’s adjustment piece in the respective support. Then, remove the lid of the tube, place the eyepiece and check that it slides correctly so that you are ready to focus the equipment. Next, incorporate the lunar filter, fix the base for the mobile and place it on it. In this way, you will be able to not only track stellar objects, but also capture their images. Finally, point the telescope towards the sky and begin the exploration of the sky.
Q2: Who invented the telescope?
The telescope is an invention several hundred years old, whose origins are somewhat uncertain, as is the name of its creator. Initially the invention of this observation instrument was granted to Hans Lippershey in 1608 and to Galileo Galilei in 1610, who used it to track the Moon, the constellations of stars and Jupiter. However, recent studies carried out by researchers from the renowned British magazine History Today associate the creation of the telescope with Juan Roget in the year 1590.
Q3: How to focus a telescope?
The process of focusing the telescope can be a bit confusing at first, but with a little practice it will become completely intuitive. The first thing you should do is let the tube reach room temperature, since low temperatures cause blurring. Then, proceed to remove the filters, adjust the lower magnification eyepiece, remove the telescope cover and loosen the clamping screw a little.
Check that the eyepiece slides correctly and direct the tube towards the sky in search of a star. Thus, you will have to start slowly turning the focuser until you can see a celestial body clearly. Remember to check the focus from time to time, according to the variation of the ambient temperature.
Q4: What is seen with an amateur telescope?
Hobbyist telescopes have great viewing features, allowing you to track and even photograph the Moon and its craters in detail. Likewise, you will be able to observe some planets, constellations and even the long-awaited rings of Saturn, which everyone who is starting in astronomy wants to know. Of course, everything will depend on the manufacturing specifications of the amateur telescope purchased. Remember that the number of attached eyepieces can vary, as well as the magnification of the lens, the filters used and the type of glass, among other aspects.
Q5: What is a space telescope?
Space telescopes go by various names such as space observatories, space probes or, more commonly known, artificial satellites. These are structures that are in orbit, have a large size and preserve the concept of what a telescope is on the ground. The big difference is that they are equipped with advanced technology, often developed by NASA, JAXA and ESA. In this way, the different celestial bodies, planets, galaxies, meteorites, among others, are observed without interference from the Earth’s atmosphere. Also, there are telescopes of this type that are only programmed to scan a certain area of the sky.
Q6: What eyepieces to buy for a telescope?
The selection of the eyepiece is a task that requires prior documentation, so when purchasing the telescope, it is important that you review the manufacturer’s recommendations outlined in the instruction manual. Each eyepiece is identified with a millimeter which means the magnification offered. The most popular measurements are 24.38, 31.75, 50.8 millimeters.
It is important that you take into consideration, when selecting the eyepiece, that its format is not larger than that of the eyepiece holder, since it would not fit correctly. You’ll also need to check compatibility with the adapter, which typically supports up to a couple of diameter differences .
Q7: How to make a telescope?
To make a telescope you will need two cardboard tubes, a pair of magnifying glasses, adhesive, a sheet of cardboard, cold paint and a piece of fabric. Once the materials are collected, you will have to line both tubes, making sure that one of them is longer than the other. Then, cover both cylindrical structures with the cardboard to then fix the magnifying glasses on one of the ends of each tube.
Proceed to insert the small tube into the large one and surround the center of the structure with tape to create adequate stability. In this way, you can start exploring the environment.
» Review information from previous years
Orion SkyScanner
SkyScanner es un telescopio reflector desarrollado por la conocida casa Orión, cuyo propósito es brindarles a los usuarios un producto de alta calidad que, a pesar de no ser profesional, es capaz de ofrecer un óptimo desempeño, rastreando los distintos objetivos en el cielo. Por ello, si estás en la búsqueda de un equipo de este tipo y aún no sabes cuál es el mejor telescopio, entonces este diseño podría ser lo que deseas.
Este telescopio de escritorio ha sido provisto con un par de oculares intercambiables de 31,8 y 10 milímetros para un aumento de 20x y 40x respectivamente. De esta manera, disfrutarás de un campo de visión adecuado para visualizar en detalle los cráteres lunares, así como también el tan popular anillo de Saturno, la Vía Láctea, entre otros. La lente consta de un vidrio con óptica correspondiente a 100 milímetros, dispuesta en el espejo parabólico primario que permite la correcta observación.
A quienes no saben qué telescopio comprar, les convendría conocer un poco acerca de las ventajas y desventajas de este modelo patentado por Orión.
Pros
Ocular: Sus dos oculares ofrecen un aumento de 20x y 40x, según lo desees, facilitando la visualización.
Lente: Su lente, a diferencia de otros modelos, es de vidrio para una mayor nitidez en la visión.
Visibilidad: Disfrutarás de una correcta visión en escenarios oscuros gracias a la absorción de la luz y el gran angular bajo del equipo.
Diseño: El telescopio posee un diseño de sobremesa con base antideslizante que le proporciona estabilidad.
Contras
Adaptador: La ausencia de un adaptador para la colocación del móvil ha sido echada de menos, por lo que es necesario adquirirlo por separado.
AOEMEKIE AO20/02
AOEMEKIE, en esta oportunidad, ha desarrollado un telescopio para niños que les ayudará a iniciarse en el mundo de las observaciones nocturnas como aficionados, ya que el equipo posee altos estándares de calidad en lo que respecta a su fabricación.
Con este telescopio refractor podrán rastrear y observar la Luna, gracias a su lente de cristal de 70 milímetros con ajuste de ampliación de 3x 20x y 120x. Además, posee un prisma de 45° con enfoque diagonal para la captación de imágenes rectas, ocular intercambiable de 8 o 10 milímetros y 400 milímetros de distancia focal.
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