10 Best Astronomical Telescopes 2026 in the United States

The Odyssey PRO by UNISTELLAR is a smart telescope designed for ease of use and modern astronomy enthusiasts. It has an 85mm aperture and a 320mm focal length with a fast f/3.9 optical design, making it suitable for wide-field views and bright images of the Moon, planets, and many deep-sky objects. Its motorized Alt-Az mount with automatic alignment and GoTo functionality means you don’t need to fiddle with complicated setup or polar alignment. This feature is ideal for beginners or casual stargazers, especially those observing from urban or suburban locations where quick setup is a plus.

A standout feature is its app-controlled system combined with an eyepiece that provides both a direct viewing experience and digital imaging. You can observe through the eyepiece or stream images to your phone or tablet, adding flexibility. The built-in 64GB storage and 5-hour battery life support extended sessions without needing extra gear. Additionally, it allows exporting RAW and FITS data, which benefits users wanting to do more advanced image processing or contribute to citizen science projects.

On the portability side, the telescope weighs about 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs) and includes a premium 2.5 kg tripod, making it reasonably portable but not ultra-lightweight. It fits well for users who want a balance between performance and mobility. The autofocus feature helps with image clarity, reducing manual adjustments. The 85mm aperture is moderate and limits the amount of detail visible compared to larger telescopes, especially under light-polluted skies. While the fast f/3.9 optics are great for wide views, they may show some edge distortion typical of short focal length lenses. The motorized Alt-Az mount is user-friendly but less suited for long-exposure astrophotography compared to equatorial mounts. In summary, the Odyssey PRO is a well-rounded smart telescope perfect for beginners and intermediate users seeking a digital, easy-to-use system that blends traditional eyepiece viewing with advanced app features. It is less ideal for those wanting large aperture or professional-level astrophotography but excels in convenience, portability, and engagement with citizen science.

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is a solid choice for adults interested in astronomy. Its key strength lies in its high-quality optics with a 600mm focal length and a 90mm aperture, allowing for clear and detailed images of the night sky. The fully coated optics glass lens enhances image quality and protects your eyes.

The telescope also offers high magnification options with three replaceable eyepieces (24X, 60X, and 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens that triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece, making it suitable for viewing a variety of celestial objects. The adjustable aluminum tripod provides flexibility in viewing positions, with a height range from 31.5 inches to 49 inches. This makes it adaptable for different users and locations.

The telescope is user-friendly, requiring no tools for setup, which is ideal for beginners. However, its weight of 18 pounds might make it less portable compared to smaller models. The altazimuth mount is straightforward to use but may not offer the precision needed for advanced users who require more control over their viewing angles. Included accessories such as the reflex finderscope and manual focus add to the value. The product comes with a 12-month support warranty, which is reassuring for new users. Nonetheless, those seeking more advanced features or greater portability might need to consider other options.

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain is a solid choice for amateur astronomers looking for a telescope with a large 180mm aperture that captures plenty of light, making it great for detailed views of the moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain design combines mirrors and a corrector plate to deliver sharp, high-contrast images with minimal stray light, thanks to its fully baffled tube. A key strength is the 94% reflectivity mirror coatings, which improve light transmission and image brightness.

The included Altazimuth mount is simple to use and intuitive for beginners, though it may not be ideal for precise tracking of celestial objects over long periods. Portability is reasonable; while not extremely lightweight at 19 pounds and about 30 inches long, it is manageable for those willing to carry a moderately sized setup. The package comes with useful accessories like a 28mm eyepiece, a 2-inch star diagonal for comfortable viewing angles, and a 9x50 finderscope to help locate objects in the sky.

This telescope suits users who want a quality optical system for detailed planetary and lunar observation and don’t mind a bit of extra weight or a simpler mount.