5 Best Orion Telescope 2026 in the United States

The Orion GiantView BT-100 ED binocular telescope is designed for advanced astronomers seeking a unique stargazing experience using both eyes, which can feel more immersive and comfortable compared to traditional single-tube telescopes. Its large 100mm aperture lenses capture bright and detailed views, making faint stars and celestial objects easier to see. The extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses help produce sharp images with minimal color distortion, enhancing clarity during nighttime observations.

The included eyepieces offer a 31x magnification out of the box, suitable for general deep-sky and planetary viewing. You can increase or change magnification by swapping eyepiece pairs, though these must be purchased separately. The 90-degree angled eyepieces make viewing more comfortable, especially when looking towards the sky for extended periods. The telescope is also waterproof and nitrogen-purged, protecting the optics from moisture and fogging, which is great for outdoor use.

Weighing nearly 27 pounds, the telescope is quite heavy, which may limit portability or require a sturdy mount or tripod. While the magnification is decent for binocular telescopes, it might not reach the higher levels some single-tube telescopes offer. This product is well suited for serious astronomy enthusiasts who appreciate the binocular viewing style and want high optical quality but may be less ideal for casual users seeking a lightweight or highly portable option.

The Orion 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a good option for those interested in astronomy, offering a large 130mm aperture that allows for clear and bright views of deep space objects. Its optical design, featuring fully-coated glass optics, enhances image quality, making it easier to observe detailed celestial bodies.

The German Equatorial Mount with precise positioning and tracking capabilities ensures stable and smooth observation of the moon and planets. The stable aluminum tripod further aids in accurate celestial object location, and the included accessories such as high-quality eyepieces, a 1.5X Barlow lens, and a moon filter provide a complete package for both beginners and more experienced users.

However, at 32.8 pounds, this telescope is not the most portable option and may be cumbersome for frequent transport. The manual focus and operation might require a learning curve for those new to using telescopes. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope stands out for its high resolution and robust construction, making it a solid choice for serious amateur astronomers.

The Orion GiantView BT-82 is a binocular telescope designed for intermediate users who want bright and immersive views of the night sky and daytime scenes. It features 82mm objective lenses, which means it gathers a good amount of light to provide clear and bright images. The included eyepieces offer a fixed 26x magnification, which is suitable for general viewing but not for very detailed observations of distant objects. One of its advantages is the ability to swap eyepieces, allowing users to try different magnifications if they buy additional eyepieces separately.

The telescope’s optical design includes a comfortable 45-degree eyepiece angle, making it easier to use for long sessions. It also has waterproof and nitrogen-purged construction, protecting it from moisture and fog, which is great for outdoor use. However, it is somewhat heavy, weighing around 10 to 15 pounds depending on the source, which might affect portability if you plan to carry it often.

This binocular telescope is a solid choice for those who want a versatile and weather-resistant instrument that works well for both astronomy and terrestrial viewing, though it may require some additional accessories to get the most out of it.