10 Best Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Celestron CPC 1100 is a powerful 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, offering excellent light-gathering ability thanks to its large 279mm aperture. This size allows for bright and detailed views of planets, the moon, and deep sky objects, making it suitable for both beginners ready to invest and experienced stargazers. With a long focal length of 2800mm, it provides high magnification potential, ideal for observing fine details in celestial objects.

Its dual fork arm mount with computerized GoTo technology can automatically locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects, which is a huge convenience if you prefer not to hunt for targets manually. The included 9x50 finderscope helps in initially aiming the telescope, and the setup is designed to be manageable for one person despite the unit’s weight of about 29.5 kg. The telescope breaks down for storage, but it is not the most portable option if you plan to travel frequently due to its size and weight.

The manual focus and Plossl eyepieces included are standard and reliable but may require upgrades for more specialized viewing. Additional features like the bundled Starry Night astronomy software add value by helping users learn and plan observation sessions. The altazimuth mount offers ease of setup and use but may not be as smooth for long-exposure astrophotography compared to equatorial mounts. This telescope is ideal for dedicated hobbyists seeking a high-quality, large-aperture instrument with smart tracking features, delivering strong optical performance and user-friendly technology despite its heavier weight and limited portability compared to smaller models.

The Gskyer Telescope is an excellent choice for kids and beginners who are interested in exploring astronomy. With a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length, it provides clear and bright images of the moon and stars. The fully coated optics ensure high transmission of light, enhancing image quality and protecting your eyes. The included 3x Barlow lens and two eyepieces offer versatile magnification options, making it easier to locate and observe celestial objects using the 5x24 finder scope. The Altazimuth mount allows smooth and simple movement, making it user-friendly for beginners.

The adjustable aluminum tripod and carry bag enhance its portability, allowing you to take it on your travels conveniently. The added smartphone adapter and wireless camera remote are great for capturing and sharing your celestial discoveries. While this telescope is highly rated and popular, its manual focus might require some practice to get right, and it’s designed mainly for casual star-gazing rather than advanced astronomical research.

Nonetheless, for its price point and ease of use, it's a solid entry-level telescope for those starting their journey into astronomy.

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced stargazers looking for a portable and user-friendly telescope. With its 130mm aperture, this Newtonian reflector design allows users to capture bright images of celestial objects, including planets and the Moon, making it great for casual observing. The computerized star locating system, featuring a database of over 4,000 celestial objects, simplifies the viewing experience by accurately locating and tracking objects in the sky, which is a significant plus for novices who may find manual tracking daunting.

Portability is another strong point, as this telescope is compact enough for easy transport, making it ideal for camping trips or excursions to areas with darker skies. The included Starry Night software enhances the experience by offering interactive simulations, helping users plan their observations.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The mount type is altazimuth, which, while user-friendly, can limit tracking of celestial objects at high magnifications. Additionally, the manual focus feature may require more effort than some users prefer, especially during chilly nights when fine adjustments are needed. Although it comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 9mm), some enthusiasts may wish for more variety to optimize their viewing experience. Weighing 11.4 pounds, it's relatively light for a telescope of its capabilities, but it may still be cumbersome for younger users. Lastly, while the warranty and customer support offered by Celestron is commendable, some users have reported challenges with assembly or calibration, which could be frustrating for those new to telescopes.

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is an excellent option for anyone looking to explore the night sky with ease, blending effective performance with portability, albeit with minor limitations in tracking and focus adjustments.