10 Best Telescopes For Adults 2026 in the United States

The Odyssey PRO by Unistellar is a smart telescope designed for adults looking for an easy, modern way to explore the night sky. Its 85mm aperture and 320mm focal length (f/3.9) offer a good balance for both wide views and some detail, making it suitable for casual stargazing, especially from urban balconies or darker locations. The motorized Alt-Az mount with automatic alignment means you don’t need experience with complex setups like polar alignment, which is great if you want to start observing quickly and with minimal fuss. This mount also supports precise GoTo tracking, helping you find and follow objects smoothly.

One standout feature is its unique eyepiece technology combined with digital imaging, allowing you to observe through the eyepiece or on your phone/tablet via an app. This app-controlled system includes autofocus and a large catalog of over 5,000 objects, making it beginner-friendly yet powerful. The built-in 64GB storage and 5-hour battery support extended sessions and data saving for further analysis or citizen science projects.

Portability is decent with a total of about 6.5 kg for the scope plus a 2.5 kg tripod, so it’s not ultra-light but still manageable for transport to different observing sites. The included premium tripod adds stability. Exporting raw data files allows advanced users to process images more deeply, which is a plus if you want to grow your skills. While the 85mm aperture is modest compared to larger amateur telescopes, which limits deep-sky viewing and fine detail resolution, the price reflects the inclusion of smart features. Battery life is good but requires charging before outings. For those seeking a blend of ease, technology, and decent optical quality for casual to intermediate stargazing, this smart telescope presents a compelling package.

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ is a solid option for adults interested in astronomy, particularly those who are beginners. With a 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, it strikes a good balance for viewing celestial objects and terrestrial landscapes. The fully coated optics lens enhances light transmission, providing clear and vibrant images, which is a significant plus for users wanting to enjoy detailed views of the night sky.

One of its main strengths lies in the variety of included eyepieces—24X, 60X, and 120X magnifications—coupled with a 3x Barlow lens that triples the magnifying power. This flexibility allows users to easily switch between different levels of detail, making it suitable for both casual stargazing and more focused observation. The adjustable aluminum tripod is another highlight; it can be extended from about 31.5 to 49 inches, accommodating various viewing positions and ensuring comfort during prolonged use.

Additionally, the telescope is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no special tools for setup, which is ideal for novices who might feel overwhelmed by more complex models. However, weighing in at 18 pounds, it may not be the most portable option for users who plan to travel frequently or hike to remote viewing locations. The manual focus can also be challenging for some users, especially those who prefer automatic focusing systems. While the optical performance is commendable, astrophotography may be limited due to the manual focus and mounting design.

The Unistellar Odyssey is a modern and user-friendly telescope designed especially for adults who want easy and quick stargazing without the hassle of complex setup. Its 85mm aperture and 320mm focal length with a fast f/3.9 ratio provide bright images, making it suitable for observing planets, the moon, and some deep-sky objects, although the aperture is on the smaller side compared to traditional telescopes for serious deep-sky viewing. The motorized Alt-Azimuth mount with automatic alignment and GoTo features means you don’t need to manually find objects or perform polar alignment—this is great if you prefer convenience and quick start times.

A unique feature is that it does not use an eyepiece; instead, you view everything through a smartphone or tablet app connected via Wi-Fi. This might be a drawback if you enjoy traditional eyepiece viewing or want to observe without digital devices. Portability is decent since the telescope weighs around 6.5 kg and comes with a premium 2.5 kg tripod, making it manageable to move around, though not ultra-lightweight.

The built-in 64GB storage and 5-hour battery support extended sessions and allow saving high-quality images and videos, with options to export data for advanced users interested in astrophotography or citizen science projects. This makes it appealing for both casual stargazers and those wanting to contribute to scientific observations. However, relying on app-only viewing means you need a compatible smart device and a stable Wi-Fi connection, which might limit use in some remote locations. The Odyssey is well-suited for adults looking for a tech-forward, easy-to-use telescope that combines digital imaging with astronomy, but it may not satisfy those seeking traditional eyepiece viewing or larger aperture performance.