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 Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Flextube 250 SynScan Dobsonian is a notable option for adult astronomy enthusiasts, thanks to its large 10-inch aperture, which allows for bright and detailed views of celestial objects. This makes it particularly suited for deep-sky observations. Its innovative collapsible design enhances portability, a significant advantage for those who need to transport their telescope to different viewing sites. Additionally, the built-in WiFi and computerized GoTo system, with a 42,000 object database, make locating and tracking objects much easier, even for beginners.

The all-metal gearing ensures durability and precise tracking. The inclusion of useful accessories like the 2-inch Crayford-style focuser, two wide-angle eyepieces, and a 9x50 finder scope adds value to the package. However, the telescope weighs 72 pounds when fully assembled, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle. Despite its portability feature, it might not be the best choice if ease of transport is a primary concern. The product dimensions and weight suggest it occupies significant space, making it less ideal for those with limited storage.

Nevertheless, with its robust construction and advanced features, it stands out as a powerful tool for serious amateur astronomers looking to explore the night sky with precision and clarity.