10 Best Telescopes For Adults Astronomy 2026 in the United States

The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is a solid choice for adults interested in astronomy, particularly those who are beginners or intermediate users. Its 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length allow for clear images of celestial objects, making it well-suited for stargazing and observing the moon and planets. The high-quality optics with fully coated glass lenses enhance image clarity and protect your eyes, which is a significant plus for long viewing sessions.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of three interchangeable eyepieces (24X, 60X, 120X) along with a 3x Barlow lens. This provides versatility in magnification options, allowing users to explore various celestial objects at different levels of detail. The adjustable aluminum tripod adds to the telescope's appeal, enabling users to find comfortable viewing positions easily.

The telescope weighs 18 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users looking for portability. While it’s relatively easy to operate, the manual focus might require some practice for those who are not familiar with telescopes. Additionally, the Azimuth mount may not be as stable as some more advanced equatorial mounts, potentially making tracking moving objects a bit more challenging.

This smart refractor telescope offers an 80mm aperture and a 300mm focal length, which together provide bright and detailed views of the night sky, making it a solid choice for adult beginners and hobbyists. Its f/8.89 optical design balances magnification and image clarity, supporting up to 350X magnification, which is impressive for this type of portable telescope. The built-in 4K astrophotography camera is a standout feature, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos without needing extra equipment. The dual-screen setup—with both an eyepiece and a foldable external display—enhances viewing comfort and makes sharing observations easier, especially during group sessions.

Portability is decent, with the whole setup weighing about 4.4 pounds and including a tripod mount for steady viewing. Battery life is good, offering around 6 hours per charge, and the auto shut-off feature helps conserve power. One minor drawback is that while it’s convenient for casual astronomy and even birdwatching, the 80mm aperture limits the depth of celestial detail compared to larger telescopes, so more advanced users might eventually want something with a bigger lens. The auto-focus and integrated digital features, however, provide an accessible and enjoyable experience for newcomers who want to explore astronomy with minimal fuss.

The CELESTRON StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a solid choice for adults interested in astronomy, especially beginners. Its standout feature is the integration with the StarSense app, which uses your smartphone to help locate celestial objects. This user-friendly approach makes it accessible even for those with little to no telescope experience. The patented StarSense technology enhances the viewing experience by analyzing star patterns, making it easier to navigate the night sky.

In terms of performance, the 130mm Newtonian reflector design provides good light-gathering capability, allowing users to view detailed images of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and even some deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula. The manual altazimuth mount is also user-friendly, featuring smooth controls for easy tracking of celestial bodies.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is an excellent option for amateur astronomers looking for an engaging and easy-to-use telescope that bridges technology with stargazing. It’s particularly beneficial for beginners who value guidance through apps, but those seeking a more advanced setup might want to explore other options.