Are you looking for a telescope that offers the ultimate in convenience and performance? Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a professional astrophysicist, modern digital telescopes are essential tools for stargazing. The latest technology provides features like tracking celestial objects and enhanced images that weren’t possible with traditional mechanical telescopes just a few years ago.
In this blog post, we will review some of the best digital telescopes on the market today. We’ll discuss key features to look out for when shopping as well as provide reviews of select models to help you determine which is right for your needs and budget. Read on to learn more.
List of Top 7 Best Digital Telescopes
Our list features top-rated telescopes with advanced digital features, such as computerized mounts, built-in WiFi, and smartphone compatibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, we’ve got you covered with the best digital telescopes available on the market today.
[affiliatable id=’172407′]Celestron – NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope
The Celestron Nexstar 6SE telescope offers an amazing stargazing experience for both beginners and experienced observers. It features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optics design with a large 6-inch aperture and is packed with light gathering ability to give you breathtaking views of the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
The fully automated GoTo mount has a database of 40,000+ celestial objects and makes it easy to locate and track them without any hassle or guesswork. You can also use StarSense and SkyPortal WiFi to help you get the most out of your celestial observations.
This telescope is easy to set up and use, allowing virtually anyone to explore the night sky right in their own backyard. The Nexstar 6SE is guaranteed to provide hours of astronomical entertainment that brings out your inner explorer.
Specifications
| Brand | Celestron |
| Model Name | 11068 |
| Optical Tube Length | 1500 Millimeters |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 150 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 32.01″D x 26″W x 12″H |
- Magnify up to 200 times for clear images of planets and stars.
- Easy to carry, setup, and use for beginners.
- Enhance your curiosity and bring out your inner scientist.
- Short Focal Length.
Sky-Watcher 10-inch Computerized GoTo Telescope
The Sky-Watcher Flextube 250 SynScan Dobsonian 10-inch Collapsible Computerized GoTo telescope is the perfect tool for amateur stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. With its large aperture, you’ll get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs. It features an innovative collapsible design with unique struts that allow for the optical tube to collapse down for ease of portability without affecting collimation.
Additionally, it has built-in wifi so you can control it conveniently using your smartphone or tablet powered by Sky-Watcher’s proprietary signal. To ensure accuracy and precision when tracking celestial objects, this product is equipped with all metal gearing on a pair of DC servo motors. And with fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors that have 94% reflectivity, you will be guaranteed exceptional views of the night sky.
Finally, this telescope has a whopping 42,000 object database so you won’t miss out on any cosmic wonders.
Specifications
| Brand | Sky Watcher |
| Model Name | Sky-Watcher GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 10″ (254 mm) |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 10 Inches |
| Telescope Mount | Alt-az mount |
| Product Dimensions | 37″D x 19″W x 19″H |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 76.2 Pounds |
- Experience bright and detailed views with an 80mm objective lens.
- Explore far-away celestial objects with two high-quality eyepieces.
- Feel the sense of discovery when viewing faraway galaxies and stars.
- Limited Aperture Size.
Celestron – NexStar Evolution 8 WiFi Enabled Computerized Telescope
Introducing the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 WiFi Enabled Computerized Telescope offering an incredible combination of features in one telescope. With its Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube and StarBright XLT optical coatings, this telescope will give you stunning views of celestial objects like never before. It also features a computerized GoTo mount with high-performance brass worm gears and motors, allowing for superior tracking accuracy as the stars appear to drift across the night sky.
With the built-in 10-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, you won’t need to worry about buying an external power supply. And best of all, explore the universe and control your telescope with the free Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android. Simply select any object from the app’s database and watch as your telescope locates and tracks it automatically.
Get ready to experience astronomy like never before with the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 WiFi-Enabled Computerized Telescope.
Specifications
| Brand | Celestron |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 203 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 45″D x 29″W x 15.5″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 17460 Grams |
- Easy to use and transport.
- Can be used during the day and night.
- Lightweight aluminum tripod.
- Expensive.
Celestron – NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
Explore the wonders of nighttime astronomy with the Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope. This powerful yet portable telescope features an advanced computerized star locating system that makes it easier to find and observe stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more.
It has a Newtonian Reflector optical design with a large 130mm aperture that can gather enough light to view objects in brilliant detail from our Solar System and beyond. Setup is fast and easy, allowing adults and kids to learn about the night sky together.
The lightweight portability of the NexStar 130SLT means you can take it on camping trips or trips to dark sky locations for optimal viewing or just keep it in the backyard for any time stargazing.
Specifications
| Brand | Celestron |
| Model Name | Celestron NexStar SLT Series |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 130 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 34″D x 36″W x 52″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red dot finderscope |
| Item Weight | 11.4 Pounds |
- Fully multi-coated prism for greater brightness and clarity.
- Up to 28X-210X magnification for a clear view.
- Easy to assemble, stable, and durable.
- Limited Magnification Range.
SkyWatcher S11800 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8-Inch
The SkyWatcher S11800 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8-Inch telescope is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take their stargazing to the next level. With its large 8-inch aperture, you can enjoy a bright and bold viewing experience for a fraction of the cost of other optical designs. This telescope features a unique design that allows it to collapse for maximum portability while keeping collimation.
The SynScan Dobsonian has built-in wifi, so you can control your telescope from your phone or tablet. It also offers all metal gearing on two DC servo motors and 94% reflective borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors providing exceptional views with every use.
Plus, this instrument comes preloaded with an impressive 42,000-object database designed to provide users with even more opportunities for exploration. With the SkyWatcher S11800 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8-Inch Telescope, you can finally reach new heights in astronomy.
Specifications
| Brand | Sky Watcher |
| Model Name | Sky-Watcher Flextube SynScan 200P GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian 8″ (203 mm) |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 203 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 33 Pounds |
- View celestial objects with up to 70x magnification.
- Stable altitude and azimuth axes for smooth movement.
- Feel inspired when looking up into the night sky.
- Limited durability.
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope offers a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience with its legendary 11″ Schmidt-Cassegrian optics. Its massive 11-inch diffraction limited optics provide excellent light gathering ability to deliver crystal clear images of the Solar System and deep sky objects.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with a dual fork arm GoTo mount which allows users to access its database of 40,000+ celestial objects for easy and quick locating and tracking. This telescope is also compatible with the SkyPortal WiFi Module for convenient remote viewing.
With an ergonomic design allowing one person to easily set up or move it around, the Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope is the perfect tool for you to explore the night sky like a pro.
Specifications
| Brand | Celestron |
| Model Name | 11075-XLT |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 279 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 36″D x 19″W x 37″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 1.25 Pounds |
- Up to 900x magnification power for astronomy viewing.
- Fully-coated optics glass lens for brighter images.
- Replaceable eyepieces and 3x Barlow lenses included.
- Limited Portability.
Celestron – NexStar Evolution 8 WiFi Enabled Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 WiFi-Enabled Computerized Telescope will help you explore the night sky like never before. Featuring a super-accurate GoTo Mount and an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT optical coatings, this telescope brings superior tracking accuracy with easy portability. And with a built-in 10-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, you do not have to worry about buying an external power supply.
To make your celestial journey even easier, you can use the free Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android which allows you to select any object from the app’s database and the telescope locates and tracks it automatically.
From scanning galaxies to finding distant planets, the NexStar Evolution 8 is perfect for star parties or astrophotography. Let your exploration begin today.
Specifications
| Brand | Celestron |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 203 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 45″D x 29″W x 15.5″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 17460 Grams |
- 70mm large-diameter objective for a better viewing experience.
- Multi-layer high transmittance coating.
- Advanced features and complex design.
- Not suitable for experts.
Buying Guide for Best Digital Telescopes
When searching for the best digital telescope, it’s important to consider several key factors that can greatly impact your observing experience. Here are some key tips and insights to help you make an informed buying decision.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the aperture size of the telescope. This refers to the size of the optics in the telescope and is typically measured in inches or millimeters. The larger the aperture size, the more light the telescope can capture and the brighter and clearer the image will be. As such, it’s generally recommended to opt for a telescope with a larger aperture size, particularly if you’re interested in observing fainter celestial objects such as nebulas or galaxies.
Next, consider the type of telescope you want. There are three main types of telescopes – refractor, reflector, and compound. Refractor telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light and are typically the most compact and easy to use. Reflectors use mirrors instead of lenses and can offer a larger aperture size for a lower cost. Compound telescopes, also known as catadioptric telescopes, use a combination of lenses and mirrors to gather and focus light and tend to have a more complex design.
Another important factor to consider is the mount. Telescopes can come with either an alt-azimuth or equatorial mount. Alt-azimuth mounts are the simplest and easiest to use but can be limiting in terms of what you can observe. Equatorial mounts are more complex but allow for more precise tracking and alignment with celestial objects.
One key feature to look for in a digital telescope is a built-in camera. This can allow you to capture high-quality images and videos of the celestial objects you observe and can be particularly useful for astrophotography.
Finally, be sure to consider your budget when selecting a digital telescope. Prices can vary widely depending on the size, type, and features of the telescope, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what you can afford before making a purchase.
You can check reviews of telescopes here
- Best Dobsonian Telescopes
- Best Computerized telescope
- Best Telescope for Astrophotography
- Best Dobsonian Telescope for beginners
- Best Telescope For Viewing Planets and galaxies
Conclusion
By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you select the best digital telescope for your observing needs and budget. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, having a high-quality digital telescope can provide you with hours of observing pleasure and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the night sky.
FAQs
What is a digital telescope and how does it work?
Digital telescopes are advanced optical instruments designed to capture high-resolution images of celestial objects. They are equipped with powerful sensors and lenses that enable them to capture digital images of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects. These images can be viewed on a computer or mobile device, or they can be saved and manipulated using specialized software.
What makes a good digital telescope?
A good digital telescope should have a large aperture, high resolution, and a wide field of view. The aperture determines the amount of light that the telescope can collect, which affects the brightness and detail of the image. A high resolution is important for capturing fine details in celestial objects, while a wide field of view is necessary for capturing larger objects and panoramic views of the sky.
How do I choose the best digital telescope for my needs?
When choosing a digital telescope, it is important to consider the type of celestial objects you want to observe, your level of experience, and your budget. Beginner telescopes are typically more affordable and easier to use, while advanced models may be more expensive and require more technical knowledge. Make sure to read reviews and compare specifications before making a purchase.
What are some popular digital telescope brands?
Some of the most popular digital telescope brands include Celestron, Meade instruments, and Orion telescopes. These brands offer a range of models to suit different needs and budgets and are known for their high-quality optics and innovative features.
Can digital telescopes be used for astrophotography?
Yes, digital telescopes are ideal for astrophotography, as they are designed to capture high-quality digital images of celestial objects. Many models are equipped with specialized features for astrophotography, such as long exposure times and image stacking software, which allow users to capture stunning images of stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects.