The 10 Best Goto Telescope Of 2023, Tested By Our Experts

Mark Bailey By, Mark Bailey
Updated
Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope
Image credit: Amazon.com

Summary

1. Best Overall: Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope is a great scope for beginner and experienced astronomers. With this telescope you'll be able to see everything from the moon to the most distant objects in space. As one of the best values in amateur astronomy, this is a top choice for any home or school. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Celestron - NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope

This Computerized Telescope is designed for adults and kids to use together. Compact and portable, it is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. The NexStar 130SLT is a Newtonian reflector optical design and has a fast setup with a proprietary SkyAlign procedure. It’s easy to use, just center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and you are ready to observe in minutes! Read Review

3. Best Performance: Celestron - NexStar 5SE Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope is a computerized telescope with a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects and features a go to mount built into our telescopes for astronomy beginners. This go to mount automatically locates and tracks objects for you. The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation. Read Review

4. Best Portability: Celestron - NexStar 6SE Telescope

The NexStar 6SE s a great way to get started in the world of astronomy. This telescope offers an impressive 6" aperture and computerized technology with SkyAlign and auto slewing capabilities. Experience crisp images with this telescope at the push of a button. Read Review

It is always important to have a telescope that you can rely on for viewing everything in the night sky. The right telescope will show you all the wonders of space, from the nearest star to the farthest galaxies. Choosing a Telescope As with any piece of equipment, you should choose the right telescope for your needs.

Are you planning to use it for terrestrial viewing or imaging? Do you need a telescope that is compact and portable? Or are views from an eyepiece more important to you than how much space an object takes up in your home? Check out some of our suggestions below for things to consider when buying your new goto telescope.

After spending 15 hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope
Our Score:
9.9
Celestron
  • Bonus free starry night software: The NexStar 8SE Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
  • Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
TOP Choice #2 Celestron - NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
Our Score:
9.7
Celestron
  • Compact and portable: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere.
  • Computerized star locating telescope: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it. Compatible with 2 inch eyepieces
  • Newtonian reflector optical design: The NexStar 130SLT is the largest in the SLT family. The 130mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail.
  • Fast setup with skyalign: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Simply center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
  • Bonus free starry night software: The NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation. Compatible with starsense technology and Wi-Fi
TOP Choice #3 Celestron - NexStar 5SE Telescope
Our Score:
9.5
Celestron
  • 5-Inch aperture: The 5-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, while retaining a compact form factor.
  • Bonus free starry night software: The NexStar 5SE Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
4 Celestron - NexStar 6SE Telescope
Our Score:
9.4
Celestron
  • Bonus free starry night software: The NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
  • Computerized star locating telescope: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it.
5 Sky-Watcher Flextube 250 SynScan Dobsonian
Our Score:
9.2
Sky Watcher
  • 42,000 OBJECT DATABASE: SynScan hand controller with 42,000 plus object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights.
  • Max focal length: 1200
  • ALL METAL GEARING: Using all-metal gearing on a pair of DC servo motors, the SynScan Dobsonian combines the precise automated tracking of a computerized GoTo telescope with the bright large-aperture viewing of a Dobsonian.
  • LARGE APERTURE: Get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs.
  • COMES COMPLETE: All accessories such as, 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with 1 1/4-inch adapter, two super wide-angle eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and 9x50 straight-through finder scope are included with purchase.
  • BUILT-IN WIFI: Control your telescope using a smartphone or tablet with Sky-Watcher’s proprietary built-in wifi signal.
  • STURDY AND LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: When fully assembled, the Dobsonian weighs only 72 pounds fully assembled (33 pound tube, 39 pound base)
  • INNOVATIVE COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN: Unique strut design allows for optical tube to collapse for ease of portability while keeping collimation.
  • 94% REFLECTIVE MIRRORS: Fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors deliver exceptional views.
6 Celestron - NexStar 6SE Telescope
Our Score:
9.1
Celestron
  • Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
  • Nexstar computerized telescope: The NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design with updated technology and the latest features for amazing stargazing for beginners and experienced observers.
  • Everything you need: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including an adjustable aluminum tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), & a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Download the SkyPortal App for added enjoyment.Apparent Field of View:1.6°
  • Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
  • BUILT FOR SUPERIORITY: The Celestron has a sturdy dual fork arm mount with upgraded gears and motors anchors the telescope for superior tracking and pointing accuracy
  • STARBRIGHT XLT COATING: All EdgeHD system includes the StarBright XLT coatings on all optical surfaces for brighter images and increased light transmission
  • PREMIUM OPTICAL TUBE: 11-Inch EdgeHD optical tube provides stunning views and sharp astroimages free of visual defects
  • USER FRIENDLY: Celestron engineers designed NeXStar SE computerized telescopes the best possible experience out under the stars. SkyAlign technology makes it easier than ever to immediately align three bright objects in your eyepiece. With SkySync, you can provide GPS coordinates to your viewing site to hone in on the closest objects in the sky
  • EASY SETUP: Setting up your NexStar 4SE is quick and painless thanks to the unique, single fork arm mount. The stainless steel tripod features easily adjustable legs to help you achieve a level, uniform height for your telescope. Manual clutches in both altitude and azimuth offer greater flexibility to manually point the telescope when powered off. Store all of your telescope accessories in the dedicated accessory tray
  • SYNSCAN COMPUTERIZED HAND CONTROLLER: SynScan hand controller with 42, 000+ object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights
  • COMPLETE CAMERA AUTOMATION: SNAP port allows for fully automated, remote controlled DSLR camera operation
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What to Look For in a best goto telescope?

To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best goto telescope of 2023 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!

Here are the main features of best goto telescope that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:

Additional Features

You may also receive a telescope/telescope mount with additional features, such as a carrying case or smartphone mount or an GoTo feature.
Transporting cases protect your telescope during transport from one place to another. You can choose from simple nylon or hard shells made of durable plastic with interior padding.
Small accessories for smartphones that attach to telescopes and can take photos or record video of stars, planets, etc.
A GoTo, a small onboard computer attached to a motorized mounting system is called a GoTo. Most computers come preloaded with data about the sky and celestial bodies. The motorized mount will automatically find the object by selecting a star or planet.

Magnification

The telescope's magnification can be just as crucial as the aperture. The eyepiece used can alter the telescope's magnification. The maximum magnification that a telescope can use is approximately. Maximum magnification is approximately 2x the aperture in millimeters. A 102mm aperture telescope, on the other hand, can magnify upto 204 times. An eyepiece that magnifies more than the aperture will cause a smaller field of vision and a blurred image. A greater magnification can be preferred to a larger field of view, and better clarity.

Mounting System

Mounting refers to how the telescope follows moving objects. A mount called an alt-azimuth, or AZ mount, is the most suitable for a general purpose telescope. It moves the telescope in a straight line.

Price

Aperture is usually closely related to the budget. The larger the aperture the better.

Aperture

The aperture of a telescope is defined as the size of the main lens, or mirror of the telescope (which may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter the main tube). This is the main technical consideration. It is designed to gather light. A larger aperture means more light is collected. This combined with the use of an eyepiece determines magnification or clarity. The area of the mirror or lens is directly proportional to its light gathering power. This depends on how large the radius. As such, it rises rapidly as the aperture increases. A 200mm telescope doesn't gather as much light as one 100mm telescope. It gathers approximately four times the amount.

Size And Portability

Dimensions and portability
Telescope designs that are large or heavy can take up much space and make it difficult to transport around the house and car.

Eyepieces

An integral component of any telescope's optical system, the eyepiece can dramatically alter the way you see the sky. The eyepiece dimensions, usually measured in millimeters and inches, can vary greatly in their size. Compare the length of your telescope's focal length to ensure that the eyepiece is the right size.
Total magnification is the sum of eyepiece length and focal length. A telescope that has a focal length of 500mm and an eyepiece measuring 25mm provides magnifications up to 20x.
If you have to wear glasses when looking through a telescope, it is important that your eyepiece has a substantial distance from the lens and the pupil. This is called "eye relief" and improves the comfort of corrective lenses.

Ease Of Operation

You will enjoy your telescope more if it's easier to use and more intuitive. Refractor-type telescopes mounted on an AZ mount are simple to operate and easy to understand.

FAQs

Should I Use Colour Filters?

For viewing detailed planetary details, colour filters are nearly a requirement. They can be inserted into your eyepiece barrel. You can use a particular colour to highlight specific features of planetary planets. You can often see up to three times more detail than if you look straight at the planet.

How Do I Safely Transport My Telescope?

You can transport the telescope in two main pieces: the mount and tube. Remove the telescope tube and mount by loosening the thumbscrews from the tube rings. The accessories, such as the bracket and finderscope, should be removed from the optical tube. Cap the telescope tube, and eyepiece. You can also remove fine-adjustment control cables or counterweight rod/counterweights. To transport the tripod legs, it is necessary to remove the accessory tray. It is possible to transport the telescope in a car without any problems. Although padding can protect the tube from scratches, it is not essential. After a bumpy ride, the mirrors might not be in collimation. However, collimation can still be necessary after transport with or without padding.

Which Mount Should I Buy For My Telescope?

The alt-azimuth mount is best if your instrument is intended for only land-use. However, astronomical and dual-use instruments will be better served by the equatorial. You should ensure that your mount is sturdy enough to support the chosen telescope. Mounts that can support longer or heavier telescopes will need to be stronger in order for them to work at higher magnifications. If in doubt, mount the telescope higher than normal.

How Much Power Does My Telescope Have?

Three types of power are available for telescopes. They can be compared to the normal performance of an ordinary human eye. These are light-gathering, magnifying, and resolution power. While all three are vital, the most significant is the resolving ability. A telescope's focal length will determine how much magnified an eyepiece can do. There is an acceptable magnification limit that can be achieved at 2x for every mm of aperture. An eyepiece with a magnification greater than this limit will not be of much use. A telescope's ability to gather light depends on its aperture size. The larger the aperture, the higher the resolution. These three powers will determine what you can see through the telescope. A 150mm telescope with a diameter of 150mm will, by comparison to the human eye and the 2x/mm rule, have a maximum practical magnifying ability of 300x and 600x light-gathering powers, as well as a resolution power of 0.8arc-seconds.

What Is The Advantage Of A Large Aperture Telescope?

A larger aperture means a higher practical magnification limit. A larger aperture telescope can focus more light and allow for fainter objects to be seen than smaller apertures. A larger aperture telescope will give you better resolution when the air is stable and not turbulent.

What Can I See With My Telescope?

Astronomically you can see all the planets (except Pluto), the Moon and the Sun, as well as the surface details of Mars and Jupiter. You also have the ability to view multiple stars, open and globular clusters, bright galaxies and other nearby clusters. There are many things to see on the terestria, including wildlife and sports. However, you should keep in mind that your daytime view is usually over hot areas so distant objects may shine.

Will I See Objects As They Appear In Photographs?

Both yes and no. Yes and no. Bright objects such as the Moon and certain planets, and star clusters, will display colours and features in similar ways to photographs. However, fainter objects can be more difficult. Low light levels are too low for the eye to pick up colour, so bright nebulae can appear in shades of gray with small telescopes. Digital images and colour films can be exposed for long enough time to capture light in the visible spectrum, so photos show colours you cannot see visually.

Will A Telescope Work Without An Eyepiece?

The objective cannot be used for visual reasons, since the eyes are unable to process the image created by it. You can use the telescope without an eyepiece to view cameras or other instruments.

How Do I Store My Telescope?

When storing your telescope, it is not necessary to remove the optical tube from the mount. You can store it in one place in dry and clean conditions. To prevent the telescope from becoming wet, you can cover it with heavy-duty plastic covers if it must be kept outdoors. The dust caps for the telescope's front and rear are both on. All accessories should be kept in separate boxes with their caps. To prevent dust from building up on the primary mirror, some people store the reflect telescope in two pieces. It isn't proven to work.

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About Mark Bailey

Mark Bailey
Mark Bailey is a freelance writer with a particular interest in home improvement, home design and gadgets. He has written for a number of online publications and enjoys sharing his passion for all things DIY with others. When he's not writing, Mark can usually be found elbow-deep in a home renovation project or spending time with his wife and two young children.

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