TOP 9 best telescopes for observation: good models of different types
The telescope is a modern device that allows you to establish observation of the stars at night. With the advent of a large number of models, it is very easy to get confused and choose the right one in terms of characteristics and features. Such equipment differs in design and characteristics. In this article, we'll show you the best telescopes and what to look for when buying.
Best mirror lens telescopes
The most important criteria for choosing a telescope are: penetration, resolution and objective diameter. Mirror-lens telescopes have a large field of view, as well as a high aperture ratio, which is important when studying space. Best suited for novice astronomers as they are easy to learn and use. If the user's goal is to study nearby star clusters and planets, as well as terrestrial objects, then a mirror-lens device will be an excellent solution. Top models:
NexStar 127 SLT
The telescope has a high-quality assembly and low weight, which allows it to be carried from place to place without worrying about its safety. Provides high-quality, high-contrast image, which is important for planetary exploration, and also has its own database for searching for objects. This means that the user does not have to spend a lot of time and effort searching for a particular celestial body, checking with star charts.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 13 |
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Resolution | 0.91 arc seconds |
| Objective diameter | 127 mm |
| Lens focal length | 1500 mm |
pros
- transmits an image of excellent quality;
- easy to operate;
- high-quality appearance and work as a whole of the entire product;
- reasonable price;
- there is auto guidance to find the desired object.
Minuses
- The included 9mm eyepiece has a small field of view;
- If you remove the remote control from the tripod during setup, the contact in the connector is periodically lost and all data is reset.
BK MAK90EQ1
This model will be an excellent solution for novice astronomers. Firstly, it is very easy to configure, secondly, it is convenient to use, and thirdly, it is easy to maintain. The telescope is also lightweight and compact. It can not only be easily carried and transported from place to place, but also quickly installed at a new location. Provides good image quality, but may be slightly lathery at high magnifications.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 12.5 |
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Resolution | 1.53 ang. seconds |
| Objective diameter | 90 mm |
| Lens focal length | 1250 mm |
pros
- easy to use;
- has low weight, compact;
- decent equipment;
- good workmanship;
- affordable price.
Minuses
- lathers the image at magnifications above 100x;
- not suitable for professionals.
The telescope is perfect for exploring deep-sky objects, as the 127mm lens collects enough light to create a clear image. It has a good build quality, which will allow the device to last for a long time. Also, the user will appreciate the extensive coordinate base, which is complemented by audio presentations. With their help, the user will be able to find out everything about the objects that interested him.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 12.5 |
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Resolution | 0.90 arc seconds |
| Objective diameter | 127 mm |
| Lens focal length | 1900 mm |
pros
- good build quality of the pipe;
- excellent optical system;
- focus at 1900 mm;
- sharp image;
- the speed changes, there is auto-tracking, the base of stars and planets.
Minuses
- there may be difficulties in the settings;
- has not very good brightness and permeability.
Best telescopes reflectors
The reflector telescope is suitable for observing faint objects of distant space such as nebulae, galaxies, comets, and will also perfectly cope with ground-based observations. These telescopes do not have chromatic distortions that spoil the picture. Reflectors have the most affordable price per aperture unit.
The best reflector telescopes:
BK 1309EQ2
The model will be an excellent solution for studying nebulae, galaxies and many other deep space objects. It has high-precision mirrors that provide a high-quality image, and the absence of central shielding allows you to make it brighter and more contrasting. The user will also appreciate the ability to mount the pipe to the rigid EQ2 mount. This makes it possible to compensate for the diurnal rotation of celestial bodies, ensuring high pointing accuracy.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 13.3 |
| Optical design | Newton |
| Resolution | 1.06 ang. seconds |
| Objective diameter | 130 mm |
| Lens focal length | 900 mm |
pros
- good mirror quality;
- no proofreaders;
- you can take it with you on a hike;
- there is no central screening, which allows you to get a more contrasting image;
- thanks to the closed pipe, dust does not accumulate inside.
Minuses
- its complete set;
- flimsy build.
Dob 8 ″ (200/1200)
The telescope is well-equipped with a Dobson mount for a stable position on the ground. This means that the device will be convenient to use not only in a home observatory, but also anywhere in nature. The main mirror has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, due to which it does not change its shape even with sudden temperature changes. Also, the user will appreciate the simplicity of the model in setting up and using.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 14.2 |
| Optical design | Newton |
| Resolution | 0.56 arc seconds |
| Objective diameter | 203 mm |
| Lens focal length | 1200 mm |
pros
- good build quality;
- windproof;
- the smoothness of the pipe movements is conveniently regulated;
- presentable appearance, clear image;
- easy to set up, easy to use.
Minuses
- rather bulky;
- relatively short-lived mirrors.
PowerSeeker 114 EQ
The telescope is ideal for aspiring astronomers, as it has the necessary basic set of functions. It has excellent picture quality due to the use of glass lenses with an effective antireflection coating. Other pluses include the build quality, which will allow the telescope to faithfully perform its functions for a long time.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 12.8 |
| Optical design | Newton |
| Resolution | 1.02 ang. seconds |
| Objective diameter | 114 mm |
| Lens focal length | 900 mm |
pros
- has small dimensions;
- excellent picture quality;
- there is an equatorial mount;
- good value for money;
- thanks to the triple Barlow lens, the telescope's magnification range ranges from 45x to 675x.
Minuses
- filters could be added;
- short pipe.
Best refractor telescopes
Refractor telescopes are the most familiar and understandable. Its lens consists of a lens system. They collect and concentrate light, due to this, an image is obtained. Designed for beginners as they are easy to set up and maintain, and have a robust sealed design. Most suitable for planetary observations where image clarity and contrast are important. The best of the best are below:
Infinity 70mm
This model will allow you to observe different types of objects.The user can easily see both deep space objects or celestial bodies of the solar system, and terrestrial objects. It has a good set, which includes an azimuth mount on a stable tripod, which allows you to install the telescope not only on a flat surface, but also on the ground. This model provides a bright and contrasting picture that will be pleasing to the user's eye and clear enough to view the necessary details of celestial bodies.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 10 |
| Optical design | achromat |
| Resolution | 2 ang. seconds |
| Objective diameter | 70 mm |
| Lens focal length | 700 mm |
pros
- a great telescope for a beginner astronomy lover;
- the picture is bright, contrasting;
- it will turn out to see the ring of Saturn;
- the telescope is equipped with an azimuth mount on a stable tripod with the ability to adjust the height of the legs;
- red dot finder installed.
Minuses
- lack of focus for a clearer image;
- you should always readjust the focus when changing eyepieces or adding a lens.
BK 909AZ3
The telescope allows you to see in incredibly high quality not only the surfaces of nearby planets, but also to examine objects in distant space, such as nebulae and comets. Ideal for entry to intermediate astronomers as the model is easy to assemble, easy to use and customize, and has good build quality.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 12.5 |
| Optical design | achromat |
| Resolution | 1.53 ang. seconds |
| Objective diameter | 90 mm |
| Lens focal length | 900 mm |
pros
- high build quality
- easy and simple to assemble;
- optical finder, good quality;
- great camera;
- full metal focuser.
Minuses
- low aperture ratio;
- the presence of color distortions.
PowerSeeker 80 AZS
This device is perfect for users who are just starting their acquaintance with astronomical research, since it has all the necessary basic functions. The model provides a high-quality image due to glass lenses, as well as an antireflection coating applied to all optical elements.
| Meaning | Characteristic |
| Penetrating ability (magnitude) | 12 |
| Optical design | achromat |
| Resolution | 1.45 angle seconds |
| Objective diameter | 80 mm |
| Lens focal length | 400 mm |
pros
- high build quality;
- the main optics of the telescope and the 20 mm eyepiece are reliable;
- convenient adjustment system;
- the prism from the kit allows for ground observations;
- just assemble.
Minuses
- the instruction is very short and in English;
- the focuser mechanism has a protruding grease-applied rail on the bottom.
Conclusion
After reviewing the review of the best telescopes, the user can easily choose his favorite. If the user is going to study the nearest stars, their clusters and terrestrial objects, then he can pay attention to the mirror-lens telescope. If the buyer chooses a model for the study of faint objects in deep space such as nebulae, galaxies, etc., then reflector devices are most suitable for these purposes. For those who want to focus on planetary research, in which image quality and contrast are important, it is better to give preference to refractor telescopes.
