Have you ever looked up into the sky and wondered what exactly is out there somewhere in a galaxy far far away?
With so many beautiful stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies out in space, it is normal for us to become curious as to what else resides within our universe.
This is why so many people are interested in astronomy and using telescopes. Telescopes are a great way of viewing the moon, stars and planets in much greater detail. With a telescope, you can view much more features of the night sky, and the universe itself.
What is great about telescopes is that you are able to use them to see tiny details that are otherwise impossible to view with the naked eye.
One of the most popular manufacturers of telescopes is the company Celestron.
Celestron creates some of the best, high quality, easy to use telescopes and accessories to help you with your passion for astronomy.
This is why we have created a list of the best Celestron telescopes available on the market right now, to help you find one that is perfect for you.
Our Best Pick
With so many different types of telescopes on the market, it can be overwhelming when trying to pick one that is right for you.
Luckily, we have created a guide of the best Celestron telescopes and have picked the best we could find.
Our favorite is the Celestron NexStar Computerized Telescope.
This telescope is fully computerized, and has a database of over 40,000 stars, galaxies and nebulae to find. The telescope works to locate and track objects with ultimate accuracy, making it easy for you to find objects all across the universe.
With a 90mm aperture, this telescope gathers enough light to see the Solar System and beyond, viewing Saturn’s rings and the Moon’s craters in brilliant detail! It is still compact and portable, easy to assemble anywhere you want to view the night sky.
This computerized telescope can be set up super quick and with the SkyAlign procedure, you can start observing in just a few minutes. The NexStar also includes a StarPointer finderscope, two eyepieces and an adjustable full height tripod to give you the best use out of your telescope!
If you want a high quality, capable, impressively computerized telescope, then you will need to invest in the Celestron NexStar Computerized Telescope.
OUR TOP PICK
If you are looking for the best Celestron telescope, then you will need to invest in the computerized Celestron NexStar telescope.
This telescope utilizes a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae and much more.
You can also use this computerized telescope in order to locate any object you want with pinpoint accuracy, and you will be able to track it with ease.
In addition, the Celestron NexStar telescope is also highly compact and portable which makes it easy to take on the road for camping trips, or excursions to see the night sky.
It is also easy to assemble wherever you need it to, so that you can take it anywhere with you. What is amazing about this NexStar telescope is that it has a 90mm aperture that gathers enough light to see the Solar System and much further beyond.
You can even view Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings and the Moon in such beautiful details!
This computerized telescope also provides fast setup with Skyalign. This process also lets you observe the sky in a matter of minutes, ready to locate thousands of objects!
With this computerized telescope from Celestron, you can also download one of the top consumer rated astronomy softwares for your telescope to get a real interactive sky simulation.
What is best about this Celestron telescope is that it locates, and tracks objects for you as they move.
It also generates a personalized sky tour of the best objects for you to view in the night sky, for the greatest astronomical discoveries.
With an unbeatable warranty and customer support, you can buy with confidence from Celestron.
PROS:
- Computerized telescope
- Offers a database with more than 40,000 stars, galaxies etc
- Finds and tracks objects for you
- StarPointer finderscope included
- Comes with 2 eyepieces 25mm and 9mm
- Includes tripod mount
- Compact and portable
- Easy to assemble
- Fast setup with Skyalign
- Free software
- Warranty included
CONS:
- Short battery life
EDITORS CHOICE
Despite all of its impressive features, the NexStar telescope is relatively expensive.
If you would prefer a more cost effective solution perfect for beginners, then you will need to try the Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ telescope.
This Celestron telescope is easy to use, and very powerful, making it the perfect option for those just beginning to reach out in their astronomy passion.
It has the perfect combination of quality, value, features and power with a compact and portable design.
The Celestron PowerSeeker telescope has a manual equatorial mount that will help you navigate the skies with this refractor telescope, with slow-motion altitude rods for smooth and accurate pointing.
All you have to do is adjust the rod to your desired position, and secure in place to view the sky.
This telescope comes equipped with multiple accessories including two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each.
You can also get a free download of Celestron’s unbeaten astronomy software programs to help you learn more about the objects around you.
You can utilize the 80mm aperture to view a multitude of details in the sky. With a compact and easy to use design, you can take this telescope anywhere with you to start observing wherever you go!
PROS:
- Larger aperture of 80mm
- Powerful refractor telescope
- Perfect for beginners
- Cheaper option
- Compact and lightweight design
- Comes with a manual mount
- 2 eyepieces included
- Includes finderscope
- Free download of astronomy software
CONS:
- Viewing planets will not be as clear
BEST VALUE
If you need a telescope with a little larger aperture, then the Celestron PowerSeeker 114EQ telescope will be perfect for you.
With all of the qualities and benefits of the PowerSeeker line, this telescope is easy to use, and is highly compact and portable, with a manual mount included!
You also have two eyepieces included, 20mm and 4mm, plus 3x Barlow lens to triple to power of the eyepieces. You can also magnify the objects up to 657 times!
This reflector telescope is the perfect telescope for beginners, with all of the features of the previous PowerSeeker model we already mentioned, yet a larger aperture.
PROS:
- Reflector telescope
- Large aperture
- Perfect for beginners
- Two eyepieces included
- Come with 3x Barlow lens
- Easy to use
- Manual Equatorial mount included
- Compact and portable
CONS:
- Heavy design
- Difficult to set up
RUNNER UP
What is great about the StarSense telescope from Celestron is that it is smartphone enabled, and works with the StarSense application in order to find stars, planets and much more with ease!
This model is a reflector telescope with a 130mm objective lens and altazimuth mount included.
The Celestron StarSense is available for purchase as a reflector and a refractor telescope to ensure that you are getting the most out of your telescope.
The StarSense is so easy to use, that it can be used with no experience at all, just follow the arrows, planets and unleash the power of your smartphone and telescope!
The application will generate a list of the best objects to view on the particular night you are using it, based on your time and location.
This way, you can view planets, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and much deeper sky objects. With the manual altazimuth mount, you can have smooth control whilst pinpointing your desired target!
With a high quality 5 inch newtonian reflector, and larger aperture, you can gather enough light to see all of the best celestial objects around you.
PROS:
- Smartphone enabled telescope
- iPhone and Android compatible
- 130mm objective lens
- Perfect for beginners
- Analyzes star patterns
- App generates list of best available objects to view
- Easy to set up
- Includes mount
- 5 inch reflector
CONS:
- Not that clear
- Lower magnification
RUNNER UP
The Celestron Cometron Telescope is the best telescope for viewing and observing comets, star clusters, galaxies and much more!
With a high quality optical design, and parabolic mirrors with sharp images and no spherical aberration.
With easy set up, and no tools required, you can use this telescope to set up and begin observing in no time at all. It is even lightweight and portable enough to grab and go in a matter of seconds!
The large aperture also collects much more light and therefore provides a lot of detail when using this telescope.
With a fast focal ratio, you can get a wide field of view and start observing things like comets with such simplicity!
PROS:
- Large aperture
- Includes altazimuth mount
- 114 mm parabolic mirror
- Perfect for comets, galaxies etc
- Lightweight and portable
- Quality optimal design for sharp images
- Includes two eyepieces
CONS:
- Does not provide the clearest images
- Not great magnification
- Will need to purchase additional lenses for better vision
Best Celestron Telescope Buying Guide
What to look for in a good Celestron Telescope
When purchasing a telescope, you will want to ensure that you are getting the best one for the value for money. When it comes to telescopes, there are typically three different types to choose from.
There is the refractor telescope, reflector telescope and the compound telescope. The refractor telescope is one of the most popular and well known types of telescopes.
The refractor type of telescope uses a large lens at the front that collects light, and it beams it into a secondary lens at the back of the telescope, so that the user can see objects closer up. These telescopes are best for viewing objects on Earth, they are simple to use and require little maintenance.
On the other hand, there are reflector telescopes that use mirrors to gather and reflect light towards the eyepiece. These are great for viewing faint objects, and have lightweight, compact designs. However, these tend to be more expensive than refractor telescopes.
Similarly, there are catadioptric telescopes that are a compound telescope. These have two mirrors that work in conjunction to create a high quality image. These telescopes are perfect for viewing both Earth objects and faint objects, and are great for astrophotography.
If you know what you want to use your telescope for, then you can easily select the type of telescope that is perfect for you.
Once you have found the right type of telescope for you, then you will have to think about what types of features you will need. When purchasing a telescope, you will need to understand what aperture will be right for your intended uses. This pertains to the diameter of the lens or mirror inside your telescope scope.
The aperture will control how much you will be able to see, and so the larger the aperture, then the better. With a larger aperture, you will be able to have much more light flood into the eyepiece, and therefore a better image quality for viewing objects.
This is why we recommend that you get the largest aperture on your telescope that you can afford.
In addition, you will need to check the magnification of the telescope. This will ensure that images are magnified properly, and will be determined by the focal length and the eyepiece.
The focal length is another important feature to think about as it represents the distance between the telescope focal point and its lens, or mirror. The bigger the focal length, then the bigger the image will look.
You can also purchase telescopes with electronic control, or compatibility with computers and smartphones. You can purchase a computerized telescope that will make finding objects much easier in the night sky!
With smartphone connectivity, you can have a more customized and personalized experience with your Celestron telescope.
Finally, you will need a few additional accessories for your telescope. Once you have purchased a telescope, you may need to ensure that you have the perfect mount, or tripod mount for your telescope. In addition, you will need a few different eyepieces for your telescope.
We recommend that you buy an eyepiece kit with multiple sizes and types of telescope eyepieces to choose from here.
Take it from us, you will also need a Finder Scope for your telescope to make your astronomy passion so much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Celestron Telescope?
Celestron is a manufacturer of telescopes based in Torrance, California, in the United States.
Celestron makes telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and many other accessories perfect for viewing objects close up or at a distance.
Celestron has often been considered the world’s number one telescope brand since the 1960s!
What can you see with a Celestron Telescope?
You will be able to see a multitude of objects with a Celestron Telescope, however the exact detail will depend on the Celestron telescope that you have.
For example, with a Celestron Telescope with a 60mm to 70mm aperture size, you should be able to see the moon clearly, able to view details such as the moon’s craters. You will also be able to see things like other planets, but not in such close detail.
With a Celestron Telescope such as the NexStar computerized telescope, you will be able to see planets such as Jupiter in much greater detail. Planets will be far clearer, and details far more apparent. You may also be able to see nebulae, stars and galaxies however they may not be fully clear.
How do you use a Celestron Telescope?
Celestron Telescopes are very simple to use. You must ensure that you have a stable tripod or stand for your telescope so that it stays in place. To use your Celestron telescope, all you have to do is insert the lowest power eyepiece into your telescope and tighten it in place.
Then, you can look through the telescope eyepiece, and adjust one of the two knobs on the side both ways until the object you want to view is in perfect focus. If needed, then you can switch out the eyepiece for one with a higher power, in order to see objects better.
Can you see the flag on the moon with a telescope?
Unfortunately, you cannot see the flag on the moon with a telescope.
Even with the amazing Hubble Space Telescope, you cannot capture the image of the flags on the moon.
- I Can’t See Anything Clearly Through My Telescope – Help! - April 26, 2022
- Astronomy For Beginners – Getting Started Stargazing! - April 26, 2022
- Are Telescopes Easy To Use? - April 26, 2022