Astrology is becoming an increasingly popular hobby to take part in, and more and more people want to get their hands on a telescope so that they can take part.
It can be an expensive hobby, but telescopes range in price depending on the specific model that you are looking at.
Computerized telescopes are a great option for both beginners and those that are more experienced in the field. They offer many different advantages, and we will outline them all in this article for you to read about.
Due to the wide variety that there is available, it can be really difficult to narrow down your search to just one, especially if you are a beginner and are not sure where to start looking.
There is a lot of information to process, which is why we have done all the research for you, so you don’t have to.
This list of the best-computerized telescopes will reveal our top five picks for you to choose from. We will also include a buyer’s guide that will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best-computerized telescopes and the benefits of owning one.
Are You in a Rush to Explore the Sky?
We can understand why this unique and wonderful hobby might have you in a rush to find the best-computerized telescope that is available on the market.
It is a very exciting hobby that will allow you to view the wonders of the night sky for yourself, and it can be difficult to wait, so we will leave our top pick here for your quick and easy viewing.
Taking our number one spot on this list is the Sky Watcher computerized telescope, which has a variety of features that make it stand out against all others. It offers precise and accurate results and is capable of tracking many astronomical objects for you to view.
You won’t be disappointed with this telescope, and we will leave some of its key features below.
- Precise and accurate GOTO
- Belt driven motors
- All-metal construction
- Built-in polar finderscope
- 42,000 object database
OUR TOP PICK
This telescope by Sky Watcher is one of the best for being precise and accurate with its computerized and motorized GoTo German equatorial mount that is capable of tracking astronomical objects both visually and for astrophotography purposes.
It has belt-driven stepper motors that are able to provide whisper-quiet slewing with renowned precision and accuracy while also being able to eliminate periodic error.
This telescope is highly sturdy and durable due to its all-metal construction that provides a 44-payload capacity.
It also has a built-in illuminated polar finderscope that provides quick and easy polar alignment.
The SynScan hand controller has over 42,000 objects to explore among its database, which will keep even the most experienced astronomers occupied for a very long time.
It is easy to take around with you on the go with its built-in handle for easier transportation and portability.
It is also really quick to set up, so you won’t be wasting any time setting the telescope up ready for use.
Pros
- Provides precise and accurate results
- Is capable of tracking objects visually and for astrophotography
- Made from durable and all-metal materials
- It has over 42,000 objects that are waiting to be explored
- Built-in illuminated polar finderscope that provides quick and easy polar alignment
Cons
- None to note
EDITORS CHOICE
This computerized telescope features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design, and it has updated technology with the latest available features for the best stargazing experience possible.
It is the perfect telescope for both beginners and advanced users, and it has a 4-inch primary mirror that provides enough light for observing the best objects that the sky has to offer while still retaining a compact form factor.
It has a fully automated go to mount that features a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects.
The go-to mount is also super helpful for beginners as it will automatically locate and track objects for you, making the process much easier.
It also comes with a bonus free starry night software that you can download for an interactive sky simulation. Your purchase comes with a two-year warranty with unlimited access to technical support services.
Pros
- Features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design
- It features updated technology with the latest available features
- There is a 4-inch primary mirror that gathers enough light for better viewing
- It has a fully automated mount that can locate and track objects
- There is a database of over 40,000 celestial objects
- Comes with a free download of the starry night software
- Includes a two-year warranty
Cons
- Users state that it is much more complicated to use than is implied in the listing
BEST VALUE
This telescope is a popular choice with its 80mm and 90mm apertures, and it certainly works to take astronomy to the next level.
This telescope is relatively large but is still easily portable, and it even features premium optics for better viewing.
You can enjoy close-up views of the moon, different planets, and the stunning visuals that are provided by star clusters, nebulae, and much more.
There is so much to be seen that you can be assured that this telescope will keep you occupied for a very long time.
This telescope also includes the AudioStar controller, which is a very important part of the telescope itself.
It will work to locate and track objects that are waiting to be found in the night sky, and it also has a range of other features.
It has over 30,000 objects in its database that are waiting to be discovered, and there is a built-in speaker with over four hours of audio content that helps to educate you while you search.
Overall, this telescope is great for allowing you to easily explore the night sky with its exciting features that also work to educate you at the same time.
Pros
- This telescope claims to take astronomy to the next level
- Though the telescope is large, it is still easily portable
- It features premium optics for better viewing
- You can see the moon, planets, star clusters, and so much more
- It includes the AudioStar controller that can locate and track objects
- There are built-in speakers with over four hours of educational audio
Cons
- The tripod may not be as sturdy as other telescopes
RUNNER UP
This computerized star locating telescope offers a database with over 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects that are just waiting to be explored.
It will locate your desired object with pinpoint accuracy and will then proceed to continue tracking it.
This telescope is compatible with 2-inch eyepieces, and it is also compact and portable to make it easy to take with you when you need to.
You can transport and assemble it just about anywhere in no time at all, making it easy to take with you on camping trips and other excursions.
It uses a Newtonian reflector optical design, and the NexStar 130SLT is actually the largest in the SLT family.
The 130mm aperture is able to gather enough light for you to be able to see the solar system and even further. You can view objects with clarity in amazing detail.
It uses SkyAlign, which is easy and quick to set-up, and you will be ready to observe the wonders of the sky in just a few minutes.
All you have to do is center any three objects in the eyepiece, and the NexStar will align to the night sky.
As with most Celestron products, you will also receive free access to the bonus starry night software along with your purchase.
This software gives you access to an interactive sky simulation that will give you lots of information and guidance to help you along the way.
Your purchase also comes with a two-year warranty to give you peace of mind.
Pros
- Has a database of over 40,000 objects
- It can locate and track objects with pinpoint accuracy
- It is easily portable and takes very little time to set-up
- It uses a Newtonian reflector optical design
- This telescope is the biggest in the SLT family
- You will receive free access to the starry night software
- Your purchase comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- The mount is known to lack stability on uneven ground
RUNNER UP
The Celestron NexStar 90SLT model is a computerized telescope that has a loaded database of over 40,000 objects, including stars, galaxies, nebulae, and so much more that is waiting for you to view.
You will be able to use this telescope to locate different objects with pinpoint accuracy and track them, so you don’t miss out.
You will receive a red dot Star Pointer finderscope with two eyepieces that are 25mm and 9mm.
Your purchase will also include an adjustable, full-height steel tripod that is more than sturdy enough for the job and even has an accessory tray that will help to keep you organized.
The telescope itself is both compact and portable, and you can take it with you almost anywhere. You can also use it with your children to help them learn more about the night sky.
The 90SLT telescope is actually the smallest in the SLT family, but its 90mm aperture is able to gather more than enough light to help you see the solar system and further in all its beauty.
You will be provided with clear images with crisp levels of detail. It is quick and easy to set-up, taking just a few minutes from start to finish, and you will be ready to view the sky in no time.
It also includes the bonus starry night software that is free of charge. All you have to do is install it, and you are ready to go. Finally, your purchase comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- It has a loaded database of over 40,00 objects
- It features pinpoint accuracy when locating and tracking objects
- There is a fully adjustable steel tripod that is durable and long-lasting
- The telescope is both compact and portable
- It is able to gather more than enough light for clear and crisp images
- It comes with the free starry night software
- Your purchase will include a two-year warranty
Cons
- You will have to enter your location, the time, and the date every time you power on the telescope
Best Computerized Telescope Buying Guide
How to Choose the Best Computerized Telescope
When it comes to choosing the best computerized telescope, it is important to know what you are getting yourself into. If you are unsure exactly what a computerized telescope is, we will explain everything that you need to know here in this article.
Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be able to make a well-informed decision about which telescope is the best one for you.
The purpose of a computerized telescope is that it is able to locate objects for you, saving you half a job. There are thousands of objects that are in the night sky, and you can observe these through different telescopes, but those that are computerized will find these natural wonders for you.
They are a great option for beginners that aren’t sure how to find these objects themselves, and they are a great way to get into the hobby as the telescope will find more objects in one session than you could ever possibly find on your own even with the right knowledge.
However, you do not have to be a beginner to make use of these locating and tracking features. They are also great for those who are more experienced, as they can save you the time of searching for these objects.
They are typically simple and straightforward to use, and they don’t require much knowledge to work with them. Computer telescopes are also great for searching in areas that are overrun by light pollution. It can be difficult to navigate the sky in a highly light-polluted area as it is difficult to see.
A computerized telescope can combat this problem, and they are also great for keeping those that use them motivated. It can often be disheartening when you use a telescope and aren’t able to find anything, but these telescopes will do this part for you.
While computerized telescopes are great and they have many beneficial features, there are some disadvantages to using them that we will also explain here. They are often more expensive, especially those that are larger in size.
This might be a difficult purchase for those that are on a budget, but you can opt for a smaller sized telescope to help lower some of the costs.
You should be aware that the size of the telescope does determine its overall performance, and this should be considered when it comes to choosing the best telescope for you.
Computerized telescopes can also be difficult to use at times, and there can be software issues that arise, just like with any other computerized device.
However, they will be easier to manage the more that you use them; it just takes a bit of getting used to first. It is up to you to decide if you would prefer a computerized telescope due to its ability to locate and track objects automatically, or if you would rather try and locate them yourself to avoid the complication of computerized devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Celestron’s Starry Night Software?
The Celestron Starry Night Software is one of the best astronomy sofware that you will find. It will help to provide you with more knowledge and control during your search, and it will also help you to discover more about the night sky.
It will take you on a guided tour of the solar system and provide you with information about the past, present, and future. It can also work with your exact location to find out how you can best view the night sky from where you are.
The more that you use this software, the more that you will be able to learn about the night sky and how it works. This software will help you to get more out of your observing sessions by providing you with valuable information that you wouldn’t otherwise have known.
You will receive this software free with every Celestron telescope, but the version of the software that you receive will depend on which telescope you purchase. There is either the basic edition or the special edition that also comes with telescope control capabilities.
The special edition is the one that is included with most computerized telescopes, and the basic edition usually comes with other types of telescopes.
Conclusion
Computerized telescopes are great for helping you to locate and track objects that can be found in the night sky.
They allow you to spend more time observing that you would usually spend searching, and while they are more expensive than some other telescopes, they provide you with many more features to help you along the way.
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