In this guide we’ll look at the best computerized telescopes.
We’ve compared image quality, portability & magnification and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Computerized Telescope?
More Detailed Computerized Telescope Reviews
Celestron NexStar 6 SE Computerized Telescope
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Celestron NexStar 6 SE Computerized Telescope Review
The Celestron NexStar is incredibly fun to use—it’s one of my favorites to bring out to the backyard on a clear, cloudless night thanks to its easy operation and spectacular views.
Its 6” aperture permits a good amount of light collection (essential for producing great images) while still allowing for a compact telescope design. It combines excellent performance and reasonable portability with the convenience of GoTo technology.
With a 1500mm focal length, this scope has a focal ratio of f/10, on the “longer” end of moderate. This makes it a highly versatile scope; it performs well at higher power observation of planets but is also capable of viewing deep sky objects.
The Celestron features an automated GoTo mount and a huge database of over 40,000 objects. SkyAlign technology makes aligning your telescope fast and easy.
Due to its compact design, this scope weighs 30 pounds when fully assembled. Thanks to its portability, high-quality optics, and automated features, the Celestron NexStar offers incredible value. For even better results, consider investing in upgraded eyepieces (this is good advice for virtually any telescope you may purchase).
Orion 10019 SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
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Orion 10019 SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope Review
Boasting a large 10” (254mm) aperture, the Orion 10019 SkyQuest XT10i computerized Dobsonian telescope provides excellent views of planets, moons, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. It’s a great choice for people who are interested in viewing even fainter deep-sky objects.
This telescope has a focal length of 1200mm and focal ratio of f/4.7, which is quite “fast.” This makes it ideal for observing deep space and producing wide-field views.
Thanks to its simple, straightforward Dobsonian design, the Orion 10019 SkyQuest has a very stable base and is easy to operate. Its Computerized Object Locator can direct you to over 14,000 celestial bodies.
It weighs 55 pounds when fully assembled. This is one of the larger and higher-end options on my list, and I truly feel that it performs accordingly. It’s worth serious consideration if you dream of seeing the fainter deep sky.
Orion 27191 StarBlast 6i IntelliScope Reflector Telscope
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Orion 27191 StarBlast 6i IntelliScope Reflector Telscope Review
The Orion 27191 StarBlast 6i model offers a more compact, affordable alternative. It has a 750mm focal length and f/5 focal ratio. Its 6” (150mm) aperture is still plenty big enough to let in the light and generate lovely views of planets, moons, galaxies, and more.
The Computerized Object Locator can find 14,000+ objects. In my opinion, one of its best features is the compact design, which weighs only 23.5 pounds. Note that it includes a sturdy tabletop base rather than a tripod. Personally, I like the base’s stability, but others may prefer the flexibility of a full-size tripod.
In any case, the design makes it pretty lightweight and portable for a telescope of this quality and aperture size.
The Orion 27191 StarBlast is moderately priced, making it an appealing option for astronomers on a budget.
Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope
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Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope Review
The Celestron 114LCM telescope can introduce you to working with a computerized telescope. It has a 4.5” (114mm) aperture, 1000mm focal length, and f/8.77 focal ratio. This moderate ratio means that the Celestron is a versatile scope that performs well in a variety of situations.
The computerized tracking system can locate over 4000 objects within the NexStar database. This is a much smaller database than those of the previous telescopes, but it is adequate to get you started. If you’re unsure what you want to view, you can simply take a Sky Tour!
When fully assembled, the scope’s weight is 13.2 pounds. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle. The scope in general is very user-friendly, good for kids and beginning astronomers.
As the least expensive item featured here, the Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope provides good quality optics and computerized convenience without breaking the bank.