5 Best Computerized Telescopes (Feb 2023 Review)

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 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 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.

Meade Instruments 218006 StarNavigator NG 125 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope Review

Another moderately priced option, the Meade Instruments 218006 StarNavigator features a 5” (127mm) aperture and 1900mm focal length.

What makes this model stand out? Its long, “slow” focal ratio of f/15. This ratio makes the Meade Instruments scope a strong performer in high-power lunar and planetary observation.

Its Maksutov-Cassegrain (MAK) design also set it apart from the other list entries. MAK telescopes are a sub-group of catadioptric designs. They use both lenses and mirrors to create their images (whereas reflectors use only mirrors, and refractors use only lenses).

In general, MAK telescopes like this Meade Instruments model excel at observing planets and double stars, offering crisp views with superb contrast and resolution.

The AudioStar hand controller is linked to a substantial database and can guide you to over 30,000 objects.

When assembled, this telescope weighs approximately 16 pounds, so it’s a very portable scope. All things considered, this is a great telescope if you’re interested in high-power observation and want a telescope with a longer focal ratio.

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.