Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial

orion-spaceprobe-130st-equatorial-reflector-telescope

Rating:  95

Price at Time of Rating: $299

  • This is the largest reflector telescope in Orion’s SpaceProbe line, and it is by far the best.
  • The short tube (ST) is definitely a step up from the standard SpaceProbe 130 because it gives a wider field of view and brighter images.
  • Many telescopes that cost many times more than this baby use the same diffraction-limited parabolic mirror, which is why this is a great value and a really sweet scope for targeting deep sky objects.
  • The scope includes everything you need: Two eye pieces, a finder scope, a sturdy and precise EQ-2 equatorial mount with dual setting circles and slow-motion hand controls, and a Special Edition of Starry Night astronomy software.

Rating by on July 14, 2016

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Celestron Sky Prodigy 130

celestron-skyprodigy-130

Rating:  94

Price at Time of Rating: $599

  • If you’re someone that likes to turn something on and have it do all of the work for you, then this is the scope for you.
  • Without any prior knowledge of telescopes or astronomy, you simply turn on the computerized scope and in less than 3 minutes, it automatically aligns itself so you can effortlessly enjoy the galactic sky.
  • By combining electronic motors, an intelligent on-board computer, a digital camera and Celestron’s StarSense technology, you can instantly find any object in the sky.
  • This easy to use telescope includes two eyepieces, a sturdy aluminum tripod with a motorized and computerized altazimuth mount, and Celestron’s SkyX First Light Edition astronomy software.

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Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope

pentax-pf-80-ed-a

Rating:  93

Price at Time of Rating: $799

  • Here’s a scope that’s made not for the night sky, but for bird and wildlife watching, viewing targets at the range.
  • If you’re looking for an impressive, all weather performer, then the Pentax PF-80ED-A is the ticket.
  • The 100% waterproof and fogproof spotting scope provides razor-sharp images of your favorite wildlife, or targets at the range.
  • The scope accepts 125mm eye pieces, 82mm filters, and includes Pentax USA’s “Worry Free” Warranty, which means that for a small shipping charge, Pentax will repair or replace this spotting scope to the original purchaser, even if you accidentally damage it.

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Celestron Nexstar 6 SE

celestron-nexstar-6se

Rating:  93

Price at Time of Rating: $799

  • If you’re into viewing and photographing celestial objects, then the Celestron Nexstar 6 SE is for you.
  • This premium telescope features a precision Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system with 1500 mm focal length at ƒ10.0, and provides 44% more light gathering than a 5″ telescope.
  • Celestron’s SkyAlign system is an efficient and rapid alignment process. You can then use the motorized handset to view any one of nearly 40,000 objects stored in its database.
  • You can even hook it up to a PC for advanced control of the telescope.
  • The telescope includes a tripod with an accessory tray and a 2 year warranty.

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Orion SkyQuest XT 8 Classic Dobsonian

orion-skyquest-xt8

Rating:  93

Price at Time of Rating: $389

  • This is no small telescope, but for the price, with its 8 inch diameter, you will see vivid and detailed views of the moon, planets, and galaxies that you just don’t get with other comparably priced scopes.
  • With a 46.5 inch optical tube that weighs about 20 pounds, and a sturdy 20 pound mount and base that is perfectly balanced for ease of use, this scope isn’t as easy as some others to transport.
  • The SkyQuest XT 8 is a very simple point and view telescope that will reward you with amazingly clear views of the night sky.
  • If you want to take this scope to the next level, then consider getting it with a bundle of additional eyepieces…you’ll be glad you did.

Rating by on July 14, 2016

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