Best Telescopes Under $1000
At $1000 or less, there are a lot of high quality telescopes to choose from. Not only do you need to find a scope that fits your budget, you also need to have one that will do what you want it to do. There are huge differences in telescopes that are used to spot wildlife as opposed to the scopes that are best suited for peering into the heavens. When buying a telescope, one of the biggest mistakes that people make is buying one that doesn’t fit them. The last thing that we want is for you to make a mistake, so we’ve researched and tested the best telescopes under $1000 so that you can feel comfortable making your buying decision.
Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial
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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 Brian on July 14, 2016
Celestron Sky Prodigy 130
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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.
Rating by Brian on July 14, 2016
Pentax PF-80ED-A Spotting Scope
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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.
Rating by Brian on July 14, 2016
Celestron Nexstar 6 SE
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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.
Rating by Brian on July 14, 2016
Orion SkyQuest XT 8 Classic Dobsonian
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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 Brian on July 14, 2016