Best Telescopes for Observation 2022

Since the time of Galileo, telescopes have undergone significant changes. Even the most budgetary device today is better than devices of the last century. Astronomy has become a mass hobby, a hobby for unhurried and passionate about the natural sciences of romantics.

In our review, we tried to show the best amateur models. The price of professional telescopes starts from 60-100 thousand rubles and has no limit. All optical elements in this are made of high quality glass. And the eyepieces for it need to be purchased appropriate. It also affects the weight – professional models are heavier. They are supplemented with functions such as auto-guidance to planets and stars, an electronic finder: thanks to it, the quality of astrophoto increases significantly. 

But if you are not doing research work, but just going to admire the planets, conduct classes in a school circle, or want to introduce your child to a new hobby, then it will be enough to choose a high-quality amateur model. Healthy Food Near Me presents an overview of the best observation telescopes in 2022.

Editor’s Choice

Levenhuk Skyline PLUS 120S

This telescope model in 2022 is the best for observing at the junction of classes – amateur and experienced. If you have already tried to work with telescopes of the equatorial mount scheme, burn with observations of galaxies and want to get not just a telescope, but a model that allows for personal growth, then pay attention to this Newtonian reflector. 

Most of the planets of our solar system and distant nebulae and galaxies will open to your eyes. Out of the box we get everything you need for observations – you don’t have to buy anything in addition. Two eyepieces (focal length 10 and 25 mm), a Barlow lens, an aluminum tripod and even an accessory tray. Unless a little later look at the adapter for astrophoto. The manufacturer – an American company – gives a lifetime warranty on this telescope.

We would not recommend it to those who are just starting their journey in astronomy because of the equatorial mount scheme. On the one hand, it is more flexible and gives an advantage: our planet rotates and the Earth follows the solar orbit, objects in the sky are constantly shifting relative to us. Such a mount compensates for the displacement due to its device. But before that, flexible settings are required depending on the coordinates of the place from which observations are made. You will need a compass, exact coordinates of the place of observation (this is not a problem with modern GPS on your phone), knowledge of the time zone and an encyclopedia or a virtual map of the starry sky with coordinates. That is, before the start of observations, it is necessary to carry out a preparatory stage each time.

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Top 10 telescopes for observations in 2022 according to KP

1. Sky-Watcher BK 707AZ2

This is a very popular telescope model for beginners in observing the sky. Also suitable for students. It comes with a Barlow lens and two eyepieces. Thanks to their combination, different levels of magnification are obtained: from 28x to 140x. Its convenience lies in mobility. It weighs seven kilograms, so it’s not a problem, for example, to take it to nature. 

Due to a good increase, it will be possible to look at lunar craters, catch comets and explore other planets in the solar system. Since this observation telescope is made using the most popular refractor technology, chromatic aberrations are inherent in it: at high magnification, a purple border will be visible around objects. However, she’s not that strong. The tool is mounted azimuthally – this is also the simplest principle. The device can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, and it also simply rotates and goes to the point you need to observe the planets and stars.

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2. Synta BK 1149EQ1

You can see a very similar model in the Skywatcher catalog. The secret is that this is the same company, it just changes its name depending on the region of sale. But they supply both brands to Our Country.

This model is suitable for advanced amateurs. The focal length is solid – 900 mm. In combination with lenses, this will be a worthy telescope for observing many celestial objects – stars and planets. For the price, it’s almost like a gift! Due to the fact that the lenses are aligned according to the Newtonian system, the image does not have an iridescent outline, like refractors. 

However, this model cannot be called compact: on an average balcony, this one will take up three-quarters of the space. But in addition to the Moon, you can easily look at the phases of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and Mars. Star clusters and galaxies will be visible. But, of course, you should not expect pictures like those from NASA. In addition to regular lenses, the set includes a shelf for accessories. We also note the smoothness of the course during observations.

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3. Sky-Watcher BK MAK127 AZGT SynScan GOTO

The price of the model in 2022 is determined not only by the quality of the optical system, but to a greater extent by the presence of automatic guidance. A control panel with a microcomputer is fixed on the site, into the base of which the coordinates of many objects of our solar system are loaded. Just imagine – there are almost 43 thousand objects inside the device! 

A couple of clicks on the keys – and the device itself points to the desired constellation or planet. Thanks to a solid focal length of 1500 mm, the relief of large objects, dim stars and nebulae is visible. At the same time, the device itself is quite compact – this is an important nuance when choosing a telescope for observations. It weighs about 8 kg, it can be folded into a large travel backpack. 

It comes with two eyepieces of the Kellner system and a Barlow lens. Through an adapter to a SLR camera with this, high-quality astrophoto samples are obtained.

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4. LEVENHUK Skyline Travel Sun 70

Another good amateur refractor model. There is a backpack included. Best of all, such a telescope will show itself when observing the city – away from a large number of light sources. Due to the diagonal prism, the image does not turn upside down, so it can also be used for daytime fauna observations. The kit includes a protective film – a solar filter, so that it is possible to observe spots on the Sun. 

With standard eyepieces you can get magnification up to 200x. Although the picture, of course, will suffer greatly with such a zoom. But at 140x – this is the parameter declared as the maximum useful one, the quality will be acceptable. An aluminum tripod is included, but it is not very stable – keep this in mind when choosing this model as the best telescope for observations.

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5. Celestron Travel Scope 70

The first thing that lures buyers to this telescope for observation is a backpack. The bag is qualitatively sewn and the whole set fits perfectly inside. Lots of compartments, various pockets for small things. Customers also praise the instructions, written in an understandable language. Therefore, if you decide to purchase this model for a child, then a middle-aged schoolboy will figure it out perfectly. 

The focal length here, by the standards of telescopes, is short – 400 mm. Some of the parts here are plastic – so the price is less, and the weight is small – less than 3 kg. The kit comes with a classic photo tripod – mediocre quality. If you do not lay it out and stand bent over in three deaths, then everything is fine with him. But as soon as you pull it up, it immediately loses stability. 

This telescope is only suitable for observing planets and stars for beginners. For an advanced amateur, it will seem too simple. With the help of an adapter, you can attach a camera to it – there are many guides on the Web on this subject. Therefore, the device can be considered as an inexpensive version of a long-focus lens for astrophoto enthusiasts.

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6. Sky-Watcher Dob 150/750 Retractable Virtuoso GTi GOTO

Pay attention to the word Retractable in the name of the model. It means that the telescope belongs to the line of folding models. This means that the telescope is mobile and compact. The tube of this telescope is foldable: from 42 to 69 cm. Despite the fact that the telescope is priced closer to the affordable segment of devices for observing planets and stars, the company has become generous with high-quality optics. 

The set includes a pair of eyepieces (10 and 25 mm), an adjustment eyepiece (before the first use, be sure to carry out this procedure, details are described in the instructions). If a protective cover for the secondary mirror was also included in the kit to absorb city lighting, it would be great. In general, this is a decent telescope, the golden mean. 

The company’s catalog also has a model without the GTi marking, it is not equipped with automatic guidance, but it costs less.

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7. BRESSER Venus 76/700 AZ

The set of this best observing telescope perfectly meets the standards of 2022. In addition to standard eyepieces, the kit also includes an adapter for a smartphone with suction cups, with which you can take pictures of the planets on your mobile phone. But this is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, there are many guides on the Internet to help astrophotographers. 

The model is intended for planetary and lunar observations. The manufacturer tried to reduce chromaticity as much as possible in order to achieve a picture without extraneous colors. The optical scheme is a Newton reflector. 

The tripod is made of aluminium. In the middle of the spacers there is a shelf for accessories – pay attention to this nuance. Thanks to the combination of eyepieces, magnification up to 525x can be adjusted. But with such a powerful zoom, the image quality will be low. Optimal quality is achieved at 175x magnification. The box also contains a map of the Moon and a disk with a planetarium software for PC.

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8. Discovery Sky Trip ST70

Telescope under the brand name of a well-known television channel of the “sci-pop” genre. Corporate color, logo and delivery set. In fact, these are products of the market giant Leeuwenhoek, which is not so bad. This model is a fairly compact refractor. In the box with it is a small encyclopedia that will help an astronomy lover get started. 

The eyepiece shows the planets of our solar system and their satellites, however, without craters, satellites and details. You can also see distant bright stars. And by installing a diagonal prism from the kit, you can turn the telescope into a telescope for terrestrial observations.

The best telescope for interested teenagers and beginners. A nice bonus out of the box is an adapter for astrophotography on a smartphone.

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9. National Geographic 114/500

This is a collaboration of famous brands – NG and BRESSER. Small-sized model for placement on a flat surface – a window sill, a table. Weighs about 3,5 kg. The inside of the spyglass has a matte black finish to make telescope observations better. The Dobson mount is made of chipboard, it has an azimuth scale and a built-in compass. There are recesses for eyepieces. 

Too bad the legs are made of plastic. Due to the stiffness of the mechanism, when turning, the telescope begins to slide. The regular collimator finder is equipped with two levels of brightness. It’s a shame that despite the above-average price, the manufacturer saved on metal and made many parts from plastic. 

The eyepieces themselves give a soapy picture, but for lovers of this quality it is enough, you can also buy replacement eyepieces. Because the optical characteristics of the device are on top, but regular eyepieces spoil the impression of observing the planets.

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10. Veber UMKA 76/300

For serious observations of planets and stars, this compact model is not suitable. But you can look at the Moon through a special filter in the kit and some of the planets of our system, with their favorable position in the sky, is possible. This is the best telescope for schoolchildren. You can also consider it as an original gift for an adult. 

Comes with two eyepieces and a XNUMXx Barlow lens. Therefore, you can change, rearrange and combine optics here, so the beginner will have something to do. The assembly is of high quality, nothing staggers, does not play. 

The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty for this model. You can buy a couple of eyepieces for it to increase the magnification, but each of them costs as much as a third of the entire telescope. Therefore, if you choose this telescope for a child, and he liked astronomical observations, then it is better to buy a more professional model in the future. Note that the pipe is made of good metal, and it rotates not only up and down, but also horizontally. In this case, the stand remains stationary.

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Leaders of the Past

Meade Infinity 102 мм

The focusing unit is cast entirely from metal – this is a plus for the strength and quality of observations. Manufacturers have made very grippy handles, for which it is comfortable to choose the direction. A bonus is micrometric knobs, the smooth rotation of which helps to center the object of observation and guide it. A collimator sight is mounted on top of the telescope: thanks to the red LED on the lens, it is convenient to choose the direction. The manufacturer completes this telescope for observations with one of the best tripods for 2021. Made of metal, very hard. But at the same time, they managed to find the optimal balance: the entire structure, together with the pipe, weighs about seven kilograms. Immediately in the box with him are high-quality eyepieces and Barlow lenses. The quality is on the level, so you will only have to buy something if you want to expand your fleet of optics, but not improve it in any way. There is a T-adapter here to hook a SLR camera. Only the camera itself will also have to buy a suitable ring, since it is inexpensive.

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Celestron NexStar 127 SLT

Although not the most expensive model on the market, it is the most premium in our ranking of the best observing telescopes. Its characteristics are also superior to others in this review. Thanks to computer control, guidance is performed automatically. You only need to specify the location, time and date of observation. For the laziest, a star tour is available. Based on the time and coordinates, he himself will show the most interesting, striking things. All menus are in . The lens uses both mirrors and lenses. This allows you to get the highest image quality. You will be able to study not only bright objects, but also nebulae, clusters of stars and galaxies. The mount is made of good quality plastic. Together with a tripod, the whole structure weighs about nine kilograms.

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How to choose a telescope for observations

Every customer has their own idea of ​​what an ideal telescope should be. However, reality often diverges from illusions. Astronomy teacher Yuri Vlasov helped KP prepare advice on choosing a telescope, and also answered popular questions from readers.

Is proximity important?

The first thing newcomers ask is “how much magnification will it give?”. This parameter is not the main one. Better pay attention to the diameter of the lens. This indicator determines the brightness and clarity of the observed objects. The higher it is, the more light enters the lenses, which means you will see more. Therefore, if you have pecked at a large level of magnification, but at the same time the lens itself is small, then the focal length and zoom are useless. There is a rule: maximum magnification = lens diameter (mm) * 2.

What telescopes are

There are three types of telescopes: mirror (reflectors), lens (refractor) and combined.

Lens telescopes

A lens telescope is a long and thin telescope. Therefore, its diameter is often small. If high-quality, not cloudy optics are installed, then the image will be sharp, and this is important when observing planets. But nebulae and other galaxies can only be seen through the most powerful models.

Mirror telescopes

Mirror models are more powerful than lens models. But they show the picture upside down, and they also need to be cleaned and adjusted – to carry out alignment. You can handle the service yourself. They are larger, suitable for installation outside the city. For example, on the territory of a private house.

Combined telescopes

They are compact. In terms of image quality, they are in the lead, but the contrast in them is worse. As with lenses, the image will be mirrored. Keep this in mind if you are going to navigate by star maps.

Электронные компоненты

If you want to navigate using star charts, skill is required. In some modern models, motors are installed that allow you to point the telescope automatically according to the coordinates of astronomical objects stored in the microcomputer memory. The main disadvantage of this solution is the price.

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