A telescope is a powerful tool that allows you to see things in the sky that you would never be able to see with the naked eye. If you’re interested in getting started in astronomy, a telescope is a great investment.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a telescope. The most important factor is the telescope’s aperture, which is the diameter of the telescope’s main mirror or lens. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect, and the sharper the images will be.
Another important factor to consider is the telescope’s focal length. This is the distance from the main mirror or lens to the point where the image is focused. A longer focal length will allow you to see distant objects, while a shorter focal length will provide a wider field of view.
Finally, you’ll need to decide between a refractor telescope and a reflector telescope. Refractor telescopes use a lens to collect light, while reflector telescopes use a mirror. Reflector telescopes are usually more affordable, but they require more maintenance than refractor telescopes.
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to start shopping for a telescope. Here are a few of the best telescope under $3000 that Besttechsmart wants to share with you.
1. NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized star locating telescope that has a database of over 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. With the touch of a button, you can choose an object and the telescope will find it for you in the night sky and track it as it moves.
The NexStar 130SLT has a Newtonian reflector optical design with a large 130mm aperture. This allows the telescope to gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. You can view Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moons, craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is compact and portable, making it the ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together. It’s easy to transport just about anywhere-your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is fast to set up with SkyAlign. Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar 130SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT has a 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 130mm aperture, the NexStar 130SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 130SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
2. 80mm Travel Scope – Portable Refractor Telescope
Celestron’s 80mm Travel Scope is a portable refractor telescope that is perfect for beginners. It has fully coated glass optics, a powerful 80mm objective lens, and two high-quality eyepieces for up-close viewing. The telescope also comes with a bonus bag, tripod, and astronomy software. It is backed by a two-year warranty from Celestron.
The 80mm Travel Scope is a great choice for anyone who is looking for an affordable and portable telescope. The telescope is easy to set up and use, and it comes with a free download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. The optics are of the highest quality and provide brighter and more detailed views than the 50mm model. The telescope also comes with a bonus backpack that makes it easy to take your telescope anywhere.
- SUPERIOR OPTICS: The 80mm Travel Scope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 80mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched among competitors in its class.
- POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
- LARGE 80MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 80mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
- BONUS BAG, TRIPOD, AND SOFTWARE: Take your Travel Scope anywhere in the included travel backpack.The scope and tripod are easy to set up and use. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
3. Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes
Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes for Adults Professional Telescopes for Adults Astronomy Comes with 15X Barlow Lens Smartphone Adapter 13 T Moon Filter130mm Large Aperture
Large aperture 130mm telescope high resolution good light collecting ability imaging brighter more suitable for the observation of deep space celestial objective
High Quality Optics
The telescope adopts a sturdy and light fram structure the carbon fiber was covering on the telescope surface sophisticated technology Objective lens features fullycoated glass optics it can improve the optical system performance of astronomical telescopes help you observe brighter more detailed planets
German Equatorial Mount
German Equatorial with dial and fineturned control cables Adjust rod to desired position then easily secure by tightening knob Precise positioning and fast tracking of celestial bodies make your observation more stable You can enjoy the amazing process of manual tracking of the moon and planets
Stable Tripod
The telescope comes with a highquality large diameter adjustable aluminum alloy tripod Extra a tray is attached for storing small temporary attachment The tripod stable structure stable enable you to Locate celestial objects smoothly and accurately
Multiple Accessories
Come with 2 Highquality Eyepieces a 15X Erecting Barlow Lens a 125 13 Transmission Moon Filter a Cellphone Adapter The telescope contains all the accessories you need to observe If you have any questions please feel free to contact us we will do our best to help you in 24 hours’
- 【130mm Large Aperture】Large aperture 130mm telescope, high resolution, good light collecting ability, imaging brighter, more suitable for the observation of deep space celestial objective.
- 【High Quality Optics】The telescope adopts a sturdy and light fram structure, the carbon fiber was covering on the telescope surface, sophisticated technology. Objective lens features fully-coated glass optics, it can improve the optical system performance of astronomical telescopes, help you observe brighter, more detailed planets.
- 【German Equatorial Mount】German Equatorial with dial and fine-turned control cables. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening knob. Precise positioning and fast tracking of celestial bodies make your observation more stable. You can enjoy the amazing process of manual tracking of the moon and planets.
- 【Stable Tripod】The telescope comes with a high-quality large diameter adjustable aluminum alloy tripod. Extra a tray is attached for storing small temporary attachment. The tripod stable structure stable enable you to Locate celestial objects smoothly and accurately.
- 【Multiple Accessories】Come with 2 High-quality Eyepieces, a 1.5X Erecting Barlow Lens, a 1.25" 13% Transmission Moon Filter, a Cellphone Adapter. The telescope contains all the accessories you need to observe. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you in 24 hours.
4. 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope
Telescopes are a great way for beginner astronomers to view the stars and planets. Celestron makes a 114mm computerized Newtonian telescope that is perfect for beginners. This telescope has a database that allows you to locate over 4000 celestial objects. It also has a lightweight computerized mount for easy use. The SkyX Planetarium software is included to help you learn about the night sky.
The pros of this telescope are that it is lightweight and easy to use. It has a database that allows you to find over 4000 celestial objects. The SkyX Planetarium software is included to help you learn about the night sky.
The cons of this telescope are that it is not as powerful as some of the other telescopes on the market. It also does not have a motorized mount, so it can be a little difficult to move the telescope around.
- COMPUTERIZED AUTOMATIC TELESCOPE: The Celestron 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope with all glass optics can automatically locate 4,000 celestial objects with its computerized GoTo mount.
- TAKE THE SKY TOUR: If you’re not sure of what to observe, the Sky Tour button will do the work for you. Simply press the button and your computerized telescope will generate a list of the best objects currently available to view in the sky.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including a full-height tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: This Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the night sky from any location on Earth or plan your next observing session.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
5. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor
The SkyWatcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor is a compact and portable optical tube that is perfect for affordable astrophotography and visual astronomy. This telescope features a matched doublet objective including one synthetic fluorite element that provides excellent color correction for visual and photographic use. The EvoStar series telescopes also feature Metallic High Transmission Coatings that produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations.
No matter your skill level, the EvoStar 120 refractor is versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube. The telescope comes complete with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image finderscope, 2 dielectric diagonals, 5mm and 25mm LET eyepieces, 125 adapter mounting rings, and a V-style dovetail.
- EXPERTLY MATCHED GLASS: The EvoStar series features a matched doublet objective including one synthetic fluorite element, providing excellent color correction for visual and photographic uses
- OUTSTANDING COLOR CORRECTION: Using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), EvoStar refractors produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations
- EVOLVES WITH SKILL: No need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves
- 10:1 DUAL-SPEED FOCUSER: No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze with this 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The EvoStar 120 comes complete with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8x50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings and a V-Style Dovetail
6. Explore Scientific 102mm f/7 Air-Spaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific 102mm f7 AirSpaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is a high-quality refractor telescope that offers many advantages to amateur astronomers. This telescope is designed for visual use and has a focal length of 714mm and a focal ratio of f7. It also has a magnitude of 125 and a resolution of 114 arcsec.
One of the biggest advantages of the Explore Scientific 102mm f7 AirSpaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is its high-quality optics. The triplet lens construction ensures excellent color correction and sharp images. The telescope is also apochromatic, which means that it eliminates chromatic aberration. This results in clear, bright images with no color fringing.
The Explore Scientific 102mm f7 AirSpaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is also very portable. It weighs just over 10 pounds and can be easily transported in a backpack. It is also very easy to set up and use.
The telescope is a great choice for amateur astronomers who are looking for a high-quality telescope that is easy to use and transport. It offers excellent performance and value for the price.
- Focal Length 714mm
- Focal Ratio f/7
- Magnitude 12.5
- Resolution 1.14 arcsec
7. TeleVue-60 OTA Telescope TVO-2460
The Tele Vue 60mm OTA Telescope TVO2460 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and lightweight telescope. This telescope is perfect for viewing objects in the night sky, and its 360mm objective lens diameter ensures a clear and crisp view. The Tele Vue 60mm OTA Telescope TVO2460 is also equipped with a reflex finderscope, which makes locating objects in the night sky a breeze. Additionally, the telescope’s 39-pound weight ensures that it is easy to transport and set up. However, there are a few drawbacks to the Tele Vue 60mm OTA Telescope TVO2460. First, its maximum magnification is only 180x, which may not be sufficient for some users. Additionally, the telescope does not come with a tripod, so you will need to purchase one separately. Despite these drawbacks, the Tele Vue 60mm OTA Telescope TVO2460 is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and lightweight telescope.
FAQs
Telescopes are a great way to explore the universe, and with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. In this article, we will answer five of the most frequently asked questions about telescopes, with a focus on those that cost less than $3000.
1. What are the benefits of a telescope?
There are many benefits to owning a telescope. They allow you to view objects in space that are too far away to see with the naked eye, and they can also help you learn about the universe. Telescopes are also great for observing terrestrial objects, such as birds and wildlife.
2. What are the different types of telescopes?
There are three main types of telescopes: reflectors, refractors, and catadioptrics. Reflector telescopes use a curved mirror to reflect light into the eyepiece, while refractors use a lens to bend the light. Catadioptrics use a combination of mirrors and lenses.
3. What is the best telescope for beginners?
If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a telescope that is easy to use and has a low magnification. A reflector telescope is a good option for beginners, as they are typically less expensive than other types of telescopes and are easy to set up.
4. What is the best telescope for astrophotography?
If you are interested in astrophotography, you will need a telescope with a large aperture. Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror, and the larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect. Catadioptrics are generally the best type of telescope for astrophotography.
5. What is the best telescope for viewing planets?
If you want to view planets, you will need a telescope with a high magnification. Refractors are generally the best type of telescope for viewing planets, as they have a high magnification and a large aperture.
