A telescope is a powerful tool that allows you to see things in the night sky that you would otherwise never be able to see with the naked eye. If you’re interested in getting started in amateur astronomy, then you’re going to need a good telescope. But with so many different telescopes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
There are a few things you need to consider before buying a telescope. The first is what you want to use it for. Are you interested in looking at the Moon and the planets, or do you want to be able to see distant galaxies and nebulae? The second is how much you’re willing to spend. There are some great telescopes available for under $500, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you’ll be able to get a much better telescope.
Here are some of the best telescopes under $500 that Besttechsmart feels best:
1. Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS SchmidtCassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube is a computerized telescope that has legendary 11 SchmidtCassegrian optics with updated technology and the latest features. It is massive with an aperture of 11 inches and is diffraction limited. The dual fork arm GOTO mount has a database of 40000 celestial objects and locates and tracks objects for you. The telescope is easy to set up and use. It has an ergonomic design that allows one person to set it up or move it. SkyAlign technology helps you align the telescope fast. When you’re done observing, the telescope breaks down for storage. It includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- CPC 1100 COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE: Celestron’s iconic CPC telescope combines legendary 11" Schmidt-Cassegrian optics with updated technology and the latest features for an amazing stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- 11-INCH APERTURE SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE: Massive, 11-inch diffraction limited optics pack enough light-gathering ability to deliver spectacular views of Solar System and deep sky objects alike.
- DUAL FORK ARM GOTO MOUNT: With a database of 40,000+ celestial objects, the CPC's beefy GoTo mount locates and tracks objects for you.It's also compatible with our best accessories like StarSense AutoAlign and the SkyPortal WiFi Module.
- EASY TO SET UP & USE: The CPC's ergonomic design allows one person to set up or move the telescope. SkyAlign technology helps you align the telescope fast. When you're done observing, the telescope breaks down for storage.
- 9x50 FINDERSCOPE INCLUDED: Center objects perfectly in the eyepiece with a high-quality finderscope with 9x magnification.
2. Unistellar eVscope 2 Digital Telescope
There is no doubt that the Unistellar eVscope 2 digital telescope is a highperformance device. With its 77Mpx enhanced image resolution, it delivers the most stunning visual experience ever seen in a consumer telescope. Additionally, its Smart Light Pollution Reduction technology enables crisp detail observation of distant objects, and its autonomous field detection system makes it simple to use.
However, there are also a few drawbacks. First, the eVscope 2 is quite expensive, costing significantly more than other consumer telescopes on the market. Second, it requires a dedicated app in order to function, which may be difficult for some users to operate. Finally, it is not as portable as some of the other digital telescopes available, meaning that it is not as easy to take with you on trips.
- eVscope 2 with eyepiece: The eVscope 2 delivers the most stunning visual experience ever seen in a consumer telescope, with state-of-the-art observing comfort and an incredible amount of details, definition, and zoom ability, thanks to pioneering expertise in the electronic eyepiece and a 7,7Mpx enhanced image resolution.
- High-Performance Device: Because the eVscope 2 may be used to conduct valuable space science, each new user unlocks a new Space Explorer, allowing Unistellar to expand its global network of connected telescopes capable of giving scientifically valuable observations.
- Smart Light Pollution Reduction: Unistellar's patented algorithms reduce the influence of light pollution and enable for crisp detail observation of distant objects.
- Dedicated App: Your eVscope 2's dedicated app recommends the most stunning targets to view and helps you learn and identify cosmic objects. Easily save and share your experience with others.
- Autonomous Field Detection: he system instantly recognizes the objects in its field of view by comparing what it sees with a coordinates database of tens of millions of stars. As a result, the eVscope 2 automatic tracking and pointing technology is very accurate and simple to use, making it the most user-friendly telescope available.
3. Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
The Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor is a compact and portable telescope that is perfect for affordable astrophotography and visual astronomy. This telescope has been expertly matched for color correction and features excellent glass and proprietary Metallic HighTransmission Coatings that produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations. The EvoStar 120 telescope is versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skillset improves and comes complete with a foamlined aluminum hard case, 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image RACI Finderscope, 2 Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 125 Adapter, Mounting Rings, and a VStyle 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
4. Orion 09565 EON 130mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope (White)
The Orion 09565 EON 130mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is a premium 130mm 51 inch aperture triplet ED apochromat offered at an unbelievably low price. This telescope is perfect for the advanced amateur astronomer who demands superb visual and astrophotographic performance. The three-lens ED optics and moderately fast f/70 focal ratio work together to provide superb visual and astrophotographic performance. The huge 3 inch dualspeed 111 Crayford focuser provides precise focus control for sharp images and crisp visual observations. The beautifully constructed fully multicoated triplet refractor telescope sure to impress any apo aficionado. This telescope includes two splitclamp tube rings and a triplelatch hard case for protection during transport and storage.
- A premium, 130mm (5.1 inch) aperture triplet ED apochromat offered at an unbelievably low price
- Three-lens ED optics and moderately fast f/7.0 focal ratio work together to provide superb visual and astrophotographic performance
- Huge 3 inch dual-speed (11:1) Crayford focuser provides precise focus control for sharp images and crisp visual observations
- A beautifully constructed, fully multi-coated triplet refractor telescope sure to impress any apo aficionado
- Includes two split-clamp tube rings and a triple-latch hard case for protection during transport and storage
5. Celestron Advanced VX 11″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 11 SchmidtCassegrain Telescope is a great choice for anyone looking for an entry-level astronomy telescope. This telescope has a 11 2800mm focal length and a 10 SchmidtCassegrain. It also includes StarBright XLT coatings for better light transmission. This telescope is also great for beginners because it has an easy-to-use design. The 9×50 optical finderscope is perfect for locating alignment stars. The integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction eliminates recurring track errors from the worm gear. The autoguider port is perfect for long exposure imaging.
- 11” (2800mm) f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain includes StarBright XLT coatings for better light transmission
- 41% more light gathering than a 9.25” telescope
- 9x50 optical finderscope for locating alignment stars
- Integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction eliminates recurring track errors from the worm gear.
- Autoguider port for long exposure imaging
FAQs
There are a lot of telescopes on the market, with a wide range of prices. How do you know which one is the best for you? And, more importantly, what should you be looking for when you buy a telescope?
Here are five FAQs of best telescopes under 5000:
1. What should I consider when choosing a telescope?
When choosing a telescope, you need to consider what you want to use it for. If you want to view celestial objects like stars and planets, you’ll need a telescope with a large aperture. If you’re interested in terrestrial viewing, you’ll need a telescope with a high magnification.
You’ll also need to consider the type of mount the telescope has. The mount determines how stable the telescope will be when you’re viewing objects. You’ll also need to consider the weight and size of the telescope.
2. What are the different types of telescopes?
The three main types of telescopes are reflectors, refractors, and compound telescopes.
Reflector telescopes use mirrors to reflect light into the eyepiece. They have a large aperture and are good for viewing celestial objects.
Refractors use lenses to focus light into the eyepiece. They have a smaller aperture than reflectors, but they are good for terrestrial viewing.
Compound telescopes combine the features of reflectors and refractors. They have a large aperture and are good for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
3. What is the aperture?
The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main light-gathering lens or mirror. The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can gather, and the better the image will be.
4. What is the magnification?
The magnification is the degree to which the image is enlarged. It is determined by the focal length of the telescope and the eyepiece.
5. What is the focal length?
The focal length is the distance between the telescope’s lens or mirror and the point where the light is focused. It determines the magnification of the telescope.
