Best Telescopes of 2024

The Best Telescopes of 2023: A Comprehensive Guide for Amateur Astronomers

As an astronomy enthusiast, having the right telescope can mean the difference between a fuzzy blob in the sky and a crystal clear view of Saturn‘s majestic rings or Jupiter‘s swirling cloud bands. But with so many options on the market at varying price points, figuring out which telescope to invest in can quickly become overwhelming, especially for those just starting out in the hobby.

To help you navigate this cosmic quandary, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide on the best telescopes of 2023. Whether you‘re a complete novice or a seasoned stargazer looking to upgrade your equipment, this article will break down everything you need to know to choose the perfect telescope for your needs and budget. Let‘s dive in!

Understanding the Basics: Aperture, Focal Length, and Mount Types

Before we get to the specific product recommendations, it‘s important to go over some key terminology and concepts that will help inform your purchasing decision.

The first specification to pay attention to is the telescope‘s aperture, which refers to the diameter of the main optical component (either a lens or mirror). Aperture is the most important factor in determining a telescope‘s light-gathering ability and resolution. In general, larger apertures will provide brighter and more detailed views, especially of fainter deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. For beginners, an aperture of at least 70mm is recommended, while more experienced observers will want to look for scopes in the 150-250mm range.

Focal length is the next major consideration, as it determines the telescope‘s magnifying power along with the eyepieces used. A longer focal length will provide higher magnification views, but isn‘t always better as it can make finding and tracking objects more difficult. Aim for a focal length of at least 500-600mm for a good balance of magnification and ease of use.

The last piece of the puzzle is the mount, which is just as crucial as the optical tube itself. A wobbly or difficult to operate mount can ruin even the finest telescope. There are three main types to be aware of:

1. Altazimuth (AZ) mounts are the simplest and most user-friendly option, moving up/down and left/right. They‘re great for casual viewing but not ideal for astrophotography.

2. Equatorial (EQ) mounts are designed to follow the motion of the sky, making them well-suited for tracking objects over longer observing sessions and astrophotography. However, they have a steeper learning curve.

3. Dobsonian mounts are a type of AZ mount that provide a highly stable platform for larger Newtonian reflector telescopes. They‘re very popular among amateur astronomers due to their simplicity, durability, and relatively low cost for the aperture.

With those key characteristics in mind, let‘s move on to my top picks for the best telescopes of the year.

The Top Telescopes of 2023

Best Overall: Celestron NexStar 8SE

For the perfect combination of aperture, portability, ease of use, and features, it‘s hard to top the Celestron NexStar 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain. With an 8" aperture and 2032mm focal length, this orange tube wonder provides jaw-dropping views of everything from the lunar surface to distant galaxies. The motorized altazimuth mount and computerized GoTo system with a database of 40,000+ objects make locating and tracking targets a breeze, even for total beginners. Built-in WiFi and a smartphone app allow for wireless control. Astrophotographers will appreciate the rock-solid tracking, while the tube‘s compact size makes transport and storage easy. At around $1200, it‘s not the cheapest scope on the market, but you‘d be hard pressed to find one that offers better all-around performance for the price.

Most Budget Friendly: Astronomers Without Borders OneSky 130
Proof that you don‘t need to spend a fortune for great views, the AWB OneSky 130 Newtonian reflector costs just $250 but boasts an impressive 5.1" of aperture and a focal length of 650mm. The tabletop Dobsonian mount provides a sturdy base while keeping the scope highly portable. It comes with two eyepieces plus a red dot finder to help you get on target quickly. The collapsible tube means you can fit it in a backpack for easy trips to dark sky sites. The simple design is perfect for kids or anyone just getting started in astronomy on a budget. The OneSky isn‘t ideal for astrophotography, but it‘s an incredible value for visual observing.

Best for Astrophotography: Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72ED
If capturing stunning images of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters is your main goal, set your sights on the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72ED refractor. This 72mm f/5.8 doublet with extra-low dispersion glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, providing tack sharp views with high contrast and true color rendition. The 420mm focal length is great for wide field astrophotography, while the included field flattener ensures pinpoint stars to the edge of the frame. The retractable dew shield, dual speed 2" Crayford-style focuser, and included padded carry case round out this excellent package. Just add a sturdy EQ mount, camera, and guiding setup and you‘ll be ready to capture hours of uninterrupted exposures.

Best for Viewing Planets: Orion SkyQuest XT10g
For mesmerizing views of the planets and lunar surface, nothing beats a long focal length Dobsonian reflector like the Orion SkyQuest XT10g. The 10" aperture and 1200mm focal length (f/4.7) provide bright, highly magnified views that will practically transport you to the surface of Mars. The stable Dobsonian base makes for easy manual tracking, while the included 2" Crayford focuser can handle heavy eyepieces. Cooling fans and an adjustable altitude bearing help this big scope cool down and adjust smoothly. With two eyepieces and a 9×50 finder included, this Dob is ready to provide a lifetime of jaw-dropping planetary observing right out of the box.

Best Go-To Dobsonian: Apertura AD12
Go-To Dobsonians have become increasingly popular in recent years, combining the aperture and value of a classic Dob with the convenience of computerized tracking. The Apertura AD12 is one of the finest examples in this category, with a massive 12" primary mirror and a focal length of 1525mm (f/4.9). The belt-driven dual encoder system allows for accurate, low vibration slewing to any of the 42,000 objects in its database. With that much light gathering power, you‘ll be treated to spectacular views of everything from the Orion Nebula to the Crab Pulsar. The included 2" dual-speed Crayford focuser, cooling fan, and adjustable altitude bearing make this scope a pleasure to use. It‘s not the most portable option, but the AD12 is an excellent choice for serious observers who want maximum aperture along with go-to convenience.

Best for Grab-and-Go Observing: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
For quick observing sessions or taking to star parties, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is hard to beat. This 130mm f/5 Newtonian reflector weighs just 18 lbs and sets up in seconds thanks to the manual altazimuth mount. But the real magic is the StarSense Explorer app, which provides push-to pointing accuracy using your smartphone‘s camera to plate solve the sky and calculate the telescope‘s position. This makes finding targets incredibly easy without the added complexity and expense of a traditional go-to system. The scope also includes a red dot finder and two eyepieces so you can enjoy great views even without your phone. It‘s an innovative, user friendly design that‘s perfect for budding astronomers.

Choosing the Right Telescope
As you can see, there‘s no single "best" telescope for everyone. The right choice for you will depend on a variety of factors including your budget, experience level, preferred targets, and portability needs. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

• Buy the largest aperture you can afford and accommodate. More light gathering ability means better views, especially of faint objects.

• Make sure the mount is sturdy enough to provide vibration-free views at high magnifications. A flimsy mount can ruin even the best optical tube.

• Consider computerized pointing and tracking if you want to spend more time observing and less time hunting for objects, but be prepared for a steeper learning curve.

• If astrophotography is your primary interest, pay close attention to the type and quality of the focuser and look for an OTA that is specifically designed to produce flat, color free images.

• Don‘t overlook portability, especially if you plan to transport your scope often. A smaller aperture scope that gets used frequently is better than a big light bucket that gathers dust in the garage.

• Choose eyepieces and accessories carefully. A good set of eyepieces can improve the views through any telescope, while filters can enhance contrast and detail on the moon and planets.

Parting Thoughts

Astronomy is a wonderfully rewarding hobby that can provide a lifetime of awe-inspiring views and a deeper connection to the cosmos. And while a telescope is certainly not required to enjoy the night sky, having the right equipment can greatly enhance your experience and allow you to explore distant wonders that are impossible to see with the naked eye.

No matter which telescope you ultimately choose, remember that patience and practice are key. Don‘t get discouraged if you struggle to find targets at first or if the views don‘t match your expectations right away. Like any skill, navigating the night sky takes time to master. But with a little persistence and the right tools, you‘ll be exploring the universe like a pro in no time.

I hope this guide has helped demystify the process of choosing a telescope and provided some worthy contenders for your consideration. Clear skies and happy observing!

Resources for Further Reading

Astronomy forums like Cloudy Nights and Stargazers Lounge are great places to ask for advice and read user reviews of telescopes and accessories.

Sky & Telescope and Astronomy Magazine offer equipment reviews, observing guides, and articles on the latest developments in astronomy and space science.

Stellarium is a free, open source planetarium software that can help you plan observing sessions and learn the night sky.

The Astronomical League is a non-profit organization of astronomy clubs that offers observing programs and awards for completing various challenges, providing a fun way to structure your observing and learn new skills.

May all your journeys be filled with starlight and wonder!