After even an extensive review of the different types of telescopes, it can still be difficult to find one to purchase. Therefore, here are a few suggestions. For the beginner, tabletop or classic Dobsonians are a good choice. Although, you might consider one of the entry level smart telescopes such as those from ZWO (Seestar) or Dwarf Labs.
Warning: Before buying anything from Orion or Meade – They have gone out of business.
Please note that FAS does not recommend or endorse specific telescopes or companies.
These are just a few telescopes on the market that you might consider.
Images shown below are examples and not necessarily the specific telescope being referenced.
On This Page
Tabletop Telescopes
Classic Dobsonians
Computerized Telescopes
Finders
Smart Telescopes
Suppliers
Smaller (Tabletop) Telescopes
Smaller and more portable tabletop Dobsonians have a shorter focal length (less magnification for a given eyepiece). Apertures range from 4 1/2″ to 6”. All have red dot finders.
Celestron has a line of StarSense Explorer tabletop Dobsonians with their StarSense Explorer adapter for a smartphone and red dot finders. Apertures range from 4 1/2” to 6”. These are table top versions of their larger classic Dobsonians shown below.
Classic Dobsonians
Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobsonians. Newer Dobsonians with a single speed 2” focuser, red dot finder, and StarSense Explorer adapter for a smartphone. The tube attaches to the base with a knob.
Sky-Watcher Classic Dobsonians. Another series of classic Dobsonians with a 1200mm focal length and standard finder scope. The 8- and 10-inch models have a 2” single speed focuser.
Apatura DT Dobsonians. Focal length 1200mm to 1520mm. Single speed 1 1/4” focuser (DT6) or 2” focuser (DT8 and up). Straight angle (8 x 50) finder scope.
Apatura AD Dobsonians. Focal length from 1200mm to 1520mm. Dual speed 2” focuser. Cooling fan. Right angle (8 x 50) finder scope.
Spectrum Optical Instruments DS Series Dobsonians. Focal length from 1200mm. Dual speed 2” Crawford focuser. Traditional 8 x 50 finder scope.
Computerized Telescopes
Celestron offers several series of computerized telescopes.
Reflex “Red Dot” Finders
A “red dot” reflex finder is often a better choice than the typical “mini-telescope” that comes with many telescopes. Many in our club use the Telrad finder. It and other choices can be found on Amazon.
Smart Telescopes
Seestar image credits: Bruce Gavett.
The Seestar S50 & S30
The Dwarf 3 & Mini
The Seestar S30 & S50 from ZWO and the Dwarf 3 & Mini from Dwarf Labs are entry level smart telescopes providing an introduction to astrophotography for the beginner.
Other Possible Options
There are now several other smart telescopes available. For more information, see our Astrophotography page.
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