Telescope Suggestions

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.

Warning: Before buying anything from Orion or Meade, check this out: Sean Walker. “Meade and Orion Cease Operations – Maybe.” Sky & Telescope. July 12, 2024.
Update (September 2024): The Orion website seems to have shutdown.

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 Dobs
Computerized Telescopes
Finders
Astrophotography Made Easy

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. Orion StarBlast no longer available? The Orion website has shutdown.

Orion StarBlast 4.5

Sky-Watcher Heritage 150

AWB OneSky Reflector

Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector

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.

114mm

130mm

150mm

The SkyScanner BL135 has a longer focal length than the others and is an intermediate step toward the classic Dobsonians shown below. No longer available? The Orion website has shutdown.

Orion SkyScanner BL135mm

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.

Explorer 8

Explorer 10

Explorer 12

Orion SkyQuest Dobsonians. The Classic Dobsonians from Orion with a 1200mm focal length (slightly longer for 10”). All come with a 2” single speed focuser and a red dot finder. The tube attaches to base with a spring. No longer available? The Orion website has shutdown.

SkyQuest 6XT

SkyQuest 8XT

SkyQuest 10XT

Orion Skyline Dobsonians. A newer line of Dobsonians from Orion with a 1200mm focal length (slightly longer for the 10” and 12″). All come with a standard finder scope. The 8” through 12” inch models have a larger right-angle finder, 2” dual speed focuser, and cooling fan. The tube also attaches to the base with a knob (the 6” uses a spring). No longer available? The Orion website has shutdown.

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.

150P

200P

250P