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Best Computerized Telescope For Beginners (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a new hobby, stargazing might just be the perfect fit for you. And what better way to explore the universe than with a computerized telescope designed for beginners? But before you jump into making a purchase, there are a few factors to consider.

First, think about what you want to observe. Are you interested in planets, stars, or deep-sky objects? Different telescopes have varying capabilities, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your interests. Additionally, consider the telescope’s size, weight, and portability. Will you be traveling with it, or will it primarily stay in one location?

Another important consideration is your budget. While it’s understandable to want the best equipment possible, a high-end telescope may not be necessary for a beginner. Look for a computerized telescope that offers the features you want, but also fits within your budget.

If you’re still unsure about which telescope to choose, ask yourself these questions: What do I hope to achieve with a telescope? How much time am I willing to devote to learning how to use it? Will I have a dedicated spot to set it up, or do I need something more portable? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect computerized telescope for beginners.

10 Best Computerized Telescope For Beginners

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for stargazers and astronomers, offering computerized controls and a portable design for ease of use.
2
This product is ideal for beginners and advanced users of all ages who are interested in astronomy and stargazing.
3
The product is ideal for both beginner and advanced users for viewing celestial objects with its computerized telescope and SkyAlign technology.
4
Ideal for beginners interested in stargazing. Computerized mount, two eyepieces and large reflector aid in observing celestial objects.
5
The NexStar 4SE Telescope is ideal for both beginner and advanced users with its fully-automated GoTo mount and SkyAlign technology.
6
The product is ideal for stargazing enthusiasts who want a computerized telescope with a WiFi module for easy control.
7
The product is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts interested in a compact and portable computerized refractor telescope with 102mm aperture.
8
The product is ideal for beginners who want a reflector telescope with fully-coated glass optics and an adjustable-height tripod.
9
It is ideal for kids and beginners who want to explore astronomy and stargaze, with accessories such as a phone adapter and remote.
10
The product is ideal for stargazing and celestial observation, using a smartphone app to locate stars, planets, and other objects.
The product is ideal for stargazers and astronomers, offering computerized controls and a portable design for ease of use.
This product is ideal for beginners and advanced users of all ages who are interested in astronomy and stargazing.
The product is ideal for both beginner and advanced users for viewing celestial objects with its computerized telescope and SkyAlign technology.
Ideal for beginners interested in stargazing. Computerized mount, two eyepieces and large reflector aid in observing celestial objects.
The NexStar 4SE Telescope is ideal for both beginner and advanced users with its fully-automated GoTo mount and SkyAlign technology.
The product is ideal for stargazing enthusiasts who want a computerized telescope with a WiFi module for easy control.
The product is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts interested in a compact and portable computerized refractor telescope with 102mm aperture.
The product is ideal for beginners who want a reflector telescope with fully-coated glass optics and an adjustable-height tripod.
It is ideal for kids and beginners who want to explore astronomy and stargaze, with accessories such as a phone adapter and remote.
The product is ideal for stargazing and celestial observation, using a smartphone app to locate stars, planets, and other objects.

1. Nexstar 130slt: Portable Skyalign Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized star locating telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. It is designed to simplify stargazing by automatically locating and tracking celestial objects with ease. Its Newtonian reflector optical design features a large 130mm aperture that allows users to view our Solar System and beyond in brilliant detail. From Saturn's rings and Jupiter's cloud bands to the Moon's craters and the Orion Nebula, the NexStar 130SLT is capable of gathering enough light to reveal these celestial wonders.

This telescope is compact, lightweight, and portable, making it an ideal choice for both adults and kids to use together. Whether you're at your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply in your backyard, you can easily transport the NexStar 130SLT to any location. Setting up the telescope is quick and effortless with Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign procedure. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the NexStar SLT will align to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.

Buying the Celestron NexStar 130SLT from an authorized dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from the team of US-based experts at Celestron. This telescope also comes with a bonus free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs that allows users to simulate the sky, learn about celestial objects, and plan observing sessions.

Pros

  • Database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more
  • Newtonian reflector optical design with large 130mm aperture for brilliant detail
  • Compact, lightweight, and portable for easy transport
  • Quick and effortless setup with Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign procedure
  • 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from Celestron's team of US-based experts
  • Bonus free download of Starry Night Special Edition software program

2. The Unistellar Smart Digital Telescope – Portable Astronomy.

The Unistellar eQuinox Digital Telescope is a great instrument for space enthusiasts, astronomers, and professionals. It offers enhanced vision that is 100x more powerful than a regular telescope, giving you the ability to observe faint objects in real-time thanks to the live accumulation of light. Additionally, the system provides autonomous field detection that instantly recognizes objects in its field of view by comparing them with tens of millions of stars in its coordinates database.

The eQuinox is not only useful for observing deep space, but it also contributes to protecting the planet from near-earth asteroids and conducting hands-on science. With its dedicated app, you can easily access its features with just a push of a button and a tap of the app. The app recommends the most spectacular targets and launches into deep-space observations within minutes.

Moreover, the Unistellar Network is the first global community of citizen astronomers, which helps you to contribute to citizen science. With over 5,000 members and counting, you can connect with other space enthusiasts, share your observations, and collaborate on projects.

Pros

  • Enhanced vision is 100x more powerful than a regular telescope
  • Provides autonomous field detection that instantly recognizes objects
  • Dedicated app offers easy accessibility to features
  • Contributes to citizen science through the Unistellar Network
  • Connects you with over 5,000 members of the global community of citizen astronomers

3. Nexstar 8se Telescope: Explore The Cosmos!

Experience the wonders of the night sky with the NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope, designed for both beginners and experienced observers. With its iconic orange tube design and updated technology, this telescope boasts the latest features for amazing stargazing. The Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope features an 8-inch primary mirror, providing ample light-gathering ability to observe the best of our Solar System while maintaining a compact form factor.

Equipped with starsense technology and Wi-Fi compatibility, this telescope is fully-automated with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. The go-to mount automatically locates and tracks objects for you, making stargazing effortless and enjoyable. The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod make it easy to assemble and break down into separate components for effortless transportation.

Aligning the telescope is a breeze with SkyAlign technology, which gets it ready in minutes. You can buy with confidence as the telescope brand has been based in California since 1960, and you'll receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts.

Pros

  • Compact design with an 8-inch primary mirror for ample light-gathering ability
  • Fully-automated go-to mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects
  • Starsense technology and Wi-Fi compatibility for effortless stargazing
  • Easy to assemble and transport with a sturdy steel tripod and a single fork arm design
  • SkyAlign technology for quick and easy alignment
  • 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from US-based experts

4. Newbie-Friendly Celestron 114lcm Telescope With Motorized Mount

The High Quality 114 mm (4.5") Refractor is an excellent telescope for those who are interested in astronomy. The quick-release computerized base, optical tube, and accessory tray make for an easy, no-tool setup that only takes minutes to complete. The database allows the telescope to locate over 4,000 celestial objects, making it easy for beginners to find and view the stars they want to see.

The lightweight computerized mount is sturdy and well-designed, making it easy to move the telescope around to get the perfect view. The SkyX Planetarium software that is included is a great tool for anyone who is interested in astronomy. It provides a wealth of information about the stars, planets, and other celestial objects, and is easy to use even for those who are new to astronomy.

Pros

  • Easy, no-tool setup in minutes
  • Database allows the telescope to locate over 4,000 celestial objects
  • Lightweight computerized mount is sturdy and well-designed
  • The SkyX Planetarium software that is included provides a wealth of information about the stars, planets, and other celestial objects

5. Skymaster: Automated Telescope For All Levels.

Celestron introduces their latest telescope, featuring an updated version of their iconic “orange tube” design. With this telescope, stargazing has never been more enjoyable, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced observer. The 4-inch aperture provides an exceptional light-gathering ability at an affordable price, which allows for impressive views of celestial objects like the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula, all while maintaining a compact form factor.

This telescope is fully automated with a GoTo mount and database of 40,000+ celestial objects. The mount automatically tracks and locates objects for you, while SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe within minutes. Even if you’re not familiar with the night sky, you can quickly align your telescope on any three bright objects with ease.

The unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod are easily transportable since they break down into separate components. This feature allows for quick assembly, making it an excellent option for those who want to take their telescope on-the-go. Finally, the optical tube is made of aluminum which makes it lightweight and easy to handle.

Pros

  • Affordable price for a 4-inch aperture telescope
  • Fully automated GoTo mount with a database of 40,000+ celestial objects
  • SkyAlign technology for easy alignment
  • Unique single fork arm design for easy transport
  • Sturdy steel tripod for stability
  • Aluminum optical tube for lightweight handling

6. Celestron Nexstar 5 Se Schmidt-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope With Skyportal Wifi Module

The Celestron Optical Tube is the perfect telescope for both novice and experienced stargazers. With its iconic orange tube design and latest features, it provides the best stargazing experience. The telescope comes with a 25mm eyepiece, star diagonal, accessory tray, star pointer finderscope, built-in wedge, single fork arm mount, and tripod, as well as the NexStar+ hand control. The telescope requires a battery which is not included, and comes with a 2-year limited warranty from Celestron.

The 5-inch aperture of the telescope provides excellent light-gathering ability at an affordable price, allowing you to get impressive views of the Moon and planets, as well as deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula. Despite its powerful capabilities, the telescope retains a compact form factor, making it easy to transport and store.

The fully automated GoTo mount of the telescope comes with a database of 40,000+ celestial objects, which allows it to automatically locate and track objects for you. The SkyAlign technology of the telescope gets it aligned and ready to observe in just a few minutes. Even if you are unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align the telescope on any three bright objects.

Pros

  • Iconic orange tube design
  • Latest features for the best stargazing experience
  • Affordable price with impressive light-gathering ability
  • Compact form factor
  • Fully automated GoTo mount with a database of 40,000+ celestial objects
  • SkyAlign technology for quick alignment

Cons

  • – Battery not included

7. Skyalign 102slt Portable Telescope

Experience the wonders of the universe with the Celestron NexStar 102SLT, a computerized telescope that offers a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. With pinpoint accuracy, this telescope tracks the object you're observing for a more immersive experience. It features a compact and portable design that makes it perfect for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its refractor optical design allows you to view Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail thanks to its aperture that gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond.

Setting up the NexStar 102SLT is a breeze with Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure that has you ready to observe in minutes. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects. As a bonus, this telescope comes with a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs, Starry Night, for an interactive sky simulation.

Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts. This telescope for adults and kids to use together is an excellent tool for both amateur astronomers and professionals alike.

Pros

  • Computerized telescope with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects
  • Compact and portable design for easy transportation and assembly
  • Refractor optical design for clear and detailed viewing of celestial objects
  • Fast and easy setup with Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure
  • Comes with a bonus free download of Starry Night software
  • Unbeatable warranty and customer support from the world’s #1 telescope brand

8. Stargaze Starter Pack With Celestron Telescope

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD telescope is an ideal choice for astronomy beginners as it is a powerful reflector telescope that features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, and an adjustable tripod. Its high-quality 130mm glass optic objective lens makes it a heart of the system that allows the user to observe celestial objects with great detail and clarity.

This telescope comes with an AstroMaster mount that features two slow-motion control knobs that allow the user to make precision adjustments. The manual German Equatorial mount is lightweight and ensures smooth and accurate pointing, which makes it a perfect fit for kids and adults to be used together. The setup is quick and easy, with no tools required for assembly, making it a perfect choice for those who are new to astronomy.

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. The accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer-rated astronomy software programs that allows the user to explore the universe in a more interactive way.

Celestron, the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960, offers unbeatable customer support that makes the user buy with confidence. The user will also receive unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts. The telescope has a light gathering power of 345x when compared to the human eye, which makes it an excellent choice for those who wish to observe the universe with great detail.

Pros

  • High-quality 130mm glass optic objective lens for detailed and clear observation
  • Quick and easy setup with no tools required for assembly
  • Lightweight frame and manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing
  • Comes with two eyepieces, a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope
  • Unbeatable customer support from the world’s telescope brand
  • FREE download of one of the top consumer-rated astronomy software programs included
  • Light gathering power of 345x when compared to the human eye.

9. Gskyer Kids Telescope: Explore The Stars!

The Large Aperture Telescope is a perfect choice for amateur astronomers who are keen to explore the night sky. With a focal length of 400mm(f/5.7) and an aperture of 70mm, it is capable of delivering crystal clear and detailed images of celestial objects such as stars and the moon. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for on-the-go stargazing.

The telescope's quality optics are another great feature. The fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings can help reduce reflections and increase the amount of light that reaches the eyepiece. This results in brighter and more vibrant images. The lens is also designed to protect the eyes of the observer, making it a safer choice for extended viewing sessions.

The Large Aperture Telescope comes with two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens that can triple the magnifying power of each eyepiece. This allows for a range of magnification options, making it easier to observe objects at different distances. Whether you're looking at the craters on the moon or observing the rings of Saturn, this telescope has you covered.

Locating objects in the night sky is made easy with the 5×24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines. Even beginners will have no trouble finding celestial objects. Additionally, the telescope comes with a wireless remote and smartphone adapter that make it easy and convenient to explore the night sky and capture stunning celestial images.

Finally, the adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and carry bag make it easy to set up and transport the telescope to different locations. You can experiment with different viewing positions and take your telescope with you wherever you go. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting out, the Large Aperture Telescope is an excellent choice for exploring the night sky.

Pros

  • High-quality optics for brighter and more vibrant images
  • Powerful magnification options
  • Easy to locate celestial objects, even for beginners
  • Comes with wireless remote and smartphone adapter for easy exploration and image capture
  • Adjustable tripod and carry bag for easy setup and transport

10. Starsense Explorer Dx Telescope With Smartphone App

Experience the wonders of the night sky with your smartphone using the Starsense Explorer app. This app is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices and it will guide you on a tour of the stars and planets with ease. You don't need any telescope experience to use it, just follow the arrows and locate the celestial objects. The Starsense Explorer app will generate a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time and location. Whether you are in the city or a darker site, you can view planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters with ease. The app also lets you view fainter, deep sky objects from darker locations. The manual altazimuth mount comes with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls, which makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. Once the bullseye turns green, you are ready to view the celestial object in the telescope's eyepiece.

Explore the universe from the comfort of your home with the Starsense Explorer app. With just a few clicks, you can locate and view stars, planets, and other celestial objects. The app is easy to use and requires no telescope experience. The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time and location, and you can view both brighter and fainter celestial objects from various locations. The manual altazimuth mount makes it easy to follow the arrows to your desired target, and the dual-axis slow-motion controls ensure that you can view the celestial object with ease.

Get ready to embark on a journey through the universe with the Starsense Explorer app. This app is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, and it will guide you on a tour of the night sky. You don't need any telescope experience to use it, just follow the arrows and locate stars, planets, and more. The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time and location, and you can view both brighter and fainter celestial objects from various locations. The manual altazimuth mount comes with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls, which makes it easy to view the celestial object in the telescope's eyepiece once the bullseye turns green.

Pros

  • Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices
  • Starsense Explorer app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time and location
  • View both brighter and fainter celestial objects from various locations
  • Manual altazimuth mount comes with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls

Cons

  • – Requires a smartphone to use the app

Best Computerized Telescope For Beginners FAQs

How do I set up and calibrate a computerized telescope for optimal performance?

Setting up and calibrating a computerized telescope can seem daunting at first, but with a few steps, you can achieve optimal performance. Firstly, assemble the telescope as per the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that you have all the required accessories, including the mount, tripod, and eyepieces.

Next, you need to align the telescope's computerized system, which is crucial in achieving optimal performance. This process involves calibrating the telescope's motors to track celestial objects accurately. The computerized system will guide you through this alignment process, which involves entering your location and selecting a few stars to align the telescope.

Once the alignment is complete, you can start observing celestial objects. Adjust the focus by using the eyepiece and zoom in or out using different lenses. Make sure to keep the telescope steady by tightening the tripod legs and avoiding any vibrations that may affect the image quality.

In conclusion, setting up and calibrating a computerized telescope can be a bit of a learning curve, but with time and practice, you will achieve optimal performance. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take proper care of your telescope to ensure long-lasting performance.

What are some recommended computerized telescopes for beginners and why?

As a beginner in the field of astronomy, investing in a computerized telescope can be a great way to enhance your stargazing experience. There are various options available in the market, but some of the recommended computerized telescopes for beginners are the Celestron NexStar 130SLT, Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope, and Meade Instruments ETX90 Observer.

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a user-friendly telescope that comes with a pre-assembled steel tripod and requires minimal setup. It has a 130mm aperture and a focal length of 650mm, which allows for clear and detailed views of celestial objects. The telescope is equipped with a computerized hand controller that guides users to locate objects in the night sky.

The Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope is another popular choice for beginners. It has a 150mm aperture and a focal length of 750mm, which provides bright and clear images of planets, stars, and galaxies. The telescope is equipped with a database of over 14,000 celestial objects and a computerized object locator that makes it easy for beginners to find and track objects in the sky.

The Meade Instruments ETX90 Observer is a compact and portable telescope that is ideal for beginners who want to explore the night sky from different locations. It has a 90mm aperture and a focal length of 1250mm, which provides clear and detailed views of celestial objects. The telescope is equipped with a computerized hand controller that guides users to locate objects in the sky and has a built-in audio guide that provides information about the objects being viewed.

Overall, these computerized telescopes are great options for beginners as they provide ease of use, clear and detailed views of celestial objects, and computerized features that make stargazing a fun and educational experience.

What are the advantages of using a computerized telescope for beginners?

Using a computerized telescope can be a great advantage for beginners who are interested in astronomy. One of the most significant advantages of using a computerized telescope is that it can make stargazing much more accessible and more comfortable. With a computerized telescope, beginners can quickly locate objects in the sky without having to spend hours searching for them. The telescope's computer system can automatically align the telescope with the desired object, making it much easier to locate the object and observe it.

Another advantage of using a computerized telescope is that it can also provide detailed information about the objects being observed. Some computerized telescopes come with built-in databases that can provide information about the stars, constellations, and other celestial objects. This information can be very helpful for beginners who are just starting to learn about astronomy.

Moreover, computerized telescopes can also be programmed to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. This feature is particularly useful when observing planets or other objects that move quickly across the sky. With a computerized telescope, beginners can easily track these objects and observe them for longer periods without having to constantly adjust the telescope's position manually.

Overall, using a computerized telescope can be a great advantage for beginners who are interested in astronomy. It makes stargazing much more accessible and more comfortable, provides detailed information about celestial objects, and can track objects as they move across the sky.

What features should I look for when choosing a computerized telescope for my needs as a beginner?

As a beginner in astronomy, choosing the right computerized telescope can be a daunting task. Here are some key features that you should consider when selecting a computerized telescope to suit your needs:

1. Aperture: The aperture of the telescope is a crucial factor that determines the amount of light the telescope can gather. It is advisable to choose a telescope with a larger aperture for better image quality.

2. Focal length: The focal length of the telescope determines the magnification power of the telescope. A telescope with a longer focal length will provide better magnification of distant objects.

3. Mount: A sturdy mount is essential for a telescope. There are two types of mounts: Altazimuth and Equatorial. An Equatorial mount is preferred for astrophotography as it tracks the movement of the stars.

4. Go-To system: A computerized telescope with a Go-To system can automatically locate celestial objects with ease. This feature is beneficial for beginners who are not familiar with the night sky.

5. Price: The price of a telescope can vary depending on its features. It is essential to choose a telescope that meets your budget and requirements.

These are some of the essential features to consider when choosing a computerized telescope. With these features in mind, you can select the perfect telescope to suit your needs and interests as a beginner in astronomy.

What is a computerized telescope and how does it work?

A computerized telescope is a modern version of the traditional telescope which is equipped with advanced electronic technology to make it easier to use and more efficient in tracking celestial objects. The computerized telescope has a built-in computer system that controls the movement of the telescope, allowing it to track objects in the sky automatically.

The computerized telescope uses a series of sensors to detect the position of the telescope and the objects it is tracking in the sky. It then uses this information to calculate the exact position of the object in the sky and adjust the telescope's position accordingly. This process is known as 'go-to' and is the primary feature of computerized telescopes.

The computerized telescope also has a database of celestial objects, which the user can access through a hand-held controller or a computer. This database allows the user to select a particular object they wish to view, and the telescope will automatically point towards it.

In conclusion, a computerized telescope is a modern-day telescope that uses advanced electronic technology to make it easier to use and more efficient in tracking celestial objects. Thanks to its built-in computer system, it can automatically track objects in the sky and has a database of celestial objects that the user can access.

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