Best Telescopes of 2024
2024 has marked a significant advancement for amateur astronomy, introducing an array of telescopes that have made celestial exploration more accessible and rewarding than ever before. Whether your interest lies in visual stargazing, the convenience of automated smart telescopes, or high-quality astrophotography, the choices this year have never been more compelling.
This comprehensive overview of the Best Telescopes of 2024 categorizes telescopes into three primary groups:
- Visual Telescopes – Ideal for direct observation through an eyepiece.
- Smart Telescopes – Automated, user-friendly systems for simplified imaging.
- Astrophotography Telescopes – Optimised equipment for capturing detailed celestial photographs
Visual Telescopes
Best Computerized Visual Telescope: Celestron NexStar 8SE
The NexStar 8SE remains highly popular due to its 8-inch aperture and intuitive computerized GoTo mount. It is suitable for beginners and seasoned observers alike, offering quick setup, portability, and extensive accessory compatibility. Users can effortlessly explore planets, moons, and numerous deep-sky objects. Notable accessories include Wi-Fi adapters, Barlow lenses for magnification enhancement, and high-quality eyepieces for improved clarity and comfort.
Best Overall Visual Telescope: Apertura AD8 Dobsonian
The Apertura AD8 represents excellent value, providing substantial light-gathering capability through its 8-inch aperture combined with a smooth-operating alt-azimuth mount. The telescope includes a dual-speed focuser, finder scope, cooling fan, and laser collimator, making it easy for newcomers and rewarding for experienced astronomers. Various upgrades are also available, further enhancing its versatility.
Best Portable Visual Telescope: Sky-Watcher Heritage 150 Tabletop Dobsonian
This highly portable telescope features a 6-inch aperture in a collapsible Newtonian design. Its compact structure and 750mm focal length make it perfect for travel and spontaneous observing sessions, offering clear and bright views of planets, the moon, and deep-space phenomena. It includes essential observing accessories like eyepieces and a red dot finder.
Smart Telescopes
Best Overall Smart Telescope: Celestron Origin
The Celestron Origin smart telescope integrates advanced RASA optics with a reliable Evolution mount to deliver impressive astrophotography results with minimal user input. Controlled via a dedicated mobile app, the system includes advanced planning features, sky mapping, and built-in image processing power, suitable for both novice and advanced users. Raw image file downloading is available for advanced editing and enhancements.
Best Value Smart Telescope: ZWO SeeStar S50
The ZWO Seestar S50 is an excellent entry-level smart telescope, offering a compact, portable package filled with essential features such as plate-solving technology, automatic alignment, and built-in image stacking. It appeals to beginners seeking easy astrophotography solutions and remains valuable to experienced astronomers for its portability and convenience.
Astrophotography Telescopes
Best Imaging Newtonian: Apertura Carbon Star 150mm Newtonian
Specially designed for astrophotography, this telescope resolves traditional Newtonian issues through precise construction. Its carbon fiber build, CNC-machined components, and internal baffling significantly improve imaging quality. Equipped with a coma corrector and electronic focuser, it delivers an exceptional out-of-the-box astrophotography experience.
Best Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope: Apertura Carbon Star 8" RC
The Apertura Carbon Star RC telescope is optimized for deep-sky astrophotography, effectively minimizing optical distortions over a wide field of view. Featuring a dual-speed focuser, fully threaded imaging connections, and optional accessories like focal reducers and tilt adjusters, it ensures precise, long-exposure astrophotography with enhanced stability.
Best Full-Frame Compatible Refractor: Apertura 90mm APO Triplet
Built with high-quality FPL-53 glass, this refractor telescope offers remarkable color correction and sharpness, compatible with full-frame imaging sensors. It includes an integrated rotator, filter holder, robust focuser, and comprehensive mounting accessories. Additional options such as field flatteners and focal reducers significantly broaden its astrophotographic capabilities.
Best Widefield Refractor: Apertura 75Q Quintuplet
The Apertura 75Q is tailored specifically for widefield astrophotography. Its innovative quintuplet lens system provides a flat field and rapid optical path without external flatteners. Combined with a specialized 0.75x reducer, the telescope offers expansive and detailed views of broad sky regions. Features such as integrated filter support and electronic focusing make it ideally suited for capturing panoramic celestial imagery.
From immersive visual astronomy to sophisticated imaging technologies, the telescopes highlighted in 2024 provide enhanced opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you’re starting out or upgrading your astronomy gear, this year’s diverse offerings ensure an engaging and fulfilling stargazing experience for every observer.
