10 Best Celestron Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory is a cutting-edge telescope designed for both stargazing and astrophotography, making it ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. With a 6-inch aperture and fast f/2.2 focal ratio, it offers exceptional brightness and clarity, allowing users to capture stunning images of celestial objects with minimal exposure time. One of its standout features is the AI-powered astrophotography capability, which automatically stacks and processes images in real-time, enabling users to enjoy sharp, colorful views of galaxies and nebulae without needing much technical knowledge.

The telescope's automated setup using StarSense technology is another major advantage. It aligns itself after connecting to the user-friendly app, making the entire experience accessible and enjoyable, especially for those who might find traditional telescope setup daunting.

This telescope excels in providing high-quality images and ease of use, making it a great choice for those looking to dive into astronomy without the steep learning curve. Its limitations in portability may not suit everyone, but for many enthusiasts, it represents a fantastic entry point into the world of stargazing and astrophotography.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5” is a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope designed for users who want an easy and modern way to explore the night sky. It stands out with its smartphone integration, allowing you to use the StarSense app on your iPhone or Android to navigate the stars without requiring prior telescope experience. This technology is a major strength, making stargazing accessible to beginners by guiding them to celestial objects with on-screen arrows.

The telescope features a significant 5-inch aperture and quality StarBright XLT optical coatings, which provide clear and bright views of various celestial objects, from planets to distant galaxies. The dual-axis slow-motion controls on its manual altazimuth mount ensure smooth and precise tracking of objects once located. One notable benefit is its ease of setup, which makes it user-friendly compared to more complex telescopes.

However, it has some limitations in portability due to its size and weight (14.6 pounds), making it less convenient for travel. Additionally, as it relies on a smartphone app for navigation, it could be less appealing to those looking for a more traditional stargazing experience without electronic aids. Despite these drawbacks, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5” is a fantastic choice for amateur astronomers eager to leverage modern technology for a user-friendly and engaging stargazing experience.

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 EdgeHD Telescope is a robust choice for those interested in both visual astronomy and astroimaging. Its standout feature is the advanced EdgeHD optical system with StarBright XLT coatings, providing bright and crisp views, which is crucial for observing celestial objects. With an 8-inch aperture, this telescope gathers significant light, making it suitable for detailed observations of planets and deep-sky objects.

The telescope comes with a computerized Altazimuth mount, which enhances pointing accuracy across the sky, thanks to built-in modeling. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the tracking of celestial bodies. The integration with the SkyPortal app allows users to control the telescope using a smart device, offering an interactive way to explore the sky.

Its weight at 44.6 pounds might be a drawback for those looking for portability. It's more suited for a stationary setup rather than frequent transport. The manual focus and battery-powered operation add to the convenience but also require careful handling and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The bundle includes an eyepiece and filter accessory kit, which is a nice addition for those starting out. Yet, more experienced astronomers might seek additional eyepieces for varied magnification options.

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 EdgeHD is ideal for amateur astronomers keen on getting into astroimaging, offering a blend of quality optics and technological integration. Its design and features make it a valuable tool for serious sky gazing, albeit with considerations regarding its portability and weight.