Bring the stars to your garden with the best powerful telescopes and binoculars available right now
Image by Felix Mittermeier
For an exciting night in, there’s nothing quite like stargazing. The night skies above your head are full of unexplored wonders, and whether you’re working from a garden, a balcony or a bedroom window, it’s never been easier to get a closer look into the universe.
With many fascinating astronomical events happening throughout the year, you can easily put together a busy calendar of things to look out for with your new telescope or binoculars. And if you want to try your hand at astrophotography, many cameras can be rigged up to telescopes, allowing you to capture what you see and hold onto the memories.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to our favourite telescopes and binoculars on the market right now. From simple and affordable models to professional-grade computerised scopes, we’ve made sure to include telescopes to suit the needs and budget of every aspiring astronomer.
So without further ado, we’ll get onto the kit. Let’s see what’s out there...
Telescopes
When it comes to stargazing, you can’t beat a specialised telescope! Here are our picks of the best telescopes available right now, with models to suit all budgets...
1. Celestron Astromaster 130EQ Motorised Reflector Telescope
Celestron’s Astromaster 130EQ Motorised Reflector Telescope is one of the most popular telescopes around, and it’s easy to see why! It’s quick and easy to set up, with no tools required, and its powerful optics are capable of producing crystal-clear images of the moon and many of the planets that share our solar system.
Its stable, pre-assembled tripod boasts 1.25-inch steel tube legs for a secure foundational base, and the optics inside the telescope have been coated to ensure extra clarity in the image. Handily, the telescope comes with astronomy software called “The SkyX – First Light Edition”, which provides several handy tools to help you get acquainted with the night sky and the treasures that await you there.
Easy to use, beautifully made and available for a great price to boot, the Celestron Astromaster 130EQ Reflector Telescope is one of the finest tools out there for viewing the night sky.
Celestron Astromaster 130EQ Motorised Reflector Telescope
If you're looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the Astromaster Series is for you. Each model is capable of giving correct views of land and sky. The Astromaster Series produce bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with this fine instrument. This model includes a motor drive, for automatic tracking of celestial objects once located.
£269.00 View
2. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 App-Enabled Reflector Telescope
As the name implies, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 App-Enabled Reflector Telescope can be used in conjunction with the StarSense Explorer app. It’s the first telescope of its kind – though we wouldn’t be surprised if plenty more follow, from Celestron and other manufacturers!
The app generates a list of objects in the night sky for you to view, giving you some direction in a way that’s especially useful for those who are new to astronomy and astrophotography. You can then use the manual altazimuth mount and its smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls to follow the on-screen arrows to reach your target. Couldn’t be simpler!
Inside, the telescope boasts a 130mm Newtonian reflector with highly reflective coatings, which you can use in relatively dark skies to view such astronomical phenomena as the Andromeda Galaxy and Hercules Open Star Cluster, as well as our closer neighbours in the solar system like Jupiter, Saturn and the rest.
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 App-Enabled Reflector Telescope
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 App-Enabled Reflector Telescope allows you to explore the night sky, even if you have no previous telescope experience. It comes with the convenient StarSense Explorer app that does all the hard work for you - it is the first telescope to use a smartphone in such capacity. The app generates a list of objects currently visible in the sky for you to observe. The included manual altazimuth mount, featuring smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls allow you to easily follow the on-screen arrows to your target so that you can spend more time exploring and less time worrying about complex controls. From planets, galaxies to deep sky objects - the night sky belongs to you.
£399.00 View
3. Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Telescope
Use computer control for a telescope that’s more accurate than ever! The Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Telescope can use SkyAlign technology to quickly and efficiently orient itself – simply point it at three stars in the sky, and the software will do the hard part.
Sturdily mounted on a steel tripod, the NexStar 4SE Computerised Telescope also features a built-in wedge that makes it an excellent tool for astrophotography. Its quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray make it easy to set up, with no tools required, and its internal battery compartment means you don’t have to worry about inadvertently wrapping a cord around it.
Classically styled with the distinctive orange of older telescopes, the Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Telescope blends old-school cool with state-of-the-art features and functionality. Its optics are pin-sharp for superb viewing, and all in all it’s a fantastically sophisticated telescope.
Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Telescope
Free PowerTorch worth £35
The NexStar SE Family combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with state-of-the-art features, including a fully computerized operating system, flash upgradeable hand control, superior coatings, the revolutionary SkyAlign telescope alignment software and much more.So whether you are a seasoned astronomer looking for a portable scope with advanced features, or just starting your astronomy adventure and looking for an easy way to enjoy the night sky, a NexStar SE will help you take a closer look.Align your NexStar SE telescope in minutes with the new SkyAlign technology. Just point the telescope at three bright stars and let the computer do the rest. You don't even need to know the names of the stars!
£649.00 View
4. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Reflector Telescope
Another app-enabled scope for smartphone stargazing, the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Reflector Telescope allows you to use your device to analyse the star patterns over your head, and track them in real time. It’s more affordable than the DX 130 at #2 on our list, making it a sensible choice if you’d like to make use of an app-enabled scope but have one eye on your costs.
The LT 114AZ is simple to use but also powerful, equipped with coated optics and a 114mm Newtonian reflector. It’s also pleasingly lightweight at just 4.7kg, so taking it on the go is a matter of relative ease and simplicity. Wherever your stargazing takes you in the future, the 114AZ is a terrific choice of companion.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Reflector Telescope
Free PowerTank GLOW worth £35
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Reflector Telescope allows you to explore the night sky, even if you have no previous telescope experience. It comes with the convenient StarSense Explorer app that does all the hard work for you - it is the first telescope to use a smartphone in such capacity. The app generates a list of objects currently visible in the sky for you to observe. The included manual altazimuth mount, featuring smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls allow you to easily follow the on-screen arrows to your target so that you can spend more time exploring and less time worrying about complex controls. From planets, galaxies to deep sky objects - the night sky belongs to you.
£219.00 View
5. Celestron Astromaster 114EQ Reflector Telescope
Another fantastic telescope for those with smaller budgets, the Celestron Astromaster 114EQ Reflector Telescope produces images of terrific brightness and clarity. Its optics have all been coated for superior light transmission, and its quick-release dovetail attachment makes it easy to set up, without the need for any tools.
The 114EQ uses a German Equatorial mount with Setting circles, making it easier to track night-sky objects, and its steel tripod is a rugged and hardy model that’ll keep the telescope stable at all times.
Celestron Astromaster 114EQ Reflector Telescope
If you're looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the Astromaster Series is for you. Each model is capable of giving correct views of land and sky. The Astromaster Series produce bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with this fine instrument.
£214.00 View
6. Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Reflector Telescope
Bright, reliable and sturdy, with a permanently mounted StarPointer, the Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Reflector Telescope is another tool that’s available for a fantastic price. It’s compact and portable, easy to set up, and delivers superb optical performance.
Like many Celestron telescopes, the Astromaster 76EQ Reflector Telescope is as capable for shooting terrestrial subjects as it is for celestial ones, so you can use it for applications beyond night-sky viewing.
Celestron Astromaster 76EQ Reflector Telescope
If you're looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the Astromaster Series is for you. Each model is capable of giving correct views of land and sky. The Astromaster Series produce bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with this fine instrument.
£165.00 View
7. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor
This refractor telescope is a great tool for the night-sky enthusiast who’s a little bit new to all this. It also has a clever DIY feature for taking astro images on your smartphone – simply place the phone in the integrated smartphone adapter on the lens cap, fix it in place with the included screws and bungee cords, and before you know it, you have a sophisticated solution for snapping high-powered telescope image on your phone!
While it’s got plenty for the entry-level user, the Inspire 100AZ is also sophisticated enough for intermediate users to get plenty of use out of it as well, with powerful optics that render a sharp, clear, crisp image. The accessory tray also has a useful red LED light built in, allowing you to quickly locate things in the dark.
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor
Save £20, RRP £279
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is the ultimate refractor telescope for the novice to intermediate astronomer, offers easier transport and storage, and is packed with features never seen before on entry level telescopes. Inspire features fully coated glass optics, a solid altazimuth mount with a unique asymmetrical design, a sturdy steel tripod with integrated fold-up accessory tray, an integrated smartphone adapter, built-in red LED flashlight, large projected reticule finderscope, erect image optics, and a focus micrometre for easily returning to the same focus point.
£279.00 View
8. Meade LightBridge Mini 82 Dobsonian Telescope
This tabletop Dobsonian telescope is portable enough to keep out of the way in the house, or grab and take with you on adventures, camping trips and more. It sets up in seconds, weighs just 1.81kg, and features two eyepieces for low and high magnification. It also looks great as a tabletop ornament, making it a stylish addition to any home.
Navigating the sky with the LightBridge Mini 82 is a matter of ease, thanks to the 360° swivel mount and straightforward point-and-look design, with a red-dot viewfinder for helping with aiming. Amazing clarity meets a portable design and impressive magnification power – this is a fantastic tool for any budding astronomer, available for an amazing price.
Binoculars
Don’t count out binoculars! Though they may not offer the sheer magnification power of dedicated stargazing telescopes, these portable devices can be a great way to give yourself a good view of the night sky. Here are a couple of our favourites…
9. Hawke Frontier ED X 10x42 Binoculars - Grey
These binoculars from Hawke deliver 10x magnification power and deliver an image with impressively vivid colour retention. With fantastic light transmission, the binoculars produce a reproduction so vivid it’s almost as though you’ve really been transported.
The binoculars have been nitrogen-purged, making them waterproof and fog-proof, and they weigh a slender 705g, making them easy to use for long periods and to carry on an outdoor excursion.
Hawke Frontier ED X 10x42 Binoculars - Grey
Using a superior optical system, designed around ED glass, the Frontier ED X produces stunning colour retention, crisp definition and excellent light transmission, you are sure to be blown away by its performance in the field.
£469.00 View
10. Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 Binoculars - Black
These luxury binoculars from Zeiss represent the pinnacle of performance. Ergonomically designed for comfort over long periods, they’re perfectly balanced for longer viewing periods, with a centre of gravity that sits near the rear, closer to the eye. They offer an incredibly wide field of view, perfect for taking in the sheer expanse of the white sky, and light transmission is at an impressive 92%, resulting in a truly impressive image.
As you’d expect from Zeiss, optical quality is paramount, with multiple fluoride lens elements made of high-quality Schott glass, and a seven-element eyepiece. Image definition is truly fantastic, making these class-leading binoculars a terrific buy for viewing the skies.
Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 Binoculars - Black
The new Victory SF 8x42 binoculars from Carl Zeiss allow you to experience the most exciting hunting moments as never before. The optical perfection, the unparalleled field of view, the revolutionary ergonomics, and the ultra-light design make this model the best all-purpose binoculars ever built by Zeiss and are presented as the most versatile premium binoculars in the company's 165-year history.
£2,359.00 View
