7 Best Computerized Telescopes Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide

The present technologies available to amateur astronomers, from beginners to serious amateurs, are unquestionably becoming more capable and complex. However, with so many brands and products to choose from, finding the correct telescope can be difficult.

We’ll concentrate on the best-computerized telescopes in our buying guide. But, before we go into the details, let’s define a computerized telescope:

Top 7: Best computerized telescopes reviews

1. Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 HD

• Aperture: 280mm
• Focal length: 2800mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount type: Alt-Azimuth

The CPC Deluxe 1100HD, a computerized beast, created by Celestron, one of the most recognized telescope makers, is the first on our list of reviews. This stunning telescope is ideal for people who want top-notch optical quality and the greatest Astronomy experience without breaking the bank. 

When combined with the HD pro accessory, it’s also an excellent alternative for people interested in Astrophotography. The motors on this telescope were constructed with deep sky astronomy in mind, and they can track accurately for lengthy exposures, resulting in amazing photos with great clarity.

That’s why it’s ranked first in our list of the best telescopes for astrophotography.

The late astrophysicist Stephen Hawking chose this telescope for his Cambridge residence. 

• Aperture: With a large aperture of 280mm or 11 inches (increased with the Edge HD upgrade), it can gather a lot of light, making it a strong telescope for observing nebulas and galaxies.

• Focal length: The CPC Deluxe 1100 has a 2800mm focal length and an F/10 aperture. 

This large focal length allows you to see the brightest objects in our Solar System in great detail. There’s no need for complicated eyepieces.

• Mount: This telescope comes with a Goto motorized dual-arm fork and a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod. For such a large telescope, you’d expect a sturdy tripod ad mount.

Once everything is in place, you’ll have a good, robust platform that can easily support all of that weight.

• Computer: The accompanying computer comes with a database of over 40000 celestial objects and provides a list of all the best things now visible, and the telescope uses Skyline software technology for speedy alignment. We’ll assist you in finding anything you can think of. 

The hand controller is quite easy to use. It’s ideal for concentrating solely on the observational experience. 

Portability: This scope’s Achilles heel may be its portability. This is a substantial tool, weighing in at 30kg.

Of course, it’s ergonomically built to be handled by one person, but if you’re looking for something that’ll make traveling easier, this isn’t it. 

 Apertures of 9.25” and 8” inches are also available for the Celestron CPC Deluxe. Keeping the fundamental features while lowering the costs and weights. 

2. Sky-Watcher S11830 14” GoTo Collapsible

• Aperture: 356mm
• Focal length: 1650mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount type: Alt-Azimuth

The S11830 14” GoTo Computerized Dobsonian Telescope from SkyWatcher is immediately behind the CPC Deluxe 1100.

This superb telescope has the largest aperture on the list, with a gigantic 14” aperture and high-quality optics.

They put a lot of care into the design. The scope can be collapsed, making it easier to travel and maintain.

When you consider the aperture size, this is a rather portable alternative for a telescope with these attributes.

Another excellent feature is the simple alignment setup. This allows you to quickly track items.

2’ eyepieces and accessories are compatible with the focuser.

• Aperture: This telescope collects much light thanks to its massive 14’ aperture. Its ability to reach distant deep-sky objects makes it suitable for comprehensive views of the Moon and planets. 
• Focal length: The Sky-Watcher Collapsible is a 1650mm focal length or F/4.9 focal ratio from Dobsonian.
• Mount: This is a GoTo mount that uses DC Servo Motors. It has a dual encoder mechanism that allows you to move the telescope manually without having to re-align it. So you can choose whether to use it manually or automatically. 
• Computer: The Sky-computer Watcher uses SyncScan software technology to provide an easy-to-use computer with 42900 celestial objects to track at the touch of a button. It’s a great way to make use of the stunning aperture, and it also comes with a short guided tour for easy observation.
• Portability: This is a large telescope, but because of the ingenious Collapsible OTA Design, it’s manageable to travel with. If you’re traveling by car, you can split the base, or if you’re traveling by SUV, you can simply collapse it.

3. Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10G

• Aperture: 254mm
• Focal length: 1200mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount type: Dobsonian

Orion’s time has come. As we progress through the reviews, we select more economical and budget-friendly solutions. The Orion 10135 SKyQuest model is a fantastic mid-priced reflector telescope.

This fully motorized GoTo Dobsonian reflector telescope includes two eyepieces (28mm 2” DeepView eyepiece, 12.5mm 1.25” lighted crosshair Plossl eyepiece) and an easy finder tube to aid with two-star alignment. 

If you’re looking for a less expensive Dobsonian telescope, the Orion 10019 SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope is a good option. 

• Aperture: The Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy are visible with this reflector telescope, which has an excellent aperture of 10’ (very good for its price point).
• Focal length: The Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10g has a focal length of 1200mm and an F/4.7 focal ratio.
• Mount: A Dobsonian GoTo mounts with precision optical encoders and drives motors on the altitude and azimuth axes.
• Computer: The computer is an illuminated push-button hand controller that allows you to choose from several straightforward menus to select one of the 42,000 things available. Making it simple to find what you’re looking for. 
• Portability: This Dobsonian Telescope does not collapse, in contrast to the SkyWaycher SI1830. As a result, it is an inconvenient mode of transportation. 

4. Celestron Nexstar 8 SE Schmidt-Cassegrain

• Aperture: 203mm
• Focal length: 2032mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount type: Alt-Azimuth

The NextStar 8 SE is a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, a classic design first released in the 1970s and now updated with current capabilities like Star SkyAlign, similar to Celestron’s CPC Deluxe 11000.

This telescope was created with ease of use in mind, and this kit includes a pair of quite useful eyepieces.

If you want to shoot some Astrophotos, this is a well-rounded device for beginners and intermediate users. It is also well-suited for Astrophotography.

• Aperture: The aperture is 8” inches in diameter, which is a fantastic size for gathering a lot of light. This is the series’ largest aperture, allowing you to look further into space.
• Focal length: The NexStar 8SE has a focal length of 2032mm and an f/10 focal ratio.
• Mount: The GoTo mount consists of a single fork arm with dual servo motors. Its accuracy tracking makes it an ideal choice for Astrophotography with shorter exposures. 
• Computer: The distinctive NexStar+ hand-controlled computer serves as the telescope’s brain. This includes a database of over 40000 celestial objects, allowing you to track and find anything you require.
• Portability: This telescope is the ideal blend of a strong tool and a portable design that makes it simple to use on a regular basis. 

5. Meade Instruments ETX125 Observer

• Aperture: 127mm
• Focal length: 1900mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth

If you’re just getting started in astronomy, Meade INstruments’ ETX125 model is an excellent place to start. Not only does the AudioStarcontroller computer include a celestial object database, but it also has 4 hours of educational audio content.

The best-computerized telescope for mobile astronomy, this popular scope has been updated with the latest technology. It is incredibly portable and simple to set up due to its design.

If you wish to travel with your telescope, this is the instrument for you.

Two 1.25” Super Ploss (9.7mm and 26mm) eyepieces are included. 

If you’re looking for a Meaderefractor telescope, the StarNavigator NG 102MM is a good option. 

• Aperture: The optics’ aperture is 5” inches. Close-up views of the moon and planets are possible, as well as breathtaking views of star clusters and nebulae. However, you will be restricted in what the more advanced scopes can provide.
• Focal length: The ETX125 has a focal length of 1900mm and an f/15 focal ratio.
• Mount: An excellent dual-fork arm design with a motorized Alt-Az GoTo Mount. A robust Stainless Steel Tripod is included.
• Computer: The AudioStarcontroller is a fantastic computer to start with for educational purposes, as it comes with 4 hours of audio. It features a database of 30000 celestial objects and is quite simple.
• Portability: Because this is a smaller telescope, the benefit of portability is obvious. However, Meade outdid itself with the design, making it quite simple to set up. If you plan to travel with your telescope a lot and require a compact and lightweight device, this is by far the best option. 

6. Celestron Nexstar 130SLT Computerized 

• Aperture: 130mm
• Focal length: 650mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount type: Alt-Azimuth

To sum it up, we chose the best-computerized telescope for a newbie astronomer at a reasonable price. For those just getting started, the combination of price and ease of use makes it a very appealing option.

The design of this GoTo scope is a Newtonian telescope.

• Aperture: With a 5” aperture, you may expect to view some distant deep-sky objects, and it’s more than capable of observing the Moon and planets.
• Focal length: The Nexstar 130SLT model has a 650mm focal length f/5 focal ratio.
•  Mount: It comes with a single-arm GoTo mount with a solid enough tripod for a telescope of this size. The ETX125, like the Meade, is quite simple to set up.
• Computer: The NexStar hand controller computer has a smaller 4000 Celestial Objects database with expanded information for 100 of them. It comes with a beginner-friendly guided tour mode. 
• Portability: Because this is one of the smaller telescopes on the list, the limits in light-gathering power are compensated for by the compact construction. This is the most portable and lightest telescope in this buying guide. 

7. Orion StarSeeker IV 130mm GoTo Reflector Telescope 

• Aperture: 130mm
• Focal length: 650mm
• Motorized: Yes
• Mount type: Alt-Azimuth

The Orion StarSeeker IV 130mm GoTo Reflector Telescope is a great starting telescope kit with many features. It’s yet another great Orion telescope for beginning to intermediate amateur astronomers.

The StarSeeker IV has a moderate 650mm focal length and an f/5.0 focal ratio, allowing it to catch a lot of light. As a result, it can produce some spectacularly dazzling, widefield night sky views.

The Orion StarSeeker IV comes with a fantastic collection of accessories as well. An altazimuth mount, tripod, accessory tray, Orion AZ/EQ Computerized GoTo Hand Controller (syncscan), a 10mm, 23mm wide-field 60° AFOV eyepiece, shorty 2x Barlow lens, moon filter, 12V DC power cord, AC-to-DC adapter, MoonMap 260 and DeepMap 600, and other items are included.

The value Orion bundles into these kits always impress us, and the StarSeeker IV is no exception.

The Orion StarSeeker IV’s automatic GoTo functions may direct you to over 42,000 objects, including stars, double stars, galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters. You can even put the telescope on “tour” mode to show you what’s visible on a clear night. 

Finally, the StarSeeker IV is less expensive than the two higher-ranking options on our list, making it our best value option. This telescope is difficult to resist due to its dazzling optics, large field of view, and abundance of accessories. 

Best Computerized Telescopes Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide

Have you ever gazed at the night sky and wished to explore its mysteries? With advancements in technology, astronomical observation has become more accessible and engaging. Enter the world of computerized telescopes! This guide will lead you through what computerized telescopes are, their types, advantages, and disadvantages, and help you find the one that suits your needs and curiosity. With ease of use and precision, these telescopes are the gateways to the universe that many aspiring astronomers have been waiting for.

What is a Computerized Telescope?

A computerized telescope merges traditional telescope technology with modern computer and GPS systems. By entering coordinates or selecting objects from a database, the telescope can locate celestial objects without the need for manual tracking or a star navigation map.

Types of Computerized Telescopes

Computerized telescopes come in two main varieties:

Motorized (GoTo) Telescopes

• Functionality: Include an electronic motor connected to a computer, allowing automatic navigation.
• Advantages: Simple to use and convenient for both beginners and enthusiasts.
• Disadvantages: Some may argue it makes things “too simple,” though this isn’t typically seen as a significant drawback.

Non-motorized Telescopes

• Functionality: Similar to motorized versions but require manual adjustments with computer guidance.
• Advantages: Provide a learning opportunity for manual adjustments, preferred by some novices.
• Disadvantages: Some find manual movement a drawback, but these models also offer valuable hands-on experience.

Advantages of Computerized Telescopes

• Efficiency: Faster and easier than manual telescopes, ideal for beginners.
• Urban Astronomy: A solution for light-polluted areas where stars are less visible.

Disadvantages of Computerized Telescopes

• Cost: Generally more expensive than conventional models.
• Learning Curve: Some argue manual telescopes offer better learning experiences.
• Power Requirements: GoTo telescopes need to be plugged in or battery-powered.

Computerized Telescope Price Timeline

• Under $100: Usually not worth purchasing.
• Budget: $100 – $300: Good quality within budget constraints.
• Mid-range: $300-$600: Suitable for beginners or experienced astronomers upgrading.
• Upscale: $600 – $1,000: Improved optics and viewing quality.
• Seasoned Astronomer: $1,000+: Top-tier telescopes for advanced users.

Buying Guide

When choosing a computerized telescope, consider the following factors:

• Aperture: Defines quality; larger apertures offer sharper images.
• Magnification: Different eyepieces provide varied magnifications.
• Focal Length: Affects your angle of view.
• Mount: The key to stability and accurate tracking.
• Portability: Consider the size, weight, and your preferred usage scenario.
• GPS: Allows for easier alignment and tracking.
• Database: Choose based on the objects you’re interested in tracking.
• Ease of Use: Match your skill level.
• Power Source: Consider where and how you’ll power the telescope.

FAQs

What is the best telescope to buy for home use? 

The Celestron NexStar 8SE offers a powerful yet user-friendly design.

Which telescope is the best for deep-space viewing? 

Consider models like the Celestron 1100 HD or the Sky-Watcher S11830.

Is a computerized telescope worth it? 

It provides a simple and quick start for novices.

Conclusion

Computerized telescopes are an exciting development in the field of astronomy, enabling more people to explore the cosmos. Whether a seasoned stargazer or just starting, there’s a computerized telescope that fits your interests and budget. Remember to weigh the features and align them with your preferences. The universe awaits you, and a computerized telescope might be the tool to take you there!

We hope the reviews and buying advice were helpful, and don’t forget to check out our tips on the best telescopes tips.

Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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