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Best telescope for deep space

Last Updated: 28.03.24

 

Telescopes for Deep Space – Buying Guide & Comparison

 

Because time is of the essence, you may want to find the best telescope for deep space objects without spending too much time. We hope that his short paragraph should aid you to get the model you need. After a careful analysis of the market, we believe the SkyWatcher S11610 to be the best because it offers a large 8’’ aperture that due to the amount of light it draws, allows detailed viewing of the moon and nearby planets. The straightforward design of the product makes assembly an easy task, as everything is designed to go together perfectly. The base weighs in at 25 pounds which provide a steady platform with close to no vibrations, making it extremely easy for you to observe celestial bodies without any interference from the device. If by any unfortunate event the SkyWatcher S11610 is unavailable for purchase, we recommend the Orion 8946 as your second purchase.

 

 

Comparison table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

Finding the best telescope for deep space can be a strenuous task, especially as it demands a deep understanding of technical terms and features that can leave you more confused than ever. With the many options available for sale, settling for just one can be close to impossible, especially if you lack time to explore the market properly.

If you take the time to read our buyer’s guide, we believe that it will help simplify your decision-making process, by providing you with all the information you need to make a learned choice.

The Aperture

The first thing you have to bear in mind when buying a telescope is the size of the aperture. This is one of the most important features as it dictates just how clear and detailed the image that you view through the lenses of your device will be.  

To describe it in simple terms, the aperture is the hole or opening through which light travels. The larger the aperture, the more light you will get. The more light you get, the easier it will be for you to notice faint deep space objects that don’t emit much light.

The common consensus among experts is the larger the aperture, the better the telescope. It also has to do with what you expect from the product if you want detailed imagery of long distance objects you can’t go wrong by going for a large aperture.

If you want to have a better grasp of how the aperture of a telescope fairs compared to that of the human eye, we believe the following comparison will be quite telling.  An aperture of 8’’ can capture 816 times more light than the human eye. The further you look away from the sun, the more devoid of light the objects and planets will be, this is why a good telescope for deep space needs a large aperture.

 

The Focal Length

Though not as important as the aperture, the focal length is one detail that you should still pay close attention to. Just as with the case of the aperture, a bigger focal length is more beneficial. Greater length will make the objects that you’re viewing look larger than they would with a smaller focal length.

You also have to consider that the size of the focal length will influence the size of the product, the bigger the focal length, the larger your device will be. You should have this in mind, especially if size is a major factor to you and you require something more compact.

We recommend to go for an alternative that offers the biggest focal length, but if you find yourself having to choose between a big aperture and a big focal length, we advise to go for the former. The same thing is true if you want to a compact telescope, we recommend going for what is more practical to you.

 

Magnification

If you are considering buying a telescope for the first time, you could have been led to believe that magnification is the most important feature to have. While this is still true, a high level of magnification is useless if you don’t have lenses that can give you a clear image.

The good thing about magnification is that almost all telescopes allow you to change the eyepiece. The eyepiece is the lens you look through with your eyes. You can change the eyepiece and go for one that offers you a higher or lower level of magnification, depending on your needs.

 

 

5 Best Telescopes for Deep Spaces (Reviews) in 2024

 

To help you decide and choose the best product, we have showcased some of the most well-received telescopes for deep space below. We have examined the most popular deep space telescope reviews, science articles and expert opinions to uncover the top recommended choices that the market can offer. Give the list a look if you have the time.

 

 

1. SkyWatcher S11610 Traditional Dobsonian 8-Inch

 

If you’re an amateur stargazer and want your first telescope to be a quality one that can provide you with a clear image of even the most distant space objects, there’s no denying that the SkyWatcher S11610 is meant for you.

The first thing you’ll notice is that this option comes with an 8’’ aperture that allows for a great amount of light to be drawn. This makes viewing deep space objects possible even if they are poorly lighted. You will be able to clearly see the details of planets, the moon and the satellites of other planets without a problem. Even assembling and using it is straightforward.

In order for you to experience a comfortable and interrupted viewing, the SkyWatcher S11610 comes with a heavy 25 pounds base. This will allow you to have a stable view of the cosmos without those pesky vibrations that can make you lose sight of the object you are observing.

 

Pros

This is a gorgeous piece of technology that will help you get to know the stars much better. It has a sleek body, with a premium shine that just won’t quit.

It is ideal for amateur stargazers, and it will provide a detailed map of the sky, without making a difference if you are using it at night or during the day.

No matter what object you want to analyze with its help, the high-quality item will allow you to do that with ease since it is specially designed with new users in mind. Everything is meant to be intuitive.

Additionally, it rocks an 8’’ aperture, meaning poorly lit environments won’t be an issue.

 

Cons

If you want to be picky, or you have a particular aesthetic that you love, then the fact that the machine is white could be a problem. However, this chromatic choice is going to allow it to be easy to spot in the dark.

 

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2. Orion 08946e Reflector Telescope in Metal and Wood

 

Coming at an affordable price, the Orion SkyQuest XT10 8946 is an alternative worth considering. Not only does it offer the best bang for your buck, but it also offers an experience worthy of any space enthusiast. It offers beautiful optics and sharp images that will have you spend many nights gazing at the night sky.

At a 10’’ aperture, there are few devices on the market that offer the same optics for this price. The big aperture will allow you to observe even the dimmest planet or moon. You will be able to notice more details even in low light conditions.

Because at the core of it, stargazing can be a family activity, you don’t have to worry that you don’t have the skills or knowledge to operate and assemble the product. Assembling it takes around 15 minutes and the instructions are easy to grasp. Using it is also quite intuitive, making it a great way for the whole family to spend time together.

 

Pros

The first thing that pops into our minds when talking about this item is elegance. It has a well-thought design that only enhances its functions.

It is not only affordable, but the images it provides are good enough to impress anyone looking through its high-quality lens.

The sharp images will have great contrast and many details that will remind you we live in an era where you can explore space from the comfort of your own home.

When it comes to the aperture, the 10’’ one is larger than the market’s average, a thing which only highlights just how much this product offers to the buyer.

 

Cons

A drawback for those who prefer units that come in one piece is the fact that you’ll have to assemble it yourself. But, in all fairness, the manufacturer offers all the necessary instructions in the box, and the process itself is very easy.

 

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3. Meade Instruments 0810-90-03 LX90-ACF 

 

If you want a one of a kind experience from your product and you don’t mind spending more money for it, the Meade 0810-90-03 is a good alternative for you. Not only is this device a perfect tool for observing the sky, but it also provides with information about what you are looking at with the help of the Meade AudioStar™ and Astronomer Inside™.

For the price of this product, you get a telescope with a computer inside it. With the help of the built-in GPS, your gadget will be able to automatically find over 30.000 stars, planets, galaxies and more! Finding cosmic objects has never been this easy, the device does the job for you while you can sit back and enjoy the view.

To make things better, your product will receive constant updates from Meade so that you can experience the latest guided tours as well as information on satellites, comets, and new discoveries.

 

Pros

Meade is a classic product that has a sturdy build, which will ensure you can pass it from generation to generation. It will open the sky to you since it is powerful and ergonomic.

It can be the perfect tool for a younger explorer since it features the Astronomer Inside and the Meade AudioStar, two systems that act as personal assistants with access to information about the object you are observing.

Additionally, something that sets it apart is the built-in GPS which can find any star you have in mind with ease.

Updates are important, so you’ll be happy to hear that this item receives updates at least once a year, and that makes it function better and faster.

 

Cons

When it comes to setbacks, we could find only one, which is not that big of a deal. Some buyers mentioned that it is a bit large, but that’s ok since its power matches the footprint.

 

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4. Celestron 11069 NexStar 8 SE Computerised Telescope

 

If you want a portable telescope that does not compromise on features and usability for a smaller size, the mobility of the Celestron NexStar 8 SE 11069 is exactly what you need. At just 16 pounds, if you are an astronomy enthusiast that travels a lot, or you just want to be able to easily change locations when observing the sky, the mobility of this product is ideal for you.

With an 8 inch aperture, you won’t have to worry that any detail will elude you. Even in low lighting conditions, you will be able to observe even the faintest of details. The highest magnification that this option can achieve is 480x, while the lowest magnification is 29x.

To make finding things to look at easier, the Celestron NexStar 8 SE 11069 comes with a database of nearly 40.000 objects for you to choose from. With so many things to look at, your newly bought gadget will keep you entertained for many years.

 

Pros

The highest magnification the machine is capable of is 480X. This allows for very sensible fine-tuning, primarily since its inferior limit is 29X.

To that mix add an eight-inch aperture, and you have a product that will allow you to spot all the distant celestial bodies, even in complete darkness.

For those who are not satisfied with observing and want to learn at the same time, the model also offers a comprehensive database with at least 40.000 objects.

It acts as both an educational tool and entertainment source since its images have clarity and rich detail so that you will be mesmerized almost instantly.

 

Cons

The fact that it takes a while before you learn how to completely manipulate this machine has made some buyers say that its complexity could be a flaw. But what you’re getting instead is extraordinary levels of personalization.

 

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5. Orion Skyview Pro 8 GoTo Reflector Telescope

 

Purposely built to cater to people that want a convenient and straightforward experience from their telescope, the Orion SkyView Pro 8 is easy to use and assemble. It comes with an 8-inch aperture that draws enough light to allow you to view deep space bodies in all their detailed splendor.

You don’t have to worry that you need a thorough knowledge of astronomy, with the push of a few buttons, you’ll be able to find one of the 42.000 celestial objects registered in the computerized GoTo database. The GoTo system can take you on a guided sky tour to show you the best sights. The sights change according to movement of the earth so that your eyes are always pointed in the right direction.

The equatorial mount and stainless steel tripod offer stability to the product, allowing for smooth control. The device is stable enough to make your viewing experience as trouble free as possible.

 

Pros

The SkyView Pro 8 is a complete product, with a wide range of features that will make you addicted to the mysteries of the night sky. And the fact that it comes from a trusted manufacturer will make you use it with confidence.

As the name suggests, it is a Pro model with an 8-inch aperture, which makes it ideal for pitch black lighting conditions.

If you have a preferred constellation or planet, no matter how far in space it is, the high-tech computer inside it will find it almost instantly.

That will be possible because it comes with a pre-installed database of 42.000 celestial objects.

 

Cons

Because no product is without its flaw, we should mention that this model is not ideal for small children. They can use it if you adjust its size, but supervision is required as it is a complex machine with many fragile pieces.

 

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Ioana Moldovan

Ioana’s professional experience in the optics field has helped her understand the value of passing her knowledge forward. Her curious personality helps her gather useful information for her readers and her goal is to make technical information fun and accessible to everyone.

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