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Best telescopes to see galaxies in 2024 – Comparison & Reviews

Last Updated: 29.03.24

 

Top telescopes to see galaxies this year – Guide & Comparative Analysis

 

If you are short on time and you want to find the best telescope to see galaxies, this short paragraph might be able to give you a hand with getting just the model you may need. According to our research, the Celestron NexStar 8 SE is the model you should take into account. The bundle is composed of an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, a case, and an accessory kit, so you can rest assured that you’ll get plenty of value for the money. The main unit boasts a maximum magnification of 480x and a focal length of 2032mm. Also, it’s worth noting that this model comes with a database consisting of 40,000 celestial objects, 200 of which are user-definable. If the Celestron NexStar 8 SE is no longer available, maybe you ought to take the time to check out the specs of the Orion 8945 as it’s a reliable second choice.

 

 

Comparison table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

What is a good telescope to see galaxies? If this is one of the questions that have been bothering you because you can’t seem to find the answer, you’ve ended up in the perfect place. We’ve created a short and straightforward buyer’s guide that can detail the information you need to take into account before deciding to invest your money in one model or the next. If you’re still having second thoughts about trying out such an optical device, check out our post on the many uses of a telescope and reasons to get one. 

Since a bit of research and reading never hurt anyone, we suggest you keep on reading. Bear in mind that some of these devices aren’t particularly affordable, so you best do your homework to ensure you get the right one.

 

Magnification and aperture

The size of the aperture is one of the critical factors that need to be borne in mind before anything. Look at other details such as the magnification power, which is to say the highest and the lowest that can be achieved by the device, as well as the focal length.

Large apertures are capable of gathering considerably more light, so you’ll be able to see sky objects clearly and more efficiently. They also translate into a superior magnification. You can change the eyepieces if you want to switch to a higher magnification. In short, if you want a good telescope to see galaxies, you need to pay attention when reading the product specifications to find out just what you can look at.

 

What type are you looking for?

Refractors are the most common kind of telescopes available for sale these days, but that doesn’t make them better or worse when compared to reflectors and catadioptric alternatives. However, if we were to look at the popularity of each, the last two are critically acclaimed for allowing users to look at deep sky objects such as nebulae, galaxies, and others.

Reflectors are great choices if you only want to look at the Moon and the rest of the planets in our solar system. Depending on their aperture, they might also prove to be good choices for those interested in delving into the mysteries of galaxies. Nonetheless, going for a catadioptric telescope such as a Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain is by far a better idea.

 

Choose a model with a stable mount

To make sure that you’re able to look at celestial objects both conveniently and comfortably, you ought to select a model that comes with a steady mount. Motorized Equatorial mounts are to be preferred as they can keep track of the movement of objects in the sky. They are a bit more complicated to utilize, especially if you’re only starting out.

Computerized mounts are to be preferred if you want to be confident that there won’t be anything coming between you and the galaxy you want to take a peek at. Some systems are so advanced that they can even set the date and time automatically by relying on the satellite signal sent to the GPS with which they have been equipped.

Price

Since most of such models aren’t particularly budget-friendly, you have to be prepared and not get scared because of the price point of some. Telescopes with large apertures that can enable you to look at deep space objects can usually cost a pretty penny. While the advantages of such a device are next to infinite, you may have to take a step back and carefully analyze your budget in order to understand whether or not such an expense makes sense for you at this time.

 

 

5 Best Telescopes (Reviews) in 2024

 

While we couldn’t possibly choose the right unit for you as it is only you who can tell what your needs and preferences really are, we can at least suggest several critically acclaimed models. Most of the following alternatives are praised for their capabilities, so why not give them a try?

 

 

1. Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Accessory Kit

 

It’s no wonder that this Celestron model is one of the popular choices available for sale nowadays. It comes with a StarPointer finderscope that can assist you when it comes to locating objects and aligning the unit appropriately.

Plus, the magnification power is a detail that should always be considered when you’re in the market for such a telescope so it might be reassuring for you to know that the highest one of this unit is 480x, while the lowest one is 29x.

The bundle comes with a series of accessories, as well as a case for moments when you’re feeling adventurous and would like to go to another place to have a peek at the sky. The fact that the model comes with a collection of approximately 40,000 objects is downright impressive, as is the fact that 200 of them are user-definable.

All in all, the Celestron is an excellent alternative that needs to be given some thought to.

 

Pros

Leave aside everything you thought you knew about regular stargazing telescopes and prepare to be amazed by the NexStar 8 SE. It comes with a StarPointer finderscope to help you easily locate your favorite stars

It features a quick-release fork arm mount, an optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup.

You get to choose from a nearly 40,000-object database and expand the information you get on new stars and galaxies. In other words, you are one step closer to finding a new galaxy and get credit for it.

You can even get to take photos with this super telescope, provided you purchase the required accessories so that you can download them.

 

Cons

If you are not a true enthusiast, spending so much money on a telescope will make no sense. Bear in mind that this one is an investment for the future, but only if you are passionate about watching the stars on a regular basis.

Some customers claimed the polar alignment is difficult.

 

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2. Orion 08945e Black 29x Reflector Telescope

 

This Dobsonian telescope is a bit more affordable when compared to the Celestron model we’ve mentioned in this selection. The 8-inch diameter reflector optics allows you to get a glimpse of planets, the Moon, as well as star clusters, galaxies, and even nebulas.

The base is considerably more stable than that of others, which is to say that it can make sure that the model lasts for a good amount of time and enables you to utilize it with ease.

While the model is typically designed for those who have experimented with using a telescope before, it doesn’t raise all that technical difficulties even to beginners.

Most of the people who have purchased the Orion 8945 say that it offers all the benefits of excellent performance and that it is fairly portable. Something that has to be added in regards to the model is that finding deep sky objects might be tricky if the sky is polluted.

 

Pros

In terms of price, this is one of the most accessible and useful telescopes for stargazing and galaxy watch. For just a few hundred dollars you will get to purchase a high-tech, innovative telescope which will help you see the moon, the stars, and other planets in close detail.

The product is one of the best sold for its price range, especially thanks to its precision optics, mechanical simplicity, and stability.

Thanks to the 8-inch diameter reflector optics, you will get to see the Moon and the planets of our Solar system in detail. This makes the Orion telescope a perfect addition for sky passionates and the entire family.

 

Cons

The product is quite heavy and, having so many pieces to assemble, it may arrive in more than one box. However, it is not guaranteed that the boxes will arrive in the same time.

Although most of the customers praised the quality of the item, the customer service and the manufacturing company received plenty of bad reviews from clients.

 

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3. Meade Instruments LightBridge Mini 114 Tabletop Telescope

 

This Newtonian reflector is made for people who really want to go in depth with their exploration of the sky. In this sense, the unit comes with a 650mm optical tube that’s reasonably lightweight, and that actually weighs in at just 13.6 pounds. The aperture is the feature that should impress you, however, as 130mm should be more than enough.

The package includes two eyepieces for modifying the magnification depending on whether you’d prefer a superior one or a lower one. Boasting an easy to use design that appears to be user-friendly, this Meade Instruments alternative is a convenient option to take into account.

Also, unlike other units we have come across, this one is far more consumer-oriented as it even comes with a DVD that includes instructions and pictures of 10,000 celestial objects.

Described by those who have purchased it as an eye-catching telescope that performs well under most circumstances, it appears that the Meade Instruments 203003 is also worth bearing in mind.

 

Pros

The price of this product is extremely affordable, making it a good addition for low-budget stargazers and astronomy passionates. It can even make for a great birthday present for your child or significant other if they love the sky and its mysteries.

It comes with 25x and 72x eyepieces for low and high magnifications, allowing you to easily see stars and the Moon in close details.

The swivel mount is 360-degree making it for easy watching and use in all positions.

Thanks to the removable optical tube, this telescope is perfectly portable and will make for a great addition to your future campings or backyard nights out. The sleek and compact size determine the product to be easy to carry around and store.

 

Cons

In terms of magnification, some owners have found this telescope to be less impressive. Nonetheless, there’s nothing stopping you from returning the product should you decide that it fails to meet your requirements.

 

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4. Orion 09881 Observer 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

 

Sometimes, several catadioptric and reflector telescopes might be just too much to handle as they aren’t extremely user-friendly and might raise some difficulties to people who are less inclined to technicalities. In that case, a refractor telescope such as this one is a good choice, especially as it boasts an Altazimuth mount.

The 70mm aperture is capable of collecting enough light for you to look at planets such as Saturn and Jupiter, the Moon, as well as star clusters and nebulas.

The mount is convenient and can allow you to smoothly keep track of objects that are on the move. The height of the tripod can be customized depending on your personal preferences or needs.

The neat thing about this option is that it can also be utilized for terrestrial viewing if you purchase a correct-image diagonal. In some respects, the Orion 09881 is quite versatile.

 

Pros

This is a refractor telescope without too many tech pieces involved, making it easy to use and handle by just about anyone.

The 70mm aperture is big enough to collect light so that you can easily see the Moon and the planets of our Solar system, as well as stars and nebulas in close details.

It comes with a customizable tripod height, depending on your preferences and personal height. This way you can make sure you will always see the planets comfortably, without acquiring additional back pains or eye discomfort.

 

Cons

Some customers signaled that the lens was broken when they received the product, while others were not fully satisfied with the overall quality of the item.

For those who are on a tight budget we do suggest considering other options as well, as this product, although not highly expensive, may not offer the same quality as other products within the same price range.

 

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5. Vixen 2602 A70Lf Telescope

 

This 70mm refractor should also be on the list of products you ought to consider. The most important consideration in regards to whether or not you should give a shot to this model is that it can gather significantly more light compared to other telescopes in the same line.

As the model weighs in at just four pounds, you can conveniently take it with you everywhere.

Despite its aperture, you won’t find it difficult to utilize the device for looking at the Orion Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy, for example.

Based on the info that we have gathered by considering the consumer reports we came across, it appears that the performance of this scope is more than satisfactory. Some argue that it might be the perfect gift for a beginning astronomer.

It should be noted that the tripod is not part of the deal, so you will have to buy it separately.

 

Pros

This telescope comes with two eyepieces, a diagonal prism, and a dew/sun shield to ensure perfect stargazing and planet watching in all lighting conditions.

The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty and a hustle-free replace should you not like the product.

The affordable listing price should definitely help you make a decision towards buying a telescope.

It is perfect for home use and for newbies.

The tube length is 34 inches and its weight is only 4 pounds, making it an extremely lightweight and portable device, suitable for trips, outdoor campings or placing it in the comfort of your own backyard.

 

Cons

Most customers were pleased with the telescope praising its good price. However, it is mainly intended for beginners and teenagers, hence the low price. The aperture won’t allow you to look at nebulas and star clusters, for instance.

It doesn’t come with a tripod, so you will have to purchase one separately.

 

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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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