A telescope is quite an expensive instrument and its correct choice can determine for many years ahead how successful your astronomical research will be, and the process itself will bring moral satisfaction. Our rating will help determine what you need and what means will be required for this.
Telescope which company to choose
Sky-watcher
The Canadian company offers a wide range of amateur and semi-professional telescopes with a lens diameter from 60 to 406 mm. The high quality standard is maintained using optical glass from the German company Schott AG. The brand is represented by all the main types - reflectors, refractors and mixed (catadioptric). Telescopes are mounted on their own production mounts - a large selection of AZ (alt-azimuth) and EQ (equatorial) models, differing in accuracy of mechanics, carrying capacity, the ability to install drives and compatibility with computer programs. In some cases, Dobson mount is used. The company accompanies its products with a large assortment of accessories.
Celestron
This company is one of the first in the world to establish a commercial production of telescopes of the amateur and semi-professional level. The brand's reputation is confirmed by more than half a century of successful development and sale of telescopes with various mounting and component parts. Much of the products are compatible with computer tracking software. Using GPS allows you to specify the geographic coordinates, which allows you to synchronize the tool with the observed objects more accurately. Also produced other optics - binoculars, telescopes and microscopes. Products of this brand are well known on all continents. Celestron technologies are actively used in the creation of clones, including by Chinese manufacturers.
Bresser
One of the oldest European companies specializing in the manufacture and sale of optical instruments. After joining forces with the American company Meade Instruments is one of the world leaders in this field. The main priorities are the introduction of new technologies and the expansion of the range. A line of instruments (mainly telescopes) for children and adolescents - Bresser Junior.
Veber
A relatively young Russian-Chinese company that sells optics under its own brand, as well as from leading world manufacturers. It has its service centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where not only Veber products are served, but also other companies.
Top Refractors
Refractor telescopes are well suited for the study of relatively close space bodies - the Moon, planets, bright comets, or for general star sky surveys. The brightness of the objects under study makes it possible to conduct observations even in the city, in the courtyard or on the balcony. Refractors are also used as a telescope - for observations of remote ground objects and atmospheric phenomena. Based on the destination, azimuth mount is often used.
Bresser Junior Space Explorer 45/600
Inexpensive children's telescope with an attractive appearance, complete with convenient packaging for transportation and storage. The maximum magnification is x100. Mount tabletop, azimuth.
Advantages:
- bright, attractive for children design;
- low price;
- low weight (2.21 kg) and packaging format;
- convenient installation and setup, quickly mastered by children;
- large height adjustment range of the tripod;
- high build quality.
Disadvantages:
- fairly weak maximum useful increase - x90.
Most reviews and reviews call the Bresser Junior Space Explorer 45/600 the most suitable gift for a young astronomer.
Sky-Watcher - BK 707AZ2
A high-quality budget model, with its simplicity, gives a steady 140-fold increase, and its small size allows it to be used both from the balcony and on trips outside the city.
Advantages:
- lightness and compactness - easily transferred even when assembled;
- high quality optics;
- a large number of accessories as standard;
- The mount fully withstands the required loads, there is no tool shake.
Disadvantages:
- it is difficult to balance the tool on the mount when using the camera or other third-party accessories; manual revision of the design is required;
- the searcher is rather chromatic;
- at the maximum magnification, the azimuth mount makes the adjustment somewhat inconvenient;
- transportation bag not included.
According to reviews of amateur astronomers, not only all the declared capabilities of Sky-Watcher BK 707AZ2 but even more are realized, which makes it possible to use it not only for observing the Moon and planets, but also in the study of some deep space objects. Contrary to a fairly reasonable price and modest parameters, it is quite a universal tool that is useful not only for amateurs, but also for professionals for field work.
Celestron PowerSeeker 50 AZ
One of the cheapest models on azimuth mount with a minimum of functionality. According to the stated parameters, the maximum possibility of increasing is x118.
Advantages:
- low price;
- quick installation - 5-7 minutes;
- the ability to adjust the height of the mount from 69 to 140 cm.
- availability of astronomical software;
- convenient observation of ground objects, the possibility of a direct, rather than an inverted image.
Disadvantages:
- the lack of Russified instructions for use, which, if necessary, can be downloaded from the Internet;
- the mount design is unstable, which creates distortions in the observation;
- the lack of fine tuning mechanics and reliable fixation of the telescope on the object of observation;
- insufficient quality of optical elements, which can lead to image clouding.
Celestron PowerSeeker 50 AZ is well suited for those who are engaged in observing space objects from time to time and are not ready for this significant cost. It will also be relevant when specializing in observations of ground objects and atmospheric phenomena. More serious astronomers see this model as a maximum as the first stage, which gives the initial observational skills and allows you to decide on the acquisition of a more serious instrument. A significant amount of reviews and reviews, including those with a negative connotation, nevertheless confirms that this model is in demand due to its very low price. In some specialized forums, you can find a discussion about the possibility of correcting the detected technical flaws and filling in the functions unforeseen by the manufacturer.
Veber 400/80 AZ
It is a fairly compact and inexpensive telescope with a focal length of 40 cm with a relatively significant lens diameter of 80 mm with an increase from x13 to x160.
Advantages:
- gives a fairly high-quality and bright image;
- almost no chromatic effects;
- low price;
- small weight (2.6 kg) and compactness - the size of the package is 51x14x16 cm;
- the presence of a hiking bag;
- instruction in Russian;
- direct and non-mirror image, which allows the use of a telescope as a telescope for observing ground and atmospheric objects;
- with a minimal increase, the near focus limit is only 4.5 meters, which makes it possible to observe even very close objects.
Disadvantages:
- The mount included in the package raises criticism because of poor quality, so shop consultants recommend buying a more suitable tripod right away - even a regular photo stand will serve as a better “native”.
According to user feedback, with the mount included in the factory package, the Veber 400/80 AZ can only be used for ground observations. When it is replaced, the telescope is suitable for novice astronomers in observing objects in the solar system — the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and also — some bright more distant targets — galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, etc.
Top reflectors
Telescopes reflectors, on average, have a large multiplicity and are more often used to study deep space - nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, etc. These are usually more expensive models calculated by experienced users. For reflectors, an equatorial mount is often used, sometimes - the Dobson system.
Sky-Watcher Dob 8 "(200/1200) Retractable
Enough massive tool (complete to 24 kg) using Dobson mount. The maximum increase x406 with an aperture of 203 mm.
Advantages:
- the large diameter of the main mirror gives a bright image, and therefore the acquisition of a moon filter is recommended for observing the Moon;
- for such power and quality is quite low price;
- availability of detailed assembly instructions, as well as all the necessary hardware and tools;
- the highest possible in terms of parameters tool that can be periodically transported;
- folding pipe, which also increases mobility;
- It is possible to install the camera.
Disadvantages / features of operation:
- the open part of the pipe must be protected from dust and lateral exposure with a cover of black dense fabric during operation, and during storage the whole pipe must be packed in film or a dense case;
- install the pipe (about 10 kg) on the mount because of the design features it is necessary for two to avoid damage to the main mirror or other optics;
- in view of its dimensions, this model is not very suitable for viewing from a balcony;
- the features of the material require certain efforts to induce, while the movements may be uneven, which is corrected by home improvement.
Sky-Watcher Dob 8 "(200/1200) Retractable is a good choice for professionals and experienced amateurs, allowing you to explore the solar system, as well as deep space objects - nebulae, galaxies, etc., with a magnitude up to 14.2. Reviews and Reviews note the high quality of optics and the reliability of the mount.
Messier NT-150L / 1200 EXOS-2 / EQ5
Newton's reflector with an aperture of 150 mm, mounted on an equatorial mount, has the maximum possible increase x300. Approximately observable magnitude - 13m.
Advantages:
- high quality optics gives a "picture" without color distortion;
- professional level assembly of all parts simplifies guidance;
- massive mount eliminates image jitter, which allows you to successfully explore even fairly weak objects of deep space;
- convenient manual drive for axle correction;
- the possibility of mechanization of the guidance system;
- the possibility of photographing;
- availability in the sales package of various astronomical maps in the usual and digital form.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- significant dimensions and weight (17.7 kg).
The Bresser Messier NT-150L / 1200 EXOS-2 / EQ5 is an excellent device for experienced amateurs and professionals, allowing you to explore objects in the solar system as well as distant nebulae and galaxies. Despite the relatively large size, if necessary, this telescope is suitable for mobile observations. Reviews, reviews and discussions on specialized forums make it clear that for many experienced users this model is a cherished goal, difficult to reach due to the relatively high price.
Which telescope to buy
Choosing the right telescope depends on the destination:
1. Children will be delighted with the Bresser Junior Space Explorer 45/600 telescope.
2. If you need observations of earthly objects, or if you just sometimes need to surprise your friends at a picnic, the Celestron PowerSeeker 50 AZ is quite suitable.
3. As a basic tool, Sky-Watcher - BK 707AZ2 is quite suitable for amateurs, it can also be useful to professionals as an auxiliary device or for going on an expedition. With him, the observation of planets, comets, the moon and other fairly bright objects.
4. Lovers of the budget option, who are not afraid of work on the independent fine-tuning of the tool, may like the Veber 400/80 AZ.
5. Quite expensive and multifunctional devices Sky-Watcher Dob 8 "(200/1200) Retractable and Bresser Messier NT-150L / 1200 EXOS-2 / EQ5 are suitable for professionals and amateurs with extensive experience.
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