After even an extensive review of the different types of telescopes, it can still be difficult to find one to purchase. Therefore, here are a few suggestions. For the beginner, tabletop or classic Dobsonians are a good choice. Although, you might consider one of the entry level smart telescopes such as the Seestar or Dwarf 3.
Warning: Before buying anything from Orion or Meade – They seem to have gone out of business.
Sean Walker. “Meade and Orion Cease Operations – Maybe.” Sky & Telescope. July 12, 2024.
Update (September 2024): The Orion website has shutdown.
Update (January 2025): The Meade website has shutdown.
Update (January 2025): Orion and Meade are auctioning off their remaining inventory.
Update (March 2025): High Point Scientific has purchased all of the remaining Orion and Meade inventory.
Please note that FAS does not recommend or endorse specific telescopes or companies.
These are just a few telescopes on the market that you might consider.
Images shown below are examples and not necessarily the specific telescope being referenced.
On This Page
Tabletop Telescopes
Classic Dobsonians
Computerized Telescopes
Finders
Smart Telescopes
Smaller (Tabletop) Telescopes
Smaller and more portable tabletop Dobsonians have a shorter focal length (less magnification for a given eyepiece). Apertures range from 4 1/2″ to 6”. All have red dot finders.
Celestron has a line of StarSense Explorer tabletop Dobsonians with their StarSense Explorer adapter for a smartphone and red dot finders. Apertures range from 4 1/2” to 6”. These are table top versions of their larger classic Dobsonians shown below.
The SkyScanner BL135 has a longer focal length than the others and is an intermediate step toward the classic Dobsonians shown below. No longer available. The Orion website has shutdown.
Classic Dobsonians
Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobsonians. Newer Dobsonians with a single speed 2” focuser, red dot finder, and StarSense Explorer adapter for a smartphone. The tube attaches to the base with a knob.
Sky-Watcher Classic Dobsonians. Another series of classic Dobsonians with a 1200mm focal length and standard finder scope. The 8- and 10-inch models have a 2” single speed focuser.
Apatura DT Dobsonians. Focal length 1200mm to 1520mm. Single speed 1 1/4” focuser (DT6) or 2” focuser (DT8 and up). Straight angle (8 x 50) finder scope.
Apatura AD Dobsonians. Focal length from 1200mm to 1520mm. Dual speed 2” focuser. Cooling fan. Right angle (8 x 50) finder scope.
Spectrum Optical Instruments DS Series Dobsonians. Focal length from 1200mm. Dual speed 2” Crawford focuser. Traditional 8 x 50 finder scope.
Orion SkyQuest Dobsonians. The Classic Dobsonians from Orion with a 1200mm focal length (slightly longer for 10”). All come with a 2” single speed focuser and a red dot finder. The tube attaches to base with a spring. No longer available. The Orion website has shutdown.
Orion Skyline Dobsonians. A newer line of Dobsonians from Orion with a 1200mm focal length (slightly longer for the 10” and 12″). All come with a standard finder scope. The 8” through 12” inch models have a larger right-angle finder, 2” dual speed focuser, and cooling fan. The tube also attaches to the base with a knob (the 6” uses a spring). No longer available. The Orion website has shutdown.
Computerized Telescopes
Celestron offers several series of computerized telescopes.
Meade also offers a wide variety of computerized telescopes. No longer available. Meade has shut down.
Reflex “Red Dot” Finders
A “red dot” reflex finder is often a better choice than the typical “mini-telescope” that comes with many telescopes. Many in our club use the Telrad finder. It and other choices can be found on Amazon.
Smart Telescopes
Seestar image credits: Bruce Gavett.
New From ZWO, The Seestar S50 & S30
NEw from Dwarf Labs, The Dwarf 3
The Seestar from ZWO and the Dwarf 3 from Dwarf Labs are entry level smart telescopes providing an introduction to astrophotography for the beginner.
Other Possible Options
There are now several other smart telescopes available. For more information, see our Astrophotography page.
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