Top 10 Best Reflector Telescopes in 2021 Reviews

Astronomy is a fantastic hobby that you can share with your family and friends. However, deciding on the best reflector telescope to purchase will depend on what you would want to use it for. Remember, reflector telescopes are not cheap. For this reason, you need to invest your money wisely to ensure that you get a model that you can use for long. Additionally, note that purchasing the best telescope is essential as it can mean the difference between excellent backyard astronomy and scruffy backyard astronomy.

Our detailed guide on the Best Reflector Telescopes is designed to help you purchase the most appropriate choice depending on your needs. Regardless of whether you are a veteran stargazer or a beginner stargazer, this guide is going to assist you in getting the perfect telescope for you. Before reviewing the top models on the market, let’s start by looking at the considerations you should have at the back of your mind while selecting a reflector telescope.

How to choose Best Reflector Telescope

So what it the best reflector telescope for me? The simple answer to this question is that it will depend on your needs. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or advanced user, here are some of the considerations you should have at the back of your mind.

Aperture

The most important feature of a telescope is the aperture. This is the diameter of its light-gathering mirror or lens. A model with a more substantial aperture will enable you to see the object better including the finer details.

The mount

Another significant consideration is the amount of your telescope. Selecting a unit with a sturdy support allows for more straightforward set up as well as increased control, giving you a wider field of view.

Magnification

It goes without saying, a telescope with better magnification will enable you to see the objects better. A good rule of the thumb is selecting a model that has a magnification that is twice the aperture in mm.

User’s Experience

Telescopes are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced users. If you are beginner. Purchasing the most expensive model may be of no use since you may not know how to use the advanced features installed. However, picking a computerized telescope designed for beginners may assist you in learning more about the sky.

Price

Price is another consideration. Generally, the expensive models are designed for advanced users. However, this doesn’t mean that you go for the cheapest if you are a beginner. Instead, you should look at the features and pick the model that suits your budget.

Now that you already know some of the tips to help you in making a sound decision, let us look at the best models available on the market today.

Table Best Reflector Telescopes

1. Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope

1. Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Although there are many telescopes on the market, the Celestron 127EQ stands out in a number of ways. This telescope features advanced technology that allows you view the space clearly. Unlike another model on the market, it is inexpensive making a good bargain for your money.

Top features

  • 3x burrow lens

Considering the price that comes with this unit, these lenses are a great addition. They enable you to view objects clearly. The lens also sharpens the image allowing you to view every detail included.

  • German equatorial mount

The unit also comes with a high-end mount constructed using high-quality materials for improved performance. Though the mount is simplistic, it is easy to turn in every angle you desire.

  • Great performance

We also love the impressive performance that is facilitated by the 127mm aperture and 1000mm Focal Length. This makes it an excellent choice for beginner and experienced space geeks.

What we liked:

  • Great performance
  • High-quality construction
  • Inexpensive

What we didn’t liked:

  • Not very portable

Celestron is one of the most popular brands that manufacture telescope. It a reliable brand so you should not have any doubt when selecting any of its telescopes.

2. Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope

2. Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

This is another great telescope from Celestron designed for an advanced astronomer. Though this model is a bit expensive than the other model, it is fitted with advanced features and technologies that allows an astronomer to study the space better.

Top features

  • Quick set up

Nature is hard to predict, so is space. You can have a certain phenomenon happening for 2-3 minutes, and if you miss it, it’s gone. With this telescope, you can be assured to capture the moment with ease since up takes you less than a minute to set up the telescope.

  • Erect image optic

This makes it an ideal telescope for terrestrial and astronomical use. With this unit, it is easy to observe the space with more clarity. Besides, this optics brings the objects nearer for better examination.

  • German Equatorial mount

This mount is not only well constructed but also have setting circles that makes it possible for you to locate and track sky objects accurately.

What we liked:

  • Quick set up
  • Advanced features
  • Tripod included

What we didn’t liked:

  • A bit expensive for beginners

One of the reasons why Celestron has remained a top brand is that it offers a huge range of telescope created to suit beginners as well as advanced astronomer needs. The brand also makes telescopes that are easy to carry and set up.

3. Orion 8974 Sky Quest XT8 Reflector Telescope

3. Orion 8974 Sky Quest XT8 Reflector Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

The Orion 8974 SkyQuest XT8 is a state of the art telescope that incorporates one of the largest apertures that gathers more light for brighter views. Though the Dobsonian telescopes tend to be a little bit bulky, this unit comes with a handle that makes lugging it around more easily.

Top features

  • Two-inch 2speed focuser

This is one of the features that make this unit unique. This focuser has 11:1 superior focus that gives the user with precise focus adjustment for sharper views. Some of the other additional accessories added to this unit include 2 inch 28mm Deep View eyepiece and 1.25 inch 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece.

  • Convenient thumbscrew

This telescope also boasts of an easy to use thumbscrew that enables you to adjust the secondary mirror for easy collimation without tools.

  • Eye-Catching design

You will also love the eye-catching design that has metallic blue optical tubes that are installed on a redesigned base with adjustable altitude tension knobs.

What we liked:

  • Portable and lightweight
  • Lots of additional moon information
  • Stylish design

What we didn’t liked:

  • A bit expensive

The Orion brand is synonymous with Dobsonian reflector telescopes that feature a different approach regarding the design of the telescope. The Dobsonian is simple to use for beginners, making them a perfect choice for individuals looking for an easy to use reflector telescope.

4. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope

4. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

This is yet another high-end reflector telescope from Orion. The Orion 10015 StarBlast telescope is crated with beginner to intermediate level astronomers need in mind. This unit is more focused in moon gazing rather than concentrating on other objects in the deep universe. This enables the user to spot most lunar features quickly.

Top features

  • Substantial 4.5-inch aperture

This unit has a 4.5-inch aperture and a quick f/4 focal ratio that gives the user with bright views of the moon, planet and celestial objects including star clusters and nebulas.

  • Stable tabletop base

You do not need a tripod to set this unit. The tabletop base is stable and provides you with a smooth altazimuth motion that makes it easy to observe the moon in detail.

  • Compact design

This is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a grab and goes telescope that is easy to set up.

What we liked:

  • Portable
  • Easy to control
  • Features tarry Night astronomy software

What we didn’t liked:

  • Not the great choice for tracking celestial objects in the deep universe

Orion is an American based telescope and binocular manufacturer that has been in the market for more than three decades. It is well known for making quality products ideal for both advanced users and beginners alike.

5. Celestron 21035 70mm Travel Scope

5. Celestron 21035 70mm Travel Scope

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Today, there are many inexpensive telescopes but we can only vouch for only a few. One of the cheap telescopes that can offer you with a reliable service is the Celestron 21035 70mm Travel Scope. If you are operating on a tight budget and love observing the sky, we would recommend this telescope.

Top Features

  • Class coated optical element

 For a clear and crisp image, this telescope has all glass coated optical elements. Besides, the erect diagonal image ensures that your views are correctly oriented.

  • Altazimuth mount

You will also love the altazimuth mount that allows for smooth functioning as well as easy pointing that makes it easier to locate objects.

  • No tool setup

This is yet another on the go telescope that requires no tools to set up. This saves you time and energy.

What we liked:

  • Affordable
  • Clear images
  • No tool set up

What we didn’t liked:

  • Not very strong for tracking terrestrial objects

Celestron brand is committed to enabling every astronomer dream. The company believes that an aspiring astronomer doesn’t have to wait until he has saved enough cash to purchase a high-end telescope. Instead, they can use the little they have and purchase something they can use to start learning about the sky.

6. Orion 09007 Space Probe 130ST Reflector Telescope

6. Orion 09007 Space Probe 130ST Reflector Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

The Orion 09007 is a solid choice for intermediate to advanced astronomers who have exhausted the benefits of their first telescope. This unit comes with a five-inch aperture and strong magnification that allows the telescope to deliver a great performance when tracking objects and celestial in the deep solar system.

Top features

  • 1.25-inch Sirius Plossl eyepieces

Combining these eyepieces with the 5.1-inch aperture gives the user with an excellent observation of the moon, planets, brighter galaxies, star clusters, as well as nebulas.

  • Shorter optical tubes

As mentioned earlier telescope with longer optical tubes is hard to carry. However, this unit comes with a shorter optical tube that makes it portable while the quick focal ratio offers you with a wide area performance.

  • Versatile tripod

The telescope also comes with a sturdy mount as well as an adjustable tripod that makes it possible for manual slow action tracking.

What we liked:

  • Advanced performance
  • Fast set up
  • Easy to carry

What we didn’t liked:

  • Not great for beginners

Orion manufacture telescopes characterized as beginners, intermediate as well as advanced. This brand is also popular for constructing telescopes that have computerized object database that has tracking capabilities.

7. Celestron 21024 First Scope Telescope

7. Celestron 21024 First Scope Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

The Celestron 21024 combines functionality, portability, and affordability in one compact unit ideal for any adventure lover. This unit is probably the cheapest model on the market that offers you with a unique experience. It is not only designed for observing the moon but also other objects in the solar system including stars and planets.

Top features

  • 76mm aperture reflector

We love the 76mm aperture performance that exceeded our expectation. From the look of it, you would expect to see the object close. It is a decent choice for observing the moon, stars, and other planets.

  • Movable tube

Adjusting the tube is simple, offering you with a wider field of view. The movable tube also allows better navigation for viewing.

  • Compact and lightweight

Carrying a full-size telescope while going for a hike or camping trip is hard. However, you can easily fit this model in your camping bag and enjoy watching the sky in the evening together with your friends.

What we liked:

  • Very affordable
  • Easy to carry
  • Movable tube offers you with a wide field of view

What we didn’t liked:

  • Great for beginners only

The Celestron 21024 shows the company’s commitment to providing high quality and portable telescopes to their users at an affordable price. Though this unit is available an affordable price, it doesn’t compromise its performance and ease of use.

8. Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope

8. Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

There are many reasons why each astronomer should consider purchasing this unit. This is a mid-prized telescope fitted with advanced technology that is hard to find on other models. With computerized control, it will be easier for you to learn the objects in the sky as well as track the celestial objects.

Top features

  • Excellent aperture

This unit has a 130mm aperture with a focal length of 650mm. This enables the unit to focus the object better for images that are more clear.

  • Greater magnification

The unit also has a lot of positive feedback when it comes to its magnification. This allows you to get a detailed picture of the object, making it a great choice for individuals who are committed to studying the objects.

  • Skyalign

Besides, this unit has the Skyalign technology that allows you to align on three bright celestial objects.

What we liked:

  • Computerized hand control
  • Skyalign technology
  • Excellent magnification

What we didn’t liked:

  • The design is a bit clumsy to carry

Celestron brand has also incorporated the computerized features that enable the user to learn the objects in the solar system with ease. Though this is the latest addition, it has gained a lot of popularity amongst astronomers.

9. Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope

9. Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

This is another telescope from the computerized line of models from Celestron. However, this model is cheaper than most of the other models in this class. It is designed for individuals who are looking for an affordable computerized telescope from a reliable brand. Additionally, this is a perfect choice for individuals who are not sure of what to observe in the sky.

Top features

  • 114 mm Newtonian reflector

The large Newtonian reflector has the ability to gather light better giving you sharper and more clear images.

  • SKY tour button

If you would just want to learn about the sky and you are not sure of what to observe, you simply need to press this button, and the telescope will generate the list of objects that are currently visible.

  • Skyalign alignment procedure

This procedure enables you to assemble the unit easily, getting you ready to observe the sky in minutes.

What we liked:

  • Great choice for beginner
  • Full height tripod included
  • Located thousands of celestial objects automatically

What we didn’t liked:

  • No waterproof coating

Telescopes from Celestron are hard to beat when it comes to high performance, durability, and ease of use. Over the years, the brand has been on the market; the manufacturer has learned how to make telescopes that meet different users needs perfectly.

10. Solomark 76700 Reflector Telescope with Tripod

10. Solomark 76700 Reflector Telescope with Tripod
BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Every amateur astronomer would want to have a quality telescope. However, when starting, there is no reason to break your bank only to purchase a telescope that you can’t even use. The Solomark 76700 is reasonably priced and designed explicitly for beginning astronomers. It contains everything a beginner needs including a full-size tripod as well as two eyepieces.

Top features

  • Newtonian reflector optics

The first thing that makes this telescope stand out as a great choice for a beginner is the 29.9-inch aperture as well as 700mm focal length reflector optics. This optics provides the user with great views of a rich variety of celestial objects ranging from the close by the moon to distant galaxies.

  • Easy to pack and set up

Chances are, a beginner astronauts would want something to enjoy watching the sky occasionally. Having something that is easy to set up, move and pack away will save you tons of time and energy.

  • All beginner essentials included

The package includes everything a beginner needs. This includes a durable aluminum tripod, which is adjustable, and a finder scope for easy aiming of the telescope.

What we liked:

  • Offers you with an all-around astronomical observing
  • Great performance
  • Easy to set up

What we didn’t liked:

  • Not so strong for advanced users

Though the Solomark is not quite as popular as the other brands listed here, it is a decent choice for beginners. The brand manufacture quality telescope at an affordable price.

As you can see, there are many budget-friendly telescopes on the market, which is great news for both new and experienced space geeks. However, for you to pick the most appropriate choice, you need to consider your unique needs. We hope that the detailed guide will enable you in choosing the most suitable option according to your specific needs. Best of luck!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button