Are you looking for the best telescopes under $2000? Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a professional space explorer, getting your hands on quality viewing equipment can be hard without spending more than what your budget allows. Fortunately, we have taken the time to research and compile a top list of products that suit those who don’t want to break the bank while still enjoying crystal-clear views of our solar system. Keep reading to learn all about how features like aperture size, mounting systems, accessories, and portability should be considered before making your purchase.
List of Top 5 Best Telescopes under $2000
There are many high-quality telescopes available for under $2000 that can provide you with a great viewing experience of the night sky. Here are some of the best telescopes under $2000, along with their features and benefits.
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Advanced VX 8″ Newtonian Telescope
The Advanced VX 8″ Newtonian Telescope is a top-quality instrument for those interested in exploring the night sky. It features an 8 (200mm) f/5 optical design that provides excellent wide field views and its parabolic primary mirror minimizes spherical aberration to produce a more clear image.
With its integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction, you can be sure this telescope will eliminate any recurring track errors from the worm gear. Added motor improvements offer even better tracking performance, as well as more power to overcome load imbalances.
Plus, its updated industrial design offers increased rigidity and less flexure while providing an aesthetically pleasing look. This telescope is sure to provide you with an enjoyable stargazing experience for many years to come.
Specifications
Brand | Celestron |
Objective Lens Diameter | 200 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount | Equatorial Mount |
Product Dimensions | 8″D x 15.98″W x 17.99″H |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 32 Kilograms |
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Focal Length | 1000 millimeters |
Advanced VX 6″ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Refractor Telescope offers a high-quality viewing and imaging experience for both amateur and experienced astronomers. Featuring a 6-Inch Refractor Optical Tube, designed to provide superior contrast for planetary imaging and brighter deep-sky object viewing, as well as an Advanced Computerized GoTo Mount with improved motors offering more torque.
This telescope also has an improved industrial design that offers more rigidity and less flexure than previous models. To top it off, the SkyAlign Function allows for easy and accurate computerized alignment of the telescope; simply point at any three bright objects in the sky and the telescope does the rest. With its impressive features, this telescope is perfect for enjoying stunning views of starry nights or taking photos of celestial wonders.
Specifications
Brand | Celestron |
Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
Objective Lens Diameter | 150 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount | Equatorial Mount |
Product Dimensions | 65″D x 10.98″W x 10.98″H |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 1.8 Kilograms |
Focal Length | 1200 millimeters |
Vixen Optics 2617 ED80S Refractor Telescope
The Vixen Optics 2617 ED80S Refractor Telescope is a powerful and easy-to-use telescope with many essential features for the beginner or expert astronomer. This telescope features an 80mm (3.15″) ED Apochromatic Multi-coated optical tube with a 600mm focal length and f/7.5 focal ratio that provides exceptional resolving power of 1.45 arcsec and 11.3 limiting magnitudes.
The 22.4″ long optical tube has a dovetail plate, tube rings, finder scope, flip mirror, and case included so it is ready to be set up right out of the box! Additionally, this telescope comes with a 7×50 Finder & Bracket and 1 1/4 Flip Mirror, making it convenient to track different targets in the sky accurately.
It also includes tube rings and a dovetail plate along with an aluminum case to store your telescope when not in use or on the go. Best of all, Vixen Optics offers a 5-YEAR WARRANTY for this model so you can purchase with confidence knowing you are covered for any issues that may arise during its lifetime of use.
Specifications
Brand | Vixen Optics |
Model Name | 2617 |
Optical Tube Length | 570 Millimeters |
Objective Lens Diameter | 80 Millimeters |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 13 Pounds |
Omegon Cassegrain Telescope Pro
The Omegon Cassegrain Telescope Pro was designed to produce beautiful and breathtaking astrophotos. It has a primary mirror with 94% reflection for brighter images than a standard telescope, 8 light baffles for more contrast and sharper images, and a quartz mirror for better imaging whilst the telescope is cooling down. This ensures focus can remain stable even over a long evening of photography.
Additionally, it has a Crayford focuser which contains 2” and 1.25” adapters so you to easily attach your SLR camera with the 50mm and 25mm extension connectors provided. With this telescope, you can achieve full illumination with APS-C sensors or up to 30mm diameter sensors. Perfect for any amateur astrophotographer looking for a professional-grade telescope system that will take their photos to the next level.
Specifications
Brand | Omegon |
Objective Lens Diameter | 30 Millimeters |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Reflex |
BARSKA Anchormaster 28x60m Brass Refractor Telescope
The BARSKA Anchormaster 28x60m Brass Refractor Telescope offers unbeatable clarity and portability for anyone looking for a great astronomical viewing experience. With a 28x magnification and a reasonable aperture of 60mm, the refractor telescope allows you to scan the celestial area of your choice, with greatly detailed observation. The fully coated achromatic lenses provide truly stunning views and are accentuated by the mahogany wooden tripod and polished brass joints which give this classic style scope a touch of elegance.
Furthermore, an image-correcting lens provides right-side-up images for easy viewing when using it with your naked eye. This instrument is handcrafted from solid brass and mahogany wood which makes it both functional and beautiful, with extendable legs offering ultimate stability. The BARSKA Anchormaster 28x60m Brass Refractor Telescope would make a wonderful addition to any astronomy enthusiast’s collection as well as home decor.
Specifications
Brand | BARSKA |
Model Name | AE10822 |
Eye Piece Lens | Plossl |
Objective Lens Diameter | 60 Millimeters |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 1 Pound |
Lens Coating | Fully Coated |
Focal Length | 700 millimeters |
Buying Guide
As the demand for telescopes increases, it can be overwhelming to determine which one to choose. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a beginner, there are plenty of options available in the market that suit everyone’s needs, making it even more challenging to decide. However, with a budget of under $2000, you’ll be surprised at the range of products that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
To begin with, the most critical factor when choosing a telescope is the aperture size. It refers to the diameter of the mirror or lens that gathers light into the device, allowing you to view celestial objects. A larger aperture size indicates a more detailed view, making your viewing experience more fulfilling. However, it also means a heavier and more massive telescope, which could hinder its mobility.
The second factor to consider is the type of mount a telescope comes with. It significantly influences the stability, ease of use, and quality of the view. There are two types of mounts; the Altazimuth and Equatorial. The former is much simpler and lightweight, making it perfect for beginners, whereas the latter is more complicated but provides exceptional tracking ability.
Thirdly, the magnification power determines how much you can zoom into an object. It is calculated by dividing the focal length of the telescope by the eyepiece’s focal length. Nonetheless, one thing to keep in mind is that high magnification doesn’t mean better images. In fact, it reduces the brightness and clarity of the images.
Finally, other features such as accessories, weight, and durability also make a difference. While some telescopes come with additional features like computerized controllers, others may be portable or more rugged, depending on your requirements.
Considering all these factors, some of the best telescopes under $2000 include the Celestron NexStar 6SE, Orion SkyQuest XT10 Classic Dobsonian, Sky-Watcher ProED 100, and the Zhumell Z10 Dobsonian. These telescopes come with a range of features that provide excellent versatility, convenience, and quality. Ultimately, it comes down to your preference and the type of celestial objects you wish to view.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a telescope doesn’t have to be daunting, and with a budget of under $2000, you can get a telescope that perfectly suits your needs. By taking these factors into account, you will be able to make an informed decision and select the telescope that will provide you with the best viewing experience. Happy stargazing.
FAQs On Best Telescopes Under $2000
What are some good quality telescopes under $2000?
There are several great quality telescopes that fall under the budget of $2000. Some popular options include the Celestron NexStar 8 SE, Sky-Watcher Quattro 10-inch Imaging Newtonian, Orion Atlas Pro AZ/EQ-G GoTo, and Meade LX65 8-inch ACF Telescope.
What is the difference between refractors and reflector telescopes?
Refractor telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light, while reflector telescopes use mirrors. Refractor telescopes are typically better for planetary observation, while reflector telescopes are better for deep-sky observation.
How do I choose the right telescope for my needs?
The best telescope for your needs will depend on what you plan to observe, your budget, and your level of experience. Consider factors such as aperture, focal length, and mount type when making your decision.
Do I need any additional accessories for my telescope?
Depending on what you plan to observe and your level of experience, additional accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and a motorized focuser may be beneficial. However, some telescopes may already come with these accessories as part of a package deal.
Can I use my telescope to take astrophotography?
Yes, many telescopes under $2000 are compatible with astrophotography. However, you may need to purchase additional equipment such as a camera adapter and tracking mount to achieve high-quality images. It’s also important to note that astrophotography requires a different set of skills and knowledge than traditional observation.