Are you ready to explore the cosmos from your backyard? The telescope market in 2025 has evolved significantly, offering amateur astronomers unprecedented access to the night sky through increasingly sophisticated yet user-friendly instruments. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced stargazer looking to upgrade, finding the perfect telescope on Amazon can be overwhelming with so many options available.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate the universe of telescopes to help you make an informed purchase that aligns with your astronomical interests, practical needs, and budget. From computerized models that automatically locate celestial objects to budget-friendly options that still deliver awe-inspiring views, we’ve researched and compiled the top telescopes that combine quality, performance, and value.
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Top 10 Telescopes on Amazon for 2025
1. Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Average Rating: 4.7/5
The Celestron NexStar 8SE stands out as a premier option for serious amateur astronomers. This powerful telescope combines a substantial aperture with advanced tracking capabilities that make locating celestial objects effortless, even for beginners.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 8 inches (203mm)
- Focal Length: 2032mm
- Mount Type: Computerized GoTo Altazimuth
- Accessories: 25mm eyepiece, star diagonal, red dot finder
The computerized GoTo mount can automatically locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their time observing rather than searching the night sky. Users consistently praise the telescope’s optical clarity when observing planets, with Jupiter’s cloud bands and Great Red Spot appearing with striking definition under favorable conditions.
Some users note that the initial alignment process requires careful attention to instructions, but once mastered, it becomes a quick routine. Weighing approximately 33 pounds (with mount), transportation can be somewhat challenging, though the ability to separate the optical tube from the mount mitigates this concern.
2. Unistellar eVscope eQuinox 2
Average Rating: 4.8/5
For cutting-edge technology enthusiasts, the Unistellar eVscope eQuinox 2 represents the pinnacle of smart telescope design, offering an unprecedented level of integration between traditional observation and digital astronomy.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 4.5 inches (114mm)
- Focal Length: 450mm
- Mount Type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth
- Accessories: Integrated camera system, smartphone/tablet control
This remarkable instrument allows users to capture professional-quality astronomical images with minimal technical knowledge. The integrated camera system accumulates light over time to enhance the visibility of faint objects, making previously challenging targets accessible even from light-polluted environments.
Users report astonishment at the smart telescope’s ability to reveal vivid colors and details in deep-sky objects that would appear as mere smudges of gray in conventional telescopes of similar aperture. The most significant drawback mentioned in user feedback involves the substantial price tag, though many users ultimately feel the unique capabilities justify the investment.
3. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Refractor Telescope
Average Rating: 4.6/5
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 delivers exceptional performance for observers primarily interested in planetary and lunar details, offering the crisp, high-contrast views that refractor designs are renowned for.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 120mm
- Focal Length: 900mm
- Mount Type: EQ5 Equatorial (mount sold separately)
- Accessories: 2″ diagonal, 2 eyepieces, finder scope, aluminum case
Its apochromatic design minimizes the chromatic aberration that often plagues less expensive refractor telescopes, resulting in images with remarkable color fidelity and sharpness across the entire field of view. The relatively compact dimensions make this telescope more portable than many instruments with comparable optical capabilities.
Users particularly commend the telescope’s color fidelity when observing bright objects like Jupiter and Mars, where subtle atmospheric details benefit from the refractor’s inherent contrast advantages. While some reviews note the premium price compared to similar-sized reflector telescopes, most users consider the superior optical performance well worth the additional investment.
4. Zhumell Z10 Dobsonian Telescope
Average Rating: 4.7/5
For observers seeking maximum light-gathering ability without the astronomical price tag of premium models, the Zhumell Z10 Dobsonian Telescope provides an outstanding aperture-to-cost ratio that delivers breathtaking views of deep-sky objects.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 10 inches (254mm)
- Focal Length: 1250mm
- Mount Type: Dobsonian
- Accessories: 2″ Crayford-style focuser, 9×50 finder scope, 30mm and 9mm eyepieces
The simple yet effective Dobsonian mount design prioritizes stability and smooth movement while keeping manufacturing costs reasonable, allowing more of your investment to go toward optical quality rather than complex mechanical systems.
Observers report transformative experiences when viewing faint deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, where the 10-inch aperture reveals intricate structures and details invisible in smaller instruments. Some users mention the substantial size and weight as challenging for transportation, though many consider this a reasonable tradeoff for the impressive optical performance at a relatively moderate price point.
5. Celestron Astro Fi 102 Telescope
Average Rating: 4.5/5
The Celestron Astro Fi 102 represents an excellent balance between modern connectivity features and proven optical design, making it particularly appropriate for tech-savvy beginners.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 102mm
- Focal Length: 660mm
- Mount Type: Computerized WiFi Alt-Azimuth
- Accessories: 2 eyepieces, smartphone adapter, accessory tray
This telescope seamlessly integrates with smartphones and tablets, allowing users to control all functions through an intuitive app interface that greatly flattens the learning curve typically associated with astronomical equipment.
Reviews frequently highlight the convenience of controlling the telescope through a familiar smartphone interface, eliminating the learning curve associated with specialized handsets. The telescope’s WiFi connectivity works independently of internet access, earning praise for reliable operation even at remote observing sites without cellular service.
6. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Telescope
Average Rating: 4.4/5
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ has established itself as the definitive entry-level telescope for budget-conscious astronomers, offering remarkable performance at a price point under $300.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 100mm
- Focal Length: 660mm
- Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth
- Accessories: Two eyepieces, red LED flashlight, smartphone adapter, integrated smartphone holder
This refractor telescope features straightforward assembly and operation, allowing complete novices to begin observing within minutes of unboxing without sacrificing the optical quality necessary for inspiring views of celestial objects.
Reviews emphasize the telescope’s remarkable value proposition, delivering genuinely inspiring first views of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons that spark enduring interest in the night sky. The included accessories earn praise for their completeness, providing everything necessary to begin exploring immediately without requiring additional purchases.
7. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
Average Rating: 4.2/5
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ combines a respectable aperture with an equatorial mount design that facilitates both visual observation and basic astrophotography, making it versatile enough to grow with the developing skills of a beginning astronomer.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 127mm
- Focal Length: 1000mm
- Mount Type: Equatorial
- Accessories: Three eyepieces, 3x Barlow lens, finder scope, smartphone adapter
The Newtonian reflector optical design provides good performance across various observational targets, from lunar craters and planetary details to brighter deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae.
Users commend the reflector design’s good light-gathering ability, providing satisfying views of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects at a remarkably accessible price point. The equatorial mount, while initially challenging for some beginners, receives appreciation from users who master its operation and benefit from the smooth tracking it provides.
8. HEXEUM AZ80600 Telescope
Average Rating: 4.3/5
The HEXEUM AZ80600 represents an emerging trend of telescopes that prioritize versatility for both daytime terrestrial viewing and nighttime astronomical observation.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 80mm
- Focal Length: 600mm
- Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth
- Accessories: Smartphone adapter, backpack, moon filter, 2 eyepieces
The optical system provides clear, high-contrast images across a wide range of magnifications, making it equally suitable for birdwatching during the day and planetary observation after sunset.
Reviews highlight the telescope’s effectiveness for daytime nature observation, with crisp, color-accurate images that perform well for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Users report satisfying views of lunar craters, planetary features, and brighter deep-sky objects, acknowledging the aperture limitations while praising the overall optical quality for the price.
9. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope
Average Rating: 4.3/5
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ balances simplicity with sufficient optical capability to provide rewarding views for beginning astronomers at a very accessible price point.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 70mm
- Focal Length: 900mm
- Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth
- Accessories: Two eyepieces, star pointer finder, accessory tray
The refractor design delivers sharp images of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects without the collimation maintenance requirements that sometimes discourage novices with reflector telescopes.
Feedback consistently mentions the quick assembly process and intuitive operation that allows immediate observational success without extensive technical knowledge. The telescope receives particular appreciation from parents introducing young children to astronomy, with the simple operation and quick setup maintaining interest without testing patience.
10. Slokey SkyWays 40070 Telescope
Average Rating: 4.1/5
The Slokey SkyWays 40070 rounds out our selection as a highly portable option that still delivers satisfying views, perfect for travelers or those with limited storage space.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 70mm
- Focal Length: 400mm
- Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth
- Accessories: Carrying case, smartphone adapter, 2 eyepieces, moon filter
Despite its compact dimensions, this telescope provides surprisingly good optical performance for lunar observation and planetary viewing, revealing Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s rings under favorable conditions.
Feedback frequently highlights the telescope’s impressive compactness when packed for travel, fitting easily into carry-on luggage or vehicle storage compartments with minimal space requirements. The quick setup process receives consistent praise, with many users reporting less than five minutes from case to first observation.
Telescope Comparison: Key Specifications
| Telescope Model | Price Range | Aperture | Focal Length | Mount Type | Weight |
| Celestron NexStar 8SE | $1,100-1,300 | 203mm | 2032mm | Computerized Alt-Az | 33 lbs |
| Unistellar eVscope eQuinox 2 | $2,800-3,000 | 114mm | 450mm | Computerized Alt-Az | 19.8 lbs |
| Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 | $900-1,100 | 120mm | 900mm | Sold separately | 11 lbs (OTA) |
| Zhumell Z10 Dobsonian | $650-800 | 254mm | 1250mm | Dobsonian | 54 lbs |
| Celestron Astro Fi 102 | $400-500 | 102mm | 660mm | WiFi Alt-Az | 14 lbs |
| Celestron Inspire 100AZ | $250-300 | 100mm | 660mm | Alt-Azimuth | 14 lbs |
| Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ | $170-220 | 127mm | 1000mm | Equatorial | 17 lbs |
| HEXEUM AZ80600 | $150-180 | 80mm | 600mm | Alt-Azimuth | 6.5 lbs |
| Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ | $120-150 | 70mm | 900mm | Alt-Azimuth | 11 lbs |
| Slokey SkyWays 40070 | $80-120 | 70mm | 400mm | Alt-Azimuth | 4 lbs |
Understanding Telescope Specifications and Comparison
When evaluating telescopes for purchase, several key specifications determine their performance capabilities and suitability for different observational goals.
Aperture: The Light-Gathering Power
Aperture, measured in millimeters or inches, represents the diameter of the primary optical element (lens or mirror) and directly determines the telescope’s light-gathering ability and theoretical resolution limit. Larger apertures collect more light, allowing observers to see fainter objects and finer details, making this specification particularly important for those interested in deep-sky observation of distant galaxies and nebulae.
However, increased aperture typically correlates with greater size, weight, and cost, requiring potential buyers to balance performance desires with practical considerations like transportability and budget constraints when making their selection.
Focal Length: Magnification Potential
Focal length significantly influences a telescope’s magnification characteristics and field of view, with longer focal lengths providing higher potential magnification but narrower fields of view. This specification proves especially important for planetary observers who require high magnification to resolve fine details on relatively bright targets, while deep-sky enthusiasts often prefer shorter focal lengths that provide wider fields of view for extended objects like nebulae.
The focal ratio (focal length divided by aperture) provides insight into a telescope’s general observational strengths, with “faster” low-ratio instruments excelling at wide-field views and astrophotography, while “slower” high-ratio telescopes deliver superior high-magnification performance for planetary and lunar observation.
Mount Type: Stability and Tracking
Mount type substantially impacts the user experience and determines the telescope’s suitability for different observational activities. Altazimuth mounts provide intuitive up-down and left-right movements ideal for visual observation, particularly for beginners, while equatorial mounts align with Earth’s rotational axis to facilitate easier tracking of celestial objects and basic astrophotography.
Computerized GoTo mounts incorporate motors and databases of celestial objects, automatically locating and tracking targets at the push of a button, dramatically reducing the learning curve associated with finding specific objects in the night sky. While computerized mounts add convenience, they also increase cost, complexity, and power requirements, factors that must be weighed against their benefits when selecting a telescope system.
Portability Considerations
The most optically impressive telescope provides no value if it proves too cumbersome to regularly set up and use, making an honest assessment of transportation and storage capabilities essential to satisfaction with any purchase. Some designs, particularly compact refractors and Maksutov-Cassegrain catadioptric telescopes, emphasize portability without extensively compromising optical performance, making them ideal for observers with limited storage space or those who frequently travel to darker observing locations.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
The price-to-performance ratio ultimately determines the value proposition of any telescope, with the most satisfying purchases providing capabilities well-matched to the observer’s interests and experience level. Entry-level instruments like the Celestron Inspire 100AZ deliver fundamental capabilities at accessible price points, making them ideal for confirming interest before substantial investment.
Mid-range telescopes such as the Celestron AstroMaster series provide enhanced capabilities and durability that serve developing astronomers for many years. Premium instruments like the Celestron NexStar 8SE and Unistellar eVscope eQuinox 2 incorporate advanced technologies that simplify the observational process and expand possibilities, justifying their higher costs for dedicated enthusiasts.
Beginner’s Guide to Telescopes: Understanding the Different Types
Telescope selection begins with understanding the three fundamental optical designs that dominate the consumer market: refractors, reflectors, and catadioptric telescopes.
Refractor Telescopes: Classic Design with Modern Advances
Refractor telescopes represent the oldest and most recognizable design, using a series of precision lenses to gather and focus light in a straight path through the optical tube to the eyepiece. This straightforward design offers several practical advantages, including sealed optical systems that rarely require maintenance, excellent contrast for planetary and lunar observation, and generally compact dimensions at smaller apertures.
However, refractors become increasingly expensive and unwieldy at larger apertures due to the challenges of manufacturing large, precisely-shaped lenses without optical aberrations, particularly the color fringing known as chromatic aberration that can detract from high-magnification views unless expensive, specialized glass is used.
These characteristics make refractors particularly well-suited for beginners seeking maintenance-free operation and observers primarily interested in planetary, lunar, and terrestrial viewing rather than faint deep-sky objects.
Reflector Telescopes: Maximum Aperture for the Price
Reflector telescopes utilize mirrors rather than lenses as their primary optical elements, offering substantial cost advantages at larger apertures where mirror manufacturing proves significantly more economical than producing equivalent-sized lenses. The most common variant, the Newtonian reflector, uses a precisely curved primary mirror to collect light and a small secondary mirror to redirect the focal point to an eyepiece mounted on the side of the optical tube.
This design provides excellent performance for deep-sky observation, where maximum light-gathering ability often matters more than absolute optical perfection. Reflectors require occasional collimation (alignment of optical elements) to maintain peak performance, a simple maintenance procedure that nevertheless represents an additional learning requirement for beginners.
The side-mounted eyepiece position can place observers in awkward positions when viewing objects near the zenith unless diagonal accessories are employed, a minor ergonomic consideration that rarely presents serious difficulties once understood.
Catadioptric Telescopes: Compact Versatility
Catadioptric telescopes combine elements of both refractor and reflector designs to create optically powerful systems in remarkably compact packages. These hybrid designs, with popular variants including Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain, use a combination of mirrors and lenses to fold the optical path, allowing much longer focal lengths in dramatically shortened optical tubes.
This engineering approach creates instruments with excellent versatility across different observational targets while maintaining manageable size and weight characteristics even at substantial apertures. The sealed optical tubes minimize maintenance requirements similar to refractors, making these designs particularly appropriate for observers seeking convenience alongside performance.
The complex optical systems generally command higher prices than reflectors of equivalent aperture, representing a premium for compactness and versatility rather than raw light-gathering capability.
Mount Types: The Foundation of Your Observing Experience
Mount selection often proves as consequential as optical design in determining observational success and user satisfaction:
- Altazimuth mounts provide straightforward up-down and left-right movements that match natural human intuition, making them particularly appropriate for beginners to use for visual observation.
- Equatorial mounts align with Earth’s rotational axis, allowing single-axis tracking of celestial objects as they appear to move across the sky, a significant advantage for higher-magnification viewing and basic astrophotography.
- Computerized mounts of either basic design incorporate motors and object databases, automatically locating and tracking celestial targets for dramatically simplified operation that particularly benefits urban observers dealing with limited naked-eye visibility of reference stars.
Tips for Observing the Night Sky with Your Telescope
Preparation is Key
Successful astronomical observation begins before darkness falls, with proper planning and preparation that significantly enhances the experience once stars appear. Researching potential targets using astronomy apps or websites helps identify which celestial objects will be well-positioned during your observing session, preventing wasted time searching for objects near the horizon or below it entirely.
Setting up your telescope before complete darkness allows you to complete the sometimes fiddly assembly and alignment procedures while still having sufficient light to see what you’re doing, particularly important for beginners still familiarizing themselves with their equipment.
Allow for Thermal Equilibrium
When moved from indoor storage to cooler outside temperatures, telescopes require time for their optical and structural components to reach equilibrium with the ambient temperature, preventing thermal currents within the optical path that degrade image quality. This cooling period typically ranges from 15-30 minutes for small refractors to an hour or more for large reflectors and catadioptric instruments with substantial thermal mass.
Learn the Night Sky
Effective celestial navigation begins with naked-eye orientation to major constellations and bright stars that serve as signposts to more challenging telescopic targets. Learning to identify prominent seasonal patterns like Orion in winter, the Summer Triangle in summer, or the Big Dipper year-round provides essential reference points from which to star-hop to less obvious targets.
Low-power, wide-field eyepieces prove invaluable during this initial orientation phase, providing views that more closely match reference charts while making target identification substantially easier than beginning with high magnification and its correspondingly narrow field of view.
Start with the Moon
Lunar observation offers perhaps the most immediately rewarding telescopic experience for beginners, with abundant detail visible even in modest instruments and from light-polluted locations. The lunar terminator—the line separating illuminated and shadowed portions of the moon—provides the most dramatic views, where low-angle sunlight creates shadows that reveal subtle topographical features largely invisible when viewed under full illumination.
Planetary Observation Techniques
Planetary observation requires patience and attention to technique for satisfying results, as planets present small angular diameters that demand higher magnifications to reveal meaningful detail. The practical upper magnification limit typically falls between 25-50x per inch of aperture depending on atmospheric conditions, with excessive magnification merely enlarging atmospheric distortion rather than revealing additional detail.
Waiting for moments of atmospheric stability, when planets briefly stop “boiling” in the eyepiece, allows glimpses of fine details that remain hidden during periods of poor seeing.
Deep-Sky Observation Strategies
Deep-sky observation of objects beyond our solar system benefits tremendously from dark-sky locations, but surprisingly satisfying views remain possible even under moderately light-polluted conditions with appropriate target selection and observational techniques.
Developing the technique of averted vision, looking slightly to the side of faint objects rather than directly at them, leverages the greater light sensitivity of peripheral retinal cells to reveal details invisible with direct vision. Spending adequate time at the eyepiece allows your visual system to reach maximum dark adaptation and process subtle details that may not be immediately apparent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Telescopes and Astronomy
What telescope size do I need to see specific objects?
For lunar observation, even modest telescopes with apertures as small as 60-70mm can provide remarkable detail of craters, mountains, and other features, making the moon an ideal first target for virtually any instrument.
Planetary viewing benefits from slightly larger apertures starting around 90-100mm, which begin to reveal Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and Mars’ polar caps under favorable conditions, though more subtle planetary details generally require apertures of 150mm or greater.
Deep-sky observation spans an enormous range of brightness, with some objects like the Orion Nebula and Pleiades star cluster showing impressive detail in small instruments, while fainter galaxies and nebulae may require apertures of 200mm or more to appear as anything beyond indistinct smudges, particularly from light-polluted locations.
Are computerized “GoTo” mounts worth the extra cost?
These systems offer undeniable convenience, particularly for observers in light-polluted areas where star-hopping to targets using traditional methods proves challenging due to the limited naked-eye visibility of reference stars. The technology dramatically flattens the learning curve for finding specific celestial objects, allowing beginners to locate and observe targets that might otherwise require months or years of experience to find reliably.
However, the additional complexity introduces more potential failure points, from battery depletion to electronic glitches, occasionally leaving users unable to use their telescopes effectively when problems arise. Many experienced observers argue that learning traditional star-hopping techniques builds a deeper understanding of the night sky, even while acknowledging the practical advantages of computerized systems.
Should I buy a telescope that can do astrophotography?
While virtually any telescope can capture basic lunar and planetary images using smartphones held to the eyepiece, serious astrophotography imposes significant additional requirements beyond those needed for visual observation. Deep-sky astrophotography typically requires precisely manufactured equatorial mounts with tracking motors, often costing substantially more than the optical tube itself, along with specialized cameras, adapters, and software, representing considerable additional investment.
Most experienced astronomers recommend focusing initially on equipment optimized for visual observation, allowing time to develop observational skills and specific interests before investing in specialized astrophotography equipment.
Can I use a telescope in light-polluted areas?
While dark-sky locations unquestionably provide superior observing conditions, particularly for faint deep-sky objects, meaningful astronomy remains entirely possible even from considerably light-polluted environments. The moon and planets suffer minimally from light pollution, showing essentially identical detail regardless of sky brightness, making them excellent targets from any location.
Bright deep-sky objects like prominent star clusters, the Orion Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy remain observable even from suburban settings, though they lack the visual impact they would have under truly dark conditions.
How does telescope magnification work?
The formula for calculating magnification divides the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece focal length, meaning that shorter focal length eyepieces produce higher magnifications with any given telescope. Practical upper magnification limits typically fall between 25-50x per inch of aperture (or 2x-4x per millimeter), with atmospheric conditions usually imposing constraints below these theoretical maximums.
Excessive magnification produces increasingly dim, blurry images rather than revealing additional detail, a phenomenon sometimes called “empty magnification” that beginning observers often find counterintuitive until experiencing it firsthand.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Telescope for Your Astronomy Journey
Selecting the ideal telescope requires careful consideration of your specific observational interests, practical circumstances, and budget constraints rather than simply pursuing maximum technical specifications. Prospective buyers should honestly assess their primary astronomical interests, whether planetary observation, deep-sky exploration, or wide-field stargazing, as these preferences significantly influence the most appropriate optical design and specifications.
The telescope market in 2025 offers unprecedented variety and quality across all price ranges, with excellent options available for virtually any budget and interest combination. Entry-level instruments like the Celestron Inspire 100AZ and PowerSeeker 127EQ provide genuinely inspiring views that can nurture developing astronomical interest without overwhelming financial commitment.
Mid-range options, including the Celestron AstroMaster series and Sky-Watcher EvoStar refractors, offer enhanced capabilities and construction quality that serve developing astronomers for many years without requiring replacement as skills advance. Premium instruments like the Celestron NexStar series and Unistellar eVscope eQuinox 2 incorporate advanced technologies that transform the observational experience, justifying their higher costs for observers who prioritize convenience and immediate results.
The most important consideration for prospective telescope buyers remains selecting an instrument that will actually get used regularly rather than collecting dust after initial enthusiasm fades. Telescopes that require excessive setup time, complex procedures, or substantial transportation effort often go unused, regardless of their theoretical performance capabilities.
Ready to begin your astronomical journey? Browse our top telescope recommendations on Amazon and discover the wonders of the night sky!
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- Hero image of the night sky showing the Milky Way with a telescope silhouette
- Product images of each recommended telescope
- Infographic showing the different telescope types (refractor, reflector, catadioptric) with simple illustrations
- Moon phase calendar indicating best viewing times
- Before/after comparison of what deep sky objects look like to the naked eye vs. through different telescope types
- Short video tutorial on basic telescope setup and operation
- Diagram illustrating how different mount types work
- Visual size comparison of the recommended telescopes
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