Best telescopes for amateurs and professionals for 2020

Everybody loves to watch the stars. This is quite an interesting and exciting activity. Besides amateur surveillance, there are people who do it professionally. The most powerful telescopes are located in observatories, while an amateur model can be selected for home observation. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best telescopes for amateurs and professionals in 2020.

Types of telescopes

The main element of the device is the lens. There are three types of device on sale, namely:

• Refractory or lens;
• Mirror, or reflex;
• Lens-mirror.

Lens devices

This instrument gets its name from the term refraction, which refers to the refraction of a directional beam. As a rule, such devices have a thin tube at the top of which there is a lens. Simply put, such a telescope can be referred to as a telescope that magnifies the image. Such devices belong to a low price category, but at the same time they give a clear picture. The image quality depends directly on the quality of the lenses. Typically, lens sizes range from 50mm to 130mm.

This type is most suitable for beginners. Therefore, before buying, you should pay attention to these models. However, such telescopes will not provide an opportunity to observe planets or galaxies. The choice of the model range is quite extensive, so there are devices for both teenagers and children. Some of them are compact, so you can easily take them with you.

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It is worth remembering that this device gives a mirror image, therefore, in order to obtain a normal image, it is worth choosing models with an enveloping eyepiece.

Reflex models

This model has got its name from the term that means reflection. Such devices have a curved mirror inside, most often it is located at the bottom of the pipe. The eyepiece is placed on the side. This telescope is easy to assemble. Such devices do not have image distortion, but it is served upside down. This does not cause discomfort when observing the starry sky and objects, however, it will be inconvenient when viewing terrestrial objects. Such devices need careful maintenance.

The design of the tube is not tight, so dust can accumulate on the surface of the optics. For this reason, these telescopes need to be constantly cleaned and the image parameters adjusted.

Lens-mirror devices

The design of such devices contains both mirrors and lenses. The biggest advantage of these models is their compact size. Such devices are easily placed on the balcony or on the desk. They are perfect for moving around. These types of models give the best picture when observing, however, the brightness and contrast are not as good as those of the reflex ones. Such devices give a straight but inverted picture. The most popular models are Maksutova-Cassegrain. They have a long focal length. They will be an excellent option for observing the moon or planets.Such models allow astrophotography.

For any telescope, you need to purchase a tripod and mount. A tripod is a device on which the device is mounted. Telescopes are sold in specialty shops as standard, spare parts and various accessories are also available there. The mount is the piece that sits between the tripod and the telescope.

The mount comes in two types:

• Azimuthal;
• Equatorial.

The equatorial type of mount makes it possible to observe objects in the sky. To configure this device, you need to set the latitude of the place you are going to monitor. After that, you need to orient yourself along the sides of the horizon, using a compass for this, or making a reference point to the polar star. This mount has a clock mechanism that allows you to observe the object by following it.

The advantage of an azimuth mount is that it doesn't need to be adjusted. It enables the telescope to rotate in all directions. However, to guide the object using this design, it is necessary to move the device in both axes. To simplify this task, some models are equipped with finders. The option with this type of mount is best suited for tracking ground objects.

Currently on sale you can find models equipped with automatic guidance. They have a built-in motor and are controlled by a microcomputer. The data and coordinates of the object being monitored can be entered into memory. After that, you can easily select the astronomical object you need from the existing database, and the device will find it by itself.

Some manufacturers themselves add the coordinates of space objects to the device memory; on some devices, the base can reach 10 thousand different astronomical bodies. Companies sometimes provide accessories for the telescope in the form of a backpack or tripod for photography.

Telescope selection rules

A device appears under the telescope that makes it possible to examine objects at a great distance. In appearance, it resembles a tube in which lenses are located, which have the ability to collect light. At the other end, there is an eyepiece, through which objects or phenomena are observed.

Before buying, you need to decide for what purposes it will be used.

Purpose and purpose of using the telescope:

• For acquaintance (first device);
• Children's;
• To observe the planets;
• For observing space objects;
• With the ability to move the device;
• To create astrophotography;
• For observing objects on the ground.

The criterion for choosing the first telescope should be the size of the refractor. The size should vary from 70 to 130 mm. This value will be quite enough for those who want to get acquainted with the operation of the telescope and make the first observations.

When buying a device for a child, it will be enough to choose an instrument with a refractor from 70 to 90 mm. This will make it possible to observe the starry sky quite comfortably.

Telescopes with a refractor from 120 to 150 mm will be the best choice for observing the planets. Such devices do not have central shielding, but they allow you to contemplate a bright picture.

When choosing a device that will allow observing deep space objects, it is better to make a choice in favor of reflectors ranging in size from 200 to 250 mm, which will be on Dobson mounts.

In the event that you have not yet decided what objects you want to monitor, there are universal models. The best option would be an optical telescope with a size of 100 to 120 mm or a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a size of 90 to 120 mm.

There are also models of mobile telescopes that operate on the basis of the Maksutov-Cassegrain system. Their weight is quite small, and their dimensions are compact, which makes it possible to move them to any place. In addition to this model, there are short-focus optical devices.

A device intended for astrophotography has a long exposure and must have a stable equatorial mount. It must be equipped with an electric drive.

A short-focus optical telescope or the Maksutov-Cassegner instrument, which should have a reversing prism, would be an excellent option for observing terrestrial objects. Due to this, the image will be straight. They are usually mounted on photo tripods for easy observation.

It is important to remember that instruments that are only intended for observing stars or planets will not provide a direct image. Also, such devices will not be able to focus on close objects.

After you have decided on the purpose of the device, it is worth making a choice on the budget that you are ready to spend on this purchase. The price of a model can have a fairly large gap. It is for this reason that it is worthwhile to clearly define the budget. The cost is also influenced by the purpose of the device.

Telescope Model Rating

Sky-Watcher BK 15012EQ6 SynScan GOTO

In the first place is the Sky-Watcher telescope. The model has a 150 mm lens. The aperture is f / 8.3. able to magnify up to 300 times. It has an auto guidance system. Such a model will make it possible to take good quality aerial photographs. This model has a significant weight, so it will be problematic to transport the device. The pipe weight is 5 kg. The average price for a device is 213 thousand rubles.

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Veber 400/80 AZ

In second place is the Veber 400/80. It is quite compact in design, and at the same time has an excellent luminosity. Due to its small size, it will be an ideal option for traveling out of town. However, it is also suitable for stationary installation in an apartment. Gives a direct picture. The highest magnification you will get is 160 krat. Provides an opportunity to see craters on the moon, as well as to look closely at the rings of Saturn. Gives a clear and focused image.

The eyepiece of the device is on the side, at an angle of 45 degrees. It can rotate, making it more comfortable to observe the starry sky. Has an azimuth mount, has a viewfinder. A minor drawback is that the tripod share of the device will have to be purchased separately.

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CELESTRON NEXSTAR 8 SE

The third place is taken by the CELESTRON device. This device has a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system. Due to this, it has a compact size, but the picture quality is not lost because of this. The maximum magnification reaches 480x. Has excellent resolution. Due to its size, it is possible to install the device and observe the sky even on the street.

The model has a screen and a remote control built into it. The proprietary NexRemote system is installed, which is suitable for the computer. However, for all these advantages, the device has a rather high cost. The average price reaches 130 thousand rubles.

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Levenhuk Strike 80 NG

The fourth place is taken by the Levenhu device. Refers to devices-refractors. It has a small weight that you can even carry it with one hand. The unassembled device reaches only 80 cm, so it can be moved even by public transport. A wrapping prism is installed, which makes it possible to obtain a direct image. Due to this property, it belongs to universal models. Therefore, one can observe both celestial objects and terrestrial ones.

The viewfinder is equipped with a red dot, which allows you to find the desired subject fairly quickly.An alt-azimuth mount is provided for the device, due to which the telescope is quite simple to operate.

The device is well protected from moisture ingress on the lens, as well as from strong shocks. Complete with the telescope, you will receive a planetarium program and a book for beginner astronomers.

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BRESSER JUNIOR SPACE EXPLORER 45/600 AZ

The fifth place is taken by an excellent telescope suitable for teenagers. It is a classic representative of refractory models. Mounts on an azimuth mount. The set includes a tripod made of aluminum, due to which it has a low weight. The great advantage is that it can be adjusted depending on the height of the child. Several body colors are available.

The device comes with several types of optics, which allows for ground observations.

Reading customer reviews, we can conclude that this is the most suitable model for a teenager who is carried away by the stars.

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VEBER UMKA 76/300

The sixth place is occupied by the small VEBER telescope. Refers to lens models, equipped with a Dobson mount. Great for observing planets. To get a closer look at the surface of the planets, the kit includes several lenses that you can install. There is also a lunar filter. Both children and adults can observe the sky, since the device is stable enough and does not take up much space. It can be easily placed on the table. The bear Umka is depicted on the body, which gave the name of the model.

The cost of the device is quite pleasant, and the design is stylish and attractive.

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Levenhuk Skyline PRO 80 MAK

Seventh place went to Skyline PRO 80 MAK from Levenhuk. The model can be safely attributed to professional devices. Has a system of mirrors and lenses. Shows insignificant size. Provides an opportunity to get a high-quality image. Suitable for observing distant space and galaxies. The lens has a size of 80 mm. Suitable for travel. The lens system is specially coated to allow a lot of light to pass through.

Mounts on an equatorial mount that has handles. Installation of an electric motor is possible. There are coordinate circles on the mount, making it easier to find objects. It is possible to adjust the tripod height. It is possible to take a photo.

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The choice of a telescope should be primarily based on the purposes of its use and the possibilities of your budget; it will not be difficult to find your device in the presented assortment.