Introduction

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve graduated from the ranks of novice stargazer and you’re ready to take your astronomical hobby to the next level. Awesome! It’s time to move up a notch. Ready to uncover deeper celestial secrets? You’re in the right place. This guide is all about finding the best intermediate telescope for your journey.

Telescopes Reviewed In This Post:

• Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope
• Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian Telescope
• Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
• Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope
• Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT

Understanding Telescope Basics

Before jumping into the specifics of intermediate telescopes, it’s essential to get a grip on some basic telescope know-how. Here, we will look at the three primary types of telescopes, their features, and why the type of mount and optical quality matters.

Types of Telescopes

• Refractor Telescopes:
  • These telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light.
  • They deliver clear, crisp images and are excellent for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing.
  • Common pros of refractor telescopes are their durability, low maintenance, and great performance when viewing the moon, planets, or double stars.
• Reflector Telescopes:
  • As the name suggests, reflector telescopes use mirrors to collect and focus light.
  • A mirrored telescope is generally more affordable than refractors of the same aperture size and offer a wide field of view.
  • They excel at viewing deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, making them a favorite among many stargazers.
• Compound (or Catadioptric) Telescopes:
  • Compound telescopes combine lenses and mirrors to gather and focus light.
  • Compact and portable, they are versatile and provide good views of both celestial and terrestrial objects.
  • They’re often used for astrophotography because of their adaptability to a wide range of viewing conditions.

Telescope Features

Understanding key features like magnification, aperture, and focal length is crucial. The aperture is the diameter of the lens or mirror that gathers light. More significant apertures offer more detailed views. Magnification determines how large objects appear. It’s a factor of the telescope’s focal length and the eyepiece used. Remember, bigger isn’t always better; higher magnification can sometimes lead to darker, less sharp images.

Another factor you might want to take into consideration is the quality of the telescope finder scope that comes with the main telescope. While you can always easily replace the finder scope later, it’s nice to start out with a piece that will at least do the job proficiently.

Mount and Optical Quality

Don’t forget about the mount – an often overlooked but essential component. There are two main types: altazimuth (simple up-down, left-right motion) and equatorial (designed to follow the rotation of the sky). A stable mount is a key for clear viewing.

Lastly, optical quality is paramount. Even the best-designed telescope won’t perform well if the optics are of poor quality. Good optics deliver clear and sharp images, enhancing your overall stargazing experience.

Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Intermediate Telescope

Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope

For many intermediate stargazers, the Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope is an excellent choice, offering a perfect balance of price, performance, and features.

Optics and Performance

Ease of Use and Features

One of the standout features of the NexStar 127SLT is its computerized altazimuth mount. This “GoTo” mount can automatically locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects with the push of a button, thanks to its integrated SkyAlign technology. The computerized system takes a lot of the guesswork out of astronomy, making it ideal for intermediate users who want to spend more time observing and less time hunting for objects.

This telescope is also fairly lightweight and portable for its size. Weighing in at just 18 lbs (8.16 kg) assembled, it’s easy to carry it out to your favorite dark sky location. The setup is straightforward and doesn’t require any tools, so you can get started observing in no time.

Accessories and Support

The Celestron NexStar 127SLT comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 9mm), giving you a variety of magnification options out of the box. It also includes a red dot StarPointer finderscope, which assists in the initial alignment process.

Celestron is known for its customer support, and the NexStar 127SLT is backed by a two-year warranty. The package also includes free access to the Starry Night astronomy software, a terrific resource for planning observing sessions and learning more about the night sky.

Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian Telescope

For stargazers ready to level up their astronomical adventures, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian Telescope is an exciting option that combines traditional telescope design with innovative smartphone technology.

Optics and Performance

Ease of Use and Features

What sets the StarSense Explorer series apart is its unique smartphone-enabled star locating system. By mounting your smartphone on the telescope and using the free StarSense Explorer app, you can easily locate and identify celestial objects. The app generates a list of objects currently visible, and as you move the telescope, on-screen arrows guide you to your desired object. This combination of traditional Dobsonian design with modern tech creates a user-friendly, interactive stargazing experience.

As with any Dobsonian, the StarSense Explorer offers a simple, intuitive way of navigating the night sky. The ‘point-and-view’ nature of these telescopes is a joy for users who want hands-on control with minimal setup fuss. The sturdy and smooth Dobsonian mount is not only easy to use but also helps keep the telescope stable for optimal viewing.

Accessories and Support

The StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), providing magnifications of 48x and 120x respectively. This range should serve you well for both wide-field and high-power observations. Additionally, the telescope includes a red dot finderscope to aid in initial alignment and object locating.

Celestron offers solid customer support, and this model is covered by a two-year warranty. The StarSense Explorer app also has a wealth of information and resources to help you get the most out of your stargazing sessions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

For those ready to take their stargazing experience to the next level, the Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope is a fantastic option that boasts advanced features and great performance.

Optics and Performance

Ease of Use and Features

One of the key features of the NexStar 8SE is its computerized GoTo mount. With a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, the telescope can automatically locate and track virtually any object you wish to observe. Celestron’s SkyAlign technology makes alignment straightforward: simply point the telescope at three bright objects in the sky, and the telescope does the rest.

Despite its large aperture, the NexStar 8SE is surprisingly portable. The optical tube and the mount separate for easy transport, and the whole setup is quick and tool-free.

Accessories and Support

The NexStar 8SE comes with a 25mm eyepiece for a magnification of 81x, and you can easily expand your magnification options with additional eyepieces. The package also includes a red dot StarPointer finderscope for manual aiming and alignment.

Celestron stands behind the NexStar 8SE with a 2-year warranty and excellent customer support. Additionally, the telescope comes with free access to the Starry Night astronomy software, a rich resource for planning observing sessions and learning about the cosmos.

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope

When it comes to refractor telescopes for the intermediate astronomer, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope stands as an attractive option, providing exceptional quality and performance.

Optics and Performance

Ease of Use and Features

The EvoStar 120 APO features a sturdy 2-inch Crayford-style focuser with a 1.25-inch adapter, allowing for the use of a wide variety of eyepieces. The focuser is smooth and precise, ensuring sharp views across the entire field of view.

With a tube length of about 112cm and weighing around 5.5kg, this telescope is relatively portable for its optical performance level. While it’s not as compact as some catadioptric or smaller refractors, it’s still quite manageable for most users.

Accessories and Support

The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 5mm), providing a range of magnification options right out of the box. A 8×50 right-angle finderscope and a 2-inch dielectric diagonal are also included. The latter offers a comfortable viewing angle and high-contrast views.

Sky-Watcher is known for their customer service and offers a two-year warranty on this telescope.

Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope

When it comes to serious amateur astronomy, the Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope stands as an excellent option. This advanced telescope boasts top-tier features and impressive performance that intermediate and experienced stargazers will appreciate.

Optics and Performance

Ease of Use and Features

One of the standout features of the CPC 1100 is its fully automated GoTo mount with GPS. The telescope can automatically locate, center, and track any of the over 40,000 celestial objects in its database, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

Aligning the telescope is also a breeze, thanks to Celestron’s SkyAlign technology. Simply point the telescope at three bright objects, and it calculates its position to accurately track the sky.

Accessories and Support

The CPC 1100 comes with a 40mm Plossl eyepiece (70x magnification) and a 1.25-inch star diagonal. The package also includes a heavy-duty tripod for added stability and a finderscope to aid in alignment and manual pointing.

Celestron backs the CPC 1100 with a 2-year warranty and offers robust customer support.

The Jump from Beginner to Intermediate

So, what separates the best intermediate telescope from the best telescope for beginners? Well, it’s more about the observer than the telescope. As an intermediate astronomer, you’re likely familiar with the basics of telescope operation and celestial navigation, and you’re ready to delve deeper into the cosmos. Intermediate telescopes typically offer larger apertures, more features, and often require a little more understanding of the mechanics and calibration.

While exciting, this transition might bring some challenges, like mastering new features and dealing with more complex equipment. It’s all part of the journey, though, and with patience and practice, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards.

The Best Intermediate Telescope: Review Your Stargazing Goals

Before you dive into your wallet, take a moment to reflect on your astronomical aspirations. Are you drawn towards the vast nebulae, distant galaxies, or is it the moon and planets that captivate you? Each celestial object may demand different specs from your telescope.

Consider the light pollution in your location. If you’re based in a city with significant light pollution, you may need a telescope with a larger aperture or certain filters. Finally, think about whether astrophotography is in your sights. If it is, you’ll need a telescope compatible with a camera, and perhaps a motorized mount to track celestial objects.

Budget Considerations for the Best Intermediate Telescope

Let’s talk money. Intermediate telescopes can vary significantly in price, from a couple of hundred to over a thousand dollars. Your budget should balance your astronomical goals with what you’re willing to spend.

It’s essential to remember that a good quality telescope is an investment, and will last for many years if treated well. Higher-priced models often come with additional features, superior build quality, and better optics. It’s not just about spending more money, though – it’s about spending it wisely on a telescope that will suit your needs and stand the test of time.

Best Intermediate Telescope Accessories

A telescope on its own is great, but the right accessories can transform your stargazing experience. High-quality eyepieces can expand your field of view or offer higher magnification, while filters can enhance the details of celestial objects or cut through light pollution. Star charts and astronomy software can guide your exploration of the night sky.

When it comes to buying these accessories, your local astronomy shop is a great start, and there are also numerous reputable online retailers. Remember to read reviews and consider compatibility with your telescope before purchasing.

Tips for Using an Intermediate Telescope

Once you’ve got your shiny new telescope, you’re going to want to set it up for optimal viewing. Take your time to understand your telescope’s instructions – a properly assembled and calibrated telescope will provide the best views. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also keep your scope in top condition and prolong its life.

Don’t panic if you encounter issues – many are common and easily resolved. The most important thing is to be patient and take your time. With experience, you’ll learn to master your equipment and maximize your viewing potential. Don’t forget to try new viewing techniques as you get more comfortable with your telescope. The sky is not the limit; it’s the destination!

Finding the Best Intermediate Telescope: Resources for Learning More

There’s a universe of knowledge out there to help you on your stargazing journey. Books like “Turn Left at Orion” or “NightWatch” are fantastic for beginners and intermediates alike. Online courses and astronomy forums can offer interactive ways to learn, while local astronomy clubs or societies provide hands-on experiences and the chance to learn from seasoned astronomers.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of ground here, from telescope basics to buying considerations to setting up your telescope. Remember, the best intermediate telescope is the one that suits your goals, budget, and commitment level. As you progress in this awe-inspiring hobby, continue to learn, be patient, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your cosmic exploration.

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