Have you ever looked up at the night sky, filled with wonder at the distant stars and planets, and wished you could get a closer look? For many amateur astronomers, that dream quickly bumps into a frustrating reality: setting up a traditional telescope can be tricky. Aligning mirrors, finding faint objects, and keeping them centered in the eyepiece often feels like a science project in itself!
This challenge is exactly why computerized telescopes have become essential tools for stargazers today. These smart scopes promise to take the guesswork out of astronomy, guiding you straight to the Andromeda Galaxy or Jupiter’s moons with just a few button pushes. However, navigating the market, filled with terms like “GoTo,” “Slew Speed,” and different mount types, can feel overwhelming. Choosing the wrong model means spending money on equipment that doesn’t match your viewing goals.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a computerized telescope tick and show you how to select the perfect model based on your budget and experience level. By the end of this post, you will confidently know which automated partner will help you unlock the universe. Let’s dive into the technology that brings the cosmos right to your backyard!
Top Computerized Telescope Recommendations
- COMPUTERIZED AUTOMATIC TELESCOPE: The Celestron 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope with all glass optics can automatically locate 4,000 celestial objects with its computerized GoTo mount.
- TAKE THE SKY TOUR: If you’re not sure of what to observe, the Sky Tour button will do the work for you. Simply press the button and your computerized telescope will generate a list of the best objects currently available to view in the sky.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including a full-height tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 8SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 8-INCH SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The large 8" aperture gathers enough light to reveal fine lunar details, cloud bands on Jupiter, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clusters—all in a compact, portable form factor.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 4,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it. Compatible with 2 inch eyepieces
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: The NexStar 130SLT is the largest in the SLT family. The 130mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 6SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 6-INCH SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The large 6" aperture gathers enough light to reveal fine lunar details, cloud bands on Jupiter, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clusters—all in a compact, portable form factor.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 4SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 4-INCH MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The 4" aperture, combined with high-contrast, long focal length optics, delivers sharp views of the Moon and planets, while remaining compact and easy to transport.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 127mm aperture, the NexStar 127SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 127SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 5SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 5-INCH SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The 5" aperture gathers enough light to reveal fine lunar details, cloud bands on Jupiter, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clusters—all in a compact, portable form factor.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Computerized Telescope
Choosing a computerized telescope can feel like navigating a galaxy! These amazing tools use motors and built-in computers to find and track celestial objects for you. This guide will help you pick the best one for your stargazing adventures.
Key Features to Look For
Several features make a computerized telescope great. Look closely at these:
1. Mount Type: The Foundation
- Alt-Azimuth (Altitude-Azimuth): These move up/down and left/right. They are usually simpler to use and often cheaper.
- Equatorial (EQ): These are designed to follow the stars as the Earth rotates. They work best for long-exposure astrophotography.
2. Go-To System Accuracy
The “Go-To” system is the computer’s brain. It helps the telescope point exactly where you tell it to. A good Go-To system needs high accuracy. Read reviews to see how often users complain about missing targets.
3. Database Size
The internal computer holds a list of stars, planets, and galaxies—its database. Bigger databases mean you have more objects available to view instantly. Beginners need at least 5,000 objects.
4. Hand Controller Quality
This is how you talk to the telescope. Look for a controller that is easy to read, perhaps backlit for dark-sky use. A clear menu system makes finding things much easier.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The telescope’s physical parts matter a lot for stability and longevity.
Telescope Tube (Optical Tube Assembly – OTA)
Most computerized scopes use glass lenses or mirrors. The quality of the glass directly affects how sharp the image is. High-quality, fully coated optics reduce glare and improve contrast.
Tripod and Mount Construction
A shaky tripod ruins the best view. Look for tripods made of sturdy materials like thick aluminum or steel. Plastic parts on the mount often lead to wobbling, which reduces image quality.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one telescope better than another? It often comes down to precision and stability.
Improving Quality (What to Seek Out)
- High Slewing Speed: This is how fast the telescope moves to a target. Faster speeds save time waiting between views.
- Precise Tracking: Once pointed, the telescope must smoothly track the object. This requires good internal motors.
- Sturdy Tripod Head: A heavy-duty mount head prevents vibrations from wind or touching the telescope.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid)
- Plastic Gears: Motors with plastic gears wear out quickly and introduce “backlash” (slop in the movement), making precise focusing hard.
- Small Aperture: Aperture (the diameter of the main lens or mirror) gathers light. Smaller apertures show dimmer, less detailed objects.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you plan to use your telescope. This guides your choice.
For Casual Stargazing (Planets and Moon)
If you mostly want to look at bright objects like Jupiter or the Moon, a smaller, easy-to-set-up Alt-Azimuth Go-To scope works perfectly. Portability is key here.
For Deep Sky Viewing and Astrophotography
Observing faint galaxies and nebulae requires more light-gathering power (larger aperture) and very stable tracking. You should strongly consider an Equatorial mount for the best results.
Setup Time
Computerized telescopes need setup, which includes aligning the Go-To system (usually pointing it at one or two bright stars). Some models offer “GPS assistance” which speeds up this alignment process significantly. Less time aligning means more time viewing!
Computerized Telescope FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the most important measurement on a telescope?
A: The most important measurement is the aperture, which is the diameter of the main lens or mirror. A larger aperture gathers more light, showing dimmer objects better.
Q: Do I need to be good at math to use a Go-To telescope?
A: No. The computer does all the complex calculations. You just select the object from the menu, and the telescope moves there automatically.
Q: Can I use my own laptop instead of the hand controller?
A: Many modern computerized telescopes allow you to connect them to a computer or smartphone via a USB port. This lets you use specialized planetarium software for easier control.
Q: What is “collimation” and do computerized scopes need it?
A: Collimation means aligning the mirrors inside the telescope. Reflectors need it more often than refractors. Even computerized scopes might need minor adjustments over time to keep the views sharp.
Q: How long does the battery usually last during a session?
A: This varies a lot. Small, battery-operated scopes might last 2-4 hours. For long nights, it is wise to buy a rechargeable external power tank or adapter.
Q: Are computerized telescopes good for kids?
A: Yes, they are fantastic for kids! The Go-To feature eliminates frustration, allowing children to see targets quickly without needing to learn complex star charts right away.
Q: What is “field of view”?
A: The field of view is how much of the sky you see through the eyepiece. A wider field of view is great for scanning large star clusters, while a narrow view magnifies planets.
Q: Is a computerized scope better than a manual one?
A: It depends on your goal. Manual scopes require you to learn the sky, but computerized scopes save time and frustration by finding targets instantly.
Q: What is slewing speed measured in?
A: Slewing speed is usually measured in degrees per second (°/sec). Higher numbers mean the telescope moves faster across the sky.
Q: Do I need to buy eyepieces separately?
A: Most entry-level computerized telescopes include two basic eyepieces. However, buying higher-quality eyepieces later will significantly improve the detail you see through the scope.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!