One of the best known manufacturers of telescopes is Celestron. They have been producing Celestron telescopes since the 1950’s gaining a reputation for providing quality optical equipment at reasonable prices. Their telescopes have been a favorite amongst amateur astronomers with a brand name respected by all. So a brief Celestron telescope review of their different series might be helpful in choosing the right telescope for you.

Great Selection of Amateur Telescopes

Celestron has a broad selection of telescopes from a beginner telescope to a computerized observatory class telescope and can accommodate all skill levels. The prices start at a meager $100 for the basic telescopes and range up to $2,000 for the most advanced models.

Review of Celestron Telescope Product Lines

The ExploraScope 80 is a smaller portable telescope that is ideal for those who wish to stargaze on-the-move. This telescope is equipped with a table stand, as well as a neck strap, making it easy to view the stars wherever you wish to take it.

FirstScope Models

The FirstScope series of Celestron telescope was designed for the first-time buyer and can be used for sky searching or daylight viewing of birds or even whales. Every Celestron telescope features all glass opticals along with aluminum tripod mounts for smoother operation.

NexStar Models

The NexStar Celestron telescope series is the next step up in the product lines and features computerized alignment. These telescopes allow you to input date, location and time, and by pointing to a bright object in the sky, can automatically align to the stars. Its star pointer works like a laser pointer and can align to any particular object in the sky. Prices range between $300 and $500 for these models and are within reach of most beginner and intermediate stargazers’ budgets.

Moving up further in the Celestron telescope family of NexStar computerized telescopes, the SE series can find the stars for you. The NexStar 8 can offer a view of objects in the night sky with unsurpassed clarity. Once it is programmed for your location, you can simply enter an object from the menu and the computer points the Celestron telescope precisely to the celestial object. Once setup and you become familiar with its operation, which is relatively straight forward, it becomes an easy process to find the various stars and planets in the heavens.

The NexStar telescopes are priced from under $300 to around $1,400 at Telescopes.com, reflecting discounts of up to 45% off MSRP.

Best Source for Celestron Telescopes

We hope that this brief Celestron telescope review will give you some idea of the various telescope lines available from this reputable company. They have provided years of quality service and have helped amateur astronomers everywhere and at all skill levels to better enjoy their stargazing experience.

To learn more about a specific Celestron telescope, visit Telescopes.com and find detailed information about each model, as well as reviews by actual users. We think this is one of the best websites on the Net for telescope information. If you are in the market for a new telescope, Telescopes.com has a fabulous selection with some of the best prices on Celestron telescopes.

You may have heard of them, or maybe not, but telescope binoculars are gaining in popularity as a stargazing tool. You may wonder what the major difference is between a telescope and telescope binoculars. The simple answer is one eye!

What’s the Difference – Telescope Binoculars vs. Telescope?

With telescope binoculars you peer through the eyepiece with both eyes open, while a traditional telescope uses only one eye. An obvious difference, but an important one.

If you view the night skies through a telescope for extended periods of time at each sitting, you may experience eye fatigue from only using the one eye while the other is usually shut. This obstacle is overcome as the binoculars allow for both eyes to be open during viewing.

Telescope binoculars are similar to traditional binoculars, only with a much longer focal length. Also, the lense and prism system may be different to allow for better viewing in low light situations.

The Difference Between Binoculars and Telescope Binoculars

If you are contemplating the use of binoculars for your astronomy endeavors, make sure that you understand how the magnification and light gathering capabilities are measured. Binoculars are usually listed with two numbers, for example 10 X 50. This indicates a magnification factor of 10, meaning the object will appear to be 10 times larger than the original.

The second number reflects the diameter of the objective lens, in this case 50, determines the light gathering capability of the lens. So, while an objective measure of 30 may be good for daytime viewing, a 50 would typically provide much better viewing at night.

To be effective as telescope binoculars, a magnification of 100 with an objective opening of 70 or more is preferred.

To Mount or Not to Mount

The one caveat here is that the longer the magnification and lens opening, the greater the probability that you will shake when being held in the hands. This is where a tripod or mount will reduce this problem and is essential with longer lenses.

Much like a telescope, these specialized binoculars can be used to spot smaller objects in the heavens. However, you can quickly lose sight of the object if moved, even slightly, requiring you to start your setup all over again.

So, when selecting telescope binoculars, it is best to have the capability to mount your stargazing instrument to a fixed object, such as a tripod. This will allow for better stability and help keep the binoculars pointed in the same viewing direction.

If you want to stargaze with the minimum amount of hassle, it is almost a requirement that you use a telescope mount. You will find that stability is paramount when looking at the stars and planets, because any movement in the telescope will require you to realign your position to continue tracking the celestial body.

Another factor that weighs in favor of using a mount is your comfort level. If you plan to do any extended periods of stargazing, telescope mounts can make all the difference in how you position your body relative to the telescope. Put your body in an unnatural position and your stargazing experience will be less than satisfactory in a few short minutes. Choose the right telescope mount and you will want to stay out all night!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Telescope Mount

Choosing the right mount will be dependent on a number of factors:

• Intended use of the telescope
• Skill level of the user
• Type of telescope
• Needs of the user
• Terrain
• Portability
• Cost

It is important that you determine how you will be using your telescope and where it will be used. If you are a novice astronomer and have a beginner telescope, then a less complex, and less costly, telescope mount will probably suffice without diminishing your stargazing experience.

If you are more experienced in astronomy, you may opt for one of the more complex telescope mounts with all the “bells and whistles”. Of course, these can be quite expensive, especially if you desire a mount with computerized features.

If you plan to move your telescope from place to place during your stargazing adventure you should definitely consider portability. Some of these mounts can get pretty heavy and can be quite a chore to lug around.

As you can see, there are many aspects to telescope mounts that need to be considered when shopping for a mount for your telescope. Take the time to research the various types of mounts, their features, and their cost (preferably online) and you will be rewarded with the right telescope mount for your viewing pleasure.