5 Best Telescopes Under 2000 in 2024 – Updated Guide

Want to go deeper into space without going over budget? Discovering the wonders of the universe doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In this guide, we’ll unveil the best telescope under $2000, offering stellar performance and breathtaking views of celestial objects. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a budding stargazer, these budget-friendly telescopes deliver exceptional optics, user-friendly features, and remarkable value for your investment. Prepare yourself to set out on a once-in-a-lifetime celestial exploration as we present the best telescopes under $2000.

5 Best Telescope Under 2000 in 2024

Celestron NexStar 8SE

Features

1. Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Design: The Celestron NexStar 8SE features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, renowned for its versatility and compactness. This design combines a spherical primary mirror with a corrector lens and a secondary mirror to deliver high-resolution images with minimal chromatic aberration.

2. GoTo Computerized Mount: Thanks to its computerized mount and large database of over 40,000 astronomical objects—including stars, planets, galaxies, and more—the NexStar 8SE offers simple navigation and tracking. Simply input your desired target using the hand controller, and the telescope will automatically slew to the object, making stargazing a breeze.

3. 8-Inch Aperture: With its generous 8-inch aperture, the NexStar 8SE gathers ample light to reveal intricate details of celestial objects. Whether observing the moon’s craters, distant galaxies, or planetary nebulae, this telescope delivers stunning views with impressive clarity and brightness.

4. StarBright XLT Coatings: Celestron’s proprietary StarBright XLT coatings are applied to the telescope’s mirrors to enhance light transmission and improve contrast. These multi-layer coatings ensure maximum light throughput, resulting in crisp, true-to-life images across the entire field of view.

5. Portability and Convenience: Despite its impressive aperture and advanced features, the NexStar 8SE remains relatively compact and portable. Its single fork arm design and detachable optical tube make it easy to transport and set up at your preferred observing site, whether it’s your backyard or a remote stargazing location.

Pros and Cons

Sky-Watcher S11800

Features

1. GoTo Computerized Mount: The Sky-Watcher S11800 features a GoTo computerized mount, allowing for automated slewing to over 42,000 celestial objects with the push of a button. This feature simplifies the stargazing experience, especially for beginners.

2. 8-Inch Aperture: With its large 8-inch aperture, this telescope gathers ample light to provide clear and detailed views of celestial objects, including planets, nebulae, and galaxies. The aperture size ensures impressive brightness and resolution for observing deep-sky objects.

3. Collapsible Design: This telescope’s collapsible tube, part of its Dobsonian design, makes it incredibly portable and simple to move to different observation spots. The collapsible feature enhances convenience without compromising optical performance.

4. High-Quality Optics: Equipped with high-quality optics, including a parabolic primary mirror and a 2-inch Crayford-style focuser, the Sky-Watcher S11800 delivers sharp and crisp images with minimal aberrations. This ensures an immersive and satisfying viewing experience.

5. Dual-Speed Focuser: The telescope comes with a dual-speed 2-inch Crayford-style focuser, allowing for precise and smooth focusing adjustments. This feature is especially useful for getting the best possible image clarity and catching minute details of astronomical objects.

Pros and Cons

Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO

Features

1. Apochromatic Optics: The EvoStar 100 APO utilizes a high-quality doublet lens design with apochromatic optics, ensuring superior colour correction and sharp, contrast-rich images free from chromatic aberration.

2. Versatile Aperture: With a 100mm (4-inch) aperture, this telescope strikes a balance between portability and light-gathering capability, making it ideal for both terrestrial and astronomical observations.

3. Dual-Speed Focuser: Equipped with a precision-machined dual-speed Crayford focuser, the EvoStar 100 APO allows for fine adjustments to achieve pinpoint focus, enhancing image clarity and detail.

4. Aluminum Tube Design: The telescope features a lightweight yet durable aluminium tube construction, providing stability and minimizing thermal expansion for consistent performance in varying conditions.

5. Accessory Package: Included with the telescope is a comprehensive accessory package, featuring a 2-inch dielectric diagonal, two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), a 9×50 finderscope, and a mounting rail, offering convenience and versatility out of the box.

Pros and Cons

Celestron NexStar Evolution 6 Schmidt-Cassegrain

Features

1. Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics: The telescope features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, known for its compactness and versatility. This design combines a spherical primary mirror with a corrector lens and a secondary mirror, resulting in a long focal length in a compact tube.

2. Computerized GoTo Mount: Equipped with a computerized GoTo mount, this telescope automatically locates and tracks celestial objects with precision. Simply input your desired target into the hand controller or smartphone app, and the telescope will slew to it, making stargazing effortless.

3. Built-in Wi-Fi: With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the NexStar Evolution 6 allows for wireless control via the Celestron SkyPortal app. Users can align the telescope, control its functions, and even access a vast database of celestial objects directly from their smartphone or tablet.

4. Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: Unlike traditional telescopes that rely on disposable batteries or external power sources, the NexStar Evolution 6 features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This allows for extended observing sessions without the need for frequent battery replacements.

5. Portability and Ease of Setup: With its compact design and lightweight construction, this telescope is highly portable and easy to set up. Whether you’re observing from your backyard or a remote dark-sky site, the NexStar Evolution 6 is convenient to transport and assemble, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced astronomers alike.

Pros and Cons

Orion 10020 SkyQuest XT12i IntelliScope Dobsonian

Features

1. Large Aperture: The XT12i boasts a generous 12-inch aperture, allowing it to gather ample light for crisp and clear views of celestial objects. With this aperture size, you can observe faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters with impressive detail.

2. IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator: This telescope features Orion’s IntelliScope technology, which makes locating celestial objects a breeze. Simply input the object you wish to observe into the handheld controller, and the telescope will automatically slew to the target, guiding you to its precise location in the night sky.

3. Sturdy Dobsonian Mount: The telescope may be easily navigated to various astronomical targets thanks to the stability and smooth movement offered by the Dobsonian mount. Its simple yet effective design offers excellent support for the telescope tube, allowing for comfortable viewing sessions.

4. Enhanced Viewing Experience: Equipped with high-quality optics, including a parabolic primary mirror and a low-expansion borosilicate glass secondary mirror, the XT12i delivers sharp and contrast-rich images. Whether you’re observing the moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, or distant galaxies, you’ll be impressed by the clarity and detail of the views.

5. Portable and Easy to Set Up: Despite its large aperture, the XT12i remains relatively portable and straightforward to set up. The telescope breaks down into manageable components for transportation and can be assembled quickly, allowing you to spend more time observing and less time on setup.

Pros and Cons

Also, you might be interested – 5 Best Telescopes Under 1000 in 2024

Features are crucial to consider

A few elements are essential to take into account when choosing a telescope under $2000 so that you may obtain the best value and performance for your money. Here are some key features to keep in mind:

1. Aperture Size: The aperture, or diameter of the telescope’s primary lens or mirror, is perhaps the most critical factor in determining image clarity and brightness. Look for telescopes with larger apertures, as they can gather more light and provide clearer views of celestial objects.

2. Optical Quality: High-quality optics are essential for sharp, detailed views of the night sky. Pay attention to the type of glass used in the lenses or mirrors, as well as the precision of their fabrication. Telescopes with well-designed optics will offer superior contrast and resolution.

3. Mount Stability: A stable mount is vital for smooth tracking and precise pointing of the telescope. Consider telescopes with sturdy mounts that provide solid support for the optical tube and minimize vibrations, ensuring steady views even at high magnifications.

4. Portability and Setup: Depending on your observing preferences, you may prioritize telescopes that are easy to transport and set up. Look for models that offer a balance between aperture size and portability, with features like collapsible or lightweight components for convenient transportation to dark sky sites.

5. Additional Features: Some telescopes come equipped with advanced features that enhance the observing experience. These may include computerized object locators, motorized mounts for automatic tracking, or compatibility with smartphone apps for sky mapping and object identification. Consider whether these features align with your observing goals and skill level.

6. Compatibility with Accessories: To expand the capabilities of your telescope, consider its compatibility with accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and astrophotography equipment. Seek out telescopes with an array of attachments that will let you adjust your configuration as your interests and abilities grow.

7. Manufacturer Reputation and Support: Finally, research the reputation of the telescope’s manufacturer and the availability of customer support and warranty services. Select businesses that are well-known for their fine craftsmanship, dependability, and dedication to client delight to guarantee a satisfying ownership experience over the long run.

By considering these features when choosing a telescope under $2000, you can select a model that meets your observing needs and provides years of enjoyment in exploring the wonders of the universe.

Conclusion

Selecting the best telescope under $2000 may be a fulfilling experience for astronomers of all skill levels. With so many possibilities at your disposal, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision.

Whether you’re interested in planetary observation, deep-sky imaging, or simply exploring the wonders of the cosmos, there’s a telescope out there that’s perfect for you. From compact refractors to powerful Dobsonians, this series of telescopes combines affordability, performance, and quality in a harmonious way.

Through thorough investigation and comparison of various models, you can locate a telescope that fulfils your needs without going over budget. Remember to consider factors such as aperture size, optical quality, portability, and ease of use when making your decision.

Ultimately, investing in a quality telescope under $2000 can open up a world of discovery and adventure right from your backyard. So, whether you’re a budding astronomer or a seasoned stargazer, take the plunge and start exploring the universe today!

Related Guide

1. 5 Best Telescopes Under $500 in 2024
2. 5 Best Telescopes Under 200 in 2024
3. 5 Best Telescopes to See Moon in 2024