If you are a space enthusiast and want to explore the hidden truth behind the twinkling stars, burning sun, meteors, comets, satellites, and other planets, then you must be thinking about purchasing a telescope. But, sometimes you are skeptical about buying one being worried about the cost of a telescope. Therefore, we have come with an article that will help to give you some idea about different types of telescopes and how much do they cost?
A telescope is an optical device that contains a set of curved mirrors and lenses that make distant things appear closer and bigger to us. It works on two principles of light; refraction and reflection of light.
The refractor telescopes use glass lenses, whereas the reflector telescopes use mirrors to magnify the faraway images. There is third type of telescope that uses both the principles that we know as a catadioptric telescope.
Telescopes are handy for magnifying objects that we cannot see with our naked eyes. So, astronomers, space researchers, and scientists use telescopes for studying the celestial bodies to discover the truth behind the existence of the universe and much more. However, these days people other than the professionals are keeping telescopes in their home to fulfill their space-enthusiasm. So, if you come under this category and are worried about the cost of a good telescope then you have landed at the right place.
Cost of a Telescope
The cost of a telescope ranges from $100 to over $1000. However, the price of the telescope depends on certain factors; features, technical specifications, the aperture size, brand, and the quality of the lenses used in a telescope
There are three types of telescopes available in the market; each telescope showcases a set of unique features. So, to have an idea about the cost of a telescope we must study different types of telescopes and various options available under each category.
Types of Telescopes and their cost
Telescopes are available in three categories, refractive, reflective, and Catadioptric. The difference between these telescopes is the use of lenses and mirrors. However, the function of all these telescopes remains the same.
Refractor Telescopes:
A refractive telescope uses glass lenses and functions on the principle of refraction of light. The cost of these types of telescopes ranges from less than $200 to over $ 1500.
A $ 100 refractor telescope has less than 70mm aperture and does have poor quality features.
Similarly, a refractor telescope that ranges from $100 – $400 comes with an aperture length of 130mm and above. The best APO (Apochromatic) telescopes can be purchased in this range for having better and brighter image quality with several advanced optical features.
You can find refractor telescopes in $400 – $600, which have galaxy viewing ability with a great quality aperture.
If you want to purchase a refractor telescope having an aperture of 250mm, then you have to spend more than $600.
Reflector Telescopes:
A reflector telescope uses mirror lenses located at the telescope’s rear. These types of telescopes work on the principle of reflection of light. The mirror lens reflects the light rays as soon as it falls on the mirror lens. The cost of this telescope starts from less than $50. However, if you are purchasing a reflector telescope having a bigger aperture, then you have to pay a big buck of over $1000.
There are different types of reflective telescopes available in the market. Let us discuss the cost of reflective telescopes under each category.
Entry-level reflective telescopes can be purchased in a price range of less than $50 to $100. The telescopes that children use to magnify the distant things come under this category. These telescopes have low magnifying capabilities.
You can purchase the best Newtonian telescopes between $100-$400, which feature a 150 mm + aperture.
The Dobsonian telescopes that we use to view celestial bodies and deep space objects like galaxies and nebula can be purchased at $500- $600. However, you can get an eight-inch Dobsonian telescope for more than $600 to experience a great magnifying feature.
Catadioptric telescope:
Likewise, a Catadioptric telescope features both glass and mirror lenses. They can range between $500 t0 over $5000. They have got a high price but they produce advanced features.
Cost of telescopes for different brands
There are different brands that manufacture telescopes. But we have made online research to find out the best telescopes having an excellent customer rating and a challenging price-point. Customers have given a very good rating to a few brands such as Gskyer, Celestron, Meade, and Orion.
1.Gskyer
After doing thorough online research we found that Gskyer is the best-selling brand of telescopes. Hence most of the telescopes of this brand rapidly get sold out. We found the following telescopes from Gskyer that are currently available online.
1. 1 Gskyer Spotting Scope 25-75×75 Bird Watching Telescope
It is a bird watching telescope from Gskyer and it costs $39.99. The telescope is perfect for target shooting, nature observation, hunting, and birding, golf.
Features:
- Weight: 1350g
- Aperture: 75mm(2.95’’)
- Focal length (mm): 430
- Magnification: 25-75x
- Angular field of view: 1°48’@25x, 0°57’@75x
- Linear field of view (1000 yards)
1.2. Gskyer 20-60×60 Spotting Scope Bird Watching Target Shooting Monocular Telescope
The bird watching telescope from Gskyer costs $39.99.
Features:
- Aperture: 60mm
- Focal length: 360
- Magnification: 20-60X
- Angular field of view: 20X: 2.2° & 60X: 1.1°
- Linear field of view: 20X: 120ft & 60X: 60ft
- Product weight: 953g / 2.1Lb
1.3 Gskyer Telescope, 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope
The AZ refractor telescope from Gskyer costs $375.99. it is lightweight and portable and a very good choice for the beginners.
Features:
- 60mm aperture
- 350mm focal length
- f/5.8 focal ratio
- Rack-and-pinion focuser &low (25mm) and high (10mm) magnification eyepieces
- Weight: 1kg 580g
2.Meade
Meade has established its name in the world of telescopes with its high quality and great varieties. We have listed a few telescopes and their cost below.
2.1 Meade LX85 Newtonian Reflector Telescope, 6in, Optical Tube Assembly Only, 217021
This Newtonian reflector telescope is one of the best sellers on amazon.com. Cost of this telescope is $299.00. It has got great features to become the first choice of the customers.
Features:
- 150mm (6″) Reflector
- 750mm Focal Length
- f/5 Focal Ratio
- 9.7mm & 26mm Plossl (1.25″) Eyepieces Included
- The objective lens diameter: 150 millimetres.
- Weight: 18.3 pounds.
2.2 Meade Instruments – Infinity 70mm Aperture, Portable Refracting Astronomy Telescope for Kids & Beginners – Multiple Eyepieces & Accessories Included – Adjustable Alt-azimuth (AZ) Manual Mount
This telescope is perfect the amateur astronomers. Cost of this telescope is $99.00. Let us discuss its features.
Features:
- Aperture: 70mm (2.8″).
- Focal Length: 700mm. Focal Ratio: f/10.
- Rack-and-Pinion Focuser
- Altazimuth mount with a slow motion control rod for precision tracking means you can easily track objects day or night
- Low (26mm) and high (9mm) magnification eyepieces
- Red dot viewfinder helps you point your scope at objects
- Objective lens diameter: 70 millimetres.
- Weight: 7 pounds.
2.3 Meade Instruments Cornado PST Personal Solar Telescope
This solar telescope is a professional astronomer’s telescope and has got amazing features. Cost of this telescope is $888.97.
Features:
- Objective lens diameter: 40 millimetres.
- Weight: 2 pounds.
- 40mm f/10 H-alpha telescope
- 400mm focal length
- Internal non-removable filtering optics for safe solar viewing
- 1. 0 angstrom hydrogen-alpha (Ha) bandpass
- black 18mm plössl eyepiece.
- Max Focal Length: 400.0
2,4 Meade 10in LX200 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope f/10 w/UHTC w/o Tripod, 1010-60-03N
This telescope has got a lot of advanced features. Cost of this telescope is $4091. 93.
Features:
- Focal ratio: f/10
- Aperture: 254mm
- Eyepiece 1: 26mm Series 4000 Super Plossl
- Finder scope: 8×50
- Focal Length: 2500mm
- GPS
- Objective Lens Size Code: 254
2.5 Meade Instruments 204011 12″ LIGHTBRIDGE PLUS TRUSS-TUBE DOB
This Newtonian reflector telescope from Meade is one of the best sellers on amazon.com that costs $1262.43
Features:
- Weight: 79 pounds
- Objective lens diameter: 304.8 millimetres
- 1829mm focal length
- F/4 5 focal Ratio
- 2-Inch series 4000 26mm QX wide angle eyepiece
- Advanced 4-Reticle red dot viewfinder
3. Orion
The best seller telescopes from the brand Orion are listed below with cost.
3.1 Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope
This reflector telescope from Orion costs $199.00.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 114 Millimeters
- Weight: 20.7 pounds
- 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces
- StarBlast II 4.5 EQ
- 260, EZ Finder II reflex sight
3.2 Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope (Black)
The equatorial reflector telescope from Orion costs $329.00.
Features:
- Weight: 24.2 pounds
- Objective Lens Diameter: 130 millimetres
- Two 1.25 inch Sirius Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), 6×30 finder scope
- 1.25inch rack and pinion focuser
- 5.1 inch aperture
3.3 Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope (Teal)
The reflector telescope from Orion costs $199.99. It has got amazing features to become one of the best sellers on amazon.com.
Features:
- Optical Tube Length: 18 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
- 4.5 inch aperture
- Fast f/4 focal ratio
- Two Explorer II 1.25 inch Kellner telescope eyepieces (17mm and 6mm)
- Focal length: 450mm
3.4 Orion 27191 StarBlast 6i IntelliScope Reflector Telescope
The reflector telescope from Orion costs $499.99. This is perfect for amateur astronomers.
Features:
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
- 750mm focal length
- Focal ratio: f/5.0
- 25mm and 10mm Sirius Plossl 1.25″ telescope eyepieces
- 6″ aperture optics
3.5 Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope MAX Kit
This reflector telescope from Orion costs $269.99.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 114 millimetres
- 4.5″ aperture
- Fast f/4 focal ratio
- Two Explorer II 1.25″ Kellner telescope eyepieces (17mm and 6mm)
- EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming
4. Celestron
We have listed a few best seller Celestron telescopes below with cost basing on the data available at amazon.com.
4.1 Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope – Portable Refractor Telescope – Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Ideal Telescope for Beginners – BONUS Astronomy Software Package
This is a refractor telescope and can easily be portable. Hence, it is best for travellers. The cost of this product is $186.00.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 70 millimetres
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Large 70mm objective lens
- Two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm)
- Focal length: 400mm (16”)
- Focal ratio: f/5.71
4.2 Celestron – PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners – Compact and Portable – Bonus Astronomy Software Package – 70mm Aperture
The equatorial refractor telescope from Celestron costs $129.95.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 70 millimetres
- Weight:13.9 pounds
- 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm)
- 70 mm (2.76″) aperture
- Focal length 700 mm (28″)
- Focal ratio: f/10
4.3 Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners – Compact and Portable – Bonus Astronomy Software Package – 127mm Aperture
The equatorial telescope is a perfect choice for the beginners, which costs $189.00.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 127 millimetres
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm)
- Aperture: 127 mm (5″)
- Focal length: 1000 mm (39″)
- Focal ratio: f/8
4.4 Celestron – 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope – Telescopes for Beginners – 2 Eyepieces – Full-Height Tripod – Motorized Altazimuth Mount – Large 114mm Newtonian Reflector
The Newtonian telescope is best for the beginners and it costs $349.00.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 114 millimetres
- 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm)
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Aperture : 114mm (4.49”)
- Focal length: 1000mm (39”)
- Focal ratio: f/8.77
4.4 Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope
This is a quiet affordable telescope from Celestron and it costs $54.99.
Features:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 76 millimetre
- Magnification of Eyepiece 2: 75
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Aperture: 76 millimetre
- Focal length of eye piece 1 and 2 are 20 millimetre and 4 millimetre respectively
Conclusion
We have made an attempt to give a brief idea about different types of best-selling telescopes and their cost. Besides the brands that we have discussed above, there are also plenty of options available on different websites. You can go through them as well. However, we will recommend you to shop offline rather than choosing online options.
Online products may come damaged, whereas offline shopping can give you a clear idea about the quality and exact size of the telescopes that you may not be able to figure out with the online purchase. However, there are a lot of satisfied customers who chose to purchase online only because they provide offers on the cost most of the time. We recommend you no.1 online shopping website amazon.com for online purchase of a telescope.
Telescopes come in a wide range. But, as a non-professional astronomer, you can purchase a telescope having a little less cost. However, you can purchase a higher model telescope after having some idea from your first purchase.
Sometimes telescopes lose the quality of lenses and start giving undesirable results. Therefore, you can also replace the lenses if you think there is a need to do so.
