There is nothing quite as humbling and as pleasurable as stargazing.
An astrophotography enthusiast would know how important it is to have a good telescope. A telescope is an instrument used for viewing distant objects. Astronomers make extensive use of telescopes. In fact, these are the single most important tool for an astronomer. Thus, an astronomer knows the ins and outs of telescopes. They are also equipped with adequate knowledge to find the right kind of instrument for their needs.
Stargazing and astronomy are not just limited to astronomers alone. There are plenty of individuals who are astronomy enthusiasts or indulge in stargazing as a hobby. Finding the right telescope can be a struggle for such individuals. The right one to buy is one that makes you view stars and planets in the sky as if you are standing amidst them. Presently, telescopes are also used for photography. In the compiled list you will be able to find some of the top photography scopes.
Things to consider before buying:
Aperture: Aperture is the key factor to consider when purchasing a telescope. Aperture refers to the diameter of the main lens or mirror of the telescope. The influx of light in the telescope depends on the width of the aperture.
Mount: A mount is one of the most underappreciated yet the most important feature of a telescope. It is important to ensure that one invests in a telescope that comes with a mount to keep the telescope steady. A mount can also be purchased separately. However, the inbuilt mounts are comparatively sturdier.
Best Telescope Under $2000 in 2022
Here is a complete list of our top picks for the top astrophotography telescope
It comes with an equatorial mount for added comfort
Allows incorporating drivers for the auto-tracking purpose
A superb device for planetary viewing and monitoring
The accessories pack that comes as a part of the kit is also great
Aesthetically pleasing layout
Pros
Cons
✅ Manual slow motion tracking for viewing planets and galaxies
❌Absence of wider field of view
✅ High-end telescope that offers perfect collimation
❌ A bit expensive
✅ The aperture width is also great allowing more light to enter which result in brighter images and lesser visual defects.
Why you should get it?
The BBC Sky at Night magazine has been nothing but all praises for Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 Pro due to its high contrast, stellar optics, and zero chromatic aberrations. In particular, the imagery of Saturn produced as a result of using this device is pretty terrific. One of the most important features is the ability to view a plethora of different celestial objects. The former counterparts of Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 Pro had been equally loved by the ardent telescope users. Similarly, the Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 Pro has also been a subject of much debate in the astronomy and astrophotography circles. Much of the debate has been tilting in favor of Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 Pro.
Nevertheless, the Skymax 150 PRO is one of the perfect scopes in the business that can deliver superior results without any major drawbacks. If quality is something you hold dear, then this masterpiece from Sky-Watcher won’t let you down, explicitly in the long run.
Added Features
The shiny body casing with a beautiful and immaculate white trim gives the device an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance. The overall build quality is also quite nice. The lenses have been multicoated to better optical performance. Along with that, the rear meniscus has a conical baffle tube to seal the light and reduce light scattering. Thus, improving the overall performance of the telescope. Perhaps the most desirable of all properties is the wide focusing range. The optical properties are no doubt great but the high specification SkyScan Go-To mount is even better. Another great thing about this telescope is the fact that it is available in a wide range of lens configurations. Based on your needs, you can avail of this model in either 102, 90, 150 & even 190mm magnification. This added versatility is the aspect that users on Amazon quite praise. In addition to that, this telescope maintains the Vixen-style dovetail, which is a standard nowadays in Astronomy. Conversely, the auto guider port and trainable period error correction make astrophotography no less than a treat.
It offers impeccable optics as compared to competitors
Requires low maintenance so you don’t have to invest heavily in newer equipment
It has a large aperture which allows better visualization
The starry night software gives an interactive experience
It is fully automated
Pros
Cons
✅• The build quality of this telescope is highly attractive
❌ It's on the heavier end of the scale.
✅ Great telescope for stargazing
❌The battery drains at a fairly fast rate
✅ It comes with GoTo Tracking feature
Why you should get it?
Celestron NexStar 8SE offers some of the greatest optical properties in telescopes of a similar price range. The optical properties of the device are so great that it has earned the title of the world’s most beloved telescope and rightly so.
Colour fringing and chromatic aberrations are a telescope user’s greatest fears when purchasing a telescope. Usually, a higher price tag is the guarantee of high-quality optical performance and so is the case with Celestron NexStar 8SE. The use of high-quality optical tools ensures unmatched clarity and contrast. Furthermore, it comes with StarBright XLT optical coating which means all celestial bodies including the moon and the planet can be viewed with utmost clarity. What could be greater evidence of this than the ability of this telescope to allow viewing Jupiter and its moons as well as Saturn and its rings? These developments have led to the immense popularity of this telescope.
Added Features
It is considered great for deep space astrophotography primarily due to its eight-inch wide aperture that allows viewing deep space objects with unprecedented clarity. Apart from that crisp images of the night sky are the most lucrative feature of this telescope. It is computerized with the GoTo tracking features. It has a wide database of over 40,000 celestial bodies to choose from which offers a great experience in terms of learning. Furthermore, the telescope is extremely robust and can withstand rigorous use and even the occasional knocking-off. Overall it is a rather high-end telescope due to its pricing over $1000.
Great model for celestial & terrestrial viewing and observation
It offers an ideal edge for those who want to try their luck with astrophotography
The dual-speed focuser of Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet is of high quality
The device is extremely versatile and can be used for various purposes
Attractive design and overall layout
Pros
Cons
✅Ultra smooth focuser
❌Additional accessories are required for astrophotography
✅It is phenomenal in regards to portability
❌Lacks a dedicated warrenty
✅Provides a wide field of view
Why you should get it?
When it comes to professionalism, there isn’t a single model that can compete with the number 5th product on our list: the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor. As the name suggests, it adopts a lightweight yet powerful refractor that can be used to detect even the faintest of celestial bodies in the night sky. Conversely, the level of support it provides will get you up and running within no time. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just a beginner, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor will have you covered. The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor has the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic high-transmission Coatings (MHTC). Concurrently, the images produced are high quality and devoid of visual aberrations in particular the chromatic aberration.
It is an absolutely fantastic device for astrophotography beginners in particular. It also makes the life of beginners easy by allowing them tremendous ease in terms of mobility.
Added Features
It also comes equipped with a lot of bells and whistles that any modern astronomer desires. For starters, it supports a 10:1 dual-speed, which makes focusing on miniature objects a thing of the past. Just dial up the Crayford-style focuser and let it do its magic! You will also love its proprietary Metallic lens coatings, which minimizes the distortion and enhance the overall accuracy for better planetary observation. Furthermore, the quality to price ratio is unmatched to other telescopes of a similar price range. Another rather cool feature is the built of the telescope. It has a good and almost sturdy built. Another factor for justifying the purchase of the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor is the fact that it can be used without up-gradation in the long run. The device pretty much has all features required up to the intermediate level sky gazing and astronomy.
Excellent value for money telescope that doesn’t compromise on the quality
Despite the affordable pricing, many accessories are included with this package
The mechanics and optical properties offered by this telescope are top-notch
It is designed to withstand rugged conditions
Avaliable in the right size for portability purpose
Pros
Cons
✅It produces ✅Breathtaking visuals for astrophotography purposes
❌ The hefty size and weight of the telescope are its main drawback
✅The visual appeal of the design is also great
❌Another ordeal is collimation which occurs with large mirrors of the telescope
✅Magnification limit ratio offered by this model is impeccable
Why you should get it?
Like Celestron, Zhumell has been making some quality accessories over the year and their latest innovation, i.e., the Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope, is no exception to that. This device is ergonomically built that can easily withstand the wear and tear of astrophotography. On top of that, it offers several benefits which novice stargazers would definitely praise. While this telescope would be great for beginners one must also keep in mind that handling a it this large in size is definitely not for the faint-hearted or the beginners. It is more suited for the intermediate-level user who has the skill set to make adequate use of this magnificent piece.
The primary parabolic mirror is 12” which essentially means that this telescope produces crisp and absolutely sharp images which are devoid of the primary defects often witness in telescopes.
Added Features
It is common for electronic and manual instruments to heat up as a result of extended usage however the Zhumell Z12 comes with a primary mirror cooling fan. This fan quickly establishes thermal equilibrium to allow long viewing sessions without having to wait or without the telescope heating up at a quick rate. The Zhumell Z12 comes with an absolutely new adjustable azimuth bearing system that allows smooth and even provides the feature of object tracking motion. This is really something to consider.
Optimal telescope for studying stars and other stellar bodies
It comes with a smartphone app-enabled feature
The setup is easy and not time-intensive
Pros
Cons
✅ A lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
❌The mount is not computerized which can be a hassle for the technology enthusiasts
✅Ideal telescope for the amateur astrophotographers
❌It is not suitable for veteran astrophotographers
✅Unlike other telescope it suggests the objects to focus upon
Why you should get it?
Often the beginner skywatchers struggle with setting up the telescope and so much time is lost in the setting up process that the fun of enjoying the actual experience is lost. This is a telescope that helps the individuals focus on the act rather than the process. It takes minimal setup time. Thus, it is quickly becoming popular in today’s fast-paced world when there is an acute shortage of time.
Celestron telescopes are the talk of the town because of their lucrative and interesting features. Celestron is arguably the best telescope brand. However, most of these options are rather high-end. This particular model however is extremely light on the pocket. Despite being affordably priced, the scope has all the superior optical properties present in the other more expensive counterparts.
Added Features
The clarity, contrast, and optics of the telescope are quite literally awe-inspiring. One is definitely stuck by the beauty of the sky while viewing through the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope. It comes with Celestron’s StarSense technology that enables the onboard GoTo system which further allows viewing the celestial objects present in the visual field. This is an excellent way to learn more about the existing celestial bodies which most beginners might not be able to differentiate. Thus, all in all, it is a great beginner-friendly under 2000 dollars.
It offers a great platform for beginners who are into astrophotography
Highly intuitive construction and relatively easy to set up
It is lightweight body makes it a portable option
The color correction is phenomenal
The magnification is up to 200x
Pros
Cons
✅Equipped with a 10" aperture reflector
❌Transporting it might be a hustle
✅Operates under friction optimization system
❌ It lacks promising reviews on Amazon
✅High-definition images
Why you should get it?
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor offers premium optical performance for amateur astronomers and stargazers. With quality optics and decent magnification power, it can deliver seamless results whether you are studying terrain or celestial bodies.
The incorporation of superior optical instruments and coatings ensures the elimination of chromatic aberration. Along with that, high contrast and high-resolution optical performance ensure that you fully enjoy the optical experience offered by your telescope. The presence of secondary or diagonal mirrors hanging in the light path of the reflector and catadioptric scope allows scattering light.
Added Features
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor weighs merely 11.3 pounds. It comes without a mount or tripod which is often considered a downside for telescopes. However, the case is different with this telescope as it comes with a Vixen-style dovetail plate. Thus it is compatible with most mounts.
Another rather lucrative feature of this telescope is that it comes with plenty of features that otherwise come at a hefty sum of money. These features include an 8 x 50mm right-angle finderscope, a 2″ dielectric star diagonal with 1.25″ and 2″ compression ring accessory holders, two 1.25″ LE (Long Eye Relief) eyepieces (LE20mm and LE5mm) as well as a foam-lined aluminum-clad carrying case. It is rather interesting to note that while several manufacturers offer these for a hefty sum others have not even heard of these features. Overall, this gives Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor an edge over several other telescope models.
Provided with a Spaceship mode for enhanced observations
Great value for money telescope as compared to the competitive price
It is a manual telescope that allows a lot more control than the motorized models
The absolute ease of use is something all users would love
The intelliscope feature make sure one never has to upgrade the reflector telescope ever again
Pros
Cons
✅Equipped with a 10" aperture reflector
❌Transporting it might be a hustle
✅Operates under friction optimization system
❌ It lacks promising reviews on Amazon
✅High-definition images
Why you should get it?
Who wouldn’t want a computerized Dobsonian reflector telescope that offers superior performance with parabolic optics and IntelliScope Object Locator? To make the deal more lucrative, it detects over 14,000 celestial objects. This is why anyone on a quest for a telescope must not shy away from the Orion SkyQuest XT10i. If you are on a quest to find scope for looking at planets, the Orion SkyQuest XT10i can be a great option. It gathers a large quantity of light which allows viewing distant objects including stars, galaxies, nebulas, moons, and other planets as well.
Added Features
It comes with 2 inch Crayford focusers, two 1.25 inch Sirius Plossl telescope eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 9×50 right-angle correct-image finder scope, eyepiece rack, and a collimation cap. Another rather interesting feature is the Starry Night software. It can be a great tool for astronomy enthusiasts. Traveling through the galaxy is the dream of every astronomy enthusiast. The spaceship mode on this telescope allows you to travel through the galaxy and enjoy an immersive experience. It is a non-motorized telescope which essentially means that one has to locate the stars and planets on their own. While many find this daunting, it can be a great learning experience particularly for beginners who are learning to locate stars on their own.
It is basically a widefield telescope with quality ergonomics
It offers great power and flexibility for astrophotography
This telescope offers a superior quality low dispersion glass
The contrast is enhanced with better mechanics
Pros
Cons
✅ It comes with a two year warranty
❌ It does not include a mount or tripod
✅It offers a power full magnitude for viewing distant objects
❌The aperture is comparatively smaller
✅The optical image quality is great
✅It comes with set of some pretty useful accessories
Why you should get it?
Even though the telescope is primarily marketed for amateur astrophotographers, the image quality and attention to detail are impeccable. Furthermore, it can also be great deep space astrophotography, if needed. With this model, you can elevate your viewing experience without spending a fortune. The great thing about this telescope is that it uses a professional-grade EvoStar ED refractor, which offers picture-perfect alignment for high-definition views. Whether you are studying the outer rings of Saturn or lunar ridges, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar will have you covered. Much like its predecessor, the overall design of this telescope is top-notch. Besides its premium visual appeal, the optical lens that it’s based upon is some of the advanced ones you will find under 2000 dollars. With incredible optics like these, you will have added clarity as you observe deep space objects.
Added Features
The aperture can be considered a matter of concern but not so much as it is a great telescope for producing images of deep space objects as well as viewing the galaxies, planets, stars, moons, and nebulas. The rather more recognizable objects can be viewed with utmost clarity. Thus, making it a great tool. With Metallic high-transmission Coatings (MHTC), the chromatic aberrations will be minimal. You can even use the pre-packaged finder scope to enhance your viewing experience. However, the pricing may not be beginner-friendly. Thus, it is more suitable for serious beginners and rising amateurs as well as intermediate-level users.
It offers great introductory insight and experience for astrophotography
A refractory telescope with a large aperture for beginners
Built-in smartphone adapter technology
Even an absolute beginner can easily set it up
The precision of the focus micrometer is incredible.
Pros
Cons
✅ It is extremely user friendly
❌ The mount is not that great in many terms
✅ The images produced have excellent optical quality.
❌ Not ideal for long term use
✅ Quite easy to set up for the beginners
Why you should get it?
Celestron is known for manufacturing the best quality scope and this model is no different. The optical properties offered by Celestron are unmatched. Perhaps this is why it is one of the most popular telescope manufacturing companies. The users also increasingly rely on it due to its high-quality products.
This particular model is one of their top-of-the-line products that deliver exceptional performance for the money. If you need something professional yet intuitive, we highly recommend getting this product, especially in 2022, as it is not a readily available telescope on Amazon. With that said, it is a great investment for a beginner as the level of ease of use it provides is astonishing. There is no hard and fast technical knowledge required in setting up this beast, and you can get this up and running in no time. It is also a foldable model, so you won’t find it difficult in bringing it on your next road trip.
Added Features
The product Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor is great for use by absolute beginners and in some cases the children. Both the optical properties and the price range are great for getting started and then one can always update. It features a built-in focus micrometer which quickly returns it to a specified focus point, thus enhancing the precision. This aspect is quite useful in detecting faint stars and galaxies. Other than that, it comes equipped with a red LED flashlight embedded near the head mount. You can use it to illuminate your surroundings, especially on a hazy night.
The telescope makes use of the latest WiFi technology
Solid specifications, which are an attractive point
Computerized alt-azimuth fork arm mount
The focus and finder are smooth and easy to adjust
It supports user-defined objects
Pros
Cons
✅ An attractive telescope build
❌ Regular maintenance is required
✅ It offers sharp and high contrast views
❌All the targets in the database cannot be viewed
✅There are no chromatic aberrations
Why you should get it?
Orion Starseeker IV 150 mm is not your average run-on-the-mill telescope. It is one of those telescopes that have bagged positive reviews from both beginners and veterans. The performance and visual experience offered by the Orion Starseeker IV 150 mm are truly impeccable. It is a great telescope and mount combination that is the telescope of choice for ardent enthusiasts. Orion Starseeker IV 150 mm is a great investment for all the stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. It also has a great lifespan which doesn’t make it easily replaceable. It comes with a large aperture which makes it great for viewing planets and galaxies as well as distant nebulas and star clusters.
If you want clarity from your in-bound astronomy telescope, then seriously, the Orion Starseeker IV is a worthy purchase. The great thing about it is the fact that it won’t cost you a fortune while still delivering top-notch performance.
Added Features
Downloading the SynScan Pro app on your phone followed by setting up the WiFi network with the GoTo Mount allows one to control the telescope and obtain information regarding more than 42,000 celestial bodies. In case this seems like a hassle to you, a provided hand controller allows access to the same information.
The SynScan Pro app is especially a boon for all the novices as it allows selecting any celestial object and views it in good quality, pinpoints sharpness for better clarity. Being a mid-sized telescope, the Orion Starseeker IV 150 mm is fairly hard to be portable. It weighs about 22.27 lbs which means it is not too light but not too heavy either. The only other downside is that some objects are not as sharp in terms of quality and contrast as supposedly claimed in the GoTo guide. Investing in Orion Starseeker IV 150 mm is beneficial in the long run as it does not require replacement frequently. The overall design of Starseeker IV is also ergonomically stable and lightweight. You won’t have any issues in moving it around the house without the need for any third-party accessories.
Since you are keen to know about the top telescopes under $2000, you might also be interested in checking out our article 7 Top Eyepieces for Telescopes !
Parts of a Telescope
Important Parts to Check When Purchasing a Telescope:
Lenses
Mirrors
Eyepiece
Structural Support
Telescope Tube
Finderscope
Factors Affecting Operation and Performance of a Telescope:
Aperture
Focal Length of the Objective
Magnification
Focal Ratio
Resolution
Buying Guide
The right equipment is ought to make all experiences several times better. However, the key lies in recognizing the right equipment. When it comes to telescopes one is literally spoilt for choice with the plethora of options available in the market.
There are various different specifications, styles, and other elements to choose from. However, the ultimate choice comes down to personal preferences. We have compiled a buying guide to help you maneuver the daunting decision of selecting the right kind of telescope by considering the specifications.
Budget
Telescopes are available in all price ranges to cater the novices and veterans alike. A higher price tag means a more precise telescope. Usually, refractor telescopes cost higher than reflector ones. It is thus important to note that the hobbyist astronomers and stargazers equally benefit from either yet it is better suited for their budget to opt for a reflector telescope.
Aperture
A wide aperture means more influx of light and thus a better sharpness of image despite the magnification power. Novices are often misled into believing that magnification is the most important feature of the telescope. However, contrary to popular belief aperture is more important than magnification. It is interesting to note that the total effective magnification increases with the width of the aperture.
Conclusion
It comprises various different telescopes of ranging pricing. A common misconception is that the telescope on the market is the one with the heftiest price tag. In the world of the internet and digital media, it is not uncommon to sift through hundreds of reviews and relevant products before deciding which object is the one for you. The whole process can be exhaustive and in some cases somewhat misleading as well. As a beginner, it is fair to be lured into buying a telescope that fits your budget yet offers a plethora of accessories. Some of these accessories include extra eyepieces, an attractive design, and outlook, and an included mount or tripod.
It is not uncommon to be misled into buying a product that does not fit your needs. However, the most important objective factor to consider is the optics of the telescope. Telescopes come in varying price ranges depending on their specifications. One can even purchase a telescope for as low as $100. However, a good telescope would always be priced higher due to the inclusion of superior specifications. A budget of $2000 is great for looking for telescopes with good specifications. Plenty of best value telescope great value telescopes can be found under this range. Another important factor to consider is to find a good beginner telescope for astrophotography as most individuals struggle with the skill of newbies. A supporting device can be of utmost help.
Telescopes can be rather heavy objects. Thus, it is important to have a mount with telescopes. It is absolutely necessary for smooth functionality and astronomy purposes.
The ultimate choice of a telescope depends on personal preference and the budget which could be high and as low as one can afford.
Where to Buy?
While going through the list you must be wondering where is the best place to buy a telescope? None other than the mighty Amazon where you can order the product with the most suitable pricing and a guarantee.
I am a Space enthusiast and have been into deep space research for over 8 years. Inspired by the likes of Mary Robinette Kowal and others to write great content.
I hope you agree with me when I say:
Why do we love it?
Celestron is known for manufacturing the best quality scope and this model is no different. The optical properties offered by Celestron are unmatched. Perhaps this is why it is one of the most popular telescope manufacturing companies. The users also increasingly rely on it due to its high-quality products.
Why do we love it?
