The best expensive telescopes for those ready to splurge – Astronomy Magazine

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These are our picks for the best splurge-worthy telescopes.

Observing the night sky with a telescope. Credit: Kim Grossman/NPS Photo

Attention stargazers and astrophotography aficionados: If youre ready to take a truly giant leap into the cosmos with an expensive telescope, this guide is for you. Were talking top-tier, splurge-worthy telescopes that promise to elevate your starry experiences to new heights.

However, you should know that choosing the right expensive telescope is not just about spending a ton of money; its about finding the right balance of quality, precision, and ease of use thats right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

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What to consider when buying an expensive telescope

Our telescope review process: At Astronomy magazine, we take our reviews seriously. Our team of experts has hands-on experience with a wide range of telescopes, and we stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements. For this list, weve considered user reviews, technical specifications, and our own experiences viewing celestial objects with many different telescopes.

Top expensive telescopes for serious astronomers

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Price: $22,500

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Price: $35,640

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The best expensive telescope mount

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The Meade 16-inch LX200 ACF Computerized Telescope is one of the best overall high-end telescopes because it strikes a great balance between price and performance. This is due to its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, akin to those used in the Hubble Space Telescope, which offer exceptional clarity and detail. The integration of GPS and high-tech features like the Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser also put the scope at the forefront of technological advancement. And LX200s 16-inch aperture enables profound exploration of deep-space objects, delivering an unmatched astronomical experience.

How to care for an expensive telescope

All telescopes can benefit from proper care and maintenance. But, maintaining a high-end telescope requires additional diligence and attention so you can ensure its longevity and get the most bang for your buck.

Remember, if youre making a significant financial investment in an expensive telescope, you should likewise invest the time and money you need to ensure it continues to operate at its peak performance for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are high-end telescopes so expensive? High-end telescopes command a higher price due to their advanced optics, larger apertures, sophisticated mounting systems, and additional features like computerized tracking and high-quality construction materials. These elements significantly enhance the overall viewing experience, allowing for more detailed and clearer observations of celestial objects. However, they also significantly increase the cost.

Are high-end telescopes suitable for beginners?They can be overwhelming for beginners due to their complexity and the detailed knowledge required to effectively operate them. Beginners may benefit more from starting with a less complex model and gradually progressing to more advanced telescopes.

For those looking to explore more affordable telescopes, please see our guides to the best telescopes under $1,000 and the best telescopes under $500.

How do high-end telescopes compare with professional telescopes? High-end telescopes for amateurs are incredibly advanced and offer excellent capabilities. But professional telescopes, like those used in observatories, have larger apertures, more sophisticated technology, and are often housed in locations with near-ideal viewing conditions. These professional instruments are designed for in-depth scientific research and can capture far more detailed astronomical data than those available to consumers.

Investing in a high-end telescope can profoundly transform your journey as an amateur astronomer. These telescopes not only bring the wonders of the universe closer, but also offer increased clarity and detail when viewing celestial objects. Expensive telescopes bridge the gap between amateur enthusiasm and professional-grade astronomical exploration, allowing users to experience the night sky in ways they never thought possible.

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The best expensive telescopes for those ready to splurge - Astronomy Magazine