General Info

Class: CPC GPS Schmidt Cassegrain
Best Uses: Planets, stars, galaxies & excellent for Astrophotography!
Recommended Experience: Experienced - Professional

Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Official Review: If you’re looking for a new scope that’s great all-around, has excellent range, and is perfect for detailed Astrophotography, the Celestron CPC 9.25 Inch is a great pick! Typically sold at around $2,500-$3,000, this scope is best for experienced stargazers.

However, it’s high-tech feature set justifies the price, and the CPC 9.25 inch was made with perfect balance between bells & whistles and functionality in mind, and in my opinion: Celestron hit the mark.

Pros: Great GPS system, amazing for Astrophotography, 40,000 programmed objects & has SkyAlign
Cons: Somewhat heavy, complicated features for beginners & fairly expensive for just a hobby

Click here to check out the Celestron CPC 9.25-Inch on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.9/10 - Very easy to use for experienced stargazers
Comfortability: 9.1/10 - Comfortable eyepiece, ergonomic design
Durability: 8.7/10 - Heavy-Duty steel construction
Battery Life: 8.1/10 - Standard Celestron battery life (Comes w/ car battery adapter)
Backlash: 9.5/10 - Virtually none
Warranty: 9.1/10 - 2-year limited through  Celestron
Storage: 7.5/10 - Fairly heavy at 77lb total weight; Small ergonomic design
Accuracy: 8.6/10 - SkyAlign, 555x Magnification & sturdy mount
Setup: 8.5/10 - Easy for experienced users; Could be tough for beginners

Check out more customer reviews of the 9.25-Inch CPC!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 235mm
Magnification (Lowest Useful - Highest Useful): 3x - 555x
Focal Length: 2,350mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.59 Arc Seconds
Angular Field of View: 0.7°
Tracking: Altazimuth, EQ North & EQ South

Click here to learn more about the 9.25-Inch Celestron CPC!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Schmidt Cassegrain
Viewfinder: 50mm w/quick release bracket
Eyepiece: 40mm
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Dual Fork Arm Altazimuth
Weight: 58lb (77lb total)
Tripod: Heavy-Duty Steel Adjustable
Power Supply: 12VDC 1.5A
Lens Coating: Starbright Coating
Other Equipment: Celestron Remote control
Recommended Accessories: 925 Solar Filter, AC Adapter & 1.25in Eyepiece/Filter Kit

Extra Features

GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Alignment, Two-star Align, SolarSystem Align, EQ North Align, EQ South Align, One-Star Align
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 40,000+ pre-programmed objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects.
Programming Options: 400 user-defined programmable objects.

Summary: If you’re into Astrophotography, and you’re fairly experienced with telescopes, this might be just what you’re looking for. A fantastic pre-programmed 40,000-object database, SkyAlign technology, a well-built machine, and an ergonomic design makes this scope tough to beat in its price range.

That said, I would recommend the CPC 8-Inch if you’re not a professional and/or the 9.25 inch is out of your price range, as this will save you about $500 with very little loss of quality.

Click here to order the Celestron CPC 9.25-Inch from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Casual/Recreational, Enthusiast

Overall Rating: 8.7/10
Official Review: While it’s heavier than other “light buckets”, the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian has a MUCH larger magnification and clearer focus than others in its price ranges. If you’re not sure about the bulky Dobsonian-factor, keep in mind that these scopes are a bit large and difficult to store. However, they are very easy to breakdown and setup, so if you have a decent place to keep it, you’ll be just fine.

That in mind, the major advantage with the 10-Inch Dobsonian is the 600x magnification! You’ll be able to view objects that are much farther away than with the vast majority of other scopes available, even those that cost double the Dobsonian, which is typically sold for about $500!

Pros: HUGE magnification, easy setup & breakdown, very accurate & comfortable
Cons: Somewhat large, 60lbs, no computer-based features, manual tracking, not ideal for lunar/planetary viewing

Click here to check out the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.5/10 - Extremely simple to use
Comfortability: 7.7/10 - Great eyepieces; Some dislike the size of Dobsonians
Durability: 8.2/10 - Sturdy mount & durable tube design
Battery Life: n/a - Not computerized! Use it forever…
Warranty: 8.2/10 - Great Zhumell “No-Fault Repair” policy; Costs $15 to send to Zhumell for repairs
Storage: 7.1/10 - Easy to breakdown, but might be too large to store easily
Accuracy: 9.0/10 - Extremely accurate scope for its price range!
Setup: 9.1/10 - Simple setup

Check out more customer reviews of the Zhumell 10-Inch Dob!

Tech Specs

Objective Lens: 254mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 600x
Focal Length: 1,250mm
Focal Ratio: F/4.92
Limiting Magnitude: 14.52
Tracking: Manual (Simple w/ the Crayford focuser & 8×50 RACI finderscope)

Click here to learn more about the 10-Inch Dobsonian from Zhumell!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 8×50
Eyepiece: 1.25in. 9mm Plossl and 2in. 32mm Plossl
Tube: Black optical w/ lightweight, durable design
Mount Design: Traditional Dobsonian
Weight: 60lbs
Tripod: N/A (Dobsonian Mount)
Power Supply: None Necessary!
Lens Coating: 10in multi-coated
Other Equipment: Bonus eyepiece
Recommended Accessories: None needed!

Extra Features

GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Easy

Summary: If you’re looking for a solid scope to view primarily stars & galaxies, that won’t cost more than $600, the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian is an amazing deal!

If you’re trying to decide on the best Dobsonian for you, I would highly recommend the 10-Inch over the 8-Inch because of the much higher magnification and clarity upgrade for the small price increase.

Click here to order the Zhumell 10-Inch Dobsonian from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: LightBridge Truss-Tube Dobsonians
Best Uses: General, except Astrophotography: Planets, Moon, Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Casual - Enthusiast

Overall Rating: 8.39/10
Official Review: If you want to get a wonderful telescope, for around $500 that doesn’t bother you with all the bells and whistles, the Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch is a fantastic choice!

Be aware that it’s a large scope, so it’s not great for taking the family out to the park, but if you have a spot for it and you’re willing to cover it up in the lawn (or you know you will only use it a couple time per month or so), then this is not an issue.

The Lightbridge series has all the barebones essentials you’ll want like great magnification & clarity, and none of the extra stuff you don’t need like a built-in computer.

Pros: Nice magnification, clear, sturdy, easy to use & great price
Cons: Too bulky for some, no Astrophotography options, not computerized

Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.7/10 - Extremely easy to use; bulky setup; no computer
Comfortability: 7.8/10 - Comfortable eyepiece, but large design
Durability: 8.0/10 - Strong aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - Only battery is for cooling fan, so keep on stargazing!
Backlash: 10/10 - Not computerized, so nothing to worry about in this department
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard 2-year Meade warranty
Storage: 6.0/10 - It’s quite large, but at least it’s to setup & breakdown!
Accuracy: 7.7/10 - Manual, but Advanced Red-dot viewfinder helps a ton!
Setup: 7.6/10 - Easy to assemble & helpful instruction guide

Check out more customer reviews of the 8-Inch Lightbridge!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 203mm (8″)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 500x
Focal Length: 1219mm (8″)
Focal Ratio: f/6
Slew Speed: n/a
Tracking: Manual

Click here to learn more about the Meade 8-in. Lightbridge!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Dobsonian
Viewfinder: Advanced Four-Reticle Red Dot
Eyepiece: 26mm QX™ wide angle 2″ eyepiece
Tube: Lightweight Aluminum Truss-Tube (24 lbs.)
Mount Design: n/a - Solid Laminated Base (20 lbs.)
Weight: 44 lbs. (total)
Tripod: n/a
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Aluminum Coatings with magnesium fluoride (Multi)
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: None

Extra Features

GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual (Steel RA roller bearings make alignment much easier)
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: No

Summary: I hope that review of the 8-Inch Lightbridge helped you out. To sum it up: check it out if you’re looking for an excellent manual scope without the latest technological features and you don’t mind the size. You’ll be impressed…

Click here to order the Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: NexStar SE (Special Edition); Schmidt-Cassegrain
Best Uses: General Astronomy (Astrophotography , Viewing Galaxies/Star Clusters , Viewing Nebulae , Viewing the Moon , Viewing the Planets)
Recommended Experience: As with the 8SE, the Celestron NexStar 5 SE model details say it is made for the ‘Professional’ astronomer, but it is very possible to use it as an avid or recreational stargazer due to its ease of use and wide array of features.

Overall Rating: 8.65/10
Official Review: The 5SE is listed at about $1,500 and is typically sold for around $800. Because it has the majority of the features of the 8SE and costs about $600 less, I recommend the NexStar 5SE over the 8SE for any casual-recreational astronomers out there.

Though it does lack somewhat in the aperture/eyepiece department, it is quite easy to upgrade if necessary for your purposes, and if you do you will have an incredible deal with regards to investment.

Pros: Easy to setup, comfortable, strong construction, nice lenses, portable, great features & under $1,000
Cons: Somewhat complex for the average stargazer, needs upgrades on aperture, eyepieces & GPS (still under $1,000)

Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 5 SE on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.8/10 - Simple to setup and get used to (especially for a “Pro” telescope)
Comfortability: 9.1/10 - Most users say it’s comfortable
Durability: 9.2/10 - Strong Celestron build
Battery Life: 6.7/10 - Computerized models running on 8-AA’s always have trouble with this
Backlash: 7.0/10 - Minor issues, but manual covers this for beginners
Warranty: 9/10 - Standard Celestron 2-year limited
Storage: 8.7/10 - Light, portable & easy to store
Accuracy: 8.0/10 - Accurate SkyAlign feature (some complain about ease of use for alignment)
Setup: 9.3/10 - Easy to assemble & excellent manual

Check out more customer reviews of the NexStar 5 SE!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 125mm (4.92in)
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 18x, 50x & 300x
Focal Length: 1250mm (49.21in)
Focal Ratio: 10
Resolution: 1.1 arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 1°
Slew Speed: Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, .5x
Tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South

Click here to learn more about the Celestron 5 SE!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm (0.98in)
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
Weight: 27.6lbs (12.52kg)
Tripod: Steel w/ built-in wedge
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries (not included)
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT (Fantastic!)
Other Equipment: Hand control
Recommended Accessories: Filter/Eyepiece set, CN16 GPS add-on, and possibly an aperture upgrade

Extra Features

GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, SolarSystem Align
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 38,181 accessible objects
Programming Options: 200 user-definable objects

Summary: If you’re looking for a high-powered scope that won’t require too much upgrading in the near future, but you don’t want to pay more than $1,000 for it, the Celestron NexStar 5SE is a better bet than its popular cousin the 8SE.

That said, be leery of its fairly complex feature set and the necessity to upgrade the aperture & eyepiece. Ready to get the NexStar 5SE? Want to read more reviews? Check it out on my favorite telescope site: Telescopes.com!

Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 5 SE from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: DS-2000 Series Reflector
Best Uses: Planets, the Moon, Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae (Not Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Casual (Beginner - Intermediate)

Overall Rating: 8.2/10
Official Review: If you are looking for a simple reflector telescope that will allow you to check out some cool objects with the family or to get some alone time, but you don’t feel like dropping $500+, the Meade DS-2114LNT is right up your alley! At about $300, this is probably the best scope you’ll find in its class.

Pros: Accurate, comfortable, easy to align, easy to setup, lightweight & portable, SmartFinder & software
Cons: Batteries run out quickly, decent construction (fine for beginner use), not as more expensive scopes

Click here to check out the Meade DS-2114 LNT on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.5/10 - Easy to assemble & use for beginners and pros alike
Comfortability: 7.6/10 - Comfortable eyepiece & adjustable tripod
Durability: 6.4/10 - Being a low-end scope, its durability can’t compete w/ more expensive models
Battery Life: 5.7/10 - They go out quickly, but it’s no problem with the AC Adapter
Computer: 7.4/10 - Has the features, but could use a bigger object database & more options
Warranty: 8.8/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 9.1/10 - Extremely lightweight & easy to store (portable!)
Accuracy: 7.2/10 - Accurate enough for beginner/casual stargazers
Setup: 8.9/10 - VERY easy to setup, excellent manual

Check out more customer reviews of the DS-2114 here!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 114mm (4.5″)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 350x
Focal Length: 1,000mm
Focal Ratio: f/8.8
Tracking: North sensor, level sensor & Red-Dot SmartFinder auto-alignment

Click here to learn more about the Meade DS-2114!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: Red-Dot Finder
Eyepiece: 1.25″ (SP9.7mm, SP26mm)
Mount Design: Altazimuth DS-2000 mount
Weight: 20lbs (Lightweight & portable)
Tripod: Aluminum; full-length; adjustable with accessory tray
Power Supply: Batteries (AC Adapter highly recommended)
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: AC Adapter

Extra Features

GoTo: Yes
GPS: No
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SmartFinder Auto-Align
Remote: Yes
Software: AutoStar Suite™ Astronomy Edition PC-compatible DVD

Summary: If you’re looking for a decent reflector that’s under $500, the DS-2114 LNT will probably end your search. You may as well stop looking, because there just isn’t much better for $300 out there. This scope is a great happy-medium that bridges the huge gap between casual stargazing and professional features.

Click here to order the Meade DS-2114 LNT Reflector from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: Lightbridge Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: General, except Astrophotography: Planets, Moon, Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Casual - Advanced

Overall Rating: 8.42/10
Official Review: If you want to see some really cool stuff without paying $1,000+, and you don’t want to deal with the extra features of computerized scopes, the Lightbridge series is a great choice! Be warned that this is not a great option if you need it to be portable due to its size. However, Meade does a great job using lightweight Aluminum for the trusses, which drops the weight to 80lbs in total.

If the size and lack of computerized features don’t bother you, and you would rather get more bang for your buck with magnification and resolution for less than $1,000, I would highly recommend the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch!

Pros: Great all-around scope, awesome magnification, clear, stable, easy to use & good price
Cons: Large, not computerized, no Astrophotography

Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.7/10 - Very easy to use, but no computer to help out
Comfortability: 7.6/10 - Large, which is uncomfortable for some
Durability: 8.1/10 - Well-built, lightweight Aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - Nothing to worry about here but the cooling fan
Backlash: 9.9/10 - One advantage of non-computerized scopes…
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 5.8/10 - It’s big, but thankfully it’s easy to setup & breakdown
Accuracy: 7.9/10 - Manual, but Advanced Red-dot viewfinder helps
Setup: 7.4/10 - Easy to assemble, nice instruction manual

Click here to check out the 12-Inch Lightbridge!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 12 inches (304.8mm)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 600x
Focal Length: 1,524mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Resolution: 0.38 Arc Seconds
Limiting Magnitude: 14.9
Tracking: Manual

Click here to learn more about the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch telescope!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: Advanced Four-Reticle Red-Dot Viewfinder (Deluxe model)
Eyepiece: 26mm Wide-Angle
Tube: Lightweight Aluminum Truss-Tube (47lbs)
Mount Design: n/a (Solid Laminated Base) (33lbs)
Weight: 80lbs total
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: None necessary

Extra Features

GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual (Steel RA roller bearings make alignment much easier)
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: None

Summary: If you don’t want to buy a scope with a bunch of extra features and computerized bells and whistles, the Lightbridge series could be just what you’re looking for. But, these are large telescopes, they’re not very portable (though they are easy to setup), and you can’t take any pictures of what you observe.

Overall, the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch is a fabulous telescope. The only trouble can be deciding which Lightbridge to get…

Click here to compare the entire Meade Lightbridge series at Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: NexStar SLT Reflector
Best Uses: General (Planets, moon, stars, galaxies & Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Enthusiast

Overall Rating: 8.1/10
Official Review: The 114SLT by Celestron is a great beginner-intermediate scope for someone who wants the cool features, without the high price! If you’re looking for a computerized telescope that can take pictures of what you find, aligns itself, syncs up to your computer, tells you about the objects you’re looking at, and is accurate enough to view the vast majority of stuff people care about, check out the NexStar 114SLT!

That said, I would highly recommend the 130SLT (since it’s only $40 more), because it gives much more “bang for the buck”, as they say…

Pros: SkyAlign, GoTo, GPS, object database, accurate, cool design, great price, Astrophotography, durable, lightweight, all-around scope

Cons: More expensive SLT models are more accurate, small comparative object database (4,000)

Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 114SLT on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.6/10 - Very easy to use & setup for any experience level
Comfortability: 8.4/10 - comfortable eyepiece & adjustable tripod
Durability: 8.2/10 - Sturdy, stainless steel tripod; Durable optics tube
Battery Life: 6.9/10 - Not the best due to computer-features (Solution: Power Tank)
Backlash: 7.6/10 - Not much, but not as good as higher-level SLT models
Warranty: 8.7/10 - Standard Celestron limited warranty (Telescopes.com has an awesome policy!)
Storage: 9.2/10 - Easy to store, lightweight
Accuracy: 7.9/10 - Very accurate for its price; Upgrade to the 130SLT for more accuracy
Setup: 8.1/10 - Easy to setup, but not as easy as non-computerized models

Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron NexStar 114SLT!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 114mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 269x
Focal Length: 1,000mm (1M)
Focal Ratio: f/9
Resolution: 1.21 Arc Seconds
Angular Field of View: 1.1º
Slew Speed: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x
Tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South

Click here to learn more about the NexStar 114SLT!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm & 9mm (40x & 111.11x)
Tube: Excellent design
Mount Design: Quick-release fork-arm
Weight: 15lbs (Lightweight, very portable!)
Tripod: Sturdy, stainless steel w/ accessory tray
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries (Optional: AC Adapter, Car-Battery Adapter or Power Tank)
Lens Coating: Standard
Other Equipment: Remote, “The Sky” planetarium software & auxiliary port for accessories
Recommended Accessories: Power Tank & Eyepiece/Filter Set (Optional)

Extra Features

GoTo: Yes!
GPS: Optional add-on w/ auxiliary port
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign (Pick 3 bright objects, it aligns itself!)
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 4,000 pre-programmed objects
Programming Options: Can view object info, city/location info & more!

Summary: In conclusion, the Celestron NexStar 114SLT is an awesome all-around beginner-intermediate telescope for anyone looking for a computerized, feature-packed reflector. BUT, don’t buy it! I would highly recommend you get the Nexstar 130SLT instead, because it’s only $40 more and has more going for it…Either way, though, you’re getting a great deal!

Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 114SLT from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Casual/Recreational

Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Official Review: The Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian reflector is an excellent telescope for the price. It is heavier and larger than most non-Dob models, so this is something to consider if there will be kids or using it, you have back problems, or you will be using it regularly and moving it often.

But, If you just want to work with something that’s accurate with LOTS of magnification, easy to setup and use, and you don’t care as much about planets & the moon as you do about stars & galaxies, this scope is a wonderful choice!

Pros: Accurate, Comfortable, Well-Built, Nice Lenses & Great Magnification!
Cons: Large/Heavy, Fairly Unstable, Not the Best for Planetary/Lunar Observation, Not Computerized

Click here to check out the Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.4/10 - Couldn’t be much easier to use!
Comfortability: 7.7/10 - Comfortable eye piece; awkward size for some people
Durability: 8.1/10 - Well-built, sturdy mount
Battery Life: n/a - Since it’s not computerized, this scope will last forever! =)
Backlash: n/a
Warranty: 8.2/10 - Great Zhumell “No-Fault Repair” policy; Costs $15 to send to Zhumell for repairs
Storage: 7.0/10 - Easy to disassemble, but it’s large enough to make it tough to store for some
Accuracy: 8.9/10 - Very accurate compared to other scopes in this price range!
Setup: 9.0/10 - Extremely easy to get going!

Click here to read more reviews on the Zhumell 8-Inch Dob!

Tech Specs
Objective Lens: 204mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 479x!!!
Focal Length: 1,200 mm (1.2 M)
Focal Ratio: f/5.9
Limiting Magnitude: 14.05
Tracking: Manual (Easy with Crayford focuser, quick collimation screws & RACI finderscope)

Click here to learn more about the 8-Inch Zhumell Dobsonian telescope!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 8×50
Eyepiece: 1.25″ & 2″
Tube: Black optical w/ lightweight, durable design (29lbs)
Mount Design: Traditional Dobsonian
Weight: 54lbs total
Tripod: n/a (Dobsonian Mount)
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: 2in. eyepiece

Extra Features

GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Easy

Summary: For the price, the Zhumell Dobsonian 8-Inch is tough to beat. However, keep in mind that since it’s a Dob it is larger and heavier than other models in this price range. Also, it is NOT ideal for viewing planets and the moon.

In conclusion: if you’re looking for something under $400 that will let you see stars & galaxies with astounding magnification and clarity (and you don’t mind the negatives listed above), this telescope will be a perfect match for you!

Click here to order the Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian from Telescopes.com!

General Info

Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Planets, the moon, galaxies & nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Advanced

Overall Rating: 8.38/10
Official Review: This dob reflector is perfect for anyone with a big backyard that plans to use their scope “every once in a while”, and doesn’t want to mess with the bells and whistles. The 10-Inch Meade Lightbridge will allow you to see 5-10x what you could see with a “standard” scope for the same price, and you’ll never have to deal with extra gizmos and computer features.

On the flip side, it’s large (though made of lightweight aluminum and easy to assemble) and you’ll have to do things manually. For most people this is much easier due to its magnification power and aperture size. Overall, I’d recommend this telescope.

Pros: Amazing viewing capabilities, strong construction, great price, stable, very easy to use
Cons: Large, difficult to store, not computerized, no Astrophotography

Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch on Telescopes.com!

Important Details

Usability: 8.8/10 - As easy to use as they come, but it doesn’t have a computer to help align or track
Comfortability: 7.8/10 - Some stargazers with back problems love the Lightbridges for their size
Durability: 8.1/10 - Strong construction, lightweight aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - This thing lasts forever…literally! (Cooling fan takes batteries, though)
Backlash: 9.9/10 - No troubles here…Ahhh, one advantage of not having computerized scopes
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 5.9/10 - It’s pretty big…But, it’s easy & quick to assemble/re-assemble
Accuracy: 7.8/10 - Advanced 4-reticle Red-dot viewfinder makes it easier to be accurate manually
Setup: 7.4/10 - Easy to assemble, and easy to get working quickly, but it’s bulky

Click here to read more reviews on the 10 in. Meade Lightbridge!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 254mm! (10in)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 500x
Focal Length: 1,270mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Resolution: 0.46 Arc seconds
Limiting Magnitude: 14.5
Tracking: Manual (AutoStar software & Red-Dot viewfinder)

Click here to learn more about the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch telescope!

Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 4-Reticle Red-Dot
Eyepiece: 26mm wide-angle
Tube: Deluxe Truss-Tube (Metal open truss design)
Mount Design: Altazimuth
Weight: 65lbs total
Tripod: n/a - Solid laminated base
Power Supply: n/a (Cooling fan takes batteries)
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated (Not as nice as UHTC, but still high-quality)
Other Equipment: Battery-powered cooling fan
Recommended Accessories: None

Extra Features

GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: None

Summary: If you don’t mind (or like) the size of the Meade Lightbridge Truss-Tube series, and you don’t want to mess with complex computerized tracking and programmable object databases, this scope will be a good fit for you. If you want to see a lot without spending a lot, save yourself the money & headaches: get the Meade 10-Inch Lightbridge.

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General Info

Class: CPC Schmidt Cassegrain
Best Uses: Planets, moon, galaxies, nebulae, & Astrophotography (Everything!)
Recommended Experience: Advanced - Professional

Overall Rating: 8.4/10
Official Review: Compared to other 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes, the Celestron CPC is my #1 choice. It has every feature you’ll want, it is well-built and sturdy, it’s easy to use, takes crystal clear photos, syncs up with your PC, is an all-purpose scope for anything you enjoy observing, it’s priced well at about $2,000 for its specs, and it has wonderful optics.

Also, my favorite aspect of the CPC 800 is that when you find something you enjoy, you can program it into the scope so it’s easy find again…up to 400 times!

Pros: Wide-array of features, GPS, GoTo & SkyAlign, sturdy, 400 user-defined objects and comfortable
Cons: A bit on the heavy side…

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Important Details

Usability: 8.8/10 - Fantastically easy to use for advanced astronomers
Comfortability: 9.2/10 - Ergonomically-designed for easy portability, comfortable eyepiece
Durability: 8.6/10 - Heavy-duty steel construction, sturdy tripod & mount
Battery Life: 8.0/10 - Standard Celestron life + car-battery adapter
Backlash: 9.4/10 - Very little to speak of…
Warranty: 9.1/10 - 2-year limited
Storage & Portability: 7.6/10 - Celestron made up for its weight with its ergonomic design; Easy to store
Accuracy: 8.2/10 - Great Altazimuth mount, SkyAlign & 8×50 finderscope
Setup: 8.4/10 - Standard/easy for advanced users (high-tech features could be tough for less-experienced)

Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron 8-Inch CPC telescope!

Tech Specs

Aperture: 203.2mm
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 29x, 50.8x, 480x
Focal Length: 2,032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.68 Arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 0.8º
Star Diagonal: 1.25 inch
Tracking: Altazimuth, EQ North & EQ South

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Telescope Construction

Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: 50mm w/ quick release bracket
Eyepiece: 40mm
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Dual Fork arm
Weight: 42lbs total
Tripod: Heavy-duty steel, adjustable (2″ steel legs) & accessory tray
Power Supply: 12VDC 1.5A & Car-battery adapter
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT
Other Equipment: NexRemote & software control
Recommended Accessories: JMI 8-Inch CPC case, 12V Power supply & 1.25in eyepiece and filter set

Extra Features

GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Alignment, Two-star Align, SolarSystem Align, EQ North Align, EQ South Align, One-Star Align
Remote: Yes (NexRemote)
Object Database: 40,000 object database
Programming Options: 400 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects

Summary: If you’re at least semi-experienced with telescopes, and you’re willing to spend some extra cash (around $2,000), the Celestron CPC 8″ is a fabulous choice! A little more high-tech than a beginner would need, it has all the bells & whistles you’ll want for a more enjoyable stargazing experience. With a 40,000 object database, SkyAlign, NexRemote, PC-syncing, GoTo, GPS, and a built-to-last body, the CPC 800 is one awesome telescope!

Click here to order the Celestron CPC 8-Inch from Telescopes.com!