Best Telescopes in the UK

Telescopes can be a little intimidating to those who haven't really used one before, especially the more powerful models that are a bit beyond a small, very basic kit. These devices are fun to use, but getting just the right adjustments to them can be difficult for novices, especially when it comes to knowing exactly what to adjust. That's why the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a great model for novices. This model was made to be easy to use for anyone, even novices, while still being powerful enough to meet the needs of more experienced telescope users.

All of the necessary basic functions required by novice users are present on this telescope, including the ability to easily adjust its position, the ability to lock it in place, and even a handy finder scope that allows for easily finding the part of the sky you want to look at. The tripod mount that comes with the telescope is adjustable to any height, making it a perfect option for parents to use with their children. The mount even includes a shelf for accessories, making this one of the more convenient models available on the market. This accessory shelf lets you keep any kinds of star charts or other helpful items at hand while you are searching the skies. 

The Celestron 22065 AstroMaster 102AZ lets you discover the solar system that surrounds us. With this device (to be more specific - with its hassle-free, no-tool setup), you can start observing the skies within minutes. The image that the model provides comes out bright, crisp, and sharp, enabling comfortable nighttime viewing and letting you gaze at the Moon, planets, different star clusters, and more. At the same time, equipped with erect image optics, this device will prove equally useful during the day. Set the tripod up and you can view lakes, mountain ranges, and wildlife before the sun sets.

Between the 20-millimetre (33X) and the 10-millimetre (66X) eyepieces and the above-mentioned erect image diagonal that you can tilt 90 degrees, the model accommodates terrestrial and astronomical use with matching results. Of course, the system's heart lies with the 102-millimetre achromatic lens. Incorporating coated all-glass optics, the lens delivers exceptional clarity, so you can observe even the smallest elements without noticeable detail loss.

At this price point, telescopes usually arrive with an Altazimuth mount, and the subject device fits the same mould. The difference here is that the included mount is manual. Using its panning handle, you can make easy precision adjustments, switching between viewing celestial and terrestrial objects without rotating the 'pod. Aside from making the setup a little more practical, the panning handle also lets you rely less on the stand, which is a touch stiff, a slight inconvenience that you might not even notice thanks to the said handle.

The Emarth 70mm Telescope is a small fellow. Without beating around the bush, this is a 'scope that you gift kids. Of course, grown-up beginners might appreciate the gesture as well, but its size is a little more kid-appropriate. Needless to say, this is not the most powerful or capable device we've seen yet. Having said that, with its 70-millimetre aperture, the model covers the surrounding moons, planets, and clusters without struggling. Also, matching the device's more expensive (and less newbie-oriented) competition, the telescope comes endowed with an erect image diagonal. Using this accessory, you can go from exploring vast skies to enjoying distant terrestrial scenery (mountains, lakes, wild animals, birds, flowers, you name 'em).

Apart from that, the 'scope includes two eyepieces - 25 millimetres with 51X magnification and 10 millimetres with 128X magnification. Switching between these two, you can explore faraway cosmos as much as nearby landmarks. And because these devices are seldom complete without finderscopes nowadays, the model adopts its own 5x24 'scope. Thanks to its small but helpful cross, finding stars or capturing flying birds will feel a little less challenging.

What will also feel a little less challenging is setting the telescope up. Because the provided tripod rotates 360 degrees, you can move the 'scope without lifting and moving the whole setup, which is a more comfortable alternative, suffice it to say. Furthermore, made from hard-wearing aluminium, the 'pod should not deform with time, should be able to handle occasional impact/shock damage, and shouldn't start displaying corrosion signs or forming rust patches down the road. Adding to its advantages, the tripod can be adjusted between 50 and 107 centimetres, accommodating different heights.

The Celestron 52223 Zoom looks like something you can take hunting and this initial impression is not baseless. First and foremost, what we're dealing with here is a spotting scope and not a telescope. That said, with its 60-millimetre aperture and 420-millimetre focal length, the model can also accommodate occasional night sky exploration. As the package does not include multiple eyepieces, exploring the vast skies will not always be quite as comfortable as it would be with a traditional telescope, but you can make do. Again, though, this device has been designed with hunting, bird watching, nature, and wildlife observation in mind, so we would recommend taking that into account. Despite lacking in certain traditional 'scope respects, the model has its moments as well.

To start with, this device looks tough because it is tough. Its rugged, armoured housing offers excellent protection against hard use in the field. To add more, the model's body is water-resistant, so you can use it even when during rain without worrying that the optics might get damaged. Likewise, you can store the 'scope in a humid environment knowing that moisture will do nothing to its performance. Along the same lines, the finish is scratch-resistant, meaning that the telescope should be able to maintain its intense but sleek appearance in the long run.

The Aomekie F40040 targets beginners, not unlike the 'scope from Emarth that we have reviewed above. The biggest separation point is that this device caters to adults, whereas the Emarth model is designed for kids. But, as much as this statement holds true, most children will have no trouble using this telescope as well.

First things first, the 'scope implements a multi-coated lens. Fully coated, the lens offers excellent contrast and above-average brightness. What's more, with its multi-coating approach, the lens reduces light reflection and increases light transmission, improving image clarity and keeping the view quite crisp. Solving the same problem, the lens also minimises longitudinal chromatic aberration and dispersion so that the image you see will be as close to the real thing as it can be with beginners optics.

Sure, its 60-millimetre aperture is nothing to write home about, but the same cannot be said about the telescope's 700-millimetre focal length. Pushing 700 millimetres, its focal length delivers a wider field of view, meaning that your focus will not be as narrow as it usually is with budget 'scopes. What also sets this device apart from budget models is its 5x20 finderscope. Using it, you'll have a pretty easy time locating specific objects.