Have you ever spent hours staring at the night sky, only to feel frustrated because you couldn’t find a single planet or nebula? The universe is vast, and finding specific stars with a manual telescope can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It is easy to get lost in the dark while your back aches from hunching over an eyepiece.
This is where a computerized telescope changes everything. These smart devices do the hard work for you. With the push of a button, the telescope aligns itself and tracks celestial objects across the sky automatically. However, choosing the right model is often overwhelming. With so many brands, software features, and mounting types available, it is difficult to know which one fits your needs and your budget.
In this guide, we will cut through the technical jargon. We will explain the most important features to look for and help you avoid common mistakes that beginners make. You will learn how to pick a telescope that makes stargazing fun rather than a chore. Whether you want to photograph distant galaxies or simply explore the craters on the moon, we have the answers you need.
Ready to turn your backyard into your own private observatory? Let’s dive into the essential details to help you find the perfect computerized telescope for your journey into the stars.
Top Computerized Telescope Recommendations
- COMPUTERIZED AUTOMATIC TELESCOPE: The Celestron 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope with all glass optics can automatically locate 4,000 celestial objects with its computerized GoTo mount.
- TAKE THE SKY TOUR: If you’re not sure of what to observe, the Sky Tour button will do the work for you. Simply press the button and your computerized telescope will generate a list of the best objects currently available to view in the sky.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including a full-height tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: This Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the night sky from any location on Earth or plan your next observing session.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 4,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it. Compatible with 2 inch eyepieces
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: The NexStar 130SLT is the largest in the SLT family. The 130mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: The NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 8SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 8-INCH SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The large 8" aperture gathers enough light to reveal fine lunar details, cloud bands on Jupiter, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clusters—all in a compact, portable form factor.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- FAST & EASY ALIGNMENT WITH SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: SkyAlign gets you observing fast—just center any three bright stars or planets, even if you don’t know their names. The system then calculates your position and aligns the mount in minutes.
- COMPATIBLE WITH CELESTRON ACCESSORIES: Easily upgrade your setup with all our latest accessories to enhance automation, wireless control, or location accuracy as your skills grow.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 127mm aperture, the NexStar 127SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 127SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: Your Celestron NexStar 130SLT includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the sky, learn about celestial objects, & plan your observing session.
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 4SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 4-INCH MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The 4" aperture, combined with high-contrast, long focal length optics, delivers sharp views of the Moon and planets, while remaining compact and easy to transport.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- FAST & EASY ALIGNMENT WITH SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: SkyAlign gets you observing fast—just center any three bright stars or planets, even if you don’t know their names. The system then calculates your position and aligns the mount in minutes.
- BUILT-IN WEDGE FOR ASTROIMAGING: Capture long-exposure images of the night sky—perfect for entry-level astrophotography. The integrated wedge lets you polar align the mount, reducing field rotation for improved tracking during imaging.
- Computerized Star Locating Telescope: The Celestron NexStar 90SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it
- Compact and Portable: This telescope for adults and kids is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere
- Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design: The NexStar 90SLT is the smallest in the SLT family. The 90mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail
- Fast Setup with SkyAlign: Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects
- The NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer-rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation
- Control your telescope via integrated WiFi using the free Celestron Sky Portal app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
- The Astro Fi 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain with fully coated glass optics provides outstanding views the Moon and planets, as well as bright deep space objects beyond our Solar System
- Accessory tray holds 2 x 1.25” eyepieces, miscellaneous accessories, including a rubber-lined area for a smart phone or small tablet
- Includes a Star Pointer finder scope, 2 Kellner eyepieces, and mirror star diagonal
- Mount type:Single Fork Arm Computerized Altazimuth
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Computerized Telescope
A computerized telescope, also known as a “GoTo” telescope, makes stargazing easy. These telescopes use motors and a handheld controller to find stars and planets for you. You do not need to memorize the night sky to enjoy astronomy. This guide helps you pick the right model for your backyard adventures.
Key Features to Look For
- GoTo Database: Look for a database with at least 10,000 objects. This allows the telescope to point at many galaxies, star clusters, and planets.
- Alignment System: Pick a model with an easy alignment process. Some high-end models use GPS to align themselves automatically.
- Power Supply: Most computerized telescopes use AA batteries. However, these drain quickly. Look for models that accept external power packs or AC adapters.
- Mount Type: Most beginner models use an “Alt-Azimuth” mount. This moves up, down, left, and right. It is very intuitive for beginners.
Important Materials
The build quality matters for stability. A telescope needs a sturdy tripod to prevent shaky images. Look for stainless steel tripod legs rather than aluminum. Stainless steel absorbs vibrations better. The telescope tube is usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is durable and affordable. Carbon fiber is lighter, which makes it easier to carry to dark sky locations.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors that improve quality:
- Aperture size: A larger lens or mirror lets in more light. This makes faint objects look much brighter and clearer.
- Coated optics: High-quality glass coatings reduce glare. They help you see more detail on the moon and planets.
- Firmware updates: Models that allow software updates stay current with new sky maps and bug fixes.
Factors that reduce quality:
- Plastic gears: Cheap motors often use plastic gears. These can wear out quickly and make loud, grinding noises.
- Poor mounting: A wobbly tripod ruins the view. Even the best lens cannot save a shaky image.
User Experience and Use Cases
Computerized telescopes are perfect for hobbyists who want to see as much as possible in a short time. If you live in a city, a GoTo telescope helps you find objects despite light pollution. These telescopes are also great for families. You can set the telescope to “Tour Mode,” and it will show you the best sights currently visible in the sky.
However, you must be patient during the setup. You need to align the telescope with bright stars before it starts working. This process takes about five to ten minutes. Once aligned, you can sit back and let the motors track the objects as the Earth rotates.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be an expert to use a computerized telescope?
A: No. These telescopes are built for beginners. You only need to follow the prompts on the hand controller.
Q: Can I use these telescopes for photography?
A: Yes, but keep it simple. Start with a smartphone adapter to take pictures of the moon. Deep space photography requires more advanced equipment.
Q: Are these telescopes heavy?
A: Some are, but many “tabletop” models are very portable. Check the total weight before you buy.
Q: How do I power the telescope?
A: Most use internal batteries, but a portable power tank is a better long-term choice.
Q: What can I see with a computerized telescope?
A: You can see craters on the moon, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter’s moons, and many bright nebulae.
Q: Is the software hard to learn?
A: The menus are very simple. Most systems work like a basic video game menu.
Q: What happens if the batteries die?
A: The telescope stops tracking. You will have to move it manually until you get new power.
Q: Do I need a clear view of the sky?
A: Yes. Your telescope needs to “see” at least two or three bright stars to align correctly.
Q: Can I use it during the day?
A: Only for looking at the moon or terrestrial objects. Never point a telescope at the sun without a special solar filter.
Q: How long do these telescopes last?
A: With proper care and storage, a good computerized telescope will last for many years.