The 9 Best Telescopes Under $1000 (2023)

When it comes time to invest in a telescope it’s always a big decision. Whether it’s your first telescope or you’re graduating up in size or telescope type, there’s a lot to consider. While we’ve previously covered telescopes that cover a range of budgets (from $200 to $2000), this list focuses exclusively on the best telescopes under $1000.

Specifically, it’s a list of the telescopes between $500 and $1000 in price, as there’s a big leap in terms of size and capability between the under-$500 telescopes and the $500-$1000 telescopes out there.

If you’ve got up to $1000 in budget and want to know how to invest it wisely, read on. (If you’re looking for other options, I have guides at other budgets, like the best telescopes under $300.) You’ll discover refractor, reflector (including both Newtonian and Dobsonian options), and catadioptric options. Together they make up the list of the best telescopes under $1000. The only question is: which one will you choose?

Short on time?
The best telescope under $1000 in 2023 is theCelestron Omni XLT 150.

If you’re ready to decide on your next telescope upgrade, read on for the best telescopes available right now.

Note: Lens and telescope prices have been very volatile in the past two years due to supply chain issues. Prices might vary widely from the prices I reported when this post was last updated in January 2023.

This post was originally published in March 2021, and was re-ranked and updated in January 2023.

What to Look for in a Great Stargazing Telescope

Before diving into the list below, I wanted to make a quick point about what to keep an eye on when choosing a telescope. You probably already have these factors in mind as you’re likely upgrading your telescope if you’re looking in the $500-$1000 range, but it never hurts to have a reminder.

• Price. Naturally, price is an important consideration for many people, especially when you’re just starting out in astronomy. You don’t want to spend too much for a telescope you never use, nor do you want to compromise on certain other features.
• Type. Research how different types of telescopes (reflector vs refractor, Dobsonian vs Schmidt-Cassegrain) affect your ability to see the night sky objects you’re looking for.
• Diameter. The diameter of your telescope will obviously affect how far you can peer into deep space. Again, consider how this affects your ability to see specific objects you want to observe.
• Stability. As you read reviews about different telescopes, keep a particular eye on comments about the base, mount, and tripod. These can impact your observation a ton, and it’s almost always worth it to upgrade for better stability.
• Other features. If you’re looking for computer-assisted night sky navigation, there are options on this list. If you prefer to search the sky yourself, that may help save some money for those on a tight budget.

All this said, let’s dive into the list of telescopes under $1000 that I recommend.

The Best Telescopes under $1000 (Ranked)

Keeping all those aspects in mind, I pulled together the best telescopes under $1000 and ranked them. To come up with this ranking, I considered price, popularity, and review scores from Amazon.com. Here’s the list I came up with, using updated data for 2023.

Read on to learn about each of these telescopes under $1000 in greater detail.

1. Celestron Omni XLT 150

• Type: Reflector (Newtonian)
• Price: ~$750

The Celestron Omni XLT 150 tripod-mounted reflector is the largest aperture in this family of telescopes; it also comes in 120mm and 102mm if you need a budget option.

It comes with a 25 mm multi-coated eyepiece and uses a CG-4 German Equatorial mount and ball bearings to give you smooth control for locating and tracking sky objects.

The tripod is also appropriately stable, with 1.75″ legs, an accessory tray, and bubble level. It’s also a no-tool setup, which makes it easier to get it and set up the same night.

Buy on Amazon

2. Explore Scientific AR152

• Type: Refractor
• Price: ~$980

At the upper end of the $500-$1000 price range, the Explore Scientific AR152 is one of the best refractor telescopes on this list.

With a 6-inch aperture, it’s the largest in the AR series, providing a wide field (f/6.5) and great power versatility. From nearby planets to deep space objects, this telescope is versatile and capable – it’s also a favorite for astrophotography.

Buy from Explore Scientific

3. Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized

• Type: Catadioptric (Maksutov-Cassegrain)
• Price: ~$590

Celestron does catadioptrics telescopes well, and the NexStar 127SLT is one of two that makes our list for the best telescopes under $1000. This one offers a nice aperture at 127mm and is computerized to make finding stars and deep space objects worlds easier (no pun intended).

Also, by going for the 127mm (5-inch) option instead of a larger aperture, you can still easily travel to darker skies with this telescope.

On the cons side, some note that the tripod can be wobbly and that you must use GPS (not your city name) to start the star finder system.

Buy on Amazon

4. Celestron NexStar 5SE

• Type: Catadioptric (Schmidt-Cassegrain)
• Price: ~$825

The Celestron NexStar 5SE, part of the 11036 model family (which also includes the 4SE, 6SE, and 8SE) is a really solid catadioptrics telescope – I would definitely include the 6SE or 8SE but they’re above that $1000 budget!

This telescope has a 5-inch aperture for has good power and versatility, and comes with the NexStar computerized tech to make finding deep space objects easier.

It does require assembly on arrival and may need some collimation to work perfectly, but it’s a solid, portable telescope to invest in.

Buy on Amazon

5. Zhumell Z10 Deluxe

• Type: Reflector (Dobsonian)
• Price: ~$980

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Orion XT10 Classic, consider the Zhumell Z10 Deluxe. The two have similar specs; the only downside is that the Zhumell adds even more weight, coming in around 60 pounds.

Zhumell says themselves that this is a good telescope for star parties and camping trips; it’s a bit of a beast when it comes to mobility and won’t live up to your backyard stargazing hopes if you have a ton of light pollution.

However, the 10-inch aperture and f/5 focal ratio make it a powerful telescope for seeing solar system and deep space objects alike, if you have good light conditions or are willing to bring this scope to go find them.

Buy on Amazon

6. Orion ED80T Carbon Fiber Apochromatic

• Type: Refractor
• Price: ~$950

If you want a lightweight alternative to the previous Orion, here it is. The ED80T has a carbon fiber body, cutting the scope weight down to just under 11 pounds. You will still need a mount, but this gives you flexibility to choose one you like for features and weight rather than being wedded to the one it came with.

A smaller aperture (80mm) is made up for with a f/6 focal ratio and apochromatic extra-low dispersion (ED) lens to make for clearer images of whatever you’re gazing at.

Buy from Amazon

There you have it – the nen best telescopes under $1000, across the main types: refractors, Newtonian and Dobsonian reflectors, and catadioptrics. Which one will you choose? If you have questions or notice an issue with one of the telescopes mentioned, let me know in the comments.

Share this to help others enjoy the night sky!