10 best telescopes firms

The starry sky is fascinating. For thousands of years, mankind watched with delight a placer of glittering lights in the night sky, attributing to constellations not only divine origin, but also direct power over the destinies of people. Today, the stars delight us no less, even though we learned to determine the distance to them and calculate the trajectories of the motion of celestial bodies. In fact, for a long time, even after the appearance of optics, which allowed to view the near and far space in all details, this sight was only available to scientists - creating telescopes was so difficult and they cost so much that only large scientific centers could afford to have such equipment.

With the development of technology, the situation began to change dramatically: now not only any school, but almost every family can afford high-quality optical devices. Manufacturers of commercial telescopes compete with each other as optics, precision mechanics and degree of automation devices. However, there are not many companies whose telescopes can definitely be recommended for purchase. The main criteria for selecting a manufacturer are:

1. Optics quality.
2. Accuracy mechanics.
3. Reliability device.
4. The cost of the telescope.
5. The breadth of the range.
6. Ergonomics.
7. The ability to purchase additional accessories.

In our review - the leading manufacturers of telescopes for amateurs and professionals. When issuing rating points, opinions of reputable astronomical journals were taken into account, reviews were reviewed on the famous forums of amateur sky stars. Crucial were:

• company reputation;
• advice from professional astronomers;
• value for money.

Top 10 best telescopes

10 Veber

This brand offers consumers several dozen telescopes of the most popular optical systems on azimuth and equatorial mounts. Feature of the company - a rich equipment, even in budget models. Several eyepieces, a finder and a Barrow lens are supplied with all telescopes. In some cases, the kit includes a convenient carrying bag and a set of filters.

The company's products are distinguished by a good selection of models on desktop tripods, reliable vibration-dampening mount and a stylish monochrome design. There are no professional telescopes in the company's lineup, but beginners and even advanced amateur astronomers can easily find a high-quality instrument at a reasonable price. Especially popular with young astronomers deserved"Umka" -reflex telescope on a desktop stand. The quality of its optics allows you to see the moon, the planets of the solar system, and even some deep space objects. At the same time, it is made in a stylish white design, and the body is decorated with images of the heroes of the cartoon of the same name.

9 Konus

The telescopes of this company are focused entirely on fans, but are of stable quality and excellent ergonomics. Sophisticated tripods, including both floor and tabletops, light weight and nice design are the distinguishing features of Konus optical devices. There is a large selection of telescopes for the smallest astronomers, and older models are often equipped with electric drive for auto-tracking and auto-guidance.

In a word, these are convenient and well-designed devices for observing the starry sky both at home and on a trip, which will perfectly suit beginners, children and teenagers. Fans of astrography can also easily choose for themselves a suitable telescope in the company's line of models.

8 Sturman

In the line of instruments of this company there are telescopes for any purse - both expensive and very low cost. At the same time, the quality of optics and mechanics, even of low-end models, is quite acceptable. The company's products are intended mainly for lovers. There are excellent options for children - simple and inexpensive. With the help of these entry-level telescopes, one can determine how much a child likes astronomy and only then make a decision about purchasing more complex models.

Also among the fans of the Sturman telescopes are those who are looking for an inexpensive option for giving or nature trips - by spending a very small amount, you can get an easy and mobile device for traveling. It should be noted that more professional models with a large aperture also do not cause complaints from connoisseurs. Among the shortcomings of such telescopes is called perhaps the low quality of an additional set of accessories.

7 Tal

Telescopes of this brand are produced by the Novosibirsk refinery plant. The quality of optics, in the opinion of sophisticated connoisseurs, is excellent. This is confirmed by the fact that more than 50% of the manufactured optical systems are exported. TAL telescopes are very popular and among the fans of astrography - the quality of images taken with these instruments is amazing. However, the mechanics have the drawbacks that are traditional for domestic instrument making: with the undoubted quality of the mechanisms, they are rather heavy and, according to the owners, designed without special concern for user convenience.

It should be noted that despite the mentioned disadvantages, many domestic astronomy enthusiasts are loyal supporters of the TAL telescopes. In the end, for the true connoisseur of the sky, excellent optics - above all. Often, advanced astronomers acquire only an optical tube, complementing it with a suitable mount and stand.

6 Orion

This company, represented in the American market since 1975, has an extremely narrow specialization - it deals only with telescopes and nothing more. As a result, according to the authoritative astronomical magazine Sky & Telescope, even the initial Orion models have the best combination of excellent optics and precise mechanics among the top manufacturers of telescopes. Plus, the company's engineers devote a huge amount of attention to innovative technologies. Because of this, Orion is a recognized leader in the development of telescope guidance automation software.

The unique Intelliscope system for autolocation simplifies the guidance procedure to a minimum. The program has 14,000 celestial objects that can be automatically identified and tracked. It should be added that Orion software products are used in telescopes and other market leaders. Another interesting series of the company is a line of luxury optical instruments in a brass body, made in retro-style. Buyers believe that this is a great option for a gift that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the starry sky, and at the same time decorate the interior in a classic style. The only drawback of these telescopes is the high cost, corresponding to premium quality.

5 Levenhuk

Thanks to a competent approach to the assembly of telescopes, excellent design and good service, this Russian start-up quickly reached the top ten sales leaders in Russia. Although the company develops and sells a fairly large number of optical devices for advanced amateur astronomers, Levenhuk telescopes for children and adolescents have earned the greatest popularity.

This is explained by the fact that in the children's series there are real, high-quality devices, but they have a bright, attractive design, simple operation, which a small owner can handle without problems, and most importantly - special equipment. For example, an amateur astronomer is supplied with the Strike NG model to help a child with a telescope, posters of celestial bodies, a star map, a compass and even a 3D planetarium. With such informational support, it will be easy and pleasant to study astronomy.

4 Bresser

The company produces optical devices for more than half a century. It all started with the sale of binoculars, but very soon its own product line was launched. Telescopes manufactured by this company are distinguished, above all, by the highest quality optics. Another feature of the company's products is a truly German meticulous approach to the mechanisms of guidance and adjustment. Easy-to-use azimuth mountings are intended for beginners, professional instruments are equipped with equatorial systems, and computer guidance is also widely used.

It was Bresser that was chosen by the international research and education organization National Geographic as a partner for creating a series of telescopes designed to increase the popularity of astronomy among the population. Now Bresser National Geografic models are the gold standard for amateur optical devices. The complete set of telescopes is considered one of the best in the market.

3 Meade

The American company Meade regularly takes the honorable first place in the production of telescopes. The company's engineers are developing both simple, compact and relatively low-cost devices for beginners, as well as huge, high-tech optical devices for professionals. The price of such telescopes can reach just beyond the clouds. Meade uses a variety of unique know-how in the manufacture of optical systems: high-precision optical coatings that provide excellent lens transmittance, hand-polished and refined to avoid distortion, rigorous intermediate testing and rigorous final quality control.

As for the approach to the convenience of the user, here the rule of the company is simple: everyone can watch the stars, and for this you do not need special knowledge! Therefore, the majority of amateur telescopes Meade are equipped with automatic guidance systems, it is easy and pleasant to handle them.

2 Celestron

At one time, Celestron was the first company to manufacture large-aperture telescopes for commercial use. This was facilitated by the primacy of the company's engineers in the development of technology for mass production of mirror-lens optical tubes. The signature orange color and eye-catching design allows you to recognize Celestron optical devices from afar. Plus, the company has a very convenient for the buyer division of telescopes into series: for example, FirstScope is a special model for beginners, which in 2009 won the title of the official telescope of the International Year of Astronomy.

There is a line designed for travelers and tourists: Travel Scope devices are light and compact. Many models are fully computerized and controlled from a smartphone. Celestron telescopes are particularly common in astronomical cabinets of educational institutions - schools, institutes and universities.

1 Skywatcher

This company offers the widest assortment of telescopes for star sky lovers - both for beginners and advanced amateurs.Under the SkyWatcher brand, there are 15 different series of devices for observing celestial bodies, among which are telescopes with all the popular types of optical systems and mountings. And although the brand mainly produces products for amateur astronomers, older models may be of interest to professionals.

The popularity of this brand among buyers is easy to explain: the founder of SkyWatcher, David Shen, spent a lot of effort to ensure that the telescope was high-quality, easy to use, but accessible to everyone. SkyWhatcher devices have an excellent worldwide reputation. According to Russian buyers, these are telescopes with the best price-performance ratio on the market.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of telescopes
We vote!

Skywhatcher

Celestron

Meade

Bresser

Levenhuk

Orion

Tal

Sturman

Konus

Veber

Total voted: 11

Vote results