Guides

In-depth articles on choosing the right telescope, understanding optics, and getting started with astronomy.

Astrophotographer with a tracking deep-sky imaging rig under a dark night sky

Best Telescopes for Astrophotography (2026)

We scored 150+ telescopes on astrophotography capability. Here are the best scopes for wide-field DSO, planetary imaging, and smart automated setups.

June 6, 2026

Alex Lindgren at a backyard observing site with a Dobsonian reflector, hands on the altitude bearings, viewing through the eyepiece

Educational12 min read

Dobsonian vs Newtonian Telescopes: What's the Difference?

A Dobsonian IS a Newtonian. The only real difference is the mount. Here's why that matters more for what you can do with the telescope than the optics do.

June 6, 2026

Beginner astronomer adjusting an app-guided 114mm reflector telescope on a suburban backyard deck at dusk

Buying Guides15 min read

Best Telescopes Under $300 (2026)

We scored every telescope under $300 in our database. Here are the 7 best picks, from $100 grab-and-go refractors to a 130mm tabletop Dobsonian at $269.

June 5, 2026

$Alex Lindgren on a wraparound cabin porch at nautical twilight, observing through a small refractor telescope on a photo tripod by the railing$

Buying Guides14 min read

Best Telescopes Under $200 (2026)

The 6 best telescopes under $200 that actually work, ranked by our value algorithm. From $97 grab-and-gos to a 127mm equatorial Newtonian, brand-name picks only.

June 4, 2026

The Moon as seen from NASA's Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II flyby

Observing Guides13 min read

Artemis II Moon Telescope Guide: How to Observe the Mission from Your Backyard

NASA's Artemis II crew completed a historic lunar flyby. Here's how amateur astronomers can observe the same features with a backyard telescope, plus what comes next.

April 7, 2026

Alex Lindgren reviewing the ZWO Seestar S50 on a kitchen counter with the Seestar app open on a tablet beside it

Reviews17 min read

ZWO Seestar S50 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Honest Seestar S50 review with real-world performance data, score breakdown, comparisons to DWARF 3 and S30, and who should buy this $499 smart telescope.

April 3, 2026

Smart telescopes arranged on a table under a starry night sky

Buying Guides17 min read

Best Smart Telescopes (2026)

We ranked every smart telescope from $275 to $4,599. The ZWO Seestar S50 leads the pack at $499, but the best pick depends on your budget and goals.

March 30, 2026

DWARFLAB DWARF 3 smart telescope set up under a night sky

Reviews13 min read

DWARFLAB DWARF 3 Review: Dual-Lens Smart Telescope Tested

Hands-on DWARF 3 review covering real-world performance, dual-optics system, comparison to Seestar S50 and S30, and who should buy this $549 smart telescope.

March 30, 2026

Premium telescope setup in a backyard observatory with the Milky Way overhead

Buying Guides20 min read

Best Telescopes Under $1,000 (2026)

The best telescopes under $1,000 for serious hobbyists. GoTo SCTs, smart telescopes, tabletop Dobsonians, and more, ranked by our scoring algorithm.

March 29, 2026

Binoculars and a small telescope side by side on a blanket under the stars

Educational15 min read

Binoculars vs Telescope for Stargazing: Which Should You Buy?

Should you start with binoculars or a telescope for astronomy? An honest comparison of what each shows you, plus when to upgrade.

March 29, 2026

Child looking through a telescope at the night sky

Buying Guides25 min read

Best Telescopes for Kids (2026)

Age-appropriate telescope picks for kids 6-14 that won't end up in the closet. Scored for ease of use, portability, and value.

March 28, 2026

Telescope pointed at the night sky with Saturn visible

Buying Guides23 min read

Best Telescopes for Seeing Planets and Galaxies (2026)

The best telescopes for seeing planets like Saturn and Jupiter, plus galaxies and nebulae. Ranked by our planetary and deep sky scores.

March 28, 2026

Five different telescope types arranged on a hilltop under a starry night sky

Educational21 min read

Types of Telescopes Explained: A Complete Guide

The 5 telescope types in our database, how they work, what they're best at, and who they're for. Real data from 152 telescopes.

March 28, 2026

$A Newtonian reflector and achromat refractor side by side under a night sky$

Educational17 min read

Reflector vs Refractor Telescopes: Which Design Is Right for You?

Data-driven comparison of reflector and refractor telescopes. Real specs, scores, and pricing from 78 telescopes to help you pick the right optical design.

March 27, 2026

Beginner telescope set up on a backyard patio at dusk with the Moon visible in the sky

Buying Guides15 min read

Best Telescopes for Beginners (2026)

We scored 150+ telescopes on beginner-friendliness, value, and ease of setup. Here are the 8 best starter telescopes for every budget.

March 26, 2026

Collection of telescopes at various price points arranged on a wooden surface

Buying Guides12 min read

Best Telescopes Under $500 (2026)

Every telescope under $500 in our database, ranked by value score. Data-driven picks for the most aperture, features, and quality per dollar.

March 25, 2026