When looking to buy the best telescope under 2000 dollars it is easy to get carried away with included gadgets. However, just because a telescope comes equipped with tripods, extra eyepieces, and even computerised GPS, does not make it a good telescope. The most important thing is the optics and should come before everything else.
Best Telescope Under 2000 Dollars
Choosing the best telescope under 2000 dollars can feel a little overwhelming. Especially if you are relatively new to the amazing world of astronomy. Here we have selected our top picks of best telescope under 2000 dollars to help you choose which will be best to suit your needs. Here are is our selection of best telescope under 2000 dollars.
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Meade Instruments 0810-90-03 LX90-ACF 8-Inch (f/10) Advanced Coma-Free Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Orion 10136 SkyQuest XT12g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Orion EON 85mm ED-X2 f/6.6 Triplet Apo Refractor Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G GoTo Reflector Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Orion Sirius ED80 EQ-G Computerized GoTo Refractor Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Vixen Telescope APZ History Table Series APZ-R130Sf 25844-4 | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Meade DS2114ATS Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
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Sky-Watcher 12″ Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope | CHECK PRICE HERE |
1 – Meade Instruments 0810-90-03 LX90-ACF 8-Inch (f/10) Advanced Coma-Free Telescope
– Best Telescope Under 2000 Overall
Overall, the Meade Instruments 0810-90-03 LX90-ACF Telescope is certainly the best telescope under 2000 dollars. This is a telescope which not only produces astonishing results but is perfect for beginners and more experienced astronomers alike. What we really love about this telescope is that it combines high quality optics with a GPS computerised system for aligning with targets in the night sky.
Even someone who has never attempted to align a telescope with a star will undoubtedly understand just how difficult the process can be. The Meade Instruments 0810-90-03 LX90-ACF Telescope removes that difficulty and makes it as easy as a couple of button presses.
With a database of more than 30,000 stars, galaxies, planets, and more the user simply enters the desired target into the keypad. Then the built-in Sony GPS sensor and AutoAlign technology automatically aligns itself with the target. This system is so advanced it even tracks the target in the night sky as it moves. You do not even need a power supply with this telescope as it runs on C sized batteries.
The main tube of the Meade Instruments 0810-90-03 LX90-ACF Telescope measures 8 inches in diameter. This allows plenty of light to reach the mirror which allows you to view even the most distant of objects. Combined with the high quality optics, which includes a high quality 26mm eyepiece, you can be guaranteed to see extremely bright, sharp, and detailed images.
Pros | Cons |
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Computerized GPS | Only the Price |
Excellent High Quality Optics | |
Locate 30,000 Night Objects With Ease | |
High Quality Construction |
CHECK PRICE HERE
2 – Orion 10136 SkyQuest XT12g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope
– Best Telescope Under 2000 Dollars – Best Dobsonian Telescope
Our first pick of best telescope under 2000 dollars which is a Dobsonian telescope is the Orion 10136 SkyQuest XT12g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope. A Dobsonian telescope offers all the advantages of a much larger telescope, like you would find in an observatory, with the benefits of been able to take the telescope anywhere.
The Orion 10136 SkyQuest XT12g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope is perfect for both beginners and more experienced astronomers thanks to its GPS motorised features. With a database of more than 42,000 celestial objects a mere button press away viewing even the most distant objects is child’s play. The only negative side of this amazingly useful feature is the fact it requires a 12 volt power supply which must be bought separately.
The optics of this telescope are equally as superb as the ability to align it with targets in the night sky. An impressive 12 inch aperture reflector takes in more than enough light than you could imagine. This then reflects on world class optical lenses which produce a highly detailed image which is bright, sharp, and extremely detailed.
Included with this telescop eis a 2 inch DeepView eyepiece, a 12.5mm 1.25 inch illuminated crosshair eyepiece, an EZ Finder II reflex sight, a Crayford focuser, an eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and a copy of the Starry Night software package.
Pros | Cons |
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High Quality Optics | Requires Power Supply Sold Separately |
Motorized GPS Targeting | |
Extremely Stable | |
Very Easy To Use |
CHECK PRICE HERE
3 – Orion EON 85mm ED-X2 f/6.6 Triplet Apo Refractor Telescope
– Best Telescope Under 2000 Dollars – Best Optics
When looking for the best telescope under 2000 dollars it is easy to allow gadgets and features to distract you from the most important aspect of a great telescope. The optics. This is the very reason the Orion EON 85mm ED-X2 f/6.6 Triplet Apo Refractor Telescope has made our picks of best telescope under 2000 dollars. It comes with little in the way of gadgets and features. What you are paying for is high quality optics that are usually only found on much more expensive telescopes.
Firstly, it is important that you aware that buying this telescope means that is all you are buying. You will still need to purchase a tripod and eyepieces to go with it. Every last penny of your money will be spent on the high quality cylinder and the telescope optics.
This is a apochromatic refractor telescope which features two elements of extra-low dispersion glass. This produces an exceptional astrophotographic and visual picture which really has to be seen to be believed. The color of the produced images are exceptionally vivid and true.
The aperture of this telescope is a large 85mm allowing plenty of light to travel through the 560mm focal length making it the perfect telescope for wide-field imaging.
While you will be required to buy several accessories with the Orion EON 85mm ED-X2 f/6.6 Triplet Apo Refractor Telescope it does include a few hand extras. One such extras include a high quality protective hard carry case complete with a form insert for added protection.
Pros | Cons |
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World Class Optics | Accessories Sold As Extras |
Exceptional Imaging Capabilities | |
High Quality Construction | |
Includes Protective Carry Case |
CHECK PRICE HERE
4 – Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G GoTo Reflector Telescope
The Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G GoTo Reflector Telescope is yet another best telescope under 2000 dollars which is ideal for beginners and experienced astronomers.
This is a well constructed 8 inch reflector telescope complete with Atlas mount. This makes it an exceptionally stable telescope and ideal for youngsters and for astrophotography. It features a 203mm precision-made parabolic primary mirror capable of capturing huge amounts of light. This is combined with a 1000mm focal length which, when combined, produces sharp, bright, and vibrant images.
Aligning the Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G GoTo Reflector Telescope with targets in the night sky is exceptionally easy. This is thanks to the simple use GPS computer system which automatically moves and tracks more than 42,000 celestial objects. You will not even need any knowledge of the night sky. Simply type in the star, planet, galaxy, or deep space object into the keypad and the telescope will do the rest.
Included with this telescope is a 2 inch Crayford-style focuser complete with 1.25 inch adapter, a 8×40 finder scope, a Sirus Plossl 1.25″ eyepiece, and a copy of the Starry Nigh astronomy software. The one item that is not included is a 12 volt DC power source. This will need to be purchased separately. We would recommend buying the Orion Dynamo power supply at the time you purchase the Orion Atlas 8 EQ-G GoTo Reflector Telescope.
Pros | Cons |
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GPS Computerised Targeting | Power Supply Sold Separately |
Large Mirror for Collecting Light | |
High Quality Optics | |
Ideal for Beginners and Experts |
CHECK PRICE HERE
5 – Orion Sirius ED80 EQ-G Computerized GoTo Refractor Telescope
– Best Telescope Under 2000 Dollars – For Astrophotography
If you are interested in astrophotography is certainly the best telescope under 2000 dollars then you should check out the Orion Sirius ED80 EQ-G Computerized GoTo Refractor Telescope. This is a refractor telescope with a short focal length meaning it is ideal for astrophotography.
Equipped with high quality apochromatic optics and a 80mm objective lens the quality of produced images is exceptional. The very fact the images through this telescope are so stunning and detailed is exactly what makes this product so perfect for astrophotography.
The Orion Sirius ED80 EQ-G Computerized GoTo Refractor Telescope is another telescope that is easy to use thanks to its state-of-the-art GPS system and computer database. A simple press of a button is enough for this telescope to automatically align itself with and of the 42,000 celestial objects in its database.
Also included with this telescope is a 8×40 finder scope should you not have access to a power outlet. It also comes with a 25mm Sirius Plossl 1.25 inch eyepiece, a 1.25 inch prism star diagonal, telescope tube rings, and a copy of the Starry Night astronomy software.
Pros | Cons |
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42,000 Objects in the GPS Database | Requires a Power Supply for GPS |
High Quality Optics | |
Ideal for Astrophotography | |
High Quality Construction |
CHECK PRICE HERE
6 – Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope is very similar to the Orion 10136. The main difference between the two telescopes is that this variant features a 10 inch aperture rather than a 12 inch. While the mirror is slightly smaller it still manages to collect an astonishing amount of light and has a well deserved place among our picks of best telescope under 2000 dollars.
This telescope features exceptionally high quality optics. Combined with the large 10 inch mirror you can be sure of viewing the most distant of objects in the night sky with astonishing clarity.
You will find that the Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10g Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners thanks to the computerised GPS system. With more than 42,000 celestial objects in the computers database, all located with the simple press of a button, you will struggle to get bored or run out of objects to look at.
Included with the Orion 10135 SkyQuest XT10g Telescope is a 2 inch Crayford focuser, a 1.25 inch illuminated crosshair Plossl eyepiece, a EZ Finder II reflex sight, an eyepiece rack, collimation cap, and a copy of the Starry Night software package.
Pros | Cons |
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Computerised GPS | Power Supply Sold Separately |
Top Quality Optics | |
10 Inch Mirror | |
42,000 Object Databse |
CHECK PRICE HERE
7 – Vixen Telescope APZ History Table Series APZ-R130Sf 25844-4
The Vixen Telescope APZ History Table Series APZ-R130Sf 25844-4 is another best telescope under 2000 dollars that focuses solely on optics. Because this telescope does not feature a GPS computer it is better suited to a more experienced astronomer or someone who wants to learn the art of astronomy.
The optics in this telescope are nothing short of incredible. Images are of the highest quality, crips, clear, and exceptionally bright.
The telescope comes with a uniquely designed tripod which features shock absorption technology. This makes this an extremely stable telescope and the perfect way for a relatively experienced amateur astronomer to introduce children to this incredible hobby.
It is possible to remove the telescope from the tripod which folds down. Combined with the lightweight design this is a highly portable telescope that means it can easily be taken wherever you care to wander. This is exceptionally useful should you wish to venture away from light pollution that plagues towns and cities.
Pros | Cons |
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Exceptional Optics | No GPS |
Tripod With Anti-Shock Technology | Not Ideal for Beginners |
Lightweight Design | |
Strong Build Quality |
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8 – Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
When choosing the best telescope under 2000 dollars you most likely will find that looking as far into space as possible is an important factor. If this sounds like something that is important to you then a large Dobsonian telescope could be exactly what you are looking for.
The Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope features a 12 inch parabolic mirror. Because of its large size it captures a huge amount of light. This in turn means it is an excellent choice for looking at deep space objects. Even distant galaxies will appear with remarkable clarity through this extremely powerful telescope.
Fixed onto a extremely durable and sturdy stand the Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope is exceptionally stable. This makes it, not only long lasting, but a wonderful telescope for young children who have a habit of knocking the telescope when viewing the night sky.
Also included with the Zhumell Z12 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope is two multi-coated eyepieces. One is a 2 inch 30mm eyepiece used for wide field views. The other is a 1.25 inch 9mm eyepiece which produces a higher level of magnification.
Pros | Cons |
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High Quality Optics | No GPS Computer |
Large Mirror to View Deep Space | |
High Quality Construction | |
Extremely Stable |
CHECK PRICE HERE
9 – Meade DS2114ATS Telescope
Anyone familiar with telescopes or astronomy will hardly be surprised to see another product by Meade among our picks of best telescope under 2000 dollars. The Meade DS2114ATS Telescope is a Newtonian style reflector telescope equipped with a high quality relay lens.
Featuring a 114 mm aperture and a 1000 mm focal length the Meade DS2114ATS Telescope is large enough to collect a huge amount of light while producing a beautiful bright and detailed image.
Aligning this telescope with a desired target is exceptionally easy thanks to the GPS motorized computer. Simply type the desired target into the keypad and the on-board computer will do the rest. Within seconds the telescope will be aligned with and track the target of your choice. You can also align the the Meade DS2114ATS Telescope manually using the 6×30 viewfinder.
The Meade DS2114ATS Telescope is mounted on a sturdy lightweight aluminum tripod which also features an extremely useful accessory shelf.
With this telescope you will also get a copy of a useful astronomy software package on CD-ROM.
Pros | Cons |
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Wide Mirror for Collecting Light | Software Is Not The Best |
High Quality Optics | |
GPS For Locating Targets | |
Lightweight Design |
CHECK PRICE HERE
10 – Sky-Watcher 12″ Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope
– Best Telescope Under 2000 Dollars – Best Portable Telescope
If you are looking for the best telescope under 2000 dollars but want a product that is highly portable the Sky-Watcher 12″ Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope is well worth considering. This is a dobsonian style telescope which is collapsable. This makes it ideal for people short of storage space or for those wishing to take a high quality telescope with them when they travel.
The Sky-Watcher 12″ Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope comes in several versions, each a different size. The best variant of this telescope is the 12 inch version as it collects the most light thanks to its exceptionally wide mirror and cylinder. It features a 1500 mm focal length which produces stunning images and boasts a 2 inch Crayford-style focuser complete with 1.25 inch adaptor. With this telescope you can expect to bring things an incredible 720 times closer than you see with the naked eye.
The telescope cylinder is mounted on an extremely stable rocker-mount. This mount is equipped with high quality Teflon bearings which provide unparalleled smoothness when moving. The mount is also equipped with a specially designed slipper clutch which offers the perfect combination of easy movement when you need it with rock steady stability.
Also included with the Sky-Watcher 12″ Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope is a 4-element Plossl, a 8×50 RA viewfinder to help you target the telescope, and 10 mm and 25 mm 1.25 inch eyepieces for low and high powered viewing.
Pros | Cons |
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Extremely Powerful Magnification | No GPS Computer |
High Quality Optics | |
12 Inch Mirror | |
Highly Portable |
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