The top 10 best telescopes in 2026

Finding the best telescope is no longer just a matter of comparing diameter or focal length. By 2026, the market has evolved. Automation, compact optics, hybrid instruments, and connected solutions are redefining the practice of amateur astronomy. At Astronomy Plus, we test instruments all year round, under dark skies as well as in urban environments. This article is for those who are wondering which telescope to buy, whether it's their first instrument or a carefully considered upgrade.

Here are our top 10 best telescopes used by astronomers and astrophotographers in 2026.

Our selection of the best telescope models in 2026

1. ToupTek HOPE D60 (Currently in beta, official release around April 2026))

2. SVBONY MK127 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope 

3. ZWO Seestar S30 PRO 

4. DwarfLab DWARF Mini Smart Telescope 

5. William Optics Ultra-Cat 56 and Ultra-Cat series more broadly

6. Askar SQA130  and SQA Serie

7. Spectrum Optics DeepSky Dobsonian 8″ & 10"

8. Celestron Origin Mark II 

9. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso DOB150 

10. Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm

1. ToupTek HOPE D60

The ToupTek HOPE D60 is a planar apochromatic refractor designed for astrophotography and wide-field deep sky observation. Compact and lightweight, it combines portability with professional optics. Its five-lens design minimizes chromatic aberration and ensures sharp images across the entire field. This model is ideal for beginners looking for an easy-to-use instrument, as well as advanced users seeking a high-performance astrograph.

Advantages

• Virtually zero chromatic aberration thanks to the PAPO quintuplet lens

• Native flat field, round and sharp stars across the entire sensor

• Fast f/4.66 focal ratio for capturing more light in short exposures

• Precise and stable focusing with coarse and fine control

• Compact and lightweight, easy to carry

• Compatible with most motorized focusing systems

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for traditional visual observation

• Not suitable for planetary astrophotography

• Field slightly limited by the size of the image circle (although full frame)

 

ToupTek HOPE D60

2. SVBONY MK127 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

The SVBONY MK127 is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope offering high-performance optics in a portable format. It is designed for lunar, planetary, and nebular observation. Thanks to its three-mirror design and flat field, it effectively corrects coma and astigmatism, producing sharp, high-contrast images. Lightweight and easy to assemble, it combines portability and precision, ideal for demanding amateur astronomers.

Advantages

• High-precision Maksutov-Cassegrain optics for sharp, high-contrast images

• Flat field correction and minimized aberrations

• Built-in focal reducer for a wider field of view

• Precise focusing thanks to the dual-speed system

• Portable and relatively lightweight for a 127 mm diameter

• Compatible with most standard accessories (2″ and 1.25″)

Disadvantages

• Narrow field of view at native focal length f/11.8

• Cooling time required for optimal performance

• Less versatile for deep sky viewing compared to fast refractors

• Not optimized for wide-field astrophotography without a reducer

 

SVBONY MK127

3. ZWO Seestar S30 PRO

The ZWO Seestar S30 PRO is an all-in-one smart telescope designed for automated astrophotography and simplified celestial observation. Compact and lightweight (1.65 kg), it combines a telescope, camera, altazimuth mount, autofocus, and filters in a single package. Using the mobile app, it automatically locates, tracks, and captures more than 80,000 deep-sky objects, providing a seamless experience for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Advantages

• All-in-one system: integrated telescope, camera, filters, and mount

• Smart control via app and AI assistant to automatically guide, locate, and track stars

• Dual 4K lens for wide angle and telephoto, sharp resolution, and reduced noise

• Milky Way mosaic capture and automated 8K stitching

• Smart separation of landscape and sky for sharp images

• Compatible with ASCOM Alpaca protocol for third-party software

• Daytime observation possible as an ultra-light telephoto lens

Disadvantages

• Not optimized for planetary targets

• Total dependence on the app and connectivity for most functions

• Less modular than a conventional telescope for adding optical accessories

• Battery life limited to 6 hours, requiring recharging for long sessions

 

ZWO Seestar S30 PRO

4. DwarfLab DWARF Mini Smart Telescope

The DWARF Mini is the world's most portable smart telescope, combining light weight with professional performance. Weighing only 1.8 lbs, it allows you to explore the sky wherever you are, from your backyard to the top of a mountain. Automatic and quick to set up, it calibrates, points, and tracks celestial objects in minutes. Ideal for beginners and travelers, it accurately captures the Moon, planets, nebulae, and the Milky Way.

Advantages

• Ultra-lightweight and portable: ideal for travel and mobile observation

• Automatic calibration and pointing in just a few minutes

• Precise star tracking with exposures of up to 90 seconds in equatorial mode

• Built-in triple filter to optimize contrast according to night conditions and light pollution

• Control via app and onboard processing for immediate editing

• Diverse capture: Milky Way, deep sky, planets, Sun, Moon, and astronomical mosaics

Disadvantages

• Limited sensor and aperture for detailed photography of very faint objects

• Dependence on the mobile app for most functions

• Only 4 hours of battery life for long sessions without recharging

• Less flexible than a conventional telescope for adding optical accessories

 

DWARF Mini

5. William Optics Ultra-Cat 56 and Ultra-Cat series

The William Optics Ultra-Cat 56 is a high-end apochromatic Petzval telescope designed for wide-field astrophotography. Compact and lightweight, it combines portability with advanced optical performance. Its fast f/4.8 aperture and 50 mm image circle ensure sharp stars from edge to edge without the need for additional correctors. Optimized for full-frame, APS-C, Micro 4/3, and medium format sensors, it enables detailed images of nebulae and large-scale deep sky objects.

Advantages

• 5-element Petzval lens with field curvature correction

• Sharp, flat images across a 50 mm image circle

• Fast f/4.8 aperture for capturing more light in less time

• Stable WIFD focus compatible with EAF electronic autofocus

• Built-in tilt sensor for precise alignment

• No flattener required, simplified installation

• Lightweight and robust construction, ergonomic design

• Compatible with a wide range of cameras and accessories

Disadvantages

• Aperture limited to 56 mm, less suitable for small targets

• Slightly high price for a modest diameter

• Less versatile for conventional visual observation

   

William Optics Ultra-Cat 56

6. Askar SQA130

The Askar SQA130 is a high-end quintuple refractor astrograph designed for professional wide-field astrophotography. With a 130 mm aperture and f/4.8 focal ratio, it combines advanced Petzval optical design with two SD lenses for exceptional clarity and contrast. Its 44 mm full-frame image circle (expandable to 55 mm for medium format) ensures sharp stars from edge to edge, delivering high-precision images for demanding astronomers.

Advantages

• Quintuple optics with two SD lenses for optimal aberration correction

• Excellent stellar performance: RMS < 2 µm at center, < 2.4 µm at 55 mm

• Uniform illumination: >95% at 44 mm, >85% at 55 mm, vignetting control

• Rigid dual-speed focuser compatible with motorization for precise pointing

• 360° rear rotator with graduation for exact adjustments

• High-quality CNC machined, anodized, and durable construction

• Compatible with professional, mirrorless, and DSLR cameras via adapters

Disadvantages

• Heavy weight (OTA 9.18 kg) and bulky size

• Requires motorized mount for long exposure astrophotography

• High price, targeting professional astrophotographers

 

Askar SQA130

7. Spectrum Optics DeepSky Dobsonian 8″ & 10″

The Spectrum Optics DS 8 and DS 10 Dobsonian DeepSky telescopes offer excellent value for money for observing deep sky objects, planets, and the Moon. With apertures of 200 mm (8″) and 254 mm (10″) respectively, these Dobsonians produce bright, sharp, and detailed images. Their robust and intuitive design allows for smooth tracking and precise focusing, ideal for amateur astronomers who want a high-performance, easy-to-use telescope.

Advantages

• Large apertures for deep sky and planetary viewing, offering high brightness and detail

• Precise focusing with dual-speed Crayford focuser

• Smooth tracking thanks to Teflon bearings and adjustable tension settings

• Robust mechanical design that is easy to assemble

• Unique spider vane design that reduces diffraction spike effects

• Excellent value for money for telescopes in this category

Disadvantages

• Fixed Dobsonian mount: no built-in motorized tracking

• Heavier and larger size for the DS 10, less suitable for frequent travel

• Limited for long exposure astrophotography without motorization or external guiding

• Not directly compatible with motorized equatorial mounts

 

Spectrum Optics DeepSky Dobsonian 8″

Spectrum Optics DeepSky Dobsonian 10″

8. Celestron Origin Mark II

The Celestron Origin Mark II is an all-in-one home observatory combining a RASA 6 f/2.2 telescope and Origin 678C camera. It quickly captures sharp images of celestial objects on your phone or tablet thanks to automatic AI processing. StarSense alignment and an intuitive interface allow you to image galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in less than two minutes, while also offering terrestrial viewing and live sharing.

Advantages

• Very bright and ultra-fast telescope, ideal for deep sky viewing with very short exposure times

• All-in-one system with automatic real-time image processing using AI

• Automated alignment and pointing via StarSense: ready to use in less than two minutes

• Live sharing and compatible with multiple users and Smart TVs

• High-resolution sensor with fine pixels for precise details

• Observation possible day and night, for deep sky and terrestrial use

• Intuitive interface via the Celestron Origin Powered by SkySafari™ app

Disadvantages

• High price compared to traditional telescopes

• Relatively heavy and bulky system for a smart telescope

• Dependence on the mobile app to take full advantage of all features

• Built-in camera: less flexible for some advanced uses requiring cooled sensors

 

Celestron Origin Mark II

9. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso DOB150

The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso DOB150 GTi is a foldable tabletop Dobsonian telescope that combines portability with optical power. With a 6-inch aperture and Wi-Fi connectivity, it can be controlled via smartphone using the SynScan Pro app. Versatile, it offers superb views of the Moon, planets, and galaxies. Freedom Find™ technology maintains alignment in manual control, and the app provides access to over 10,000 celestial objects for accurate tracking. The perfect telescope for beginners.

Advantages

• Very compact and foldable: easy to transport and store

• Built-in Wi-Fi and GoTo control via smartphone for intuitive use

• Precise tracking and quick alignment thanks to Freedom Find™ and SynScan Pro

• 150 mm aperture for bright, detailed images

• Compatible with DSLR photography thanks to dedicated interface

• Versatile: suitable for the Moon, planets, deep sky, and terrestrial observation

Disadvantages

• Requires a stable surface to place the telescope or the purchase of a tripod

• Requires batteries or an external power supply for motorized operation

• GoTo tracking dependent on the application and Wi-Fi connectivity

• For long or precise astrophotography exposures, additional guiding may be necessary

 

Sky-Watcher Virtuoso DOB150

10. Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 mm

The Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 mm H-Alpha is a dedicated solar telescope, offering detailed observation of prominences, filaments, sunspots, and granulation in the Hα wavelength. Its advanced etalon with Solis technology provides an ultra-fine bandwidth of <0.55 Å, ensuring exceptional performance and optimal safety certified by the Charlie Bates Project.

Advantages

• Designed specifically for Hα solar observation with incredible surface detail

• Ultra-fine bandwidth <0.55 Å for high contrast without a double standard

• Solis Etalon technology and Trifid tuner for precise and secure adjustment

• Integrated solar finder for safe and fast pointing

• Lightweight and easily transportable for solar observation on site or while traveling

• Includes everything needed to observe and image the Sun right out of the box

Disadvantages

• Exclusively dedicated to solar observation: cannot be used for the Moon, planets, or deep sky

• Requires extreme caution during use to avoid serious eye injury

• Magnification limited to 150x, suitable only for solar observation

• Manual system for certain filter adjustments, which may require learning to obtain optimal images

    

Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76 mm

Comparison table of the best telescopes in 2026

 

Choose the best telescope for your observations in 2026

There is no single best telescope, but rather an instrument suited to each astronomical project. The choice of a telescope depends on its actual use: observing stars, exploring galaxies, practicing astrophotography, or simply discovering the sky.

At Astronomy Plus, we help amateur astronomers choose the right telescope for their sky, budget, and curiosity.