The Best Telescopes for Teenagers (14+ Years Old)

At 14 years old, teenagers can start exploring and observing the night sky independently, much like adults. Equatorial mounts with motorized tracking allow for astrophotography of faint deep-sky objects, while GoTo mounts make it easier to locate hard-to-find celestial targets.

At this age, a passion for astronomy may come with a higher price tag, ensuring optimal observation performance.

Our editorial team has carefully selected the best telescopes suitable for teenagers aged 14 and above.

An Excellent Compact and High-Performance Telescope with Integrated GoTo System – The Celestron 127 1500 NexStar 127 SLT

Description

The NexStar-SLT series is a range of computerized GoTo telescopes equipped with SkyAlign technology. With an extensive database, this telescope is perfect for those who want to explore the night sky hassle-free.

Setting up this telescope is quick and tool-free. The pre-assembled steel tripod is ready to use, and the quick-release clamps make it easy to attach the optical tube to the fork arm and mount. It offers great stability, especially when the tripod is not fully extended. The alt-azimuth mount uses the SkyAlign function for calibration, which involves selecting a few bright stars of your choice. Simply input the date and time, select the nearest location from the list, point to three bright objects (including the Sun, Moon, or planets), and confirm. Once completed, the telescope automatically calculates its position, and you can simply enter the desired celestial object into the remote control. The NexStar will align and move automatically, providing a seamless and practical experience.

When it comes to optics, the Celestron 127/1500 NexStar 127 SLT is well-designed, as is typical of Celestron products. With its 127mm aperture, you can observe Jupiter and Saturn in great detail, even seeing the cloud bands on these planets. Thanks to its long focal length, this telescope is particularly suited for planetary observation. Additionally, with its automatic tracking, you can take your first steps into astrophotography using adapters or specialized planetary cameras.

This telescope also comes with a red-dot finder scope, which makes alignment much easier. However, keep spare batteries on hand, as the motorized system can consume power quickly. The included 9mm and 25mm eyepieces are suitable for beginners, but upgrading them is recommended for a better experience. Celestron also offers a beginner-friendly accessory kit, which includes various filters and high-quality eyepieces.

Standard Equipment and Accessories Included:

• Computerized hand controller with a database of over 4,000 celestial objects.
• Single-arm fork mount, easy to remove for quick, tool-free assembly of the optical tube and accessory tray.
• SkyAlign technology, allowing alignment using three bright celestial objects of your choice, greatly simplifying setup.
• Software: “The Sky – Level 1” and NSOL, included for controlling the telescope via your computer.

In conclusion, the Celestron 127/1500 NexStar 127 SLT is an excellent choice for astronomy beginners. Its motorized mount ensures ease of use, while its well-crafted optics provide a smooth introduction to planetary observation. Additionally, it offers the possibility to explore astrophotography, making it a versatile and user-friendly telescope. This is the perfect telescope for those who want to observe celestial objects without the hassle of manual adjustments.

Key Features of the Celestron 127 1500 NexStar 127 SLT

• Brand: Celestron
• Weight: 8 kg
• Mount: Motorized Alt-Azimuth
• Eyepieces: 2 eyepieces (9 mm, 25 mm)
• Additional Accessories: Red-dot finder scope, computerized hand controller
• Observation Capabilities: Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects

A Budget-Friendly Telescope – The Dobson N 150/1200 Skyliner Classic DOB

Description

The Skywatcher N 150/1200 Skyliner Classic DOB is equipped with a wooden Rockerbox mount, making it an ideal choice for beginners. This mount is easy to assemble and operate, providing a straightforward and enjoyable stargazing experience. The size of the optical tube has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, its large size ensures a comfortable observation experience, and the 150mm aperture allows for viewing a wide range of celestial objects. On the other hand, its non-collapsible design and 1.2-meter length when assembled may pose challenges for transport and storage. Be sure to check if you have enough space to accommodate it.

The telescope’s optics deliver excellent image quality, whether you’re observing deep-sky objects or planets. You can easily spot Jupiter and its moons or Saturn and its rings. For even more detailed deep-sky observations, you might consider upgrading to the Skywatcher N 200/1200 Skyliner Classic DOB.

However, the mount of the Skywatcher N 150/1200 Skyliner Classic DOB is not designed for astrophotography. While it’s possible to capture images of the Moon and planets, precise tracking for long-exposure photography of galaxies and nebulae is not feasible with this type of mount.

The telescope comes with a 6×20 finder scope, which works well and serves as a good alternative to a red-dot finder. The included 10mm and 25mm eyepieces are of decent quality, providing a good starting point for beginners.

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Key Features:

• Observation Capabilities: Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects
• Brand: Skywatcher
• Mount: Dobsonian (Rockerbox)
• Aperture: 150mm
• Focal Length: 1200mm
• Eyepieces Included: 10mm and 25mm
• Finder Scope: 6×20