Selecting your scope

There’s a wide variety of scopes available on the market. Here’s our pick of some top performing models

Refractors Sky-Watcher Evostar-90 AZ Pronto

£259 www.opticalvision.co.uk

An easy to set up and use entry-level refractor with useful accessories including two eyepieces and a finderscope - mounted on a lightweight, wellconstructed tripod.

Dobsonians Meade LightBridge Mini 130mm

£229 www.widescreencentre.co.uk

Tabletop Dobsonians are compact, portable and easy to set up, making them suitable for impromptu observing sessions or transporting to a dark-sky site.

Explore Scientific AR152 refractor

£713 www. rothervalleyoptics.co.uk

A large aperture refractor with achromatic optics providing bright views. Supplied with a carrying handle and finderscope, it requires a sturdy mount.

Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P

£275 www.firstlightoptics. com

Deservedly the UK’s most popular Dobsonian, this easy-to-use 8-inch telescope provides stunning views at a remarkable price. Perhaps the ideal first telescope?

Reflectors Sky-Watcher Explorer 130PS & Avant mount £219 www. opticalvision.co.uk

A firm favourite with beginners, this reflector is supplied with two eyepieces, a red-dot target finder and dual mode mount, giving enjoyable views.

Cassegrains Sky-Watcher Skymax 127T £254 www. opticalvision.co.uk

Compact and portable and good for lunar and planetary observation, along with brighter deep-sky objects. Supplied with 10 & 25mm eyepieces and red-dot finder.

Orion Optics VX8 f/4.5 Newtonian reflector £528 www.orionoptics.co.uk

The 200mm mirror inside this reflector helps to reveal the sky’s hidden gems. Coupled with a suitable mount, this telescope enables serious observation of the night sky.

Celestron NexStar 8SE

£1,299 celestron.uk.com

Serious observation is possible with this sturdy, fully computerised Go-To scope. It provides excellent views of deep-sky objects and after completing sky alignment, locates them for you.