Telescope prices range widely based on a number of factors. A good telescope can run anywhere from $300 to over $1000. In this article, we will go over telescope prices and costs, take a look at the biggest and most expensive telescopes, and provide you with a telescope buying guide. Then, we will wrap up with some of our readers’ most frequently asked telescope price questions.

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The 10 Best Expensive Home Telescopes available today

Telescope Price and Costs

Purchasing a quality telescope means making a decent investment. When it comes to telescopes, purchasing a less expensive option means sacrificing quality and features. The best telescopes might cost you a little extra, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Although it might cost you a little extra up front, it will be worth it in the long run. You want to spend your dollars on a product that gives good results and lasts a long time. Going with a major brand that has a good reputation is a good way to go. We will talk more about this in the next section.

Major Telescope Brands

There are four major brands in the telescope industry: Celestron, Orion, Meade, and Sky-Watcher. When you choose to spend your dollars on one of these brands, you can be sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck. Selecting a reputable brand such as this is always the best option for this reason.

Celestron telescopes are among some of the highest quality telescopes on the market today. This brand boasts high-end materials and the products can easily be transported from one place to another. Novice astronomers enjoy their German equatorial mount, which makes it easy to control the body of the telescope. With costs starting around $199.95, you don’t have to worry about spending astronomical amounts for a good quality telescope.

If you need a telescope that has superior precision and a wide aperture, Orion telescopes are a great option. Orion telescopes are widely known as the perfect option for passionate amateurs and professionals alike. Their prices range anywhere from $64.99 all the way up to $4299.99, meaning there is a telescope available for any price range!

Looking for a telescope with a unique and easy-to-use design? Telescopes manufactured by Meade have plenty to offer in this area. Meade has left nothing out when it comes to their products; there is a telescope for enthusiasts of all levels. Your initial investment could be as low as $79.95, which is very competitive among other high-end brands.

Sky-Watcher telescopes are a long-time provider of amazing telescopes for the price. When you choose to invest in a telescope of this brand, you are making a great decision. Backed by a fellow astronomy enthusiast, Sky-Watcher knows the market and offers great options for telescopes as a result.

The Biggest (and Most Expensive) Telescopes in the World Infographic

Many observatories around the world house the biggest and most expensive telescopes. Many of these are available for use to the public, as well. Here is a list of these telescopes along with some fun facts and price estimates for each one.

LBT, Mount Graham Observatory

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) at Mount Graham Conservatory in Arizona, USA is a whopping 330 inches long. This telescope, situated in the Pinaleno Mountains, costed $130 million dollars to build. Yearly, it takes around $13 million to be properly maintained.

Subaru, Mauna Kea Observatory

The Subaru telescope is the fifth largest telescope in the world. The project to build this telescope was started by the University of Tokyo. From start to finish, the initiative holds a value of around $377 million dollars.

Keck 1 and Keck 2, Mauna Kea Observatory

Keck 1 and Keck 2 are well-known for their size and enormous value. Erected in 1993 and 1996, each of them boast a width of 394 inches, or 32.8 feet. Lawrence Berkeley Labs and the University of California originally drew up plans for the project in 1977. Howard B. Keck then heard about the project and donated $70 million to be used toward construction.

Gemini South, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

The Gemini South telescope, located in Chile measures 318 inches across. This telescope is unique in that it is actually a combination of two twin telescopes. The location these are in is heralded as one of the best viewing locations in the work. Consequently, the estimated expense of this instrument is $184 million dollars.

Kueyen, Antu, Melipal, and Yepun Paranal Observatory

The Paranal Observatory in Chile houses the Very Large Telescope (VLT). VLT consists of four units: Kueyen, Antu, Melipal, and Yepun. This telescope is widely known for its nearly thirty-foot diameter and sharp viewing capabilities. This construction tops the charts at an estimated value of $1.4 billion dollars.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope

Housed in Texas, USA, the Hobby-Eberly Telescope is one of the world’s largest optical telescopes. It is equipped with an eleven-meter long mirror for optimal viewing abilities. Because of its use of low-cost technology and inventive design, it comes in at $13.5 million dollars.

Grand Telescopio Canarias

The Grand Telescopio Canarias, hailing from Canary Islands, Spain is the world’s largest single-aperture telescope. It was first introduced in July 2007 and took almost seven years to construct. As a result, it carries a $185 million dollar price tag.

SALT, South African Astronomical Observatory

Because of SALT’s location, it is able to capture unique images that its northern counterparts cannot. Although it is not the largest in the world, it is the largest in the southern hemisphere. It carries a cost of $20 million.

Telescope Price and Buying Guide

Telescope price isn’t the only factor that comes into play when you are shopping. There are a number of other things that you should think about, as well. We have created a set of points below you should consider as you shop.

Focal Length

The focal length of your telescope’s lens is essential to your viewing capability. This is because the focal length determines how far you can see into the night sky. If you hope to enjoy looking at a distant planet or star, you must have a large focal length.

Telescope’s Aperture

The aperture of a telescope determines how wide your field of view is. With a larger aperture, you will be able to see a more complete picture of the night sky. This makes for a more profound and beautiful experience. Many people opt for larger apertures because the image is sharper, as well.

Finder

A telescope’s finder, or finderscope, makes a big difference in the results you see in the sky. With a high-quality finderscope, you can see sharp, clear images with ease. Some finders can also help widen your field of view or have crosshairs to help you better focus on far-away stars and planets.

Mount of the Telescope

The telescope mount provides the foundation for your telescope. If you don’t invest in a solid and reliable one, you could get a shaky image. You also run the risk of the telescope falling or getting otherwise damaged. In conclusion, spending the money on a good, reliable mount will save you a ton of trouble.

Telescope Price

As with many other products we shop for, you get what you pay for. There are several options available on the lower price end, but they will not have the best features. However, you can decide what aspects are most important to you and try to match that with a telescope in your price range.

10 Best Most Expensive Home Telescopes (for Personal Use)

The best high-quality telescopes don’t come cheap, but they do offer features and results that you simply can’t get from budget options. What if you’re willing to invest in some excellent telescopes but don’t know which products offer the best value for your money? To enable you to choose wisely, we’ve reviewed some of the most expensive home telescopes you can buy. Here are our top picks that are best for personal use:

1. Meade 10″ LX600-ACF (f/8) Telescope with StarLock

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The Meade LX600-ACF telescope with StarLock is a superb high-end telescope that is designed for deep-sky astrophotography. This 10-inch model packs many great features that make it a great value product despite its high price. Let’s take a quick look at some of its major features.

The 10-inch LX600 features Meade’s f/8 Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, which excellently perform deep-sky photography. It also comes with the patented StarLock technology, which automates target acquisition and accurately guides the telescope with one arc-second precision under ideal seeing conditions.

The LX600 also comes with the Autostar II controller, which includes catalogs containing over 145,000 celestial objects. The Autostar II control system is easy to operate despite its sophistication. The telescope can be powered via a 12-volt DC jack on its base or via a set of eight C batteries.

If you’re looking for a high-end telescope for astrophotography, the Meade LX600 is your best bet. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced astrophotographer, you’ll appreciate the LX600’s incredibly powerful setup.

Stand-out features:

Features StarLock technology which offers automatic full-time autoguiding

10-inch f/8 Advanced Coma-Free optics

Autostar II control system

2. Celestron – NexStar 8SE Telescope

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The NexStar 8SE telescope from Celestron is another excellent high-end telescope with a lot of great features that make it a superb telescope for home use. The NextStar 8SE comes with an eight-inch primary mirror with a focal length and ratio of 2032mm and f/10 respectively. The 8SE’s optics are very well done and offer great detail and clarity on images.

The telescope features a single-arm mount which holds the optical tube, power switch, power connector, and battery compartment. On the arm, you’ll find the integrated Go-To controller. The computerized controller offers a database of 40,000 celestial objects and gives you access to Celestron’s SkyAlign technology.

The 8SE telescope is easy to assemble and can also easily be disassembled for transportation. You can easily transport the equipment with the optional Celestron case. The Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope is undoubtedly one of the best expensive telescopes you can purchase today.

Stand-out features:

Excellent optics

Altazimuth mount with GoTo motorized tracking and a database of over 40,000 celestial objects

Comes with Celestron’s SkyAlign technology

3. Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope

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Another great high-end telescope is the Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST. It’s a reflector telescope with an aperture of 5.1 inches and a focal ratio of f/5. It delivers excellent wide-field views of planets, star clusters, and nebulas.

The Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST telescope comes with 10mm and 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces and a 6×30 optical finder. These accessories are much better than the cheap ones that often accompany budget telescopes. This telescope also comes with a tripod accessory tray, collimation cap, and pinion focuser.

The SpaceProbe 130ST features an EQ2 German equatorial mount, which works very well for visual use. You can purchase an optional motor drive for hands-free tracking. The SpaceProbe 130ST is easy to assemble and very portable, weighing just 27 pounds when assembled.

If you’re looking for a decently-priced premium telescope for home, the Orion 09007 SpaceProbe is an excellent option.

Stand-out features:

24-inch long optical tube design

Fast f/5 focal ratio for great wide-field views

Sturdy EQ2 mount and adjustable tripod

High quality accessories included in the box

4. Meade Instruments LX85 115mm APO with AudioStar

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The Meade Instruments LX85 115mm APO is a high-quality and well-priced telescope designed for astrophotography and astro-imaging. This LX85 features a f/7 focal ratio, a focal length of 805mm, and a 115m aperture.

The LX85 115mm comes with Meade’s AudioStar controller. The controller offers the ability to connect to a PC for additional functionality using optional software. It also features a wide array of functions such as digital position readouts and guided tours. The controller is straightforward to use and offers a database of over 30,000 objects.

The telescope also features a sturdy equatorial goto mount, which allows you to mount optical tubes weighing up to 33lbs. It comes equipped with a 10:1 pinion focuser for excellent focus control and a 2.5 inch dual rack.

The Meade Instruments LX85 115mm APO delivers on most of the crucial features you’ll personally need in a high-end telescope. While it’s one of the most expensive telescopes for home use, it’s an excellent choice if you can afford it.

Stand-out features:

AudioStar controller with over 30,000 celestial objects

Portable Equatorial goto mount

3-element apochromatic refractor optical design

Vixen-style dovetail

5. Orion 10031 EON 110mm ED f/6.0 Apochromatic Refractor Telescope

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The Orion 10031 EON refractor telescope is a superb option for astronomers who love wide-field observing and deep-sky astrophotography. The Orion EON features a 110mm, f/6 refractor which offers great wide-field performance and solid color correction capabilities. The extra-low dispersion glass lens also delivers beautiful sharp images.

The Orion 10031 EON is also very compact and portable. It measures less than 22 inches in length in its most compact setup and weighs just 11.5 pounds. The telescope also features a 2.7 inch hybrid-drive focuser that is strong enough to support heavy astrophotography equipment trains.

The product comes with a hard carry case, which features an aluminum-clad exterior and a die-cut foam interior. The telescope looks and feels premium and comes with a lot of excellent features and functionality. While not cheap, it certainly offers great bang for your buck. If you’re considering getting a telescope for astrophotography for visual use, the Orion 10031 EON is a great choice.

Stand-out features:

Fast f/6 refractor with excellent color correction

Extra-low dispersion glass lens delivers ultra-sharp images

2.7 inch hybrid drive focuser

Aluminum hard case for secure storage and transport

6. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope

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The Sky-Watcher EvoStar ProED APO refractor telescope offers sharp images and spectacular celestial views. It features an extra-low dispersion f/7.5 lens with an aperture of 80mm. The telescope achieves optical focus with a precision 2 inch 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser.

Like the Orion 10031 EON telescope, the EvoStar refractor telescope offers excellent portability and versatility. It has a very small footprint, just 22.5 inches long and weighing only 7.3 pounds, making it very easy to carry around. The telescope can also be used for astrophotography or as a spotting scope for terrestrial viewing.

The product also comes with a hard aluminum case with a foam-lined interior, mounting rings, a vixen-style dovetail, two LET eyepieces (25mm and 5mm). You also get a 2 inch dielectric diagonal and an 8×50 RACI (Right Angle Correct Image) finderscope.

Undoubtedly, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar offers several great features that experienced astronomers and astrophotographers will appreciate. It provides excellent value for money and has a lot of positive reviews from satisfied users. It’s an excellent choice for a home telescope!

Stand-out features:

10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser

Comes with aluminum hard case

Excellent color correction

Portable and versatile

Vixen-style dovetail

7. Celestron – NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope

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The NexStar 90SLT telescope is another telescope from Celestron that packs many great features and comes in at a reasonable price. The NexStar 90SLT features a 90mm aperture lens which lets in sufficient light to produce detailed images of celestial bodies in the night sky.

In addition to its high-quality optics, the NexStar 90SLT also comes with a fully computerized Altazimuth mount. Celestron’s SkyAlign technology is also present here, which allows you to easily set up your telescope to observe the night sky. The computerized mount also features a database of over 40,000 stars, planets, and galaxies.

The NexStar 90SLT also offers computerized go-to tracking for celestial bodies. The mount is also compatible with Celestron’s NexRemote software, which gives you the ability to control the telescope via your computer. The product comes with the “The Sky X” astronomy software, a nice bonus for new astronomers and kids.

The Celestron NexStar 90SLT telescope is an excellent, high-quality option to consider if you’re an entry-level astronomer. It offers a compact design, easy setup, and great views of celestial bodies.

Stand-out features:

Compact, portable design

Celestron’s SkyAlign technology for quick setup

Computerized mount and hand control

8. Orion Grab-n-Go 80mm Triplet Refractor Telescope

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The Orion Grab-n-Go triplet refractor telescope is a high-end portable telescope that offers a lot of value for money. This telescope is a nice setup that includes the Orion ED80T CF 80mm triplet refractor telescope, the Orion VersaGo II mount, and a 26mm Q70 telescope eyepiece. The complete setup weighs just 20 pounds, making it one of the most portable high-end setups you’ll find.

The ED80T CF telescope has a fast f/6 focal ratio and an aperture of 80mm. It works great for viewing the night sky and astrophotography thanks to its extra-low dispersion glass and good apochromatic optics. The telescope also features a lightweight, sturdy carbon fiber build.

The Grab-n-Go telescope comes with the Orion VersaGo II altazimuth mount and a stable, adjustable-height tripod. The package also includes an EZ Finder II and a 90 degree 2-inch mirror star diagonal. The product has multiple positive reviews from satisfied customers and is undoubtedly an excellent option to consider for home or personal use.

Stand-out features:

Portable setup for visual and astrophotography applications

Includes the Orion VersaGo II altazimuth mount

26mm wide-field Q70 telescope eyepiece

9. Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope

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The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is an excellent reflector telescope for beginning astronomers. It features a fully-coated 130mm lens and an equatorial mount with easy-to-use knobs for adjustment.

The CG-3 mount on the 130EQ has a vixen dovetail saddle. Thus, you could use a different optical tube if you’ve got one. You can also equip the mount with Celestron’s Logic Drive to enable hands-free tracking.

The AstroMaster 130EQ is compact and easy to carry. The product also comes with a travel tripod two 1.25 inch eyepieces (10mm and 20mm). The product is easy to set up and use.

The AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian telescope from Celestron features high-quality optics, portability, and ease of use. It’s an excellent home telescope for beginners and more experienced astronomers.

Stand-out features:

CG-3 mount with vixen dovetail saddle and easy-to-use adjustment knobs

Portable and compact

Fully-coated 130mm lens

10. Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope

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The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is an excellent reflector telescope for astronomy enthusiasts. It features a fully-coated 130mm lens and an equatorial mount with easy-to-use knobs for adjustment.

The CG-3 mount on the 130EQ has a vixen dovetail saddle. Thus, you could use a different optical tube if you’ve got one. You can also equip the mount with Celestron’s Logic Drive to enable hands-free tracking.

The AstroMaster 130EQ is compact and easy to carry. The telescope also comes with a travel tripod two 1.25 inch eyepieces (10mm and 20mm). The product is easy to set up and use.

This telescope from Celestron features high-quality optics, portability, and ease of use. It’s an excellent home telescope for personal use as well as experienced astronomers.

Stand-out features:

CG-3 mount with vixen dovetail saddle and easy-to-use adjustment knobs

Portable and compact

Fully-coated 130mm lens

Frequently Asked Questions on Expensive Telescopes and Prices

Navigating the world of expensive telescope prices can be confusing and frustrating at times. Even the most informed astronomers have their fair share of misunderstanding. In order to make sure you make the most informed decision, we have made a list of our readers’ most frequently asked telescope price questions.

What kinds of telescopes are there? There are two types of telescopes: refractors and reflectors. Refractors use a glass lens to gather light, while reflectors use mirrors. When it comes to pricing, refractors are on the higher end. Are telescopes worth the money? Telescopes offer an enchanting image of the night sky that you might not have seen before. Telescopes are worth the money if you are passionate about astronomy or if you enjoy stargazing. How much does a good telescope cost? A good telescope costs between $300-$5000 USD. The option that is right for you will depend on what you are looking to get out of the product. Understanding what it takes to get what you are looking for is the first step to figuring that out. What is the most expensive telescope you can buy? The most expensive home telescope on our list is the Meade New LX600-ACF (f/8) Advanced Coma-Free Telescope with StarLock, which costs a couple of thousand dollars. For your money, though, you get excellent optics, the StarLock tracking system, the Autostar II controller with over 145,000 celestial objects, and many other great features. Why are telescopes so expensive? Telescopes are expensive because the lenses in high-end refractor telescopes have to be carefully crafted to ensure precision. The manufacturing processes for the lenses and the other components that make up a telescope usually cost a lot of money. How expensive is a good telescope? Depending on your needs and goals, you can get a good telescope for as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as thousands of dollars. What is the most powerful telescope on earth? The most powerfull telescope on earth currently is the Gran Telescopio Canarias, a reflecting telescope in Spain with an aperture of 34 feet (10.4 meters). The telescope began scientific observations in 2009 and cost $185 million to construct. What is the most expensive telescope in the world? The Hubble Space Telescope, is currently the most expensive telescope in the world. It launched over three decades ago, and had a price tag of about $4.7 billion to manufacture. However, it’s planned successor, the James Webb telescope, which will be launched by NASA in the near future could cost up to $10 billion. Should I buy a telescope or binoculars? This is dependent on what your primary use is. Generally, telescopes offer a wider and longer-range field of view than a pair of binoculars. If your goal is to stargaze, a telescope is the best choice.

Purchasing a new telescope is a big job. When you educate yourself on the process and features beforehand, you make your job easier. No matter whether you just starting out in the world of telescopes or if you are a seasoned professional, the perfect telescope for you is out there. Know your price range, desired features, and intent of use and you will make the right decision every time. Still not entirely sure of your choice? Read our guide on the best telescopes for beginners or professionals, where you’ll certainly find your favorite.