The Orion and Celestron telescopes are two of the most popular telescope brands on the market. Both offer a wide range of products for amateurs and professionals alike. They do not have a significant difference in quality, but you should consider some key points before purchasing.
When it comes to telescopes, there are two main brands that people tend to compare: Orion and Celestron. Both brands offer a wide variety of telescopes for all types of users, from beginners to experts.
One thing they have in common is they are manufactured by the same company, Synta, a Taiwanese company. So, how do you know which brand is better for you?
In this blog post, I will compare the two brands and help you decide which one is right for you.
Factors to Consider when Choosing between Orion and Celestron Telescopes
You should consider several factors when choosing between Orion and Celestron telescopes. These include:
Optics
This is the most important factor to consider when choosing a telescope. A telescope’s optics determine how well it can magnify objects and how clear the image will be.
Orion telescopes use high-quality optics, which results in crisp images. Celestron, on the other hand, uses lower-quality optics.
This means that their telescopes might not be able to magnify objects as well, and the images might not be as clear.
Ease of Use
Orion telescopes are known for being easy to use, even for beginners. Celestron telescopes, on the other hand, can be more difficult to use.
This is because they often require more assembly than Orion telescopes.
Price
Orion and Celestron telescopes offer a wide range of products at different price points. In general, Orion telescopes are more expensive than Celestron telescopes.
However, some Celestron telescopes are more expensive than Orion telescopes.
Your Level of Experience
If you are a beginner, you might want to choose an Orion telescope. However, if you are more experienced, you might want to consider a Celestron telescope.
This is because Celestron offers more advanced features than Orion.
Now that you know the key factors to consider when choosing between Orion and Celestron telescopes, let’s take a closer look at each brand.
Orion Telescopes Overview
Tim Gieseler started Orion in 1975 in California; like Celestron, it is a division of Synta Company and sells high-end telescopes and top-notch binoculars for astrology and astronomy. Their extensive and diverse selection offers models to astrophotographers and astrologists of all skill and experience levels.
Telescopes and binoculars, Orion’s two primary offerings, helped the company become popular. They manufactured and sold their products during that time.
A U.S. conglomerate named Imaginova decided to purchase Orion in 1997. The company was established by Imaginova’s CEO, Lou Dobbs, to offer goods that weren’t under their brand.
Since 2017, Orion has been wholly owned by its employees and sells company-branded optics and accessories.
They operate out of California, where they have two store outlets. While they are heavily involved throughout the process, they have outsourced a large portion of their production operations to businesses in Taiwan and Syria.
The company has had to increase its prices recently due to the effects of the Trump administration’s tariffs on Chinese-made goods.
Top Orion Models
Orion provides some of the most economical options available if you’re just getting into astronomy and searching for the basic equipment to get started.
A 50-millimeter refracting telescope from their Infinity line with a precise Alt-azimuth mount, three eyepieces with various magnification levels, and an aluminum mounting tripod may be purchased for under $50.
You can upgrade to their Adventure Scope or StarPro AZ ranges for a little more. A 70-millimeter refractor with a 700-millimeter focal length and slow-motion control cords is available here, which is a step up from a 50-millimeter refractor.
Orion Telescopes for Beginners
Here are some of the best models they offer for beginners:
StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
This great all-purpose telescope can be used for both land and sky observation.
This tool is portable enough to take on trips where the night sky will be more visible, such as while you’re camping, at 6.5 pounds and 20 inches tall. Unfortunately, no carrying bag is provided to protect it while traveling.
However, just because something is small doesn’t mean you won’t get something out of it. This telescope comes with two eyepieces to ensure you can see everything.
The magnification of one eyepiece is 50x, while the other gives an astonishing 125x. If the weather is clear, you can view Jupiter and all four moons through this.
Brighter deep space objects, such as nebulas, galaxies, and the moon’s surface, can be seen with the 90-millimeter aperture. However, it won’t be as bright as what you might view through a much bigger telescope.
Even so, it’s a cost-effective approach to studying astronomy and will enable you to observe many celestial bodies in great detail.
StarBlast 62mm Compact Travel Telescope
This is an excellent choice for those who want to get started in astronomy but are on a budget. It’s also a good option for those with limited storage space, as it only weighs about five pounds and can be taken apart for easy transport.
This telescope is simple to set up and use, making it great for beginners, kids, and anyone who wants to start exploring the night sky.
The 62-millimeter aperture is good for viewing bright deep space objects such as nebulas and galaxies. However, you won’t be able to see as much detail as you would with a larger telescope.
The moon’s surface can also be observed, but it won’t be as bright as through a bigger telescope.
This model has two eyepieces for different magnifications, a finderscope to help you locate objects in the night sky, and an adjustable tripod. It also has a carrying case to protect the telescope when traveling.
Orion Telescopes for Intermediate Users
If you have some experience with astronomy and are looking for a telescope that will allow you to see more detail, then I would recommend an Orion telescope for intermediate users.
Orion offers telescopes with larger apertures to gather more light so that you can see more detail in deep-sky objects such as nebulas and galaxies. They also offer a wide range of accessories to help you get the most out of your telescope.
Here are some of the best Orion telescopes for intermediate users:
StarSeeker IV 102mm GoTo Mak-Cass Telescope
This is great for intermediate users who want an easy telescope to set up and use. The computerized GoTo mount will automatically locate and track objects for you, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the view.
The StarSeeker IV 102mm GoTo Mak-Cass Telescope will help you advance your understanding of astronomy thanks to computerized motion and a sizable GoTo library of more than 42,000 celestial objects. Simply position the telescope correctly, and you’ll have one-touch capabilities at your disposal.
The telescope will automatically focus on the ideal area for you to view once you select the object you wish to observe. Even better, you won’t lose alignment if you manually point the telescope!
However, the lag or backlash might be significant, making it challenging to monitor objects manually.
You will be able to see incredibly fine detail in distant planets and other space objects because of the telescope’s expanded 1300-millimeter focal length and f/12.7 aperture. Once you’ve found an object, you can sit back and watch while the StarSeeker keeps track of it.
No more letting the nighttime sky changes cause you to lose your target.
This telescope includes two 60-degree eyepieces with 57x and 130x magnifications each. Along with the GoTo hand controller, which makes it simple to input coordinates so the telescope may be controlled electronically, you’ll also get the 90-degree diagonal for more comfortable viewing.
PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
The PowerSeeker 127EQ is a great choice for intermediate users who want a powerful telescope at an affordable price. This telescope has a large aperture of 127mm, which will allow you to see more detail in distant objects.
It also comes with two eyepieces for different magnifications, so you can choose the one that’s best for the object you’re viewing.
The PowerSeeker 127EQ is a Newtonian reflector telescope, which means it uses a curved mirror to gather and focus light. This type of telescope is usually more affordable than refractor telescopes, and it’s a good choice for intermediate users who want to see more detail in distant objects.
The 127mm aperture of this telescope will allow you to see more detail than a smaller telescope, and the two eyepieces (with magnifications of 20x and 40x) will let you choose the best one for the object you’re viewing. The PowerSeeker 127EQ also comes with a red dot finder, which will help you locate objects in the night sky.
If you’re looking for a powerful telescope that’s still affordable, the PowerSeeker 127EQ is a great choice. It’s perfect for intermediate users who want to see more detail in distant objects.
Orion SkyQuest XX14i IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion SkyQuest XX14i IntelliScope is a great choice for intermediate users who want a powerful telescope with a large aperture. This Dobsonian telescope has a truss-tube design, so it’s easy to set up and take down. It also has a large aperture of 14 inches, allowing you to see more detail in distant objects.
The XX14i also has an IntelliScope object location system, which uses a hand-held controller to help you locate objects in the night sky. This telescope is perfect for intermediate users who want to see more detail in distant objects.
If you’re looking for a powerful telescope with a large aperture, the Orion SkyQuest XX14i IntelliScope is a great choice. It’s perfect for intermediate users who want to see more detail in distant objects.
Orion Telescopes for Advanced Users
Orion offers a good selection of high-end, professional-grade telescopes. Offerings range in price from $1,000 to $9,500, so there is something for every price range.
These telescopes are top-of-the-line and have amazing features. Many are computer-controlled, some include cameras and mounts, and all will let you see the sky in a way you’ve never seen before.
Some of the Orion telescopes for advanced users include:
Orion 10135 Skyquest XT10g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion SkyQuest XT10g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope, which is completely motorized and electrically controlled, will enable you to learn about the heavens in a way you never thought possible. You can see fine detail in celestial bodies that are many lightyears distant thanks to its enormous 10-inch aperture reflector, which collects a lot of light.
With the push of a button, GoTo technology allows you to quickly find any of the 42,000 heavenly objects that have been charted. The XT10g will then keep track of your target on its own, leaving you free to simply observe.
You will also see detail in celestial objects that are well above the capabilities of lower-end telescopes, with a maximum usable magnification of 300x.
The computer-controlled GoTo software is one of this device’s greatest draws. However, if you want to use any of the motorized functions, you’ll need a 12V power supply.
Additionally, you must initially check that it is properly aligned. Once you’ve done that, you can manually adjust the telescope, whatever you’d like, and it will retain its alignment so you can return with a button press.
The only thing that might take some time is the IntelliScope’s two-handed control, but it shouldn’t be a problem for most users.
Celestron Telescopes Overview
Celestron is one of the leading telescope manufacturers, and they offer a wide range of telescopes for different users. Prices start at around $100 and go up to over $2000, so there’s something for everyone.
Celestron also offers several features that other brands don’t, like their StarSense AutoAlign technology, which makes it easy to set up and use your telescope.
Celestron also offers many computerized telescopes, making it easy to find and track objects in the night sky. Many of their models also include cameras, so you can take pictures or even record videos of what you see.
Celestron’s highest-end models are also motorized, so you can easily point them in any direction without moving the entire telescope.
Additionally, Celestron offers many different accessories that can enhance your experiences, like filters, eyepieces, and software.
Top Celestron Models
Celestron offers some of the best telescopes on the market, and their top models are suitable for various users of different levels.
Celestron Telescopes for Beginners
Celestron’s entry-level models are a great option for beginners or anyone on a budget. These telescopes offer good value and performance for the price. These include:
Astromaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope
Beginner astronomers can get started with the AstroMaster 76EQ, a fairly priced entry-level telescope. It has excellent optics that are completely coated and deliver a sharp, clear image.
This telescope is terrific for viewing the moon, stars, and even other planets in our solar system. However, if you want a more detailed view, you should probably acquire a magnifying eyepiece.
Nevertheless, this one has two eyepieces, a 10-millimeter and a 20-millimeter one, to provide you with some flexibility in your observation. An adjustable-height tripod is also included for you to use to mount the telescope. With 1.25-inch steel tubing-thick legs, it is remarkably stable.
Two slow-motion control knobs are included on this telescope to enable fine control. They can be used to make exact modifications to locate and track celestial objects.
Along with a two-year guarantee, similar to all Celestron products, this telescope will allow you to study the stars for many years.
Celestron Powerseeker 50AZ Telescope
The Celestron Powerseeker 50AZ is one of the most popular telescopes for beginners. It’s very affordable yet still provides good performance.
This telescope is best for viewing planets and the moon, as it doesn’t have the power to see more distant objects. However, it’s still a great option for anyone who wants to get started in astronomy.
This telescope comes with two eyepieces, a 20-millimeter and a four-millimeter. The four-millimeter provides higher magnification, while the 20-mm is better for lower magnifications.
Additionally, this telescope includes a finderscope to help you locate objects in the sky.
Celestron also includes an erect image diagonal with this telescope, which means that the images you see will be right-side up. This is a great feature for anyone who wants to use their telescope for terrestrial viewing as well as astronomy. Additionally, the Powerseeker 50AZ comes with a tripod and an altazimuth mount, which is easy to use.
Celestron Telescopes for Intermediate Users
Read on as I discuss Celestron telescopes for intermediate users in great detail:
NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
How many heavenly bodies can you locate and identify in the sky? Nowhere near the 40,000 objects, your Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope can be programmed to discover.
You only need to press a few buttons to instruct the computer which objects to look for before letting it get to work. Your telescope will soon be directly aimed at the objects you want to observe. Even better, as the earth rotates and the sky appears to move, the telescope will keep track of them.
All you need to do is observe.
With the use of this telescope, you will be able to observe the planets in our solar system in greater detail than you ever have before. The NexStar 130SLT’s 130-millimeter aperture provides enough light for viewing beyond the solar system; however, you might see even more if you upgrade the eyepieces.
Using this powerful telescope, you may observe Jupiter’s cloud bands or Saturn’s rings. You can align this telescope fast and easily, thanks to the SkyAlign technology it is equipped with.
This telescope is also tripod-mountable, so you can take it with you on your next camping trip.
Celestron NexStar Evolution Series Telescopes
If you are looking for a computerized telescope that can do it all, look no further than the Celestron NexStar Evolution Series. These telescopes have a built-in battery so that you can take them anywhere.
No more worrying about being near an outlet! The Evolution Series also features WiFi connectivity to control your telescope from your smartphone or tablet.
Additionally, these telescopes feature a bigger aperture than the 130SLT model. The Celestron NexStar Evolution Series comes in six-inch, eight-inch, and nine-and-a-half-inch models.
With this much power, you will be able to see galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in incredible detail.
Celestron also offers several accessories for the Evolution Series telescopes, including an electric focuser, a carrying case, and an accessory tray.
Celestron Telescopes for Advanced Users
The following telescopes are perfect for advanced users:
CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope
The CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope from Celestron is one of the most powerful consumer telescopes available. With its 2800-millimeter focal length and 11-inch aperture, this telescope can reach f/11, making it perfect for astrophotography.
Additionally, this telescope features Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings, which provide enhanced light transmission. This means that you will be able to see faint objects in the night sky with ease.
The CPC 1100 also features a built-in GPS receiver, so you can easily align your telescope.
Orion vs. Celestron Telescopes: Which is better?
There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on what you are looking for in a telescope.
You might want to start with an Orion telescope if you are a beginner. If you are more advanced, you might want to go with a Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Do your research and read reviews before making your purchase. That way, you can be sure to get the best telescope for your needs.
Final Thoughts
The Orion and Celestron telescopes are great options for anyone interested in astronomy. They both have their pros and cons, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
Consider what you want to use your telescope for and read reviews to find the perfect model for you. With either of these brands, you will surely get a quality product that will help you explore the night sky.
I hope this article has helped you make a decision. Thanks for reading.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
None of the authors, contributors, administrators, or anyone else connected with StarryNova, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked from these web pages.
