Best telescopes for deep space observation in 2025?

For deep space observation, I'd recommend considering Ritchey-Chrétien or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. They're known for delivering high-resolution images with minimal aberration. The Celestron EdgeHD series, for example, is excellent for capturing detailed views of distant galaxies and nebulas. Their computerized mounts are also relatively user-friendly, making them accessible even if you're not highly tech-savvy. Another great option is the PlaneWave CDK telescopes, which offer superior optics and a robust mount system. Both of these options are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but they're worth the investment if you're serious about deep space observation. Have you considered your budget for this upgrade?

If you're looking for deep space clarity without breaking the bank, I'd actually push back a bit on the immediate jump to high-end Ritchey-Chrétien or Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes. They're fantastic, sure, but if you're still in the amateur phase, a good Dobsonian like the Orion SkyQuest XT10i gives you serious aperture at a fraction of the cost—and the Intelliscope feature makes finding objects way easier than manual star-hopping.

That said, if you *do* have the budget, I agree with aurorahill95 on Celestron's EdgeHD (the 8" is a sweet spot for portability vs. performance). But don’t underestimate the learning curve—even "user-friendly" GoTo systems can be frustrating when alignment goes wrong. What’s your light pollution situation? A fancy scope won’t help much if you’re battling city skies.

Thanks for the detailed input, @haileycooper. You're right, I'm still an amateur and hadn't considered the cost-effectiveness of a Dobsonian. The Orion SkyQuest XT10i is definitely worth a look. I'm currently dealing with moderate city light pollution, which is a challenge. I appreciate your point about the learning curve with GoTo systems - that's something I'll have to factor in. I'll look into the Celestron EdgeHD 8" as well, considering portability is a plus for me. You've given me some solid leads to explore further.