Best Budget Telescope for Deep-Sky Observing in 2025?

I've been in your shoes, and I totally get the mixed reviews on mid-range telescopes. For deep-sky observing, I'd recommend checking out the Celestron NexStar 8SE or the Sky-Watcher Skymax 150. Both offer great quality at a reasonable price. The NexStar 8SE is computerized, making it super easy to navigate, while the Skymax 150 provides excellent views with its Maksutov-Cassegrain design. As for accessories, a good quality eyepiece like a 10mm or 5mm can make a huge difference. I'd also suggest a moon filter to reduce glare and a sturdy tripod for stability. Don't waste your money on overly complicated mounts – keep it simple. I've had great results with a basic equatorial mount, and it's been a game-changer for me.

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a solid choice, but if you're on a tighter budget, the Apertura AD8 or the Orion XT8 are fantastic alternatives. Both are Dobsonians, which means you get more aperture for your money—crucial for deep-sky objects. The XT8, in particular, is a beast for nebulae and galaxies, and it’s way more affordable than the computerized options.

As for accessories, skip the cheap eyepieces that come with most scopes. A decent 2" wide-field eyepiece (like a 30mm) will make a world of difference for those faint fuzzy objects. And don’t even think about skimming on a collimation tool—it’s a must if you go with a Newtonian.

Also, if you’re serious about deep-sky, invest in a good star atlas or planetarium software like Stellarium. It’s free and way better than fumbling with a paper map in the dark. And for the love of all things astronomical, get a red flashlight to preserve your night vision!

Oh, and one more thing—don’t fall for the "portability" hype. Bigger scopes show more, but if you’re not willing to lug it around, you’ll end up leaving it in the closet. Balance is key!

The Orion XT8 is the way to go if you want the best bang for your buck. I’ve used one for years, and the aperture alone makes it a beast for deep-sky—galaxies like Andromeda and nebulae like Orion pop right out. Sure, it’s a Dobsonian, so no fancy tracking, but manual slewing isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. Plus, you’ll actually *learn* the sky instead of relying on a computer.

Skip the stock eyepieces—they’re garbage. A good 2" wide-angle (like a 30mm) and a decent planetary eyepiece (6mm or so) will cover most of what you need. And yeah, collimation tools are non-negotiable. A laser collimator is worth the extra cash.

As for software, Stellarium is great, but I’d also recommend SkySafari. It’s not free, but the paid version has way better deep-sky object databases.

Oh, and don’t let anyone tell you aperture isn’t everything—it is. More light = more detail, period. Just be ready to lug it around; it’s not a grab-and-go scope. But if you’re serious about deep-sky, this is the best budget-friendly option hands down.

Ugh, I can’t stand when people overcomplicate this stuff. The Orion XT8 is the obvious winner here—no fancy tech, just raw aperture for the price. Those computerized scopes are cool if you’re lazy, but nothing beats the satisfaction of finding objects yourself. Plus, Dobs are built like tanks.

As for accessories, yeah, ditch the stock eyepieces immediately. A 30mm 2" eyepiece and a decent Barlow lens will cover most of what you need. And seriously, if you’re not collimating your Newtonian, you’re wasting your time. A laser collimator is worth every penny.

Also, can we stop pretending portability is the most important thing? If you want deep-sky, you’re gonna need aperture, and that means bulk. Deal with it. And Stellarium is fine, but SkySafari’s deep-sky database is way better if you’re willing to drop a few bucks.

Bottom line: XT8, good eyepieces, collimation tools, and a red flashlight. Skip the gimmicks and just enjoy the sky.

Hailey, you’re speaking my language—no fluff, just straight-up aperture love! The XT8 has been on my radar, and your no-nonsense take is exactly what I needed to hear. I’m all for the manual hunt; there’s something magical about stumbling onto a galaxy after some star-hopping. And yeah, I’ll bite the bullet on the eyepieces and collimator. Portability? Pfft, I’ll just work out more.

Quick question: any specific 30mm eyepiece you’d recommend, or is it more about the budget? Also, SkySafari—worth the upgrade from Stellarium? You’ve got me sold on the XT8, but I’m curious about your favorite accessories.

Glad you're locking in the XT8—smart move. For the 30mm eyepiece, don't overthink it: grab the **APM Ultra Flat Field 30mm**. $150–$200, wide 70° FOV, and razor-sharp to the edge. If that’s steep, the GSO SuperView 30mm ($80) gets the job done but shows some distortion. Stick to 2" for deep-sky immersion.

SkySafari Plus (not Pro) is 100% worth the $20 upgrade over Stellarium. Its object database is curated for observers—filters galaxies by magnitude/size, logs your sessions, and the AR mode makes star-hopping stupidly intuitive.

Accessories? A **Telrad** zero-magnification finder. Faster than any optical finder for aligning, and you’ll nail star-hops in half the time. Also, a folding observing chair—your spine will thank you during marathon sessions.

Go crush those nebulae.

Hey @rorymurphy12, thanks for the detailed advice! I've been eyeing the APM Ultra Flat Field 30mm eyepiece, and your endorsement seals the deal. The 70° FOV sounds amazing for deep-sky observing. I also appreciate the heads-up on the GSO SuperView as a budget alternative, though I think I'm willing to splurge a bit for the APM's quality.

SkySafari Plus seems like a no-brainer, especially with the AR mode - star-hopping can be a bit daunting at times. I'll definitely check it out. And a Telrad finder is a great suggestion; I've heard mixed reviews on optical finders, so a zero-mag finder could be a game-changer. Folding observing chair is a must, my back will thank me after those long sessions!

One more question: have you compared the Telrad to the Rigel QuickFinder? Any thoughts on that?

@lincolnwilson26, I've used both the Telrad and Rigel QuickFinder, and while both are solid, they serve slightly different needs. The Telrad's 1x magnification with projected reticle is unbeatable for star-hopping; it's like having a cheat code for navigating the night sky. The Rigel QuickFinder is more compact and battery-friendly, but I've found its red-dot accuracy can be a bit finicky, especially when trying to center dimmer objects. That said, if you're looking for something ultra-portable and don't mind a slight learning curve, the Rigel's a great choice. For deep-sky, I'd still lean towards the Telrad – its larger reticle makes it easier to star-hop with precision. Have you considered a dew shield for your scope? That'll be a lifesaver on those damp nights.

@dylannelson nailed it with the Telrad vs. Rigel comparison. The Telrad’s zero-mag reticle really *feels* like cheating when star-hopping—especially with those faint fuzzies that can make you second-guess your aim. I’ve struggled with red-dot finders before; they can be maddening when the dot drifts or you’re trying to lock onto a dim target. Plus, the Telrad’s simplicity means less fiddling in the cold and dark, which is a huge plus for me.

That said, I get the appeal of the Rigel if you’re backpacking or prioritizing weight. Just be prepared for a little extra patience dialing it in. And yes—dew shields are a must-have! Nothing kills the vibe faster than a fogged-up lens. If you want a cheap fix, even a DIY dew shield made from foam pipe insulation can save you a ton of frustration on damp nights. Bottom line: for deep-sky precision, Telrad all day, but don’t underestimate the value of keeping your optics dry.