Each year, new astronomy equipment reflects advances in technology and the evolving ways observers engage with the night sky. Traditional designs such as Dobsonian reflectors and apochromatic refractors continue to deliver dependable performance, while smart telescopes and integrated imaging systems are expanding access to astrophotography. Portability remains a central theme, as compact optical tubes, lightweight mounts, and modular systems allow observers to assemble capable setups for backyard use, outreach, or travel to darker skies. At the same time, experienced amateurs continue to seek specialized equipment, from fast astrographs to refined accessories that enhance performance. The 35 products highlighted here reflect this diversity, representing some of the most interesting and capable creations available today.
Altair Starwave 60ED Imaging Refractor
The Starwave 60ED is a compact 2.4-inch f/6 ED doublet refractor designed specifically for astrophotography, using FCD100 glass to deliver strong color correction across the field. Its 360mm focal length supports wide-field imaging, while a dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with integrated rotator allows precise focus and easy framing with modern cameras. The system is configured around standard 55mm back-focus spacing and can be paired with a dedicated reducer to operate at f/4.8 for faster imaging. Weighing about 3.9 pounds (1.8 kg), its lightweight, modular design makes it particularly well suited for experienced astrophotographers traveling to dark-sky sites who require a portable setup optimized for imaging.
£399.00
altairastro.com
Analog Sky Magic binocular kit and video course
Analog Sky’s Magic binocular kit combines hands-on construction with a distinctive optical design that emphasizes flexibility and user understanding. Unlike most binocular systems, it accepts standard eyepieces and filters. A particularly clever slide-on cartridge system lets filters be inserted or removed without taking out the eyepieces, making it far easier to make changes while observing. The included video course guides users through assembly while explaining the underlying optical principles, making it as much an educational experience as a functional instrument.
$539.99
analogsky.co
Apertura 8-inch f/4 Imaging Newtonian optical tube assembly
Apertura’s 8-inch f/4 Newtonian was designed from the outset for deep-sky astrophotography. Features such as a dual-speed Crayford focuser for precise focusing and a center-marked primary mirror for accurate collimation are ideal for astroimagers. The package includes essential accessories such as tube rings, a Vixen-style dovetail bar, and a 2" extension adapter to support a range of camera configurations. This makes it a strong choice for intermediate users stepping up from smaller instruments.
$629.95
highpointscientific.com
Askar 80ED refractor
The Askar 80ED is a 3.1-inch f/7 ED doublet refractor designed as a compact and versatile optical tube for both visual observing and astrophotography. Its two-element objective includes one ED glass element to reduce chromatic aberration and improve contrast and color fidelity. The tube measures about 16 inches (400 mm) with the dew shield retracted and weighs roughly 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg), making it easy to transport and mount. The optical tube assembly includes a dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, tube rings, and a Vixen-style dovetail bar. A finder, star diagonal, and mount are sold separately. Optional field flatteners and focal reducers are also available to extend its performance for astrophotography.
$399.00
sharpstar-optics.com
Askar SQA130 130mm f/4.8 Quintuplet Petzval APO refractor
The SQA130 is a 5.1-inch f/4.8 astrograph optimized for wide-field astrophotography. Its quintuplet Petzval optical design delivers a flat, well-corrected field without requiring a separate field flattener. Its 3.2" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with integrated rotator supports precise framing and focusing with modern cameras. The package includes tube rings, a 12-inch (300 mm) Losmandy-style dovetail plate, multiple rear adapters, dual finder bases, a retractable dew shield, and a cloth case. Optional accessories include a height extension, a top-bar-mounted carrying handle, and camera-specific adapters.
$4,799.00
sharpstar-optics.com
Astro-Physics StarFire CS 155mm f/6 APO refractor
The StarFire CS is a 6.1-inch f/6 apochromatic refractor designed for high-performance imaging and visual use. Its “Christen Superachromat” objective delivers high contrast and excellent color correction across a large 51mm image circle. The standard 3.5" focuser features a Starlight Instruments Feather Touch 9:1 Micro dual-speed mechanism for precise, backlash-free focusing, while a rotating Doveloc system allows smooth camera framing. A dedicated field flattener is also included.
$12,800.00
astro-physics.com
Astro Devices Nexus eFinder and DSC Pro
From Australia comes this unique way to navigate the sky. Astro Devices’ Nexus eFinder (left) is an electronic finder that uses a built-in camera and plate solving to determine exactly where a telescope is pointing by matching star fields to an internal database. Its partner, the Nexus DSC Pro (right), is a specialized computer known as a digital settings circle (DSC) that reads the telescope position and then guides users to their desired targets. Used together, the two pieces of equipment provide continuous, high-precision pointing. They can also operate with planetarium software such as SkySafari Plus/Pro, Starry Night, Cartes du Ciel, and TheSky on Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Nexus eFinder: $349.95
DSC Pro: $399.95
astrodevices.com
Astro-Smart SMP-R2 Astro Weather Station
The SMP-R2 is a computerized weather station that combines data from multiple sensors. The system can connect to standard astronomy software, work on its own or as part of a remote-controlled observatory, and integrate with virtually any computerized telescope. Sensors include cloud detection, sky quality (SQM), sky brightness (lux), rain and snow detection, and more. Optional features include GPS integration and relay output control for dome or observatory automation.
SMP-R2 USB: $299.00
SMP-R2 RF: $349.00
astro-smart.com
CATSEYE BLACKCAT XLV Wired Video Collimation System
The BLACKCAT XLV Wired Video Cheshire system adapts CATSEYE’s traditional collimation tools for Newtonian reflectors. It integrates a color CCTV camera directly into the Cheshire, allowing axial alignment cues to be viewed on a 4.3-inch LCD monitor in real time. This eliminates the need to move between the focuser and the rear of the telescope while making adjustments. The system streamlines collimation into a single-operator procedure with immediate feedback. Included components consist of the Video Cheshire with cap and storage bag, LCD monitor with power supply, CCTV pinhole camera with interchangeable lenses, interface cables, extension cable, USB power adapter, and a zippered storage case.
$269.00
catseyecollimation.com
Celestron Lumina 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope
The Lumina 130mm is a collapsible 5.1-inch f/5 Newtonian reflector ideal for beginners of all ages. It uses a parabolic primary mirror with aluminum and silicon dioxide coatings for excellent image quality. The telescope is mounted on a compact tabletop Dobsonian base that provides simple, manual alt-azimuth motion. Included accessories include 25mm and 10mm eyepieces and a StarPointer red-dot finderscope. Its optical tube measures 24.3 inches (616 mm) when extended, but collapses to 18 by 14 inches (46 by 36 cm) for easier transport and storage. For every Lumina sold, Celestron donates an identical telescope to a K–12 school in the U.S.
$299.00
celestron.com
Celestron NexImage 20 Solar System Color Imager
Celestron’s NexImage 20 continues the evolution of a camera line that has introduced many amateurs to solar system astrophotography. Designed for lunar, planetary, and solar work (with proper filtration), it delivers detailed results when paired with proper technique and post-processing. The camera is built around an Onsemi AR2020 back-illuminated 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with fast USB 3.0 data transfer. Celestron’s iCap software provides intuitive control over exposure, gain, frame rate, and region-of-interest settings. The NexImage 20 is well suited for both beginners and experienced users alike.
$449.95
celestron.com
Celestron Origin Mark II Intelligent Home Observatory
The Origin Mark II pairs a 6-inch (152mm) f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph with an integrated mount and onboard processing, delivering real-time views through a mobile device. Equipped with the Sony IMX678 sensor, it improves sensitivity and image quality over earlier configurations. The system automates alignment, tracking, and image stacking, greatly simplifying deep-sky imaging. The Origin Mark II is a streamlined, all-in-one approach to electronically assisted astronomy for users seeking convenience while still capturing detailed astronomical photos. Its automation allows observers to focus on exploration rather than setup and calibration.
$4,299.00
celestron.com
Celestron RASA 6-inch optical tube assembly
For those who prefer placing the Origin’s optical tube on their own mount, Celestron offers the RASA 6 optical tube assembly, which uses the same 6-inch f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph design. With a 335mm focal length, the RASA 6 is optimized for wide-field work with short exposure times. Although a camera is not included, it comes with an M42-threaded adapter that allows compatibility with a range of CMOS imagers. The telescope includes a CG-5 dovetail bar for mounting.
$1,699.00
celestron.com
Celestron SkyMaster Gemini 2x40 binoculars
Sometimes, less magnification reveals more of the sky. Celestron’s SkyMaster Gemini binoculars use 2x magnification to provide a broad 24° field of view, allowing observers to take in large portions of the sky at once. Their modest magnification can help reveal fainter stars that complete the outlines of some constellations and bring out broad stretches of the Milky Way that are difficult to see with the unaided eye, especially under light-polluted skies. The 40mm objectives and fully multicoated optics use individually focused eyepieces in a compact Galilean design.
$129.95
celestron.com
DayStar Sol 100 Hydrogen-alpha solar refractor
Designed to reveal prominences, filaments, and surface detail not visible with white-light filters, DayStar’s Sol 100 is a dedicated 3.9-inch solar telescope that shows the Sun at 656.3 nm, the Hydrogen-alpha wavelength. The optical system incorporates an integrated narrowband filter for high-contrast viewing and imaging, with electronic tuning to adjust the bandpass for best results. The telescope includes a helical focuser and is intended for use on a tracking mount, which is sold separately.
$4,995.00
daystarfilters.com
Explore Scientific 8-inch Dobsonian Reflector Telescope (Red)
An 8-inch reflector has long been considered an ideal first telescope, and Explore Scientific’s 8-inch f/5.9 Dobsonian reflects that notion well. The optical tube is paired with a simple alt-azimuth rocker-box mount with a spring-tension system for smooth, balanced manual operation. It features a 2" Crayford-style focuser with a 1¼" adapter. Standard equipment includes a 70° Series 25mm eyepiece, a 10mm Plössl eyepiece, a 2x Barlow lens, a red-dot finder, a smartphone adapter, and a dust cover.
$649.99
explorescientific.com
Explore Scientific 92° ED Waterproof Eyepiece (14mm)
Explore Scientific’s 92° Series 14mm eyepiece delivers an ultrawide apparent field designed for immersive visual observing. Shown at the 2026 Northeast Astronomy Forum this past April, it features premium ED glass to provide high contrast and sharp images across the field, even in fast optical systems. The eyepiece is fully waterproof and purged to prevent internal fogging. It offers 18mm of eye relief and has a 2" barrel that fits a wide range of telescopes. Other focal lengths in this new series include 9mm, 20mm, and 25mm.
$449.99
explorescientific.com
Explore Scientific FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain telescope with EQ3 mount
If you enjoy views of the Moon, planets, close double stars, and smaller deep-sky objects such as planetary nebulae, the Explore Scientific FirstLight 100mm Maksutov-Cassegrain delivers strong performance in a compact package. Its 3.9-inch (100mm) f/14 optical system delivers sharp, high-contrast views across a range of magnifications. The system includes an EXOS Nano EQ3 German equatorial mount with slow-motion controls, a full-size tripod, a 25mm Plössl eyepiece, a red-dot finder, and a 1¼" 90° diagonal for a complete observing setup.
$249.99
explorescientific.com
Explore Scientific U-mount with tripod
Holding large binoculars steady while remaining comfortable can be a challenge, especially when observing high overhead. Explore Scientific’s U-mount addresses both issues with a solid fork mount and stainless steel tripod designed for binoculars with 70mm to 120mm objectives. It accommodates binoculars weighing up to 26.5 pounds (12 kg) and as wide as 11.4 inches (290 mm). Adjustable friction in both axes provides smooth tracking, while a quick-release adapter plate speeds setup and removal.
$749.99
explorescientific.com
Houdini 20mm Coma-Correcting Eyepiece
If you own a fast-focal-ratio Newtonian, you know that coma can seriously affect the view. The Houdini 20mm eyepiece addresses this by combining an 86° apparent field with built-in coma correction, eliminating the need for a separate corrector. It is designed to deliver sharp star images across the field in fast systems. The optical design features multicoated elements and high-transmission glass, along with blackened edges to improve contrast. With 20mm of eye relief, it offers comfortable viewing. Additional focal lengths in the series include 12mm, 9mm, and 7mm.
€399.00
houdinitelescopes.com
LEGO Art The Milky Way Galaxy
It’s cloudy again tonight. What can I do? LEGO offers one answer. How about building a galaxy? This 3,091-piece set creates a layered, three-dimensional wall display of the Milky Way using vividly colored bricks to convey depth and structure across the spiral arms. The model is assembled in multiple panels, turning it into a collaborative building experience if desired. Each section includes a QR code linking to a curated educational soundtrack, so you can learn more about our home galaxy while you build. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this article.
$199.99
lego.com
Ravensburger Map of the Universe jigsaw puzzle
Looking for another enjoyable way to build the universe? Ravensburger’s 1,500-piece Map of the Universe jigsaw puzzle is a fun project for ages 14 and up. Images of galaxies, stars, spectra, and the solar system surround a map of the celestial sphere. When complete, it measures 31.5 by 23.6 inches (80 by 60 cm) and is presented in a horizontal layout that is suitable for framing.
$33.99
ravensburger.us
Sky Rover 10x42 mm Banner Cloud APO binoculars
Sky Rover is a relative newcomer to the binocular field, and its 10x42 Banner Cloud APO model emphasizes optical performance. Its roof prism design combines a double-ED apochromatic system with full broadband multi-coatings and phase- and dielectric-coated prisms to deliver bright, high-contrast views and excellent color correction. A wide 7.5° true field and flat-field design provide sharp images from center to edge. The 10x42 configuration yields a 4.2mm exit pupil, an excellent match for urban and suburban observers, balancing image brightness with contrast while maintaining useful reach on deep-sky objects.
$509.00
skyroveroptics.com
Sky Rover XWA 13mm 100° Ultra-Wide-Angle Eyepiece
This 13mm eyepiece is part of the new Sky Rover XWA series, which span focal lengths from 3.5mm to 20mm. Like the rest of the XWAs, the 13mm has a spacious 100° apparent field of view, producing a truly immersive experience at moderate power. The eyepiece uses a hybrid 1¼"/2" barrel design with a removable 2" collar, making it compatible with most focusers. Its optical system consists of nine elements in six groups, all fully multicoated to enhance contrast and light transmission. O-ring sealing helps protect against moisture and contamination, while the wide apparent field allows objects to remain in view longer during manual tracking.
$229.00
skyroveroptics.com
Sky-Watcher HAC125DX Minigraph
The HAC125DX is a 5-inch (125mm) f/2 astrograph that uses Sky-Watcher’s Honders Advanced Catadioptric (HAC) optical design to deliver fast, wide-field imaging in a compact package. With a 250mm focal length, a 16mm image circle, and a rear focusing system, it is designed for small-format cameras. Measuring just 15.7 inches (40 cm) long and weighing 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg), it is highly portable. Included are clamshell rings, a Vixen-style dovetail, camera adapters, and a dew shield.
$899.00
skywatcherusa.com
Sky-Watcher Heliostar 100mm/WAVE 100i Pro Mount Kit
The Sun may look tranquil through a white-light filter, but it comes alive in hydrogen-alpha, with prominences, filaments, and other surface detail. Sky-Watcher’s Heliostar 100 can brings those details to you. This dedicated 3.9-inch (100mm) f/7.6 hydrogen-alpha refractor uses a built-in Solis Etalon system to produce a 0.55-angstrom bandpass. Its Trifid Tuner allows fine adjustment for solar detail. Paired with the WAVE 100i strain-wave go-to mount, the kit includes mounting rings, Vixen-style dovetail, solar finder, sunshade, 22mm eyepiece, 20mm blocking-filter diagonal, hard case, mount, and tripod.
$7,995.00
skywatcherusa.com
Spectrum Optics DS8 8-inch Dobsonian reflector
An 8-inch reflector, such as Spectrum Optics’ DS8, is often considered the sweet spot between performance and portability. The DS8 features a curved spider vane assembly (the supporting legs that hold a telescope’s secondary mirror) to reduce diffraction spikes around bright stars and a dual-speed 2" Crayford-style focuser with a 11/4" adapter for precise focusing. The rocker box rides on Teflon pads with adjustable altitude tension controls for smooth manual motion. Standard equipment includes 23mm and 10mm 1.25" Plössl eyepieces, a 2x Barlow lens, and an 8x50 finderscope.
$649.00
spectrumoi.com
Spectrum Optics MirroSky SPi53 Smart Telescope
The MirroSky SPi53 is a portable go-to smart telescope built around a 53mm ED refractor and a Sony IMX662 color imaging sensor. The camera slips directly into the scope’s helical focuser. Since it is separate, the camera can be easily changed or upgraded in the future, if desired. Controlled through the MirroSky app for iOS and Android, the SPi53 uses plate-solving technology to determine its position automatically without manual star alignment. Its wide field suits large targets such as the Pleiades (M45), the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), and the Orion Nebula (M42). The system includes a mount, mini tripod, carrying case, AC adapter, and USB-C cables.
$599.00
spectrumoi.com
Starfield Optics Géar 80 Triplet APO refractor
The Géar 80 is a compact 3.1-inch f/6 apochromatic triplet refractor engineered for wide-field imaging and high-contrast visual observing. Its multicoated optical system uses one lens element of extra-low-dispersion Ohara FPL53 glass for improved color correction and contrast. It features a retractable dew shield and a rotatable 2.5" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with a self-centering rotational lock to maintain alignment. Included are tube rings, a Vixen-style dovetail, finder mount, handle, hard case, and optical test report.
$1,300.00
starfieldoptics.com
NGC 602 nebula T-shirt
STARtorialist’s NGC 602 T-shirt transforms astronomical imagery into wearable art through an all-over print inspired by this colorful star-forming region in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The design combines imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory, wrapping the scene across both front and back. The print-on-demand shirt is available in straight-cut and fitted styles and is offered in a range of adult sizes. STARtorialist also offers many other astronomy- and space-themed products.
$49.00
startorialist.com
SVBONY SV233 telescope accessory kit
If you have a new telescope and are looking to expand your accessory collection on a budget, SVBONY’s SV233 1¼" telescope accessory kit adds eyepieces, filters, and storage in one package. The 8-piece set includes 25mm and 32mm Plössl eyepieces, a 3.2mm planetary eyepiece, a 7–21mm zoom eyepiece, a 2x Barlow lens, a Moon filter, a color filter set, a variable polarizing filter, and an accessory box. Fully multicoated optics and multiple focal lengths give observers flexibility for lunar, planetary, and deep-sky viewing.
$150.29
svbony.com
Tele Vue 24mm Delos eyepiece
Tele Vue eyepieces are considered among the best available, and the Delos line is among the best that Tele Vue offers. The latest addition, the 24mm Delos, extends the series into a 2" format while preserving its emphasis on comfort and high-quality observing. Its optical design produces a 72° apparent field of view and 22mm of eye relief, delivering sharp, high-contrast images across the field. The Delos 24 has a listed weight of 19.2 ounces (0.54 kg) and is compatible with Tele Vue’s Dioptrx astigmatism corrector.
$551.00
televue.com
The Space Store Space Launch System scale model
NASA’s Artemis program has put lunar exploration back in the spotlight, and the Space Launch System (SLS) is central to that effort. The Space Store’s model accurately scales NASA’s 322-foot-tall (98 meters) heavy-lift launch vehicle down to an 18-inch (45.7 cm) display piece. The model includes the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system at the top, along with a sturdy display base suitable for desks, shelves, classrooms, or display cases, making it a timely choice for spaceflight buffs.
$70.65
thespacestore.com
Track the Stars TTS-160 Panther Pro alt-azimuth mount
The TTS-160 Panther Pro accommodates side-mounted telescopes on either side, top-mounted configurations, and multi-telescope setups. It combines manual movement with motorized go-to tracking. Move the telescope by hand, and tracking resumes when released. Depending on tube length and diameter, the 22-pound (10 kg) mount can carry one side-mounted telescope up to 55 pounds (25 kg), two side-mounted telescopes up to 44 pounds (20 kg) each, or one top-mounted telescope up to 44 pounds (20 kg). Integrated Wi-Fi permits control through SkySafari and similar apps, while adjustable clutches allow smooth manual operation without power.
€5,295.00
trackthestars.com
William Optics Ultra-Cat 108 astrograph
The William Optics Ultra-Cat 108 excels at wide-field deep-sky astrophotography. This 4.25-inch f/4.8 astrograph uses a five-element Petzval objective that promises a flat, well-corrected field without a separate flattener. With a 518mm focal length and 60mm image circle, it supports formats up to medium frame. A rack-and-pinion focuser is built into the telescope body. The Ultra-Cat comes with a Bahtinov focusing cap; M48, M54, and M68 camera adapters; a Vixen-style plate; mounting rings with a handlebar; and a soft carrying case.
$3,998.00
williamoptics.com
Phil Harrington is a contributing editor of Astronomy and long-time equipment guru.
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