5 Best Intermediate Telescopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

Astronomy offers a great way to explore the night sky, and intermediate telescopes are perfect for those who want to take their stargazing to the next level. These telescopes provide better optics and more features than beginner models, making it easier to observe distant planets, stars, and galaxies. Intermediate telescopes are designed for users who have a basic grasp of how to use a telescope and want to see more detail in their observations.

When choosing an intermediate telescope, consider factors like the aperture size, which affects the amount of light the telescope can gather. Larger aperture sizes will give you better clarity and brighter images. The type of mount, whether it’s an equatorial or an altazimuth, also plays a big role in ease of use and tracking precision.

Look for features that enhance your viewing experience, such as computerized tracking that can help you locate celestial objects with ease. Durability and the materials used in the construction of the telescope are also important. With these aspects in mind, you can find an intermediate telescope that suits your needs and helps you enjoy astronomical observation more fully.

Best Intermediate Telescopes

Below is our full list of the best intermediate telescopes. Each option is chosen for its performance and value.

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Here are our intermediate telescope reviews.

1. Dianfan 90mm Telescope

This telescope is a solid option for those who are serious about advancing their stargazing skills.

Pros

• Provides clear and sharp images
• Easy to set up and use
• Built with a sturdy tripod

Cons

• Sturdy stand is a bit shorter than expected
• Manual focus required
• Limited availability of instructions

The clear images delivered by the 90mm aperture make this telescope stand out. It captures bright and sharp views, even in lower light, which makes it perfect for viewing the stars and moon.

This telescope is user-friendly and quick to set up. The detailed manual helps, too, making it a great choice for beginners and kids.

The stainless steel tripod keeps everything steady, although some find it a bit short. Despite this, the tripod adds to the durability and stability, ensuring years of enjoyment.

2. Koolpte Telescope 90mm Aperture

This telescope is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their stargazing with a durable and high-quality device.

Pros

• Exceptional optical performance for detailed observations
• Sturdy and smooth Vertisteel Altazimuth Mount
• Convenient phone adapter and wireless remote

Cons

• Heavier than some other intermediate telescopes
• May require a learning curve for optimal use
• Price might be higher compared to basic models

Offering remarkable optical performance, the Koolpte Telescope has a 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length, which allows you to observe deep space objects with ease. This model is both user-friendly and highly effective, making it a solid choice for intermediate astronomers.

The Vertisteel Altazimuth Mount ensures stable support. This allows for smooth and precise adjustments, making it easier to maintain accurate positioning during your observations. The telescope includes a phone adapter and wireless remote, enabling you to capture and share the wonders you discover.

Despite its many advantages, keep in mind the telescope’s weight, which may make it less portable. Some users might find that it takes a bit of practice to master all its features. Nonetheless, its performance and durability are highly valued.

3. LUVONI 90mm Aperture Telescope

Ideal for intermediate stargazers who want a versatile and powerful optical instrument.

Pros

• Excellent optical performance
• High-powered magnification
• Diverse accessories included

Cons

• Bulky for some users
• May require frequent adjustments
• Slightly heavier than other models

This LUVONI telescope boasts a 90mm aperture which enhances image brightness and clarity. The multi-coated optical lenses reduce light refraction, making it great for viewing deep space objects.

Its focal length of 800mm combined with multiple eyepieces allows for a wide range of magnifications, up to 240X. Even moon craters are visible, which makes it a perfect gift for budding astronomers.

The stainless steel tripod provides stability, while the phone adapter and wireless remote control make capturing images easy. Though it might be a bit heavy for some, the carrying bag and adjustable tripod height add to its portability.

4. HEXEUM Intermediate Telescope

Great intermediate telescope for clear and bright views of the moon and stars.

Pros

• Impressive optical quality for the price.
• Easy to set up without tools.
• Portable with phone adapter and carrying bag included.

Cons

• Tripod can be a bit wobbly.
• The finder scope could be better.
• Lower magnification isn’t ideal for deep space.

This HEXEUM model is a solid choice for those looking to step up from beginner telescopes. It offers great optics with an 80mm aperture that captures more light for clearer images. The eyepieces and Barlow lens provide various magnifications to suit different viewing needs.

Setting up the telescope is user-friendly, even for beginners, and the wireless remote control enhances convenience. The phone adapter is a great addition, allowing you to capture and share your observations. It also comes with a handy carrying bag for easy transportation.

However, the tripod may require some manual stabilization due to its light build. Also, the finder scope could be more accurate, which can make locating distant objects a bit tricky. Overall, it’s a good telescope for casual astronomers and families.

5. Dianfan 80mm Aperture Telescope

This telescope is a solid choice for intermediate astronomy enthusiasts due to its quality optics and sturdy construction.

Pros

• High-quality optics for sharp images
• Large aperture for better light capture
• Sturdy frame and tripod

Cons

• Assembly may take some time
• Not the best for highly experienced users
• Can be bulky for travel

The Dianfan 80mm Aperture Telescope offers a clear and realistic view of the night sky, thanks to its multi-layer coating and superior optics. The durable aluminum construction ensures it can handle years of use and travel.

With a focal length of 600mm and an 80mm large aperture, this telescope provides impressive magnification and clear views. Its simple controls and user-friendly design make it easy to start observing right away.

While the setup might be a bit time-consuming for some, it’s designed to provide a stable and clear viewing experience. The sturdy frame and tripod add to its reliability, making it a worthy investment for those looking to explore the night sky.

Intermediate Telescope Buying Guide

When choosing an intermediate telescope, several features are essential.

Aperture

A larger aperture gathers more light. This allows you to see fainter objects. Look for telescopes with apertures between 100mm and 200mm for a good balance.

Magnification

High magnification is important, but not the only factor. The stability of the image matters more. Aim for a maximum magnification of 200x to 300x.

Mounts

A stable mount is crucial. Alt-azimuth mounts are easy to use. Equatorial mounts are better for tracking celestial objects.

Eyepieces

Quality eyepieces enhance the viewing experience. Plössl and orthoscopic eyepieces are common. Ensure they provide clear, sharp images.

Portability

Consider the weight and size of the telescope. If you plan to travel, choose a more portable option. Reflective telescopes tend to be bulkier, while refractors are more compact.

Cost

Intermediate telescopes can be pricey. Set a budget that matches your needs. Avoid overly cheap models; you get what you pay for.

Table: Key Features to Look For

Focus on these features to make an informed purchase.