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Celestron Telescopes UK 2026: Every Model Reviewed and Ranked

Celestron is one of the two telescope brands that dominate the UK amateur astronomy market — the other being Sky-Watcher. Founded in California in 1960, Celestron has been producing quality telescopes for over 60 years and brings genuine innovation to the market — from the original Schmidt-Cassegrain design to the revolutionary StarSense Explorer smartphone navigation system. We have tested every major Celestron model available in the UK and ranked them honestly.

Last updated: September 2026 · Written by the TelescopeReviews.co.uk test team

🏆 Quick Verdict

Best Celestron Telescopes UK

  • Best overall: NexStar 130SLT
  • Best beginner: StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ
  • Best for planets: Astro Fi 102 Maksutov
  • Best for kids: FirstScope 76
  • Key advantage: StarSense technology makes finding objects effortless

💡 Celestron's UK Advantage

Celestron telescopes are widely available from UK retailers including Amazon UK, Wex Photo, and First Light Optics. UK warranties are handled domestically and customer support is strong. The StarSense Explorer range is particularly popular with UK beginners.

Why Choose Celestron?

Innovation

Celestron consistently leads the market in telescope technology. The StarSense Explorer dock — which uses your smartphone camera to navigate the night sky — is the most significant innovation in beginner telescopes in decades.

Quality

Celestron uses quality optical glass and coatings across its range. Even entry-level models like the FirstScope deliver surprisingly capable views for its price.

Range

From the £65 FirstScope to professional-grade Schmidt-Cassegrains, Celestron covers every budget and every type of observer. Whatever you want to do with a telescope, there is a Celestron designed for it.

Support

Celestron has one of the largest user communities in amateur astronomy. Finding advice, accessories, and support for any Celestron model is straightforward.

1. Celestron NexStar 130SLT

BEST OVERALL

The NexStar 130SLT is Celestron's most popular all-round telescope for UK buyers — and our top Celestron recommendation for most observers. A 130mm Newtonian reflector on a fully motorised GoTo mount, it finds over 4,000 objects automatically after a simple alignment procedure. For UK beginners frustrated by not knowing where to look, GoTo technology is genuinely transformative.

Pros

  • GoTo mount finds 4,000+ objects
  • 130mm aperture — excellent all-round
  • Tracks objects automatically
  • Good planetary and deep-sky views
  • Strong UK availability

Cons

  • Needs alignment each session
  • Requires power supply or batteries
  • Pricier than manual alternatives

Who it's for

Beginners and intermediate observers who want automatic object finding without learning star-hopping.

Check price on Amazon UK →

2. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

The StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ is Celestron's most innovative beginner telescope. A dock on the side of the telescope holds your smartphone, which uses its camera to analyse the star field overhead and tell you exactly where to point the telescope to find any object. No motors, no batteries in the mount — just intelligent navigation using technology you already own.

Pros

  • StarSense smartphone navigation
  • No batteries in mount
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Sharp 70mm refractor optics
  • Excellent beginner experience

Cons

  • 70mm aperture limits deep-sky
  • Requires compatible smartphone
  • No motorised tracking

Who it's for

First-time buyers who want help finding objects without paying for a full GoTo system.

Check price on Amazon UK →

3. Celestron Astro Fi 102 Maksutov

BEST FOR PLANETS

The Astro Fi 102 is Celestron's best planetary telescope at a mid-range price. The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design delivers exceptional contrast and sharpness on planets — Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and Mars's polar ice caps all look superb. Wi-Fi GoTo control via the Celestron app means finding planets is automatic.

Pros

  • Exceptional planetary contrast
  • Wi-Fi GoTo — app controlled
  • Compact and portable
  • Excellent for city observers
  • Closed tube needs no cool-down

Cons

  • Narrow field of view
  • Not ideal for deep-sky
  • Needs charging before use

Who it's for

Planet enthusiasts and city dwellers who want the sharpest possible views of Saturn and Jupiter.

Check price on Amazon UK →

4. Celestron FirstScope 76

BEST FOR KIDS

The FirstScope 76 is Celestron's entry-level telescope — and surprisingly capable for its price. A 76mm Newtonian reflector on a simple tabletop mount, it shows the Moon's craters clearly and reveals Saturn as a disc with visible rings. Compact, robust, and genuinely child-friendly.

Pros

  • Affordable entry point
  • Surprisingly capable optics
  • Child-sized and lightweight
  • No batteries required
  • Good build quality for price

Cons

  • Small aperture limits views
  • Basic tabletop mount only
  • Will be outgrown quickly

Who it's for

Children aged 6-12 getting their very first telescope, or as a gift for a curious young stargazer.

Check price on Amazon UK →

5. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

BEST UPGRADE

The StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ combines the innovative StarSense navigation technology with a larger 130mm Newtonian reflector. A significant step up from the LT 70AZ — more aperture means better deep-sky performance alongside the same effortless object-finding experience.

Pros

  • StarSense navigation on larger scope
  • 130mm aperture — excellent all-round
  • No batteries in mount
  • Good deep-sky and planetary views
  • Natural upgrade path from LT 70AZ

Cons

  • Heavier than LT 70AZ
  • Requires compatible smartphone
  • No motorised tracking

Who it's for

Observers who want StarSense navigation with more aperture for serious deep-sky observing.

Check price on Amazon UK →

Which Celestron is Right for You?

Which Celestron telescope is right for you
Your situationBest Celestron
First telescope, wants guidanceStarSense Explorer LT 70AZ
Wants automatic GoToNexStar 130SLT
Planet enthusiastAstro Fi 102 Maksutov
Gift for a childFirstScope 76
Wants StarSense + more apertureStarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
Serious deep-sky observerNexStar 130SLT

Where to Buy Celestron in the UK

Amazon UK

Best for:
Fast delivery, easy returns
Stock:
Full Celestron range
Note:
Check sold by Amazon directly

Widescreen Centre

Best for:
Expert advice, full range
Stock:
Full Celestron range
Note:
London-based specialist with strong Celestron knowledge

First Light Optics

Best for:
Competitive pricing
Stock:
Full Celestron range
Note:
UK's largest astronomy retailer — excellent stock

Frequently asked questions

Not sure which telescope to buy?

Compare more options in our best telescopes UK guide, or see our picks for beginners, planets, and smart telescopes.