ASTRONOMY EMPORIUM  *Your Launchpad to the Cosmos – Start Stargazing in 7 Days or Less*  

 ASTRONOMY EMPORIUM  *Your Launchpad to the Cosmos – Start Stargazing in 7 Days or Less*  

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Astronomy Emporium Equipment shop

____________________________________________🔭 Celestron 31150 LCM 114 Series – Computerised Stargazing on a Budget

The Celestron 31150 LCM 114 Series

An ideal first scope for beginners under £300, with motorised tracking for effortless sky exploration.


⭐ Why It Stands Out:

  • Motorised GoTo Mount: Automatically tracks objects across the night sky 

  • Reflector Design: Captures more light for brighter, clearer views

  • SkyAlign Technology: Aligns in minutes with just three stars Explore Planets & Deep Sky: View Saturn’s rings, nebulae, and distant galaxies


👤 Who It’s For:

✅ Beginners who want tech-assisted stargazing

✅ Users looking for more than a manual telescope

✅ Anyone wanting to learn the night sky faster


📊 Ratings:

Value for Money: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)


🎯 View Price on Amazon


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🔭 Top-Rated Telescopes for Stargazing (Under £1,500)

Whether you’re a beginner or levelling up your gear, this shop features the best value telescopes for stargazing in the UK. From Dobsonians to GoTo mounts, find reliable, reviewed scopes trusted by astronomers at every level.


Our Top pick to get kids into Astronomy Stargazing

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Omegon Telescope AC 60/700 AZ-1

Watch the video to find out more.

🔭 SkyWatcher Explorer 130M Top Performer Under £300

Skywatcher explorer 130mm

Skywatcher explorer 130mm

The SkyWatcher Explorer 130M

A brilliant all-rounder for beginners ready to dive deeper into astronomy. The SkyWatcher Explorer 130M offers a 130mm parabolic mirror, motorized tracking, and sharp image quality that rivals pricier models. Whether you’re observing Saturn’s rings or distant galaxies, this scope delivers clarity and ease of use at a very reasonable price.

  • Type: Newtonian Reflector

  • Mount: EQ2 with motor drive

  • Aperture: 130mm Focal Length: 900mm

  • Best for: Lunar, planetary & deep-sky observation

  • User Level: Beginner to intermediate


Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)


At the moment Astroshop are doing a better deal than Amazon!

____________________________________________Celestron 200p Dobsonian Telescope

Celestron 200p Dobsonian Telescope

Celestron 200p Dobsonian Telescope

If you’re after jaw-dropping views of the night sky, the Celestron 200p Dobsonian delivers. With its impressive 200mm aperture, this telescope collects loads of light — perfect for observing faint galaxies, nebulae, and clusters with incredible detail. It’s big, bold, and brilliant for serious beginners and backyard astronomers alike.

  • Type: Dobsonian Reflector


  • Aperture: 200mm (8”) Focal Length: 1200mm


  • Mount: Manual Dobsonian base


  • Best For: Deep-sky objects, planets, and lunar viewing


  • Ease of Use: Extremely simple setup and point-and-view design

  • User Level: Beginner to intermediate


  • Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
  • Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)


🔗 Check Price on Amazon (Insert affiliate link)

Seriously Good Telescopes for the  intermediate astronomers.

Skywatcher Skyliner 200p parabolic Dobsonian

Skywatcher Skyliner 200p parabolic Dobsonian

Check Price on Amazon  

The Skywatcher Skyliner 200p isn’t just a telescope — it’s your affordable launchpad into the cosmos. With a powerful 200mm aperture and easy-to-use Dobsonian mount, it delivers bright, detailed views of planets, galaxies, and deep-sky treasures. This “light bucket” offers incredible value and performance for the price.


  • Type: Dobsonian Reflector


  • Aperture: 200mm (8”)


  • Focal Length: 1200mm


  • Mount: Manual Dobsonian base


  • Best For: Deep-sky viewing and planetary detail Ease of Use: Excellent for beginners


  • User Level: Beginner to Intermediate



  • Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
  • Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Celestron 11069 NexStar 8SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Advanced GPS, Astroimaging and AutoAlign Features, Bl

🔭Top of the Range Telescope

For the Serious Astronomer
Now, I know this site is all about getting started in astronomy on a budget — but if you’re ready to take things to the next level or want to upgrade from your beginner scope, you won’t find much better than the Celestron 11069 NexStar 8SE. This fully-computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is packed with high-end features that make stargazing (and even astroimaging) easier, sharper, and more exciting.

Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain (GoTo Computerized
Aperture: 203mm (8”)
Focal Length: 2032mm
Mount: Motorised single-arm GoTo alt-azimuth
Features: GPS, SkyAlign, deep-sky database, astroimaging support
Best For: Intermediate to advanced users Includes: StarPointer finderscope, sturdy tripod, NexStar+ hand control

Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
🔗 View on Amazon (Insert affiliate link)
While this telescope is a bit pricier than entry-level scopes, it justifies the cost with precision tracking, excellent optics, and a wealth of bonus features. With a 21% discount. currently available, this is a brilliant investment for serious skywatchers and budding astrophotographers.

Specs at a Glance:


Superb Telescope for Astro photography

Superb Telescope for Astro photography

Are You Ready to Advance Your Skills in Astrophotography?

Svbony SV503 ED Telescope, 102F7 Achromatic Refractor,

Extra Low Dispersion, Dual-speed RAP Focuser, Telescope OTA for Astrophotography and Visual(102mm

Top Highlights:

BrandSVBONYModel nameSV503 102F7Optical tube length853 Millimetres

Eye piece lens description

 Barlow lens diameter102 Millimetres

Telescope mount description standard tripod interface

Achrochromatic refractor; SFPL-51 ED lens; Lanthanum glass and spaced doublet lens structure ensure particularly true color and high-contrast image Crisp Image; FMC ultra wide band multi-layer coating technology; 102mm aperture optics and retractable lens hood deliver bright wide-field images with sharp resolution.

Precise focusing; The rack and pinion dual speed RAP focuser with 1:10 gear ratio provides optimal focus control with no backlash or image shiftHumanization design; Focusing wheel 360° rotation can move from right to left that is perfect for astrophotography; 2 inch to 1.25inch adapter can connect with 1.25in or 2in accessories

Package includes; 102mm refractor OTA; 2inch to 1.25inch adapter; metal hoop and dovetail; objective focuser wheel cover; dust cover

comes in at under £600

Astrophotography is the practice of capturing images of celestial objects using a camera and a telescope or camera lens. It involves long-exposure photography to collect light from faint astronomical objects.


🔭 New to Stargazing? Start Here.

Just getting started with astronomy? Whether you’re curious about the stars or looking for your first telescope, we’ve got you covered:


Explore more Telescopes here


🔭 Explore Our Beginners buying guide

💸 Compare Telescopes Under £300

😎 Learn What to Look for in Binoculars for Stargazing

📖 Telescope Reviews for Beginners

🛍️ Astronomy Shops in the UK

📝 Read Our Blog

🌎 Amazing astronomy Facts


Still Exploring? Your Telescope Questions Answered

Q: I’ve seen a few beginner telescopes already — what makes these different?
A: This list includes even more beginner-friendly scopes with slight upgrades in features, stability, and optics. They’re great for those who want a bit more performance without spending too much.


Q: Are these telescopes good for planetary viewing?
A: Absolutely. Many of these models offer better magnification, sharper images, and improved stability — perfect for seeing Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, or lunar craters in more detail.


Q: I want to upgrade from my first telescope. Is this the right place?
A: Yes! If you’ve outgrown your starter scope, these options are excellent next steps — offering better optics, wider fields of view, or features like motorised tracking (GoTo).


Q: What’s the difference between these and the £300-and-under scopes?
A: These telescopes often include larger apertures, better-quality mounts, or more versatility for deep sky objects and planetary detail. They’re ideal if your budget is a little more flexible.


Q: Are these telescopes still suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. Most of them are easy to set up and use, but they give you room to grow. If you’re keen to dive deeper into astronomy, these are great picks to learn and explore with.


Q: Can I use these telescopes from my garden in the UK?
A: Definitely. All of the telescopes listed here perform well under suburban or rural skies. For the best results, try observing on clear nights away from streetlights.


Q: Do any of these telescopes work with phones or cameras?
A: Some models support smartphone adapters or basic astrophotography setups. If you’re interested in capturing what you see, we note where that’s possible in each product description.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Telescope in the UK

Q: What is the best telescope to buy for a beginner in the UK?
A: For ease of use and great value, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P or Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ are top beginner telescopes in the UK. Both offer great planetary views and are under £300.


Q: Where is the best place to buy a telescope in the UK?
A: Trusted UK telescope retailers include First Light Optics, Astroshop, and Amazon UK. They offer wide selections, UK-based support, and good return policies.


Q: What type of telescope is best for stargazing in a garden?
A: A Dobsonian telescope is ideal for garden stargazing. Models like the Sky-Watcher Dob 130P offer excellent light-gathering ability and simple setup.


Q: Should I buy a telescope with GoTo tracking as a beginner?
A: GoTo telescopes automatically find celestial objects, which is helpful, but they’re more expensive. Beginners may prefer manual mounts to learn the night sky first.


Q: Is it better to buy a telescope in-store or online in the UK?
A: Buying online offers better selection and prices, but in-store visits let you get advice and physically inspect the telescope before purchase.


Q: Can I get a good telescope for under £300 in the UK?
A: Yes — several high-quality beginner telescopes under £300 include the Celestron AstroMaster series and Sky-Watcher Heritage models. They’re perfect for planetary and lunar viewing.


Q: What accessories should I buy with my first telescope?
A: Useful beginner accessories include a red dot finder, moon filter, extra eyepieces, and a stargazing app for object tracking and learning.


Q: Are Dobsonian or refractor telescopes better for new astronomers?
A: Dobsonians are best for deep sky objects and affordability. Refractors are great for crisp planetary views and low maintenance. Both are excellent for beginners depending on your needs.


Explore the cosmos with us on your favourite platform!

Lee Shephard
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