After spending more than 25 years observing the night sky, I have developed a strong appreciation for what makes a great telescope — from the build quality and available accessories, to the optical performance and ease of portability.
This Black Friday weekend, there are a number of telescopes available for astronomers of all skill levels and budgets, with fantastic deals to be found across Black Friday and Cyber Monday events. Whether you are an aspiring skywatcher or an experienced one, you can save a significant amount of money on high-quality telescopes. This is a great opportunity to purchase a telescope for yourself or as a thoughtful holiday gift for a loved one.
Before making a telescope purchase, it is important to consider your budget, the type of celestial targets that interest you (such as solar system or deep-sky objects), and your level of experience in astronomy. I recommend conducting thorough research before making a decision, and you can find helpful advice on telescopes on our best telescopes page, where I address some of the most frequently asked questions.
If you are ready to buy a telescope this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, I have selected my top picks that offer excellent optics, durable builds, and quality accessories. These telescopes provide clear, sharp views without chromatic or spherical aberrations, and they are also easy to assemble, portable, and user-friendly.
