This review, "25 top telescopes for starry nights," appeared in the May 2009 issue of Astronomy magazine

You and I are living in the golden age of amateur astronomy, especially when it comes to telescopes. Never before have hobbyists had such a wide variety of instruments from which to choose.

In fact, there are so many top-quality models available that sorting through them and choosing just one can be tough. To help guide you along the way, I've compiled a list of 25 of today's best telescopes. I based my choices on design, versatility, quality, price, and availability.

Some of the instruments listed here are readily available through retail dealers, while others are special-order items that may take the manufacturer some time to build. And although there is no one perfect telescope for everyone, these 25 all provide one important trait: owner satisfaction.

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