Astronomy’s 15th annual star products

For Astronomy magazine’s 15th annual compilation of Star Products, we’ve once again explored the vast astronomical marketplace to handpick the finest, most innovative, and most practical gear for amateur astronomers everywhere. This carefully selected collection features 35 exceptional products, arranged in alphabetical order by manufacturer for easy reference. Whether you’re passionate about visual observing or dedicated to capturing stunning astrophotos, this diverse lineup has something for you. Prepare to discover cutting-edge devices that will raise your stargazing to new heights.

1. Airy Disk Pro APO AP 85/510 Triplet ED FCD-100

Renowned for its exceptional optical clarity, this Airy Disk refractor is based around a 3.4-inch (85mm) f/6 triplet apochromatic design that features Japanese-made Hoya FCD100 ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. The design minimizes chromatic aberration and delivers sharp, color-accurate images. Mechanically, it features a lightweight aluminum alloy tube and a precision CNC-machined focuser for smooth adjustments. Standard accessories include a 2.5-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, a mounting shoe for a finder scope, rotating rings, and a Vixen-style dovetail for attaching to a mount (sold separately).

$999
airy-disk.com

2. Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop Dobsonian

This Celestron Dobsonian is a melding of high tech and low tech. On the low-tech side, it’s a compact, easy-to-use 4½-inch reflector on a tried-and-true Dobsonian mount. The 450mm focal length produces clear wide-field views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The tabletop Dobsonian mount offers smooth, manual alt-azimuth control. On the high-tech side, Celestron’s StarSense Explorer technology enables smartphone-assisted navigation for locating celestial objects accurately and effortlessly. Accessories include 17mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces, the StarSense smartphone dock, a red-dot finder scope, an eyepiece rack, and a collimation cap.

$379.95
celestron.com

3. Apertura AD8 Dobsonian 8-inch telescope

I grew up using an 8-inch reflector and have always found that size to be a great compromise between aperture and portability. The Apertura 8-inch Dobsonian carries that tradition forward with a user-friendly design that will deliver years of great deep-sky and planetary observations. The f/5.9 parabolic primary mirror delivers sharp, bright images, while the simple Dobsonian base provides smooth alt-azimuth movement for effortless tracking. The package includes an 8×50 finder scope, a dual-speed 2″ Crayford focuser, a primary mirror cooling fan, a laser collimator, and 9mm and 30mm eyepieces.

$649.95
highpointscientific.com

4. Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 red flashlight

Here’s a useful accessory that can multitask. The Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 is a compact, rechargeable red LED flashlight designed for astronomy. Featuring a 5000 mAh lithium battery, it provides long-lasting illumination while preserving night vision. The adjustable brightness lets users fine-tune the red-light intensity, and its rugged aluminum housing ensures durability. At the same time, a built-in USB power bank lets you charge mobile devices without leaving the telescope. The PowerTank Glow 5000 is lightweight and portable, with a USB-C charging port for convenience.

$44.95
celestron.com (on sale at B&H for $38.99)

5. Acuter MaksyGo-60 Maksutov Telescope

The Acuter MaksyGo-60 is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope designed for beginners and is ideal for young children. Its 2.4-inch (60mm) aperture and long focal length provide impressive magnification for lunar, planetary, and terrestrial observation. It also features a removable “discovery panel” along the side of the tube. This lets users see the internal optical system — a valuable tool for learning about telescope design and function. Accessories include 10mm and 20mm eyepieces, a 6×21 finder scope, a small tabletop Dobsonian-style mount, and a smartphone adapter.

$129.99
apm-telescopes.net

6. Sharpstar Optics Askar V APO refractor

The Askar V is a modular telescope with interchangeable 2.4-inch (60mm) and 3.2-inch (80mm) objective lenses. The 60mm setup has a 360mm focal length (f/6), while the 80mm version extends that to 500mm (f/6.25). Both feature triplet air-spaced apochromatic objectives with two ED glass elements for excellent chromatic aberration control. The optical tube is 12.5 inches (318.5mm) long and weighs 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg) for the 60mm. The 80mm setup measures 16.2 inches (41 centimeters) in length and weighs 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms). An oversized focuser and eyepiece adapters are included, as are a reducer, a flattener, and an extender to further customize focal length.

$1,865
sharpstar-optics.com (on sale at High Point Scientific $999.95)

7. Astro Labs-USA 12.5-inch f/4 Travel Dobsonian

This telescope is an ultraportable reflector designed for deep-sky enthusiasts on the go. Its fast f/4 focal ratio delivers wide, bright fields of view of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in stunning detail. Constructed with lightweight carbon fiber and Baltic birch, it disassembles easily into a compact form small enough to carry onboard airlines without sacrificing stability. The high-quality primary mirror offers sharp, contrasty images, while smooth altitude and azimuth bearings ensure effortless tracking. This travel Dobsonian combines performance and portability for serious visual astronomers.

$4,500
astrolabs-usa.com

8. IDAS NBZ-II dual-band nebula booster filter

Astrophotographers will appreciate this 2-inch narrowband filter, which is designed to isolate Hydrogen-alpha and Oxygen-III emission lines. The filter boosts the contrast of challenging targets by blocking light pollution while preserving color balance. Its advanced coatings minimize halos and reflections. The NBZ-II excels in urban and dark-sky environments alike, delivering exceptional detail and color rendition of Hydrogen-II regions and planetary nebulae.

$239
idas.uno/space/en

9. HappyHaves Calming Cosmic Lights

HappyHaves lights are a fascinating collection designed to bring the wonders of the universe into your home or office. Available in three captivating versions — the Moon, Saturn, and the Milky Way — each features a 2.36-inch (6 cm) diameter glass crystal ball perched on a 2.36 by 0.78 inches (6 by 2 cm) wooden base. When activated, an LED in the base up-lights the sphere to create a soft radiance. The Moon version offers a serene lunar glow, Saturn features a vibrant, planetary ring design, and the Milky Way version dazzles with swirling spiral arms.

$39 for one;
$64 for a set of three
happyhaves.com

10. Astro-Tech AT150EDL 150mm f/8 refractor

If you’re in the market for a large apochromatic refractor at a reasonable price, give the 6-inch Astro-Tech AT150EDL strong consideration. Thanks to its lanthanum doublet objective and broadband antireflection multicoatings, the AT150EDL minimizes chromatic aberration, while delivering excellent resolution and contrast for planetary and deep-sky viewing. The robust, CNC-machined optical tube includes a 3.2-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser for precise adjustments. Accessories include split tube rings, a Vixen-style dovetail, and a retractable dew shield. Ideal for serious astronomers, it excels in both visual observing and astrophotography.

$2,995
astronomics.com

11. iOptron HEM15 EQ SWG Hybrid Mount with iPolar

This iOptron mount is lightweight yet powerful, featuring a hybrid strain wave gear design for smooth, backlash-free motion. With an 18-pound (8.2 kg) payload capacity, it’s ideal for portable astrophotography. Its CNC-machined body ensures durability while maintaining a compact form. The HEM15 includes an integrated iPolar electronic polar scope for precise alignment, a Go2Nova hand controller for accurate tracking, and a soft carrying case for easy transport, making it a perfect solution for nomadic astronomers. Tripod sold separately.

$1,498
ioptron.com

12. Obsession Telescopes 15-inch f/4 UC Dobsonian

The 15-inch f/4 UC (Ultra Compact) Dob is a best-in-class portable deep-sky telescope. Featuring a 15-inch (38.1 cm) f/4 primary mirror with high-reflectivity coatings, it delivers stunning views of nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, and planets. The ultra-compact design includes a collapsible aluminum truss and a lightweight, low-profile rocker box. Weighing approximately 65 pounds (29.5 kg) assembled, it breaks down into manageable components for easy transport. Accessories include a dual-speed focuser, a secondary mirror heater, and a shroud. The eyepiece stands about 59 inches (150 cm) off the ground when aimed at the zenith, making it ideal for both home and field use.

$7,495
obsessiontelescopes.com

13. Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System

Looking for a lighter-duty equatorial mount? Explore’s iEXOS-100-2 might be just the thing. This compact German equatorial mount is a complete go-to system with integrated PMC-Eight electronics, ideal for small telescopes or cameras. It connects via Wi-Fi or wired control and works with the free ExploreStars app (Windows, Android, iOS) or ASCOM software. The mount includes two 2.2-pound (1 kg) counterweights, a polar alignment tunnel for rough alignment, a bubble level, and glow-in-the-dark markers. It supports up to 19 pounds (8.6 kg) and weighs 9.45 pounds (4.3 kg) with the included travel tripod.

$449.99
explorescientific.com

14. Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT Equatorial Mount with PMC-Eight

This Explore Scientific mount is a versatile platform, excelling in both astrophotography and visual astronomy. Supporting 28 pounds (12.7 kg) for imaging and 40 pounds (18.1 kg) for visual use, it handles midsized telescopes effectively. Belt-driven stepper motors combined with Explore Scientific’s PMC-Eight (Precision Motion Control) Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control ensure smooth, accurate tracking and slewing. The robust build includes a sturdy, extendable tripod; a 12V DC power supply; two counterweights; and an integrated bubble level for quick, precise setup. Weighing 30 pounds (13.6 kg) without counterweights, the EXOS2-GT and tripod provide exceptional stability for observing and imaging.

$999.99
explorescientific.com

15. Move-Shoot-Move Nomad Star Tracker

If you enjoy widefield and telephoto astrophotography, the Star Tracker is an ideal compact, lightweight tracking mount. Featuring a rugged, all-metal body with a precise worm-gear drive, it ensures smooth tracking of celestial objects. Its built-in rechargeable battery provides extended operation, while the quick-release mounting system simplifies setup. The Nomad comes in several kits that include a variety of accessories, including a laser pointer for easy polar alignment, a ball head for flexible camera positioning, and an equatorial head.

$259
moveshootmove.com

16. Omaha Voyager Solar System Orrery

You’ve probably seen an orrery in a planetarium or a museum. Now you can bring the solar system home with this item from Omaha Orrery. The intricately crafted model features accurately scaled planets orbiting the Sun at correct speeds. Precision-engineered moving parts and detailed textures bring the cosmos to life. Made from high-quality materials, it’s both an educational tool and a stunning display piece. The faux-wood base enhances its elegant motion, offering a mesmerizing view of our cosmic neighborhood.

$425
omahaorrery.com

17. Sky Rover 12×56 APO Binoculars

Sky Rover’s roof-prism binoculars feature a fully multiband coated apochromatic optical design that delivers exceptional clarity and color correction, reducing chromatic aberration for sharp, true-to-life views in dim light conditions. The 56mm objective lenses and 12x magnification produce a 6.2° real field of view, making them ideal for both stargazing and nature observation. Built with a tough magnesium-alloy body, these binoculars are lightweight at 2.6 pounds (1.17 kg) and measure 7.8 inches (19.8 cm) in length. They come with a carrying case, lens caps, and a comfortable neck strap for easy transport and protection.

$689
skyroveroptics.com

18. Rigel Systems Skylite Mini customizable astronomy flashlight

Stargazers need a reliable red flashlight when observing at night. But some lights can be too bright, while others are too dim. The Skylite Mini fixes that. It features an adjustable red LED that can be tweaked to the proper brightness with a simple dial. Its compact, durable design is powered by two AA batteries. The Skylite Mini includes a removable diffuser lens, making it perfect for reading charts or adjusting equipment without affecting your dark-adapted eyes.

$31.95
rigelsys.com

19. NexDome NexROR-2 Observatory Kit

This observatory kit features a roll-off roof design measuring 6¾ by 6½ feet (2 by 1.9 meters), constructed from stainless steel and aluminum for enhanced durability. Its modular design allows for cost-effective shipping and easy assembly. The base kit includes the roof structure, with options to add walls, and a door structure without cladding for an additional fee. Other extra-cost add-ons include a 12-inch (30.5 cm) raised roof and an automation kit for remote operation.

$4,595
nexdome.com

20. The Space Store Apollo 11 First Man — First Day Cover, Frame Presentation

This item celebrates Neil Armstrong’s historic first step onto the Moon. It features a First Day Cover with the Apollo 11 commemorative stamp designed by Paul Calle, who also created the 1967 “Accomplishments in Space” stamp honoring NASA’s Gemini Program. Issued on Sept. 9, 1969, this stamp celebrates humanity’s giant leap. Beautifully framed, this collectible preserving the legacy of Apollo 11 is a must-have for space enthusiasts and philatelists alike.

$75
thespacestore.com

21. Odyssey Toys Radio-Controlled Lunar Rover

Experience the excitement of space exploration on Earth with the radio-controlled Lunar Rover from Odyssey Toys. Designed to mimic NASA’s Apollo lunar rovers, it features six rugged wheels for tackling rough terrain and LED headlights for nighttime adventures. The Rover’s 2.4GHz remote control ensures smooth operation, while its rechargeable battery provides extended playtime. Built for indoor and outdoor exploration, it maneuvers over rocks, dirt, and other obstacles with ease.

$39.99
odysseytoys.com

22. Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED Doublet Apo Refractor

Sky-Watcher’s refractor features a 3.2-inch aperture and a 530 mm focal length, for f/6.45. At the heart of the Evolux is an air-spaced doublet optical system, pairing an ED glass element with a matching crown element. Its lightweight, compact aluminum tube weighs 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg) and measures 18.5 inches (47 cm) in length. The barrel of the dual-speed 2.4-inch rack-and-pinion focuser is etched with a measurement scale to ensure precise repeat adjustments, ideal for astrophotography. Accessories include a Vixen-style dovetail, a retractable dew shield, tube rings, and a hard carrying case.

$674.60
skywatcherusa.com

23. Starfield Optics Géar series 60mm Quad f/5 Astrograph

Designed for astrophotographers, Starfield’s Géar Quad is an exceptional wide-field imaging telescope. Its four-element Petzval design features FPL53 ED glass and a built-in corrector, producing sharp, flat fields across a 44-mm circle. The compact 6.6-pound (3 kg) scope has a 12.6-inch-long (32 cm) black aluminum body with red trim. A precision-made 2½-inch rack-and-pinion focuser ensures accurate, stable adjustments. For portability, the Quad includes a Vixen-style dovetail, retractable dew shield, and a padded carrying case.

$945
starfieldoptics.com

24. The Space Store Apollo Command Module with Lunar Module model

The Space Store’s model is a highly detailed, 1:48-scale replica of the iconic spacecraft used during NASA’s Apollo missions. This intricate model portrays the Command and Lunar Modules, docked during their voyage from Earth to the Moon. The model measures approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm) long and 5¾ inches (14.6 cm) wide, and comes mounted on a weighted display stand. It’s the perfect addition to any space enthusiast’s collection.

$369.99
thespacestore.com

25. Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strain Wave EQ Mount

The Wave 100i mount is a compact, convertible equatorial/alt-azimuth mount designed for both astrophotography and visual observation. It features a strain wave gear system for smooth, backlash-free tracking, usually without bulky counterweights. With a payload capacity of 22 pounds (10 kg) or 33 pounds (15 kg) with the optional counterweight, it can accommodate two telescopes in tandem. The Wave 100i can be operated using either Sky-Watcher’s SynScan hand controller or their SynScan app. An optional tripod, a pier extension, and a counterweight kit are sold separately.

$1,695
skywatcherusa.com

26. Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76mm H-Alpha Solar Telescope

Sky-Watcher’s dedicated 3-inch Hydrogen-alpha solar telescope shows our star at a wavelength of 656.3 nanometers. This is ideal for viewing solar activity in the chromosphere, as well as prominences, filaments, sunspots, and flares. The Heliostar 76 isolates a narrow (<0.55 Å) bandpass for sharp, high-contrast views without double-stacking. The SolarQuest mount features autotracking and solar alignment for effortless observation. All together, the telescope and mount weigh approximately 11.3 pounds (5.1 kg). Also included are mounting rings and a dovetail plate, a 20mm eyepiece, a smartphone adapter, a solar finder, a Sun shade, and a hard case.

$2,995
skywatcherusa.com

27. Starpoint Australis Octans Observatory

Starpoint’s observatory is a portable shelter for astrophotographers, offering stability and protection. Made from a double layer of polyurethane-coated polyester, the silver outer layer reflects sunlight to keep the interior cool. Owners have reported that their Octans has withstood 90 mph (145 km/h) winds and as much as 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow without damage. With a 12.5-foot (3.8 meters) diameter and weighing 68 pounds (30.8 kg), it packs into a 3.6 by 1 by 1 foot (110 by 31 by 31 cm) bag for easy transport. Add-ons include a wind shield and ground mat. Ships from Australia to North America.

$549 to $879
starpointaustralis.com.au

28. ZWO Seestar S30 Smart Telescope

ZWO’s S30 is a compact, lightweight smart telescope and smaller sibling to the popular Seestar S50. Built around a 30mm f/5 apochromatic objective and a Sony IMX662 sensor, the S30 features auto-alignment and focus, three integrated filters, 64 GB storage, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth control. Weighing only 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) and measuring 10 by 4 by 4 inches (25.4 by 10.2 by 10.2 cm), it’s ideal for portable deep-sky imaging. The S30 includes a tripod, a solar filter, and a custom case. Launching soon, the higher-priced Seestar S30 Pro adds a four-element objective, 256 GB storage, NFC connectivity, and other upgrades.

Check out our full review here: Astronomy tests ZWO’s Seestar S30

$399
seestar.com

29. William Optics Cat 91 WIFD refractor

The Cat 91 is a premium apochromatic refractor for both visual use and astrophotography. Its Petzval design uses a triplet objective and rear two-lens group to correct aberrations, delivering sharp, wide-field views. With a 3.6-inch (91 mm) aperture, 448 mm focal length, and fast f/4.9 ratio, the Cat 91 excels at capturing detailed, expansive images. The lightweight carbon fiber tube weighs 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg) and is 21.9 inches (556 mm) long. Features include a 2½-inch William Optics Internal Focus Design (WIFD) dual-speed focuser, Bahtinov cap, mounting rings, mounting plate, and soft case.

$2,798
williamoptics.com

Check out our full review here: The RedCat 91 is a refractor everyone should want

30. Unistellar Odyssey Pro Smart Telescope

The Odyssey Pro is a sleek, portable smart telescope ideal for easy stargazing and astrophotography. Its 3.4-inch (85 mm) f/3.9 mirror delivers sharp views even in light-polluted skies, thanks to Unistellar’s Deep Dark Technology — the company’s proprietary denoising and light-pollution filtering algorithms. Controlled via an intuitive app, it offers automated go-to and tracking. One of only two smart scopes with a built-in electronic eyepiece — developed with Nikon — it delivers a magnified, traditional-style view alongside its advanced imaging capabilities. The Odyssey Pro includes a tripod, a charger, a dust cap, an eyepiece cover, tools, and a manual.

$3,999
unistellar.com

31. Tele Vue Nagler Type 7 Eyepieces

These eyepieces deliver exceptional views and offer an 82° apparent field of view. Known for their crisp edge-to-edge clarity and sharpness, the Nagler 7 line uses advanced glass elements and multicoatings to enhance light transmission and contrast. The eyepieces come in four focal lengths from 5.5mm to 19mm, packaged in distinctive hourglass-shaped barrels. Eye relief measures 19 mm, for medium- and high-power viewing without sacrificing comfort or image quality. Weighing between 1.3 pounds (547 grams) and 1.5 pounds (587 g), Nagler 7s are perfect for serious astronomers seeking top-tier performance.

$635
televue.com

32. ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256G hub

Many stunning images in every issue of Astronomy magazine are captured by amateurs using complex gear. Controlling the telescope, camera, focuser, and other equipment often feels like it takes more hands than we have. The ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256G simplifies this with a compact hub that controls cameras, mounts, and focusers via a smartphone or tablet. It features Wi-Fi, four USB ports (two USB 2.0, two USB 3.0), four 12V DC outputs, and 256 GB of storage for fast data transfer and session management. With plate-solving and guiding capabilities, it’s ideal for deep-sky imaging and is suitable for all skill levels. A power adapter is sold separately.

$349
zwoastro.com

33. Stellarmate X Plug & Play multiplatform astrophotography controller

Designed for both beginning and veteran astrophotographers, the Stellarmate X is a versatile, user-friendly astrophotography controller. It supports multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, allowing seamless control of telescopes, cameras, mounts, and other accessories. The controller features Wi-Fi connectivity, providing remote control via an intuitive app. Compact and lightweight, it weighs just 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) and measures 6.3 by 4.7 by 1.1 inches (16 by 12 by 3 cm). Its advanced software integration, combined with real-time data syncing, makes it an ideal choice for capturing stunning images.

$299
stellarmate.com

34. Wood Wonders Eyepiece Cases

Wood Wonders Eyepiece Cases provide a beautifully crafted way to store eyepieces. Their wooden cases are available in one- or two-drawer versions with four layouts for 1.25- and 2-inch barrels. They feature elegant hardwood with a protective finish, quality brass hardware, and dimmable red LED lighting that activates when the lid opens. Cases come in two sizes, 14 x 10 x 9 inches (35.6 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm) and 20 x 10 x 9 inches (50.8 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm). Options include custom stains, 3D celestial carvings, anti-fog heating pads, customer-designed eyepiece layouts, and other options. 

$219 to $359
wood-wonders.com

35. Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope

New to stargazing, or know a curious child? The 4-inch Z100 is a great beginner scope. Its bright, clear Newtonian optics and tabletop alt-azimuth mount make setup and use easy. Weighing just 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg), and with an optical tube only 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) long, the Z100 is easy to take anywhere. It comes with two 1¼” eyepieces (10mm and 17mm), a red dot finder, and an accessory tray — everything you need to get started.

$159.99
zhumell.com