Is OPT Telescope legit?

Since 1947, people have come to OPT because we have the expertise and the drive to help you succeed in your Astronomy goals. OPT provides lifetime expert support to customers in the hobby of astronomy. From professional institutions to amateurs just getting started, you'll be treated with the utmost respect and service you deserve. After all, each of us is part of the OPTeam no matter where in the world we reside. We are the Telescope Authority and we want you to be, too.

What are the three main types of Telescopes?

The three main types of telescopes are: - Refractors: use lenses to focus incoming light - Reflectors: use mirrors to focus incoming light - Catadioptrics: use a combination of lenses and mirrors to focus light. All optical telescopes fall under one of these three categories, and each have their strengths and weaknesses. To learn about each type in more detail and understand the pros and cons of each, head to our blog post about The Basic Telescope Types .

How does a Telescope work?

A telescope gathers large amount of incoming light through an opening at the front called the aperture. It then uses lenses, mirrors, or both in combination to magnify and focus that light, which gets projected out of the telescope to an eyepiece or camera. You can read more (and watch a helpful video) on how a telescope works here .

How can I reach OPT Customer Service?

If you need help deciding what product is right for you, have a technical question, or a question about your order, you can reach out to our team so we can help! Contact us today!

OPT Telescopes

Overstock Sale

Huge Markdowns On Astronomy Tools and Accessories!

We've priced hundreds of overstocked items to move! Hurry, inventory is as low as the pricing, so order now before we sell out. See all the savings!

TPO #21 Orange Filter & Case - 2" OS-F2-21

$8.77 $19.99

You save 56%

Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 Binoculars CE-72030

$203.16 $259.95

You save 21%

Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 Binoculars CE-72031

$254.63 $319.95

You save 20%

Celestron Eclipsmart 10X42 Solar Binoculars CE-71238

$59.91 $87.95

You save 31%

OPT EVOLUTION T-SHIRT - XL OS-EVO-XL-BLACK

$8.99 $15

You save 40%

Radian Telescopes 6.5-inch Lightweight Universal D-Style Dovetail Bar RT-UDB-D-65LW

$39.38 $65.95

You save 40%

Celestron 25X100 SkyMaster Binocular CE-71017

$379.86 $499.95

You save 24%

TPO Extension-25MM for 10" And Larger RC Telescopes OS-E25-RC10

$20.99 $24.95

You save 15%

Celestron 15x70 SkyMaster Binoculars CE-71009

$84.19 $119.95

You save 29%

TPO Extension-50MM for 10" And Larger RC Telescopes OS-E50-RC10

$10.50 $24.95

You save 57%

Celestron 12x60 SkyMaster Binoculars CE-71007

$73.97 $104.95

You save 29%

Open Box TPO USB-to-2.5mm Cable for ImagesPlus Software - 20 Feet OS-DSL-UB2-20-OPEN

$43.05 $55

You save 21%

Celestron SkyMaster 25x70 Binoculars - Porro CE-71008

$92.47 $129.95

You save 28%

Universal Astro Stainless Steel Reducer Bushing - Standard 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 UA-BUSHING-S

$2.49 $2.95

You save 15%

Celestron 9 X 63 SkyMaster DX Binoculars CE-72023

$228.75 $289.95

You save 21%

TPO 25 mm Extension for RC6 and RC8 OS-E25-RC8

$10.50 $24.95

You save 57%

Tele Vue Camera Adapter - 2" TE-ACM-2000

$44.10 $60

You save 26%

Radian Telescopes Collect Light Shirt - Small RT-COLLECT-S

$4.36 $19.95

You save 78%

Tele Vue Powermate T-Ring Adapter - 1.25-inch TE-PTR-1250

$38.85 $53

You save 26%

Celestron 10x56 Nature DX Binoculars CE-71335

$174.20 $259.95

You save 32%

Stellarvue Field Flattener/Reducer for SV080A Access SV-SFFR80A

$158.76 $189

You save 16%

iOptron iGuide Camera IO-3362

$110.25 $143

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Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ Telescope CE-21063

$202.86 $319.95

You save 36%

QSI 6162 Cooled Monochrome CCD Camera with 8 Position Filter Wheel QS-6162FW8OAG

$6,061.65 $7,323

You save 17%

QHY 367C CMOS Full Frame Color Astronomy Camera QH-QHY367C

$3,842.33 $4,399

You save 12%

SBIG STC-7 Complete Imaging System SB-STC-7

$3,046.05 $3,495

You save 12%

Used SBIG Aluma 814 Cooled Monochrome CCD Telescope Camera Package UT-14484

$5,573.40

You save -27%

Baader 36mm Hyperion Aspheric Eyepiece - 1.25" & 2" BA-HYP-36

$193.20 $239

You save 19%

$Orion Awesome AutoGuider 80mm Refractor Telescope Package$

Orion Awesome AutoGuider 80mm Refractor Telescope Package OR-24770

$392.07 $459.99

You save 14%

Orion StarShoot P1 Polar Alignment Camera OR-20099

from $288.75 $319.99

You save 9%

Starlight Feather Touch 3.5" for TAK FSQ-106 w/ Adapter SI-FTF3515-TAK

$822.94 $1,145

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Celestron AVX Hand Controller Holder Replacement Part CE-51702-16

$11.55 $20

You save 42%

Lunt T2 to Eyepiece Tube Adapter - 2" LS-LST2-2"

$35

You save 0%

Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular CE-71210

$37.28 $56.95

You save 34%

Pegasus Astro DSLR Buddy Battery Couplers PGA-COUPLER-SONY

from $13.23 $22.79

You save 25%

Revolution Imager 6 - 60mm Zoom Lens OCT-RI-ZOOM

$30.45 $39

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Bob's Knobs for Celestron 14" with Metric Phillips Screws BS-C14METPHI

$15.75 $20.95

You save 24%

FLI Medium Cable Kit - Proline Camera to Accessory FL-A12114A

$31.50 $35

You save 10%

Bob's Knobs for Meade 8" f/10 SCT with Four (4) Secondary Screws BS-M8-4

$12.60 $16.95

You save 25%

QHY CS Adapter for Fisheye Lens/QHY Camera QH-CS-ADAPT

$10.50 $19.99

You save 47%

Hotech 1.25" Reflector Mirror for Advanced CT Laser Collimator HT-RM125

$47.25 $65

You save 27%

Optec Control Cable - for IFW or TCF-S - 25 Feet OP-17472

$39.38 $50

You save 21%

Astro-Physics Takahashi Adapter for Astro-Physics Quick Release Bases AP-QRBATAK-A

$43.05 $48

You save 10%

Celestron UpClose G2 7 X 35 Binoculars - Porro CE-71250

$27.96 $43.95

You save 36%

Night Sky Planisphere - 20-30 North BOOKS 2032P

$5.67 $10.95

You save 48%

10 Micron GM1000 Control Box Holder for Round Steel Pillars TEN-1011

$180.69 $253.31

You save 28%

Bob's Knobs for Celestron 14" SCT - Headless BS-C14SET

$12.60 $19.95

You save 36%

Optec 0.5-inch Extension Spacer OP-17653

$55.13 $70

You save 21%

Moravian Long Mark II T-Thread Adapter MOR-AD-S-TT-55

$50.57 $66.95

You save 24%

Moravian Short Mark II M48x0.75 Adapter MOR-AD-S-M48

$50.57 $66.95

You save 24%

Staff Picks

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope CE-11069

$1,599

Why we like it:

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized GoTo TelescopeThe Celestron NexStar 8SE is one of the most ver...

More by Celestron

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack SW-S20512

$449 $520

Why we like it:

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack is built around the Star Adventurer 2i mount. The St...

More by Sky-Watcher

Unistellar eVscope eQuinox Smart Telescope UNI-EQUINOX

$2,999

Why we like it:

Discover The Wonders Of The Universe With The Unistellar eQuinox! The Unistellar eVscope eQuino...

More by Unistellar

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial GoTo Mount SW-S30300

$2,025

Why we like it:

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Telescope & Astrophotography Mount The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial...

More by Sky-Watcher

Astronomical Events for May 2022

Check out the astronomy events in May 2022!

From conjunctions, the planets, and the moon, be sure to read up on what to observe and capture the night sky this month!

Telescope Buying Guide 2022

$Refractor vs. Reflector Telescopes$

Refractor vs. Reflector Telescopes

Used Starlight Xpress Lodestar PRO Autoguider Camera - Monochrome UT-15604

$515.38 $542.50

You save 4%

Used Celestron NexStar 8 GPS Telescope w/ Extras UT-15560

$949

You save 4%

Used iOptron CEM26 EQ Mount with iPolar and 1.75" LiteRoc Tripod UT-15598

$1,455.12 $1,548

You save 6%

Open Box QHY Medium Ultra Slim Seven-Position Motorized Filter Wheel for 36 mm Unmounted Filters UT-15595

$449.10 $499

You save 10%

Open Box TPO USB-to-2.5mm Cable for ImagesPlus Software - 20 Feet OS-DSL-UB2-20-OPEN

$43.05 $55

You save 21%

Used QHY 294 C Cooled Color CMOS Telescope Camera UT-15577

$919 $999

You save 8%

$Used William Optics ZenithStar 73 - f/5.9 Doublet Apo Refractor - Red$

Used William Optics ZenithStar 73 - f/5.9 Doublet Apo Refractor - Red UT-15594

$663.09 $713

You save 7%

Used Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial GoTo Mount UT-15585

$1,955 $2,025

You save 3%

Used Starizona HyperStar 14" v4 - Celestron and Filter Slider UT-15593

$1,405.76 $1,528

You save 8%

Used SBIG Aluma 814 Cooled Monochrome CCD Telescope Camera Package UT-14484

$5,573.40

You save -27%

Used iOptron AZ Mount Pro with Tri-Pier and Rolling Case UT-15596

$1,951.14 $2,098

You save 7%

Used Astrozap Baader Film Solar Filter for 130mm Telescopes UT-15603

$85.79 $94.80

You save 9%

Used iOptron CEM40ECA Mount Head with iPolar and Hard Case UT-15544

$2,549 $2,699

You save 5%

Used Astronomik L2 UV-IR Blocking Filter - 1.25" UT-15600

$55.75 $59.95

You save 7%

Used Baader CMOS-optimized Ultra Highspeed Filterset (3.5/4nm) H-alpha, OIII, SII - 2" UT-15601

$1,194.15 $1,257

You save 5%

Used Chroma 1.25" LRGB Filter Set UT-15583

$489 $525

You save 6%

Open Box SBIG FW8S-STXL Filter Wheel UT-15432

$945 $1,040

You save 9%

Used Lunt Adapter Plate for 50mm/60mm Filters & Meade 5'' LXD 127 Telescopes UT-15163

$125 $135.20

You save 7%

Open Box Astronomik H-alpha 12nm 50mm Square Filter UT-15451

$225.19 $249.99

You save 9%

Used Astrodon 5nm OIII Narrowband Filter - 50mm Square Unmounted UT-14500

$917.70

You save -44%

Used Astrodon Tru-Balance Gen2 E-Series - LRGB 65mm Square Filters for SBIG STX UT-14501

$2,499

You save -49%

Used Astrodon Sloan Filter - z' 50mm Round - Unmounted UT-14539

$275 $300

You save 8%

Used Astrodon Sloan Photometric r'2 Telescope Filter - 50mm Square UT-14542

$301 $319.20

You save 5%

Open Box Baader 8.5nm OIII CCD Filter - 65mm Square Unmounted UT-15397

$275 $280

You save 1%

Open Box Optics Future SII Filter - 10nm - 36mm Unmounted UT-15346

$44 $77.79

You save 43%

Used Astronomik CLS CCD Clip-Filter Pentax K UT-15082

$135 $140

You save 3%

Open Box Astronomik L-2 UV-IR Block SC Rear Cell (2'' / 24TPI) UT-15449

$75.04 $81.95

You save 8%

Open Box Lunt Solar 2" Polarizing Filter for 2" Solar Wedge UT-15402

$49 $50.40

You save 2%

Used Astronomik L-3 UV Clip Pentax K1 UT-14334

$109.17

You save -30%

Used Astrodon Johnson & Cousins UBVRI Photometric UV Telescope Filter - 50mm Square UT-14538

$315 $319.20

You save 1%

Open Box FLI CFW-1-8 Color Filter Wheel - 8 Position - 28mm UT-15438

$624 $631.20

You save 1%

Used Chroma H-alpha 8nm Narrowband Filter - 2-Inch UT-15092

$588 $599.99

You save 1%

Open Box SBIG Filter Wheel Spacer UT-15435

$45 $47.20

You save 4%

Used Astronomik SII 12nm CCD Filter - 27mm UT-15448

$75.04 $81.95

You save 8%

Open Box SBIG Aluma 8-Position Standard Filter Wheel UT-15430

$859 $879.20

You save 2%

Open Box Optics Future Oxygen III (OIII) Filter - 36mm Unmounted UT-15348

$28 $41.97

You save 33%

Used Gerd Neumann 50x50mm Dark Filter UT-15223

$8 $40

You save 80%

Used MOAG Lens F/250 UT-14545

$27 $29.60

You save 8%

Used TPO 2" Crayford Focuser for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes UT-15602

$118.75 $125

You save 5%

Used Starlight Xpress Adaptive Optics with USB UT-15605

$1,413.13 $1,487.50

You save 4%

Used Celestron Trailseeker Fluid Pan Tripod UT-15599

$120.85 $129.95

You save 7%

$Used TeleGizmos 365 Series Cover for 5" - 6" Equatorial Refractor Telescopes$

Used TeleGizmos 365 Series Cover for 5" - 6" Equatorial Refractor Telescopes UT-15592

$179

You save 0%

Used TeleGizmos 365 Series Cover for 11" - 14" SCT / ACF / RC on Equatorial Mount UT-15590

$166.47 $179

You save 7%

Used Celestron Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod UT-15581

$75 $86.95

You save 13%

Used Optec FocusLynx FT40 Motor -For FeatherTouch 3.5-inch Focusers UT-15562

$299 $325

You save 8%

Open Box Baader 10mm Hyperion Modular Eyepiece - 1.25" & 2" UT-15589

$160.55 $169

You save 5%

Open Box Pro Services Black Box Time Server Antenna AMZ-TSA-OPEN

$45.10

You save 0%

Used Optec Lepus Camera Adapter- CS Mount Camera UT-15477

$47.25 $55

You save 14%

Open Box Optec AP2.7 x 24tpi Extension Tube - 3-inch UT-15358

$33 $36

You save 8%

Open Box Pro Services Black Box Ethernet Patch Cable 5 Pack AMZ-ETC-OPEN

$17.84

You save 0%

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About OPT Telescopes

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Telescope Buying Guide 2022

Refractor vs. Reflector Telescopes

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About OPT Telescopes

Astrophotography Tips & Techniques

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Telescope Buying Guide 2022

Refractor vs. Reflector Telescopes

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