For the Beginner: SmartStar-G

Telescope GPS systems are located in the mount, where the telescope attaches to the tripod, and can be added to Refractor, Reflector, and Cassegrain telescopes. The mount we recommend for the beginner is the iOptron SmartStar-G, so we’ve paired it up with some of our favorite telescopes to create the best deals you’ll find on computer controlled GPS telescopes. Fully automatic, loaded with a built-in library of 50,000 incredible space objects, and backed with a 1-year warranty, the iOptron SmartStar-G is a great choice for easy stargazing. All it takes is the push of a button on these smart GPS telescopes, and you’ll be able to quickly find thousands of brilliant objects in the night sky. Backyard astronomy has never been easier or more fun for beginners.

The Budding Astro-Photographer: SmartStar-A

GPS telescopes are great for astronomy photography, or astrophotography, because they do a great job of tracking stars and other objects as they move across our night sky. The iOptron SmartStar-A telescope mount has a dual EQ and altazimuth system for incredibly smooth star tracking.  Normal Go-To mounts track stars along two axes.  They "stair-step" to track a star.  Think about how you draw a diagonal line with an Etch-A-Sketch.  Now you don't notice this stair-step tracking with your eyes, but when you take very long exposure photography, you want to avoid that kind of tracking.  With an Equatorial Mount hinge, the SmartStar A allows you to polar align the telescope and track along a single axis.  That means you have a better chance for those crystal sharp long exposure images. 

For Photo Hobbyist: Meade LX

The Meade LX GPS telescopes have advanced coma-free optics, which will give you crystal-clear distortion-free views all the way to the edge of the field. The Meade LX series is the perfect choice if you are looking for a professional grade telescope. Nearly every observatory reflector in the world uses an aplanatic (coma-free) optical system like the Ritchey-Chrétien (RC), including NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Now you can own similar optics to what the professionals use. The LX200 features a Primary Mirror Lock, that allows you to secure the main mirror to assure rock-steady imaging during long-exposure astrophotography.

Specialized Telescope Cameras, or Use Your Own. 

If you've got a Nikon or Canon SLR digital camera (an SLR is a camera with a removable lens), we've got the adapter for you. Our SLR camera telescope adapters allow you to use your telescope like a giant lens. They work with any telescope that has a 1.25 inch diameter eyepiece opening, which is most of our telescopes. Otherwise, try one of our great USB Digital Eyepiece Cameras. These great telescope cameras just insert right into you're telescopes 1.25" focuser and connect directly to a PC or laptop. Take snapshots or even short videos of your favorite stellar objects. They are compatible with any Windows or Mac computer.

GPS & Telescope Camera Packages

We combine an EQ-capable iOptron SmartStar-A telescope with GPS with a PC-based USB digital camera at a very special price. The EQ ("equatorial) feature of the mount allows automatic tracking along a single axis -- that means a smooth movement space photography. This fully automatic telescope is loaded with an astonishing built-in library of 130,000 space objects. All you have to do is choose the resolution of the camera, we recommend a 3.0 MegaPixel camera, but you can go up to 9.0 MegaPixels. The camera and telescope are backed with a 1 year warranty.

Top of the Line

You want the best of the best in GPS powered telescopes. You can't go wrong with the Meade LX 200 and Meade LX 90 represent the finest in research-grade optics and superior automatic star tracking. Less pricy, but excellent are the easy to use 80mm Refractor and 90mm Cassegrain together with an iOptron GPS mount. Both are easy to use and maintenance free. We also love the iOptron with the 4.5" Reflector -- it's a Pro's pick for a reason.