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Telescopes

There is no best telescope, only the telescope that matches your sky, your targets and how much you are willing to carry. A fast apochromatic refractor and a large Dobsonian are both excellent instruments and almost nothing alike in use. David Astro stocks telescopes in Canada — refractors, reflectors, Dobsonians, Schmidt-Cassegrains, Maksutovs and dedicated astrographs — shipping from Canadian inventory.

Our team observes and images with these instruments under Canadian conditions, and we will tell you honestly when a smaller scope you will actually set up beats a larger one that stays in the closet.

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$299.99 - $299.99
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$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99

Explore Scientific FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain with Twilight Nano Mount

ES-FL-MC1001400TN

100mm Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA 1400mm Focal Length (f/14) Twilight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount 25mm Plössl Eyepiece (1.25") Includes Smartphone Adapter ...

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$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
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$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99

Explore Scientific FirstLight 114mm Newtonian with EQ3 Mount

ES-FL-N114500EQ3
2 in stock

114mm (4.5") Newtonian Reflector Optics Stable EQ3-Class German Equatorial Mount Full-Size Tripod with Accessory Tray Includes Plössl Eyepiece and...

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$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
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$299.99
$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99
$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99

Explore Scientific FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain

ES-FL-MC1271900

127mm (5") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1900mm Focal Length f/15 Focal Ratio Includes 25mm Plössl Eyepiece & 1.25" Diagonal Smartphone Ada...

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$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99
$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99
Explore Scientific Galileoscope Refractor Telescope STEM Kit
$24.99 - $24.99
$24.99
$24.99 - $24.99
$24.99

Explore Scientific Galileoscope Refractor Telescope STEM Kit

ES-GSCOPE

Hands-On Telescope Assembly: Build a functional refractor telescope from the ground up. No Tools Required: All components snap together in minut...

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$24.99 - $24.99
$24.99
$24.99 - $24.99
$24.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Essential 102 Refractor Telescope
$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99
$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Essential 102 Refractor Telescope

ES-AR102660-MAZ01-ST10

102mm Refractor Optical Tube Alt-Azimuth Mount with Slow-Motion Controls Dual-Axis Tracking Capability SkyAssist Guided Navigation Compatibility ...

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$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99
$499.99 - $499.99
$499.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Essential 130 Telescope
$399.99 - $399.99
$399.99
$399.99 - $399.99
$399.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Essential 130 Telescope

ES-N130650-MAZ01-ST10

130mm (5.1") Newtonian Reflector Optics 650mm Focal Length (f/5) Essential Alt-Azimuth Mount Dual-Axis Slow-Motion Controls Integrated SkyAssist N...

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$399.99 - $399.99
$399.99
$399.99 - $399.99
$399.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Nano 114 Telescope
$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99
$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Nano 114 Telescope

ES-N114500-MAZ-NANO

114mm Newtonian Reflector Optics Lightweight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount Slow-Motion Controls for Precise Tracking Integrated SkyAssist Navigation Aid ...

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$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99
$199.99 - $199.99
$199.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Nano 90 Telescope System
$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Nano 90 Telescope System

ES-AR90700-MAZ-NANO

Refractor Optical Design Compact Alt-Azimuth Mount Slow-Motion Controls for Smooth Tracking SkyAssist Navigation Compatibility Optimized for Lunar...

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$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
$299.99 - $299.99
$299.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Plus 127 Refractor Telescope
$899.99 - $899.99
$899.99
$899.99 - $899.99
$899.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Plus 127 Refractor Telescope

ES-AR127820-MAZ01

127mm (5-inch) Refractor Optics 820mm Focal Length Lightweight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount Dual-Axis Slow-Motion Controls SkyAssist Digital Guidance Co...

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$899.99 - $899.99
$899.99
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$899.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Plus 150 Reflector Telescope
$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99
$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Plus 150 Reflector Telescope

ES-N150750-MAZ01

150mm Newtonian Reflector 750mm Focal Length (f/5) Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount Smooth Slow-Motion Controls SkyAssist Navigation Aid Description FAQ ...

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$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99
$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Pro 102 Telescope System
$799.99 - $799.99
$799.99
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$799.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Pro 102 Telescope System

ES-AR102660-SAGT-ST10

102mm Refractor Telescope Sidara Pro GoTo Mount SkyAssist Guided Navigation System Designed for Visual Astronomy Suitable for Planetary & Deep...

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$799.99 - $799.99
$799.99
$799.99 - $799.99
$799.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Pro 127 Telescope System
$999.99 - $999.99
$999.99
$999.99 - $999.99
$999.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Pro 127 Telescope System

ES-MC1271900-SAGT-ST10

Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design Fully Automated GoTo Mount SkyAssist Object Location and Tracking Optimized for High-Magnification Viewing Comp...

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$999.99 - $999.99
$999.99
$999.99 - $999.99
$999.99
Explore Scientific Sidara Pro 80
$599.99 - $599.99
$599.99
$599.99 - $599.99
$599.99

Explore Scientific Sidara Pro 80

ES-AR80900-SAGT-ST10

80mm Refractor Telescope Sidara Pro GoTo Mount SkyAssist Automated Object Location Optimized for Lunar & Planetary Viewing Beginner-Friendly G...

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$599.99 - $599.99
$599.99
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$599.99
$458.00 - $458.00
$458.00
$458.00 - $458.00
$458.00

iOptron 150mm f/4 Imaging Newtonian

IOP-6311

150mm (6") Newtonian Reflector 600mm Focal Length Fast f/4 Focal Ratio 10:1 Dual-Speed Crayford Focuser OTA Weight: 9 lbs. 10 oz. Description F...

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$458.00 - $458.00
$458.00
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$458.00
$628.00 - $628.00
$628.00
$628.00 - $628.00
$628.00

iOptron 200mm f/4 Imaging Newtonian

IOP-6312

200mm (8") Newtonian Reflector 800mm Focal Length Fast f/4 Focal Ratio 10:1 Dual-Speed Crayford Focuser OTA Weight: 20 lbs 6 oz Description FAQ...

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$628.00 - $628.00
$628.00
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$628.00
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$799.00

iOptron 250mm f/4 Imaging Newtonian

IOP-6313

250mm (10") Parabolic Primary Mirror 1000mm Focal Length Fast f/4 Focal Ratio 10:1 Dual-Speed Focuser 34 lb 1 oz Optical Tube Assembly Weight D...

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$799.00 - $799.00
$799.00
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$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00
$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00

iOptron 300mm f/4 Imaging Newtonian

IOP-6315

Clear Aperture: 300mm (11.8") Focal Ratio: f/4 Focal Length: 1200mm OTA Weight: 48 lbs Focuser: 10:1 dual-speed Description FAQ Specificat...

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$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00
$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00
iOptron 80mm Refractor
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00

iOptron 80mm Refractor

IOP-8710

80mm Achromatic Refractor Optics 400mm Focal Length (f/5) Lightweight 2.2 lbs Optical Tube Includes 25mm and 9mm 1.25" Eyepieces 45º Erect Image D...

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$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
$129.00 - $129.00
$129.00
iOptron MAK 150mm Telescope OTA
$749.00 - $749.00
$749.00
$749.00 - $749.00
$749.00

iOptron MAK 150mm Telescope OTA

IOP-6101

150mm Rumak-style Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 1800mm Focal Length f/12 Focal Ratio 0.77 Arc Second Resolving Power 13.4 lbs Tube Weight Dual-Speed ...

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$749.00 - $749.00
$749.00
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$749.00
$3,198.00 - $3,198.00
$3,198.00
$3,198.00 - $3,198.00
$3,198.00

iOptron Photron 10" Ritchey-Chretien

IOP-6114

10" (254mm) Ritchey-Chretien Optical Design 2032mm Focal Length f/8 Focal Ratio Carbon Fiber Truss Tube for Thermal Stability 3-inch, 10:1 Dual-Sp...

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$3,198.00 - $3,198.00
$3,198.00
$3,198.00 - $3,198.00
$3,198.00
$4,158.00 - $4,158.00
$4,158.00
$4,158.00 - $4,158.00
$4,158.00

iOptron Photron 12" Ritchey-Chretien

IOP-6115

12" (304mm) Ritchey-Chretien Optics 2432mm Focal Length f/8 Focal Ratio Carbon Fiber Truss Tube Design 3" Dual-Speed 10:1 Crayford Focuser 53 lb O...

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$4,158.00 - $4,158.00
$4,158.00
$4,158.00 - $4,158.00
$4,158.00
$6,699.00 - $6,699.00
$6,699.00
$6,699.00 - $6,699.00
$6,699.00

iOptron Photron 14" Ritchey-Chretien

IOP-6116

14" (355mm) Ritchey-Chretien Optical Design 2848mm Focal Length at f/8 Carbon Fiber Truss Tube for Thermal Stability Heavy-duty 3" Dual-Speed 10:1...

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$6,699.00 - $6,699.00
$6,699.00
$6,699.00 - $6,699.00
$6,699.00
$8,799.00 - $8,799.00
$8,799.00
$8,799.00 - $8,799.00
$8,799.00

iOptron Photron 16" Ritchey-Chretien

IOP-6117

16" (406mm) Aperture 3248mm Focal Length f/8 Focal Ratio Ritchey-Chretien Optical Design Carbon Fiber Truss Tube 3" 10:1 Dual-Speed Focuser Des...

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$8,799.00 - $8,799.00
$8,799.00
$8,799.00 - $8,799.00
$8,799.00
$558.00 - $558.00
$558.00
$558.00 - $558.00
$558.00

iOptron Photron 6" Ritchey-Chretien

IOP-6111
1 in stock

150mm (6") Ritchey-Chretien Optical Design 1370mm Focal Length f/9 Focal Ratio 10:1 Dual-Speed 2" Crayford Focuser 12 lbs Tube Weight Descripti...

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$558.00 - $558.00
$558.00
$558.00 - $558.00
$558.00

Telescope Designs and What Each Does Best

Aperture gathers light, focal length sets image scale, and focal ratio determines how fast you collect photons. The optical design determines how those three behave in practice.

  • Refractors: Sealed lens systems with high contrast and no central obstruction. Apochromatic triplets and doublets with ED glass are the workhorse choice for wide-field deep-sky imaging.
  • Newtonian reflectors: The most aperture for the money. Fast Newtonians and imaging astrographs deliver bright, wide fields; they need periodic collimation and a coma corrector.
  • Dobsonians: A Newtonian on a simple alt-azimuth base — the most practical route to large aperture for visual deep-sky observing.
  • Schmidt-Cassegrains and Maksutovs: Long focal length folded into a short tube, ideal for planetary, lunar and small galaxy work where image scale matters more than field width.
  • Solar telescopes: Dedicated hydrogen-alpha instruments for prominences and surface detail, usable in daylight.
  • Astrographs: Optics designed only for imaging, with flat, well-corrected fields across large sensors and no visual compromise.

Why Choose David Astro for Telescopes

A telescope is a system purchase. What goes on the mount, behind the focuser and in front of the sensor matters as much as the tube.

  • Matched to your sky: We ask about your light pollution, your typical seeing and where you observe before recommending an aperture and focal ratio.
  • Complete system quoting: We specify the mount, diagonal, eyepieces or imaging train alongside the tube, so the telescope arrives usable rather than half-usable.
  • Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty, verified authenticity, and warranty service handled inside Canada.
  • Canadian stock and safe shipping: Telescopes ship from our Canadian warehouse, avoiding duties, brokerage fees and extra cross-border handling.
  • Collimation and setup support: In-house help with first light, collimation and troubleshooting after the sale.

Telescopes in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good first telescope?
For visual observing, a 6 or 8 inch Dobsonian gives the most aperture for the money and needs no electronics. For imaging, a short apochromatic refractor on a solid equatorial mount is far more forgiving than a large tube.
Can one telescope do both visual and imaging?
Yes, but with compromises. A fast refractor around f/6 handles both reasonably. Long, slow Schmidt-Cassegrains are superb visually and demanding to image with; large Dobsonians are visual instruments.
How much aperture do I need for galaxies?
Visually, dark skies matter more than aperture, though 8 inches and up makes structure visible. For imaging, integration time substitutes for aperture — a small refractor with many hours will out-resolve a large scope with few.
Do telescopes ship safely within Canada?
Yes. Everything in stock ships from our Canadian warehouse, which removes a border crossing and the handling that goes with it, and Canadian buyers pay no duties or brokerage.

Choosing your next telescope?

Tell us your sky, your targets and your budget, and we will recommend a complete working setup. Canadian stock, worldwide shipping.