Smart telescopes and image-stabilized binoculars represent the latest in optical technology but they are reserved for those with the biggest budgets.
(Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future)
Intel co-founder Gordon Moore observed that processing power doubles every two years whilst almost halving in cost. That should translate to older technology dropping in price and year on year seeing the cheapest prices in the sales, right? The reality is far from simple in the world of skywatching.For stargazers who have dipped their toes into the world of binoculars and telescopes, prices stack up quickly and even one purchase can wipe out thousands of dollars. Now, there are levels to stargazing equipment, budget models like a Celestron Travel Scope 70 telescope and a pair of Celelestron Cometron 7x50 binoculars will run you between $50-$100 but don't expect the best optical performance. At the complete other end of the scale are premium options like smart telescopes and some image-stabilized binoculars which can run from just under $1,000 all the way to $5,000. There are obviously plenty of in-between models but whichever option you pick, you are still seeing a big chunk of money go out of the bank account when purchasing.Shopping the sales: Prime Day and Black Friday
