Celestron 21063 Telescope vs Amazon Basics BT1818 (Bluetooth Remote) Telescope
These two telescopes sit at opposite ends of the beginner price range, with the Celestron 21063 priced at $299.99 and the Amazon Basics BT1818 coming in at $59.84. The Celestron brings a 90mm objective lens, while the BT1818 offers a 70mm aperture and includes a Bluetooth remote for hands-free shutter control. Both carry a 4.2 rating, though the Celestron has earned that score across 417 reviews compared to 192 for the Amazon Basics. The choice here largely comes down to how serious you are about aperture and long-term usability versus getting started for the lowest possible cost.
Quick winner
The Celestron 21063 is the better telescope outright due to its larger 90mm objective, stronger review base, and Celestron's established reputation, but the Amazon Basics BT1818 is the clear pick for anyone who wants to try the hobby without spending more than $60.
Key differences, measured
- The Amazon Basics BT1818 (Bluetooth Remote) is 80% cheaper ($59.84 vs $299.99).
- The Amazon Basics BT1818 (Bluetooth Remote) is 0.3 lb heavier (5.91 lb vs 5.58 lb).
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Celestron 21063 Telescope | Amazon Basics BT1818 (Bluetooth Remote) Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $59.84 |
| Rating | ||
| Objective lens | 90 Mm | 70 Mm |
| Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
| Dimensions | 34 X 30 X 52 In | 31.1 X 36.22 X 63.78 In |
| Weight | 5.58 lb | 5.91 lb |
The two contenders
Celestron 21063 Telescope
The Celestron 21063 features a 90mm objective lens, which gathers meaningfully more light than a 70mm and translates to sharper planetary detail and better performance on fainter deep-sky objects. At $299.99 it is priced as a genuine entry-level instrument rather than a toy, and its 417 reviews at 4.2 stars indicate consistent satisfaction across a broad buyer base. It uses manual focus and weighs 5.58 lb, making it manageable to set up on a standard tripod or alt-azimuth mount. Celestron is a brand with decades of telescope production behind it, which matters for spare parts, accessories, and community support. The larger aperture means you can push to higher magnifications before image quality falls apart.
Buy this if: Anyone committed to learning the night sky who wants an instrument that will stay useful as skills improve, not just for a season. Buyers who prioritize aperture and the extra resolving power that a 90mm objective provides over a 70mm for planets and brighter deep-sky objects. Someone willing to invest $299.99 in a telescope with a proven track record and strong community of existing owners.
Check price on AmazonAmazon Basics BT1818 (Bluetooth Remote) Telescope
The Amazon Basics BT1818 pairs a 70mm objective with a Bluetooth remote, an unusual feature at this price that lets you trigger observations or timed exposures without touching the tube and introducing vibration. At $59.84 it is one of the most affordable complete telescope setups on the market, and its 4.2 rating across 192 reviews suggests it performs acceptably for casual lunar and planetary viewing. Manual focus is standard here, and at 5.91 lb it is slightly heavier than the Celestron despite the smaller aperture, likely due to mount and tripod construction. The 70mm aperture is workable for the Moon, Saturn's rings, and Jupiter's bands under decent skies, but it will show less detail than the 90mm Celestron when pushed to higher magnifications.
Buy this if: First-time buyers who want to test the hobby before committing real money, or parents buying a first telescope for a child at a price that limits financial risk. Anyone who specifically values the Bluetooth remote for vibration-free viewing or would use it for smartphone astrophotography setups. Budget-constrained buyers who need a complete, functional telescope under $60 and understand the 70mm aperture ceiling.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Is the 90mm objective on the Celestron 21063 meaningfully better than the 70mm on the Amazon Basics BT1818?
Yes, in practical terms. A 90mm objective collects about 65% more light by area than a 70mm, which gives you brighter, sharper images at comparable magnifications. The difference is most noticeable on planets at higher power and on faint star clusters, where the Celestron will hold cleaner images while the BT1818 starts to show softness.
What is the Bluetooth remote on the Amazon Basics BT1818 actually used for?
The Bluetooth remote lets you trigger the telescope without physically touching it, which reduces the vibration shake that blurs images, especially at high magnification. It is most useful when the telescope is connected to a smartphone or tablet camera for afocal astrophotography. For purely visual observing it is less critical, but it is a genuine convenience feature rarely found at this price.
Can a beginner set up either of these telescopes without help?
Both are marketed as beginner telescopes and ship with the hardware needed to get started. The Celestron 21063 has more extensive setup documentation and a larger user community posting guides online, which makes troubleshooting easier. The Amazon Basics BT1818 is simpler and cheaper, so there is less to configure, but the trade-off is fewer accessories and a smaller knowledge base if you run into questions.
Is the $240 price difference between these two telescopes justified?
If you plan to observe regularly and want to grow into the instrument, the Celestron 21063 earns its price through a larger aperture, a stronger brand warranty, and a community of accessories and eyepieces compatible with the tube. If you are genuinely unsure whether telescopes will hold your interest, starting with the $59.84 Amazon Basics BT1818 is a sensible way to find out without a significant financial commitment.