10 bestBeginners Telescopesof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
20% off
1
Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Dark Blue
Celestron
10.0
8% off
2
Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount, Telescope for Kids Beginners, Fully Multi-Coated Optics, Astronomy Refractor with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Backpack
OYS
10.0
3
Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope with Built-In Smartphone Adapter, Blue
Celestron
9.9
4
Slokey Telescope 40070 - Astronomy Scope with 16x-120x Magnification for Kids and Adults - Includes 2 Eyepieces, 3x Barlow Lens, Tripod, Phone Adapter - View the Moon, Planets, Stars - 21x13x49 cm
Slokey Discover The World
9.8
5
Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black
Celestron
9.6
OtherUp to 16% off
Celestron 22035 Travel Scope DX 70mm Portable Refractor Telescope with Fully-Coated Glass Optics, Backpack, Astronomy Software Package, and Digiscoping Smartphone Adapter
Celestron Signature Series Moon By Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016)
Sky-Watcher Heritage 76 Mini Dobsonian Telescope
Skywatcher SKY-WATCHER HERITAGE-90 CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE
6
Celestron 22030 Travel Scope Portable Refractor Telescope with 80mm lens, Fully-Coated Glass Optics, Bonus Astronomy Software Package and Digiscoping Smartphone Adapter
Celestron
9.4
7
Celticbird 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Adults, Kids & Beginners - Travel Telescopio AZ Mount with Backpack and Phone Adapter (80600)
Celticbird
9.2
8
MEEZAA Telescope for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Fully Multi-Coated Optics High Transmission Telescopes with Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carrying Bag
MEEZAA
9.0
9
Celestron 22007 Travel Scope 60 DX Portable Refractor Telescope with Smartphone Adapter – Ideal for Beginners with Fully Coated Glass Optics, Tripod, Backpack and Bonus Accessories, Black/Grey
Celestron
8.7
10
Skywatcher SKY-WATCHER HERITAGE-114P VIRTUOSO NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR TELESCOPE
Skywatcher
8.5
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A Guide to Selecting the Best Beginners Telescopes
Choosing a beginner telescope can be an exciting journey into the world of astronomy. The right telescope will open up the night sky and allow you to explore celestial objects like the moon, planets, and stars. When selecting a telescope, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, portability, and the type of celestial objects you are most interested in observing. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find a telescope that suits your needs and interests.
Aperture
Aperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main optical component, which can be a lens or a mirror. It is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, affecting the brightness and clarity of the images you see. Aperture sizes can range from small (around 70mm) to large (over 200mm). For beginners, a telescope with an aperture between 70mm and 100mm is often recommended as it provides a good balance between portability and performance, allowing you to see planets and some deep-sky objects. If you're interested in viewing faint objects like distant galaxies, a larger aperture might be more suitable.
Focal Length
Focal length is the distance between the telescope's lens or mirror and the point where it forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view of the telescope. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for observing planets and the moon, while a shorter focal length offers a wider field of view, ideal for star clusters and larger celestial objects. Beginners might prefer a telescope with a moderate focal length (around 500mm to 1000mm) to enjoy a variety of observations without overly complex setups.
Mount Type
The mount is the structure that holds the telescope and allows it to move. It is important because it affects the stability and ease of use of the telescope. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simple and intuitive, moving up-down and left-right, making them ideal for beginners who want straightforward operation. Equatorial mounts are more complex and are designed to track celestial objects as they move across the sky, which is useful for more advanced observations and astrophotography. For beginners, an altazimuth mount is often recommended for its simplicity.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. This is important for beginners who may want to take their telescope to different locations for better viewing conditions. Smaller telescopes are generally more portable and easier to handle, making them ideal for casual stargazing and travel. If you plan to observe from various locations or have limited storage space, consider a compact and lightweight telescope that can be easily carried and set up.
Optical Design
Optical design refers to the type of optical system used in the telescope, such as refractor, reflector, or compound. Each design has its advantages and disadvantages. Refractors are known for their ease of use and low maintenance, making them great for beginners interested in observing planets and the moon. Reflectors offer larger apertures at lower costs, ideal for viewing faint deep-sky objects. Compound telescopes combine features of both refractors and reflectors, providing versatility. Beginners might choose a refractor for simplicity or a reflector for more advanced observations.
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