10 bestTelescopes For Beginnersof April 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
6% off
1

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners
EACONN

9.9
5% off
2

Celestron 22450 StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope, 32 Inch Tube Length, f/10 Focal Ratio, Silver/Black
Celestron

9.8
3

Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Dark Blue
Celestron

9.6
7% off
4

ESAKO Telescope for Kids & Adults, 70mm Portable Beginner Telescopes with 3 Eyepieces, Height Adjustable Tripod & Phone Adapter
ESAKO

9.4
14% off
5

Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope with Built-In Smartphone Adapter, Blue
Celestron

9.2
OtherUp to 13% off
6

Celestron Signature Series Moon By Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016)
Celestron

8.9
20% off
7

Telescope for Astronomy, 200X Pro 400/70 FMC Glass Optical Refractor Telescopes, With Adjustable Tripod Phone Adapter Barlow Lens Moon Filters Carrying Bag for Kids Adult Beginners
BEBANG

8.7
8

Misilmp Telescope for Adults Astronomy, Astronomical Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm Portable Refractor Telescope Outdoor Telescopes with Tripod, Phone Adapter & Carry Bag for Kids/Beginners (White)
Misilmp

8.4
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

8.1
11% off
10

Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black
Celestron

7.9
A Guide to Selecting the Best Telescopes For Beginners
Choosing a telescope as a beginner can be an exciting journey into the world of astronomy. The right telescope will open up the universe for you, allowing you to explore the night sky and observe celestial objects in detail. When selecting a telescope, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, portability, and the types of celestial objects you are most interested in observing. Understanding the key specifications of telescopes will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you choose a model 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 one of the most important specifications because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The more light it gathers, the better you can see faint objects. Aperture sizes can range from small (around 60mm) to large (over 200mm). For beginners, a telescope with an aperture between 70mm and 130mm is usually sufficient. This range offers a good balance between portability and the ability to see a variety of celestial objects, such as the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.
Focal Length
The focal length of a telescope is the distance from the main optical component to the point where the image is brought into focus. It affects the magnification and field of view of the telescope. A longer focal length provides higher magnification but a narrower field of view, which is ideal for observing planets. A shorter focal length offers a wider field of view, which is better for viewing larger areas of the sky, such as star clusters. Beginners might prefer a telescope with a moderate focal length, which provides a good balance for viewing a variety of objects.
Magnification
Magnification is how much larger a telescope can make an object appear. It is determined by the combination of the telescope's focal length and the eyepiece used. While high magnification might seem appealing, it's not always better. Too much magnification can result in a blurry image if the telescope's aperture isn't large enough to support it. For beginners, it's important to have a range of eyepieces that offer different magnifications, allowing you to adjust based on what you're observing. A good starting point is a telescope that can provide magnifications between 50x and 150x.
Mount Type
The mount is what holds the telescope and allows you to point it at different parts of the sky. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simpler and easier to use, making them ideal for beginners. They move up and down and left to right, similar to a camera tripod. Equatorial mounts are more complex and are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which is useful for long-term tracking of objects. Beginners might prefer an altazimuth mount for its simplicity and ease of use.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. This is an important consideration if you plan to take your telescope to different locations for stargazing. Smaller telescopes are generally more portable and easier to handle, making them a good choice for beginners who want to explore different observing sites. Consider the weight and size of the telescope, as well as how easy it is to assemble and disassemble, to ensure it fits your lifestyle and observing habits.

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