Choosing a suitable tool among the best telescopes for beginners can be a little hard if you’re only starting stargazing and don’t have much experience. The device should be easy to manipulate and not so expensive because you do not need extra features at the beginning.
If you’re looking for your first telescope but don’t know where to start, this article can help you. I have picked out some of the best telescopes for beginners on the market and explained the most important information that you, as a starter, should be aware of.
If you want to view faint deep-sky objects like nebulas and galaxies, you’ll need a reflector telescope.
A refractor telescope is better suited for views within our galaxy such as the Moon and other planets.
You can also get a catadioptric telescope, which can work as a middle ground.
Contents
Top 5 Telescopes for Beginners Reviewed
- Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope— Best Overall
- ToyerBee Portable Refractor Telescope— Best for the Money
- MaxUSee Refractor Telescope— Best Computerized
- ECOOPRO Refractor Telescopee— Best for Kids
- ToyerBee Refractor Telescope— Best Portable
Now let’s take a closer look at them. Don’t be shy to ask me about some details in the comments if you need them.
1. Celestron PowerSeeker Telescope: Best Telescope Overall
- PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. This 127mm Newtonian Reflector offers enough light gathering ability to see planets, the Moon's craters, distant stars, the Orion Nebula, and more.
How I Decided
The telescope’s slow-motion controls and tool-free assembly are two of my favorite features. They come in handy in many ways. I believe that the 127EQ model is the best low-cost telescope overall. It’s a fantastic option for youngsters and first-time telescope owners since it strikes a good balance between quality, price, and practical features. My cousin bought it for his father-in-law as the first telescope. Since then, stargazing has become his favorite hobby, and he still uses it.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector;
- Aperture: 127 mm (5″);
- Focal Length: 1000 mm (39″);
- Focal Ratio: f/8;
- Magnification: 50x, 250x;
- Limiting Magnitude: 13;
- Low Useful Magnification: 18x;
- High Theoretical Magnification: 300x;
- Assembled Weight: 21.38 lbs (9.7 kg).
WHY I LIKE IT: The Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker is an excellent telescope with many professional capabilities. It has top-tier optics and produces stunning images, plus it’s cheap. The tool’s high-quality lens and aluminum tripod make it possible to enjoy low-cost astronomy. On top of that, it’s a reflector telescope, which means you can use it to look at distant objects right here on Earth.
- Affordable;
- Stronger zoom than most telescopes in this price range provide;
- Decent optics collimation;
- High-quality image clarity;
- Good overall build;
- Sturdy.
- Accessories are not of the best quality;
- A little image distortion, caused by a circular mirror. .
2. ToyerBee Portable Refractor Telescope: Best for the Money
- High Magnification: The telescope equipped with 2 eyepieces(H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, so kids can get magnification from 15X to 150X. Whether it's viewing planets or moon, our telescope is the best helper for adults & kids. It’s a great telescope for adults & kids 8-12 & astronomy beginners.
How I Decided
I have a friend who has the same reflector, and he said he was never disappointed with it. The telescope is equipped with 2 eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, so you can get magnification from 15X to 150X.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Refractor;
- Objective Lens: 70mm;
- Focal Length: 300mm;
- Eyepiece: 20mm: 15X ; 6mm: 50X;
- Accessories: 1.5X Erecting eyepiece, 3X; Barlow lens, Finder scope, Tripod;
- Phone adapter, Bluetooth controller, Star map;
- Magnification power: 15X — 150X.
WHY I LIKE IT: This is a great value for this money. The company grants you 3 years of service, and I think this is very cool.
- Easy to install;
- Nice value for the money;
- Phone adapter;
- Bluetooth controller;
- 360° rotatable.
- The tripod might be wobbly.
3. MaxUSee Refractor Telescope: Best Computerized Tool
- Portable telescope with wide range of different magnification from 16X to 200X, the perfect First Telescope for kids & astronomy beginners.
How I Decided
MaxUSee is a young brand that focuses only on entry-level telescopes and binoculars. The first thing that catches the eye when taking a look at the MaxUSee kit is the considerably big amount of additional eyepieces and different items. It has a traditional refractor design, a 70mm aperture, like most telescopes at this price range, and it comes with a table-top tripod.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Aperture: 70mm;
- Focal length: 400mm;
- Eyepieces: 1.25” H6mm / 1.25” H12.5mm / 1.25” H20mm;
- Additional HD Kellner eyepiece: 1.25” K25mm;
- Accessories: 1.5X Erecting eyepiece / 3X Barlow lens / Moon mirror;
- Finder Scope: 5X24;
- Smartphone Adapter;
- Aluminum Tripod.
WHY I LIKE IT: The MaxUSee provides a full Moon exploring kit for almost half the price of other 70mm refractor telescopes. Also, kids do like the extra eyepieces and enjoy the big variety. My friend’s son likes to play with a telescope, so I can state this for sure.
- Backpack inside the kit;
- Affordable;
- Many eyepieces included;
- Suitable for celestial and terrestrial observations.
- The tripod can’t be expanded;
- Customers complain about the missing parts.
4. ECOOPRO Refractor Telescope: Best Model for Kids
- 360mm focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optical glass with high transmission coatings telescope which creates crisp images with increased brightness and clarity.
How I Decided
The Ecoopro Telescope is one of the best telescopes for beginners, adults, and kids. I bought it for my mom as a present for her birthday, and she likes to travel with it by car. You can purchase it for a kid who wants to learn more about deep space or give it as a gift to a professional astronomer. It has features that cover the needs of the majority of people.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Star Finder: 5×24;
- Type: Refractive;
- Diameter: 70 mm(2.75″);
- Focal Length: 360 mm(f/5.1);
- Zenith Lens: 45°Correct Image Prism Diagonal;
- Optical Coating: Full multiple coating;
- Eyepiece: K10mm: 40X ; K25mm:16X (1.25″);
- Tripod: Retractable aluminum four-section tripod.
WHY I LIKE IT: The 70mm refractor is excellent to observe faraway sky objects and vast landscapes. You do not have to go through the tiresome assembly, as it is easy to set up. It has exceptional features at a very reasonable price. The telescope has two eyepieces that enhance the magnification of the tool. It features a large aperture that allows light to enter and create bright and clear images. The tripod that comes with the telescope is adjustable and allows you to observe the objects in any direction.
- Affordable;
- Durable;
- High magnification;
- Easy to assemble;
- Compact;
- Lightweight;
- Easy to travel with.
- The alignment is a bit complex.
5. ToyerBee Refractor Telescope: Best Portable Option
- 70mm Large Aperture: The telescope is equipped with a 70mm large aperture objective lens which makes the images brighter and clearer. The bigger the aperture is, the bigger the field of vision will be, so you can see clearer images. Professional telescope can help adults&kids view the planets and moon.
How I Decided
While it doesn’t have features that are very different from other telescope kits you can find on the market, this set provides a solid entry into astronomy. It has an adjustable tripod and is very easy to carry while traveling.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Refractor;
- Objective Lens: 70mm;
- Focal Length: 300mm;
- Eyepiece: 20mm: 15X ; 6mm: 50X;
- Accessories: 1.5X Erecting eyepiece, 3X Barlow lens, Finder scope, Adjustable tripod;
- Phone adapter, Bluetooth controller, Star map;
- Magnification power: 15X – 150X.
WHY I LIKE IT: Despite portability, it has a wireless camera remote control that makes working easy and more advanced. It also includes some excellent features for kids and adult beginners. Kids love having items such as Barlow lenses and smartphone adapters in the pack. I had experience testing it, and I consider this option one of the best telescopes for beginners.
- Remarkable durability;
- Easy to install;
- Portable;
- Complete guidance in paper and video form;
- Doesn’t require any tools for installation;
- Inexpensive.
- Some parts are made of cheap plastic.
What You Should Know Before Purchasing
Figuring out which telescope to buy might be tricky for beginners. I’m here to help you find the best amateur telescope. There is a wide range of options, depending on your budget, needs, and expectations. Here you can find my explanation of the features and other useful criteria of such tools.
The best telescopes for beginners
You need to know the types and understand some of their characteristics to pick one of the best telescopes for adults. There are three different kinds of telescopes. One of the most common types of telescopes is a reflector scope, followed by a refractor and a “compound” or catadioptric telescope. For more details, you can check this guide on reflector vs refractor telescope beginner models. Catadioptric telescope choice blends refraction and reflection in its optical system by employing curved mirrors and lenses.
Refractor telescopes are better suited for viewing the planets and Moon. This sort of telescope is the cheapest option available. They cost less since they don’t have any fancy features and feature a simplistic layout. In most cases, the lens serves as the image-forming mechanism. This telescope design is ideal if you’re looking for something that requires minimal upkeep. However, they tend to be bulky and lack the resolution necessary for viewing fine details in most images;
A reflector telescope is better for observing faint, deep-sky objects, i.e. nebulae and galaxies. The curved mirrors within these telescopes are what do the work of bringing the image you wish to see down to your eyes. If you’re interested in deep-sky objects and require high-quality photos, this is the telescope for you. You should note that this tool requires significantly more upkeep than other low-powered telescopes. You can find the best refractor telescope for beginners depending on your preferences and price limits.
A catadioptric telescope is a combination of reflector and refractor telescopes. These sorts of telescopes are reflectors and refractors, which create images using not just lenses but also mirrors.
Why you should trust me
While investigating the qualities of the finest telescope, I sought the advice of many specialists. I’ve always been curious about the cosmos, but I admit that there’s still so much to explore about the subject. I could test each model with a clean slate, and I learned the specifics of each telescope described here. Also, I had amateur astronomers in mind when I wrote this guide.
As a beginner astronomer, you can learn more about the night sky using one of these telescopes. You can use one of these telescopes to see the moon, the planets of our solar system, and the “deep sky” objects like nebulae, galaxies, and groupings of stars. Before I created this article, I’d been looking for telescopes with enough viewing power to interest beginners in astronomy and keep them engaged.
Additionally, I only considered testing telescopes that are not expensive. Telescopes grow more specialized as prices increase, and when you reach that point, you might have a good idea of which peculiarities you want to pay for. The truth is that you don’t need anything sophisticated if your sole interest is in seeing, for example, the occasional lunar eclipse.
I take pride in claiming that I obtain information from these powerful sources:
- Users. The most abundant data comes from astro optics users. I greatly appreciate the feedback they provide based on their personal experience;
- Trusted experts. Without other scientists, it would be impossible for science to advance. Every day, I exchange information with the leading specialists in the industry to pass on any useful data;
- My expertise. There is no substitute for having your very own observatory where you can put your brand new telescope to the test.
How I picked and tasted
I’ve done the research for you, sifting through the latest and greatest models in telescope technology to bring you the top picks. All of the products I’ve chosen as winners are of the highest quality, reasonably priced, and provide an exceptional night sky viewing experience. I interviewed the leading specialists in the industry on the most frequent challenges new sky watchers face and reflectors, refractors, and catadioptric telescopes.
For four months, I have carefully considered and tested different telescopes amid the night skies. I recorded the time it took to assemble each telescope for use in stargazing. The ease of installation was the major consideration in my evaluation since no one wants to be put off by the technology before they even get a chance to put it in place in the real world. I also evaluated the mounts of each telescope for their steadiness.
Features to consider when shopping for the best telescope for beginners
There are some things to consider when buying a new device. Let’s take a look at them.
How important is magnification for the best telescope for beginners?
High magnification values don’t offer much of an advantage. You should pay more attention to the aperture size than the magnification specifications when examining the telescope’s magnification and lens data. The amount of light that enters the telescope is determined by its aperture size. The clarity of the image increases with the aperture size. When you zoom in, the image will be hazy if you have a low aperture size and high magnification since not enough light is passing through the aperture, and no high magnification will make things better.
Is the telescope for you or the kids, or both?
The telescopes designed for kids’ usage and those produced for amateur astronomers are different from one another. Products with a focus on kids are often more kid-friendly, cheaper, and more robust in the astronomy market. However, they might be oversimplified to the point of feeling cheap and plastic. For younger teenagers, a refractor telescope is the finest option.
Not all telescopes are designed for astrophotography
When it comes to astrophotography, not all telescopes will be suitable. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to take spectacular space images. Unfortunately, it’s still not a simple process.
Anyone who tries to photograph the Moon with an iPhone will find out that the camera doesn’t do justice to the real thing. The smartphone choices and cradles that come standard with many entry-level telescopes are convenient and usually reliable. A seasoned astrophotographer employs devices made specifically for taking amazing photos of the night sky.
Best Telescopes for Beginners: Reviews and Recommendations
Here I’d like to provide you with a list of reviews and recommendations. Maybe, one of the options mentioned here will become your best home telescope.
- Best Overall: Celestron 127mm PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
- Best for the Money: ToyerBee 70mm 300mm Portable Refractor Telescope (15X-150X)
- Best Computerized: MaxUSee 70mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod; Finder Scope
- Best for Kids: ECOOPRO 70mm Refractor Telescope with Adjustable Tripod
- Best Portable: ToyerBee 70mm 300mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope (15X-150X)
Things to Consider Before Buying a Beginner Telescope
Here are a few things you should be aware of before buying your starter telescope. Taking them into account, you reduce the possibility of making an unsuccessful purchase.
Portability
It’s possible that if you’re just starting with astronomy and you won’t use your telescope very often if it’s too big or heavy to carry about. Try to get a bigger telescope that breaks down into manageable pieces if portability is a priority.
Reason for use
Knowing what you hope to observe via your telescope is crucial. You probably won’t need a telescope with a magnification of more than 40x to see the Moon and some of the larger planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, during the day. A 100x or higher magnification is what you need to observe distant planets like Mars and other astronomical objects.
Cost
Though you shouldn’t have to spend more than a few hundred dollars on a decent telescope, keep in mind that some of the less expensive models lack the magnification and finderscope capabilities necessary for seeing distant planets. Telescope quality is usually proportional to the cost. An entry-level telescope with decent quality can be purchased for up to $200, while computerized mounts cost more.
FAQ on Good Telescope for Beginners
Here are a few questions that are commonly asked by beginners. Check them out, maybe, you have been wondering about these issues too.
How do you maintain a telescope?
Telescopes last a very long time if properly taken care of. They usually require low maintenance. A telescope should be stored in a dry dust free area. You need to clean the telescope, lenses, and correctors every couple of years, and mirrors — once a week, with a moist, soft, grit-free wipe. Some tools also require occasional lubrication.
What is the most powerful telescope for home use?
The most powerful telescope for home use might not be that powerful at all. The term “powerful” can be misleading. Remember, magnification power isn’t as important as aperture and focal length. Put another way, it’s not how powerful a telescope is, but how much light it can see. The Hubble telescope has an aperture of over 7 feet. You can find a reasonably priced Dobsonian telescope for beginners to use in your backyard with an aperture of 16-inches.
How do you travel with a telescope?
A telescope is a tube of glass, and you can misalign mirrors and lenses by jostling the tool, so you need to be careful. Before heading out, store the scope properly with lens cap covers and padding. If possible, travel with the telescope as carry-on luggage. Also, check the airline’s size limits before your travel.
How much does a telescope for beginners cost?
The cost of a telescope can widely vary — from less than $100 to nearly $1,000+. You don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to get a good telescope, but cheaper models might lack the magnifying power and extra features.
What is a good magnification for a telescope to see the planets?
If you’re looking for the planets in our solar system, a magnification of about 30x is the minimum. With such dimensions, you’ll manage to see larger planets like Jupiter and Saturn. For astronomical objects like Mars, you’ll want at least 100x magnification. Don’t forget that aperture is also important as it determines how bright the images are and whether you can see finer details.
Make Up Your Mind and Explore
The best telescope is the one you feel comfortable with while operating it. What’s most important is that you enjoy using it. Exploring the vastness of space is surprisingly easy even with basic, budget-priced equipment.
There are various great beginner telescopes out there, and the choice depends on your budget and what you’d like to do with the tool. The best first telescope for me is a ToyerBee Refractor. Pick the one based on your preferences and have nice stargazing!
Which telescope did you start with? Let me know in the comments below.
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