10 Best Beginners Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Gskyer Telescope is a solid choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent light-gathering capabilities, allowing users to see celestial objects like the moon and some planets with clarity. The fully coated optics enhance image quality, protecting your eyes while making stargazing more enjoyable. This telescope also comes with two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which significantly increases magnification, making it versatile for different viewing situations. The 5x24 finderscope is helpful for locating objects in the sky, an essential feature for newcomers who may struggle with initial alignment.

Portability is another strong point; the adjustable aluminum tripod and included carry bag make it easy to transport, which is ideal for those who want to take their observations to different locations. The smart phone adapter and wireless remote enable users to capture images of their findings, blending traditional stargazing with modern technology.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the optical system is decent, it may not satisfy more experienced astronomers seeking higher quality optics for deeper space observations. The manual focus can also be a challenge for beginners, as it requires a steady hand and patience to adjust properly. Additionally, some users have noted that the build quality feels a bit less robust compared to higher-end models, which might raise concerns about longevity with frequent use. Finally, being a refractor telescope, it may not be as effective at viewing certain deep-sky objects compared to larger, more advanced telescopes.

This telescope is designed with beginners in mind, providing an 80mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, which helps capture clear and bright images of celestial objects. The two eyepieces included (25mm and 10mm) allow for easy magnification options of 24X and 60X, while the 3x Barlow lens can enhance that power even further. The 5x24 finderscope makes locating objects a breeze, which is ideal for those new to stargazing.

Portability is a strong point, as it comes with a carrying bag and an adjustable aluminum tripod, making it easy to transport to different viewing locations. The wireless control feature is also a nice touch, enabling users to capture images with their phones, which can enhance the stargazing experience.

There are some aspects to consider. While the telescope is easy to set up without tools, the manual focus might not be as smooth as some more advanced models, which could be slightly frustrating for those who desire quicker adjustments. Also, while the optical quality is generally good, more experienced users might find it lacks the performance of higher-end telescopes when it comes to more distant or detailed observations.

The MEEZAA Telescope is designed with beginners in mind, making it an ideal choice for those new to astronomy. One of its standout features is the large 90mm aperture, which allows for capturing more light and producing brighter and clearer images, a critical factor for those just starting out. Paired with an 800mm focal length, it offers a good balance between magnification and field of view, which helps beginners to easily locate and observe celestial objects.

The telescope comes equipped with two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, allowing for a wide range of magnifications from 32X to 240X. This versatility is beneficial for exploring different celestial objects, from broader views of the moon to more detailed observations of planets and stars. The Altazimuth (AZ) mount is user-friendly, offering simple up-down and left-right movements, which is perfect for new users who may find more complex mounts difficult to handle.

Portability is another plus point, as the telescope includes a carry bag and an adjustable stainless steel tripod, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations. The added phone adapter is a thoughtful inclusion for those interested in astrophotography, enabling users to capture their observations on their smartphones. However, the telescope does have some drawbacks. The manual focus might take some time for beginners to master, and although the finderscope is included, it is of the straight-through type, which can sometimes be less intuitive and harder to use than right-angle finderscopes. Additionally, at 12.03 pounds, it is not the lightest telescope, which might be a consideration for those who need to carry it over longer distances. Despite these minor inconveniences, the MEEZAA Telescope offers a comprehensive package for beginner astronomers, combining quality optics, ease of use, and convenient accessories.