We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Telescope For Beginners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.

The Gskyer Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent light-gathering ability, allowing users to observe celestial objects like the moon and stars clearly. The inclusion of fully coated optics enhances image quality and protects your eyes during extended viewing sessions. One standout feature is the wireless remote, which, combined with the smartphone adapter, makes it easy for users to capture images of what they observe, a nice touch for those who want to share their celestial discoveries.

The telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which helps in increasing magnification options, making it versatile for various viewing preferences. The adjustable aluminum tripod provides stability and flexibility in positioning, which is crucial for comfortable viewing.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The telescope's manual focus might be a bit challenging for complete beginners, who may prefer a more user-friendly automatic focusing system. Additionally, while the telescope is portable at 5.7 pounds, some users might find it slightly cumbersome to carry around, especially if they plan on frequent travel. Also, while the 70mm aperture is suitable for casual stargazing, it may not suffice for more serious astronomical pursuits as you progress in your hobby.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Aperture
Provides clear and detailed views of the moon’s craters, making it a thrilling experience for entry-level users.
Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for kids, with easy setup and operation.
Ease of Use
Setting up the telescope was surprisingly easy—it took just about 5 minutes to assemble all the pieces.
Accessories
A fun, beginner-friendly tool for young stargazers, with simple instructions and extra lenses for different views.
#2

Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers - 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control.

The HEXEUM AZ80600 telescope is a strong contender for both beginners and adults interested in astronomy. With an 80mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, it provides excellent light capture and clarity, making celestial objects appear brighter and more detailed. The use of fully multi-coated optical lenses further enhances image quality, which is a significant plus for those new to stargazing.

The provided 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, along with the 3x Barlow lens, give a good range of magnifications, allowing for detailed views of the moon and other celestial bodies. The 5x24 finder scope aids in easily locating objects in the sky, which is crucial for beginners who might struggle with initial navigation. The Altazimuth (AZ) mount is user-friendly, offering simple up-and-down and left-to-right movements, making it easier for novices to point and view objects quickly.

Portability is another strong feature of this telescope. It comes with an adjustable aluminum tripod, a carrying bag, and a phone adapter, making it convenient to transport and set up in different locations. The inclusion of a wireless remote control adds to the ease of use, especially for capturing images with a smartphone. Assembling the telescope requires no tools, which means beginners can start using it almost immediately. The product's lightweight design (6.04 pounds) further enhances its portability.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The manual focus might require some getting used to, particularly for those unfamiliar with telescopes. Additionally, while the mount is easy to use, it might not offer the stability needed for more advanced astrophotography. The lifetime maintenance and satisfaction guarantee provide some peace of mind, ensuring that any issues can be promptly addressed. This telescope is well-suited for beginners and casual astronomers looking for a user-friendly, portable option with excellent optical performance.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Aperture
For the price, the quality is outstanding with clear optics, smooth adjustments, and overall durability ensuring long-term use.
Mount Type
The AZ mount keeps it stable, making viewing smooth without shakes, and the tripod is sturdy—a huge plus for beginners.
Portability
The carrying bag makes it easy to transport for stargazing anywhere, making it a great family-friendly telescope.
Ease of Use
The telescope is well-built, sturdy, and incredibly easy to set up and use, making it perfect for beginners and young astronomers.
Accessories
The addition of a smartphone lens is a game-changer for capturing celestial views and sharing them with friends and family.
#3

MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag

The MEEZAA Telescope is designed with astronomy beginners in mind, offering a 90mm aperture and an 800mm focal length. This large aperture allows for more light capture, which means brighter and clearer images of celestial objects. The fully multi-coated optical glass lenses further enhance image clarity and brightness, making it easier for beginners to enjoy detailed views of the night sky. The included 3X Barlow lens and two eyepieces provide a range of magnification options, up to 240X, ideal for observing lunar details and more.

The Altazimuth mount is user-friendly, making it easier for beginners to navigate the sky without complicated adjustments. Portability is a strong point with its lightweight design and included carry bag, making it convenient to transport and store. The adjustable stainless steel tripod allows for versatile observation angles, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, the telescope comes with a phone adapter, enabling users to capture and share their observations easily. However, at 11.53 pounds, it might be slightly heavy for some users to carry for extended periods.

Assembly is straightforward, supported by clear paper guidelines and 24/7 technical support, which is great for those new to astronomy. While its professional designation might suggest it's geared towards more experienced users, its features and ease of use make it highly suitable for beginners aiming to delve into astronomy. The MEEZAA Telescope offers a well-rounded package for beginner astronomers, balancing quality optics, ease of use, and useful accessories.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Aperture
The telescope provides stunningly clear views of celestial objects with its 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length.
Focal Length
The telescope provides stunningly clear views of celestial objects with its 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length.
Mount Type
The adjustable stainless steel tripod is sturdy and versatile, allowing for easy angle adjustments.
Portability
It's lightweight and portable, making it convenient to take outside without much hassle.
Ease of Use
Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions, making it beginner-friendly.
Accessories
The included phone adapter is fantastic for capturing and sharing observations.

Buying Guide for the Best Telescope For Beginners

Choosing a telescope for beginners can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. The right telescope can open up a whole new world of stargazing and astronomical exploration. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your needs and interests. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting a beginner telescope.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror. It is one of the most important specs because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows you to see fainter objects and more detail. For beginners, an aperture of 70mm to 130mm is usually sufficient. If you are interested in viewing planets and the moon, a smaller aperture will do. However, if you want to see deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, a larger aperture is better.
Focal LengthFocal length is the distance between the telescope's main lens or mirror and the point where it forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon. A shorter focal length offers a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and observe larger objects like star clusters. Beginners should consider what they are most interested in observing to choose the appropriate focal length.
MagnificationMagnification is determined by the combination of the telescope's focal length and the eyepiece used. While higher magnification can bring objects closer, it also reduces the field of view and can make the image less sharp. For beginners, it's important to have a range of eyepieces to adjust magnification as needed. Generally, a magnification of 50x to 100x is suitable for most beginner observations. Remember, more magnification is not always better; clarity and stability are key.
Mount TypeThe 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 move up-down and left-right, making them simpler and more intuitive for beginners. Equatorial mounts are aligned with the Earth's axis and are better for tracking objects as they move across the sky, but they can be more complex to set up. Beginners may find altazimuth mounts easier to use initially.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. If you plan to take your telescope to different locations, a lighter and more compact model will be more convenient. Consider the weight and size of the telescope and its mount. For beginners, a portable telescope can make the experience more enjoyable and encourage more frequent use.
Ease of UseEase of use is crucial for beginners. Look for telescopes that are easy to assemble and operate. Features like a red dot finder or a simple star map can help you locate objects in the sky more easily. Some telescopes come with computerized mounts that can automatically find and track objects, which can be very helpful for those new to stargazing. Choose a telescope that matches your comfort level with technology and setup complexity.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now