Best telescopes for beginners 2025: blast off into stargazing

ActiveOutdoorsOutdoor TechBest telescopes for beginners 2025: blast off into stargazingThe best beginner telescopes to reach for the stars without a steep learning curve or an astronomical price tagWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

The best beginner telescopes to reach for the stars without a steep learning curve or an astronomical price tag

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Unistellar)

Best telescopes for beginners: Unistellar�s Odyssey telescope in action

(Image credit: Unistellar)

Jump to category:Best overallBest premiumBest budgetBest manualBest mid-rangeBest for sharp imagesBest for solar system observationsBest portableHow to chooseFAQ

Looking to dip your toes into the vast expanse of astronomy? Look no further than our roundup of the best beginner telescopes. We’ve combed through the cosmos of product listings to bring you top-notch options suitable for budding astronomers of all ages – even those still working on mastering multiplication tables.

If you’re ready to graduate to more advanced stargazing, our generalbest telescoperanking awaits your perusal. And for those who prefer wildlife over constellations, we have a separate guide for thebest binocularsfor nature enthusiasts.

The fascination with stargazing hasn’t faded away with the lockdown (thankfully). And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to embark on this celestial journey – as long as you choose your starter kit wisely. So, let’s blast off into the world of beginner telescopes and uncover the wonders of the universe without needing NASA’s budget.

Best overallCelestron AstroMaster 102AZView at AmazonThe Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a solid, beginner-friendly telescope that offers excellent value for money. It delivers sharp, bright views of celestial objects but suffers from minor build quality issues like loose screws and a greasy focus mechanism. Ideal for those with ample space, it’s a great entry-level option.Read more below

Best overall

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ against white background

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZView at AmazonThe Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a solid, beginner-friendly telescope that offers excellent value for money. It delivers sharp, bright views of celestial objects but suffers from minor build quality issues like loose screws and a greasy focus mechanism. Ideal for those with ample space, it’s a great entry-level option.Read more below

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ

View at AmazonThe Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a solid, beginner-friendly telescope that offers excellent value for money. It delivers sharp, bright views of celestial objects but suffers from minor build quality issues like loose screws and a greasy focus mechanism. Ideal for those with ample space, it’s a great entry-level option.Read more below

View at Amazon

The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a solid, beginner-friendly telescope that offers excellent value for money. It delivers sharp, bright views of celestial objects but suffers from minor build quality issues like loose screws and a greasy focus mechanism. Ideal for those with ample space, it’s a great entry-level option.

Best telescopes for beginners to buy right now

Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker)

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ beginner telescope in a garden

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(Image credit: Gavin Stoker)

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZBest beginners' telescope overallOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsDesign:RefractorAperture:4-inchFocal length:660mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:BeginnerToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at BHPhotoReasons to buy+Can be used for terrestrial and astrological observation+Large objective lens and generous focal length+Tripod, software and manual all includedReasons to avoid-Weighs a hefty 6.4kg
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ

1. Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ

Best beginners' telescope overall

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsDesign:RefractorAperture:4-inchFocal length:660mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:Beginner

Design:RefractorAperture:4-inchFocal length:660mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:Beginner

Design:Refractor

Aperture:4-inch

Focal length:660mm

Mount:Altazimuth

Level:Beginner

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at BHPhoto

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at BHPhoto

View at Amazon

View at BHPhoto

Reasons to buy+Can be used for terrestrial and astrological observation+Large objective lens and generous focal length+Tripod, software and manual all included

+Can be used for terrestrial and astrological observation+Large objective lens and generous focal length+Tripod, software and manual all included

Can be used for terrestrial and astrological observation

Large objective lens and generous focal length

Tripod, software and manual all included

Reasons to avoid-Weighs a hefty 6.4kg

-Weighs a hefty 6.4kg

Weighs a hefty 6.4kg

Which little kid hasn’t dreamed of growing up to become an ‘AstroMaster’? With this affordable refractor scope aimed at budding astrologers – that can also be used for terrestrial viewing – now we all can live that dream. Key features include a whopping 102mm objective lens and generous 660mm maximum focal length; the kind of reach that will enable us to seek out Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons.

Beginner friendly features include the fact that it can be set up from scratch without the need for tools of any kind, and, like most in its price bracket, usefully includes a steel tripod, accessory tray and manual. Allowing for impromptu observations from the back garden as well as the back window, it’s deemed portable enough to be picked up and transported in a jiffy.

That said, at 6.4kg in weight the AstroMaster not the most lightweight option out there. Nevertheless its altazimuth mount and pan handle set up allows objects in the night sky to be quickly located and tracked. Also included are 10mm and 20mm eyepieces, a red dot finder scope and Starry Night astronomy software, making for a sound starter package.

Read our fullCelestron AstroMaster 102AZ review.

Best premium

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Unistellar Odyssey review

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Unistellar OdysseyBest premium telescope for beginnersOur expert review:SpecificationsOptical design:RefractorAperture:4-inch/100 mmFocal length:26-inch/660 mmFocal ratio:f/6.5Eyepiece focal length:0.8-inch/20 mm (33x) and 0.4-inch/10 mm (66x)Total kit weight:20 lbs./9.07 kgMount type:Alt-azimuthToday’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at Best Buy(Black)View at Unistellar USReasons to buy+Quick and easy to set up and align+High-quality mages of deep sky objects+Superb photos of the moon and sunReasons to avoid-Only lasts for four hours on one charge-No eyepiece so entirely app-dependant-Can’t image planets
Unistellar Odyssey

2. Unistellar Odyssey

Best premium telescope for beginners

Our expert review:

SpecificationsOptical design:RefractorAperture:4-inch/100 mmFocal length:26-inch/660 mmFocal ratio:f/6.5Eyepiece focal length:0.8-inch/20 mm (33x) and 0.4-inch/10 mm (66x)Total kit weight:20 lbs./9.07 kgMount type:Alt-azimuth

Optical design:RefractorAperture:4-inch/100 mmFocal length:26-inch/660 mmFocal ratio:f/6.5Eyepiece focal length:0.8-inch/20 mm (33x) and 0.4-inch/10 mm (66x)Total kit weight:20 lbs./9.07 kgMount type:Alt-azimuth

Optical design:Refractor

Aperture:4-inch/100 mm

Focal length:26-inch/660 mm

Focal ratio:f/6.5

Eyepiece focal length:0.8-inch/20 mm (33x) and 0.4-inch/10 mm (66x)

Total kit weight:20 lbs./9.07 kg

Mount type:Alt-azimuth

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at Best Buy(Black)View at Unistellar US

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon(Black)View at Best Buy(Black)View at Unistellar US

View at Amazon(Black)

View at Amazon

(Black)

View at Best Buy(Black)

View at Best Buy

(Black)

View at Unistellar US

Reasons to buy+Quick and easy to set up and align+High-quality mages of deep sky objects+Superb photos of the moon and sun

+Quick and easy to set up and align+High-quality mages of deep sky objects+Superb photos of the moon and sun

Quick and easy to set up and align

High-quality mages of deep sky objects

Superb photos of the moon and sun

Reasons to avoid-Only lasts for four hours on one charge-No eyepiece so entirely app-dependant-Can’t image planets

-Only lasts for four hours on one charge-No eyepiece so entirely app-dependant-Can’t image planets

Only lasts for four hours on one charge

No eyepiece so entirely app-dependant

Can’t image planets

The Unistellar Odyssey is a highly advanced smart telescope that offers a balance between affordability and cutting-edge features, making it an excellent choice for amateur astronomers.

Positioned as a mid-range option, it excels in urban environments where light pollution is an issue, thanks to its powerful 85mm aperture and sophisticated imaging technology.

The telescope’s design eliminates the need for manual adjustments, automating the process of capturing and enhancing images of deep-sky objects, making astrophotography accessible even to beginners.

However, while the Odyssey shines in most areas, it has some drawbacks. Its performance in planetary imaging is underwhelming, with some images lacking detail. The five-hour battery life is also relatively short, and the proprietary tripod and charging cable add unnecessary costs.

Despite these minor issues, the Odyssey’s ease of use, robust build quality, and ability to produce stunning images of celestial objects make it a standout in the smart telescope market, particularly for those who don’t want to invest in more expensive, high-end models.

Read our fullUnistellar Odyssey review.

Best budget

(Image credit: National Geographic)

National Geographic telescope for beginners

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(Image credit: National Geographic)

National Geographic Refractor Telescope 60/700 AZBest budget telescope for beginnersSpecificationsDesign:RefractorAperture:Not givenFocal length:700mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:BeginnerToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Beginner friendly+Can be set up for observation in just a few minutes+Software, tripod and plentiful accessories includedReasons to avoid-Even cheaper alternatives are available-There are sturdier scopes for more money
National Geographic Refractor Telescope 60/700 AZ

3. National Geographic Refractor Telescope 60/700 AZ

Best budget telescope for beginners

SpecificationsDesign:RefractorAperture:Not givenFocal length:700mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:Beginner

Design:RefractorAperture:Not givenFocal length:700mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:Beginner

Design:Refractor

Aperture:Not given

Focal length:700mm

Mount:Altazimuth

Level:Beginner

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Beginner friendly+Can be set up for observation in just a few minutes+Software, tripod and plentiful accessories included

+Beginner friendly+Can be set up for observation in just a few minutes+Software, tripod and plentiful accessories included

Beginner friendly

Can be set up for observation in just a few minutes

Software, tripod and plentiful accessories included

Reasons to avoid-Even cheaper alternatives are available-There are sturdier scopes for more money

-Even cheaper alternatives are available-There are sturdier scopes for more money

Even cheaper alternatives are available

There are sturdier scopes for more money

Featuring a 60mm objective lens to let in a decent amount of light and boost the clarity of its images, the scope is bundled with all the accessories an amateur would arguably need – including a selection of 4mm, 12.5mm and 20mm eyepieces, plus three Barlow lenses to vary the magnification on offer.

The altazimuth mount provided here allows for easy tracking of objects in the night sky, with the entire system capable of being assembled quickly and without requiring tools. Colour accuracy comes via an achromatic lens, which refracts light without dispersing it into its constituent colours, therefore providing images with greater accuracy.

While build quality might not be up there with the very best, for the price, this offers plenty of opportunity to shoot for the Moon – and beyond – with a five-year warranty providing enough peace of mind for a trip to Mars and back.

See how this compares to another good beginners' scope in ourCelestron 21039 PowerSeeker 50AZ vs National Geographic Refractor 60/700 AZface-off.

Best manual

(Image credit: Jamie Carter / T3)

Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescope in a garden

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(Image credit: Jamie Carter / T3)

Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescopeBest manual telescope for beginnersOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsDesign:Dobsonian Newtonian reflectorAperture:8"/203mmFocal length:47.24"/1200mmMount:Manual alt-azimuth DobsonianToday’s Best DealsView at BHPhotoView at AmazonReasons to buy+Easy to align+Super sharp views+Great valueReasons to avoid-Big and heavy
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescope

4. Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescope

Best manual telescope for beginners

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsDesign:Dobsonian Newtonian reflectorAperture:8"/203mmFocal length:47.24"/1200mmMount:Manual alt-azimuth Dobsonian

Design:Dobsonian Newtonian reflectorAperture:8"/203mmFocal length:47.24"/1200mmMount:Manual alt-azimuth Dobsonian

Design:Dobsonian Newtonian reflector

Aperture:8"/203mm

Focal length:47.24"/1200mm

Mount:Manual alt-azimuth Dobsonian

Today’s Best DealsView at BHPhotoView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at BHPhotoView at Amazon

View at BHPhoto

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Easy to align+Super sharp views+Great value

+Easy to align+Super sharp views+Great value

Easy to align

Super sharp views

Great value

Reasons to avoid-Big and heavy

-Big and heavy

Big and heavy

There’s a lot to Celestron’s StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian that should rightly scare off inexperienced stargazers, particularly its 8-inch/203 mm aperture, which ought to require an intimate familiarity with the night sky, and the fact that it has to be manually operated. And then there’s its price point, which is well above what most beginners might want to pay.

However, if you don’t mind spending more than you anticipated, you’ll find that this is a brilliant telescope for beginners and more experienced astronomers alike, and it all comes down to Celestron’s StarSense app.

With this installed on your phone and your phone fitted into the Explorer’s smartphone mount, finding celestial bodied becomes an absolute breeze. The app studies a reflection of what the telescope can see through a small mirror, then cross-references with its database, and from there, it can guide you towards whatever you want to look at.

And what you’ll see through its 48x eyepiece is amazing; this telescope’s a total light bucket, and it’ll show you details of the night sky you wouldn’t believe.

Read our fullCelestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescope review.

Best mid-range

(Image credit: Orion)

Orion SpaceProbe II telescope for beginners

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(Image credit: Orion)

Orion SpaceProbe IIBest mid-range telescope for beginnersOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsDesign:ReflectorAperture:3-inchFocal length:700mmMount:EquatorialLevel:BeginnerToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+Beginner friendly+Affordable+Generous 700mm focal lengthReasons to avoid-More eyepieces would open up more options-Red dot sight for aiming the telescope requires batteries
Orion SpaceProbe II

5. Orion SpaceProbe II

Best mid-range telescope for beginners

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsDesign:ReflectorAperture:3-inchFocal length:700mmMount:EquatorialLevel:Beginner

Design:ReflectorAperture:3-inchFocal length:700mmMount:EquatorialLevel:Beginner

Design:Reflector

Aperture:3-inch

Focal length:700mm

Mount:Equatorial

Level:Beginner

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Beginner friendly+Affordable+Generous 700mm focal length

+Beginner friendly+Affordable+Generous 700mm focal length

Beginner friendly

Affordable

Generous 700mm focal length

Reasons to avoid-More eyepieces would open up more options-Red dot sight for aiming the telescope requires batteries

-More eyepieces would open up more options-Red dot sight for aiming the telescope requires batteries

More eyepieces would open up more options

Red dot sight for aiming the telescope requires batteries

Aiming to deliver detail in the dark via a 76mm objective lens, the beginner-friendly Orion SpaceProbe II telescope comes with the addition of a 2x Barlow lens, doubling the magnification of both included eyepieces. This provides a generous 56x magnification on the standard 25mm eyepiece rather than 28x and a whopping 140x on the 10x eyepiece rather than 70x.

While most starter scopes are suitable for observing the Moon and not a lot else in the sky, when the eyepieces are combined with its core 700mm focal length, this one can drag bright nebulae and star clusters into its orbit and comes with a Star Target ‘planisphere’, Moon Map and beginners' guide book to direct our attention accurately. A mini flashlight is also included in the kit to save fumbling around in the dark for attachments, while the included tripod allows for steady-as-she-goes tracking of objects of interest.

In short, there’s enough here to quickly get amateur stargazers conducting their own deep space ‘probes’. Be sure to look out for the version that provides an upgraded Equatorial or ‘EQ’ mount rather than the Altazimuth mount of earlier versions.

Best for sharp images

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

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(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZBest beginners' telescope for sharp imagesOur expert review:SpecificationsDesign:Newtonian ReflectorAperture:130mmFocal length:650mmMount:Manual alt-azLevel:BeginnerToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at BHPhotoView at Best BuyReasons to buy+Straightforward setup+Easy to align+Sharp imagesReasons to avoid-Manual slewing-No astrophotography-Limited eyepieces
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

6. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

Best beginners' telescope for sharp images

Our expert review:

SpecificationsDesign:Newtonian ReflectorAperture:130mmFocal length:650mmMount:Manual alt-azLevel:Beginner

Design:Newtonian ReflectorAperture:130mmFocal length:650mmMount:Manual alt-azLevel:Beginner

Design:Newtonian Reflector

Aperture:130mm

Focal length:650mm

Mount:Manual alt-az

Level:Beginner

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at BHPhotoView at Best Buy

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at BHPhotoView at Best Buy

View at Amazon

View at BHPhoto

View at Best Buy

Reasons to buy+Straightforward setup+Easy to align+Sharp images

+Straightforward setup+Easy to align+Sharp images

Straightforward setup

Easy to align

Sharp images

Reasons to avoid-Manual slewing-No astrophotography-Limited eyepieces

-Manual slewing-No astrophotography-Limited eyepieces

Manual slewing

No astrophotography

Limited eyepieces

If you want a beginner’s telescope that’ll set you up for moving on to more advanced options at a later date, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is one that’s easy to use but will teach you useful skills and get you used to navigating the sky yourself rather than have everything done for you.

Unlike many beginner options, this is a completely manual scope that you’ll have to aim yourself and keep adjusting as objects move in the night sky, but it comes with a smartphone mount and a companion app that makes it relatively simple to find whatever you want to look at.

We found that setting it up from scratch takes about 15 minutes, and while the app takes a little time to get used to, it does a great job of guiding you without holding your hand too much.

Read our fullCelestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ review.

Best for solar system observations

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope

(Image credit: Jamie Carter)

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZBest beginners' telescope for solar system observationsOur expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsOptical design :RefractorAperture :70mmFocal length :900mmFocal ratio :f/13Eyepiece focal length :20mm (45x) and 10mm (90x)Total kit weight:3.44kgMount type :manual alt-azimuthToday’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Blue)View at AmazonView at BHPhotoReasons to buy+Low price+Good solar system views+Realistic coloursReasons to avoid-Difficult to find targets-Poor quality mount-Lacks versatility
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ

7. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ

Best beginners' telescope for solar system observations

Our expert review:Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsOptical design :RefractorAperture :70mmFocal length :900mmFocal ratio :f/13Eyepiece focal length :20mm (45x) and 10mm (90x)Total kit weight:3.44kgMount type :manual alt-azimuth

Optical design :RefractorAperture :70mmFocal length :900mmFocal ratio :f/13Eyepiece focal length :20mm (45x) and 10mm (90x)Total kit weight:3.44kgMount type :manual alt-azimuth

Optical design :Refractor

Aperture :70mm

Focal length :900mm

Focal ratio :f/13

Eyepiece focal length :20mm (45x) and 10mm (90x)

Total kit weight:3.44kg

Mount type :manual alt-azimuth

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Blue)View at AmazonView at BHPhoto

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon(Blue)View at AmazonView at BHPhoto

View at Amazon(Blue)

View at Amazon

(Blue)

View at Amazon

View at BHPhoto

Reasons to buy+Low price+Good solar system views+Realistic colours

+Low price+Good solar system views+Realistic colours

Low price

Good solar system views

Realistic colours

Reasons to avoid-Difficult to find targets-Poor quality mount-Lacks versatility

-Difficult to find targets-Poor quality mount-Lacks versatility

Difficult to find targets

Poor quality mount

Lacks versatility

While most telescopes of this type and size are fairly small, the AstroMaster 70AZ’s tube is a whopping 35 inches/900 mm long. That gives it a focal ratio of f/13, which means it purposely lets in a lot less lighting than some of its rivals and thus avoids letting in false colour, but it does limit the telescope’s useful range to our own solar system.

The kit tripod can be set up at two different heights, and the AstroMaster 70AZ comes with two Kellner eyepieces (20mm for wide-angle views and 10mm for close-ups) as well as a StarPointer red-dot finderscope for getting targets roughly into the telescope’s field of view. Also included is an image diagonal, which enables you to look through the telescope while standing over the eyepiece.

It’s an incredibly easy telescope to set up, but unfortunately, the AstroMaster 70AZ lacks accuracy. There’s nothing wrong with its tripod, but even with a bright moon in its crosshairs, the AstroMaster 70AZ seems incapable of staying still.

Although it does come fitted with one small hand control for fine-tuning, the way the telescope is fixed into position isn’t intuitive enough, nor is it solid enough. As a result, the AstroMaster 70AZ tends to recoil when at rest, making any attempt to get a target still in the eyepiece a tricky task that needs repeating way too much.

Read our fullCelestron AstroMaster 70AZ review.

Best portable

(Image credit: Celestron)

Celestron 70mm travel scope for beginners

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(Image credit: Celestron)

Celestron 70mm Travel ScopeBest portable telescope for beginnersAverage Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsDesign:RefractorAperture:2.76-inchFocal length:400mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:BeginnerToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at BHPhotoView at BHPhotoReasons to buy+Fully coated glass optics+Lightweight frame and provide backpack increases portability+Full height tripod included+Good value for moneyReasons to avoid-Bulky-Plastic-y looks
Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

8. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

Best portable telescope for beginners

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

SpecificationsDesign:RefractorAperture:2.76-inchFocal length:400mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:Beginner

Design:RefractorAperture:2.76-inchFocal length:400mmMount:AltazimuthLevel:Beginner

Design:Refractor

Aperture:2.76-inch

Focal length:400mm

Mount:Altazimuth

Level:Beginner

Today’s Best DealsView at AmazonView at BHPhotoView at BHPhoto

Today’s Best Deals

View at AmazonView at BHPhotoView at BHPhoto

View at Amazon

View at BHPhoto

Reasons to buy+Fully coated glass optics+Lightweight frame and provide backpack increases portability+Full height tripod included+Good value for money

+Fully coated glass optics+Lightweight frame and provide backpack increases portability+Full height tripod included+Good value for money

Fully coated glass optics

Lightweight frame and provide backpack increases portability

Full height tripod included

Good value for money

Reasons to avoid-Bulky-Plastic-y looks

-Bulky-Plastic-y looks

Bulky

Plastic-y looks

Two 10mm and 20mm eyepieces are supplied, offering either 20x or 40x magnification and providing crisp and clear low or high-powered views of celestial objects at night or, alternately, terrestrial ones during the day. The Celestron Travel Scope comes with free software and a two-year warranty for additional peace of mind, while assembly once again doesn’t require any tools.

How to choose the best beginner telescope for you

When it comes to choosing the best telescopes for beginners, first decide on what you want them for. For example, are you happy to merely observe the Moon, or do you actually want to delve into deep space? Next, set a budget, therefore enabling you to narrow choices and focus on the best option available at that price.

Figuring outhow far a telescope can seecan get confusing, but generally, you’d expect most beginner scopes to provide decent views of our moon, allowing you to pick out the grey ‘seas’ on its surface as well as, more clearly, the Tycho crater near its base, along with the geographical streaks and surface scars leading up to it. But many of the cheapest telescopes will struggle to get results far beyond that. Bear in mind, too, that the construction of beginner telescopes may well be more plastic-y in trying to hit a certain price point than more professional models.

Apart from budget and operability, two terms that crop up often when researching the best telescopes for beginners are ‘reflectors’ and ‘refractors’. Ourtypes of telescopeexplainer goes into more detail, but in broad terms, refractor telescopes are best suited for observing planets and the Moon, while reflectors are generally believed to be more adept at seeking out deep sky objects. Something else to bear in mind when deciding whether a scope is truly the best for beginners.

Finally, if you’re flushed with cash and happy to pay a lot more for a telescope that basically does all the hard work for you, you could go for a so-called ‘smart’ telescope. This is a device that automatically aligns with the stars, tracks and stacks images and sends them to your smartphone while you take it easy on the sofa. There are a few picks in our best beginner telescope ranking that fall into this category.

Head to our article onhow to choose your first telescopefor more in-depth advice. Once you’ve made your decision, our guides onhow to set up a telescopefor observing the night sky andwhat to aim your telescope atshould help you with the next step.

FAQ

What is the best magnification for a beginner telescope?

The best magnification for a beginner telescope typically ranges from 30x to 40x per inch of aperture. This range strikes a balance between providing enough magnification to see celestial objects clearly while also maintaining a wide enough field of view to locate and track objects easily in the night sky.

Round up of today’s best deals

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Telescope$349.95$279.69ViewSee all pricesUnistellar Odyssey$2,299ViewSee all pricesCelestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch$799ViewSee all pricesOrion SpaceProbe II Telescope$84.99ViewSee all pricesCelestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ$365.49ViewSee all pricesCelestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope$159.95$139.99ViewSee all pricesCelestron Travel Scope 70$79.89ViewSee all prices

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Telescope$349.95$279.69ViewSee all prices

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Unistellar Odyssey$2,299ViewSee all prices

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Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ$365.49ViewSee all prices

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Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope$159.95$139.99ViewSee all prices

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$139.99

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Celestron Travel Scope 70$79.89ViewSee all prices

Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope…

Celestron Travel Scope 70

Amazon

$79.89View

$79.89

See all prices

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Best telescopes for beginners to buy right now#

Best overall#

1. Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ#

Best premium#

2. Unistellar Odyssey#

Best budget#

3. National Geographic Refractor Telescope 60/700 AZ#

Best manual#

4. Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescope#

Best mid-range#

5. Orion SpaceProbe II#

Best for sharp images#

6. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ#

Best for solar system observations#

7. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ#

Best portable#

8. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope#

How to choose the best beginner telescope for you#

FAQ#

What is the best magnification for a beginner telescope?#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

Best telescopes for beginners to buy right now

Best overall

1. Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ

Best premium

2. Unistellar Odyssey

Best budget

3. National Geographic Refractor Telescope 60/700 AZ

Best manual

4. Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian telescope

Best mid-range

5. Orion SpaceProbe II

Best for sharp images

6. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

Best for solar system observations

7. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ

Best portable

8. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

How to choose the best beginner telescope for you

FAQ

What is the best magnification for a beginner telescope?

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox