10 Best Telescopes for Beginners in 2024: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Are you intrigued by the vastness of space and the celestial wonders it holds? If so, you’re in the right place! In 2024, one of the best investments you can make is in a telescope, allowing you to explore the cosmos right from your backyard. With countless options available, choosing the best telescopes for beginners can be overwhelming. This article aims to simplify your decision-making process by reviewing the top 10 telescopes available on Amazon, along with a helpful buying guide.

# Preview Product Rating Price
1 Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners... No ratings yet $99.69
2 ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners (15X-150X), 300mm Portable Telescope with an Phone Adapter & A Wireless Remote ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy... $69.99
3 Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers - 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control. Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers - 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High... No ratings yet $129.99
4 Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Travel Telescopio for Beginners with AZ Mount, Backpack, Phone Adapter, Moon Filter Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,... $109.99
5 Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners,... No ratings yet $109.99
6 Telescope for Adults Beginners, 70300 Aperture Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners, Portable Travel Telescope Astronomy Gifts Telescope for Adults Beginners, 70300 Aperture Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners,... No ratings yet $58.99
7 Telescope 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescopes for Adults, Professional Manual Equatorial Telescope for Kids & Beginners.Comes with 2X Barlow Lens Phone Adapter,Stainless Tripod and Moon Filter Telescope 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescopes for Adults, Professional Manual Equatorial... No ratings yet $349.99
8 Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope DX - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - Bonus Astronomy Software Package - Digiscoping Smartphone Adapter Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope DX - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal... No ratings yet $84.99
9 ABOTEC Telescope, 80mm Aperture Telescopes for Adults Astronomy & Kids & Beginners, Portable 500mm Refracting Telescope with an Adjustable Tripod, a Bag, a Phone Adapter & a Wireless Remote ABOTEC Telescope, 80mm Aperture Telescopes for Adults Astronomy & Kids & Beginners, Portable 500mm... $99.99
10 ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners, 300mm Professional Travel Telescope with A Phone Adapter& A Wireless Remote ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for... No ratings yet $69.99

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Telescopes for Beginners

When embarking on your astronomical journey, having the right telescope is essential. Below are key factors to consider when selecting the best telescopes for beginners:

1. Type of Telescope

There are three main types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors, and compound telescopes. Refractors use lenses and are typically great for observing planets and the moon. Reflector telescopes use mirrors, offering larger aperture sizes at a lower cost, which makes them excellent for deep-sky viewing. Compound telescopes combine both lenses and mirrors, providing versatility but can be pricier.

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2. Aperture Size

The aperture, or the diameter of the telescope’s primary lens or mirror, greatly affects the amount of light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows for clearer, more detailed images, making it essential for observing faint celestial bodies. For beginners, a telescope with at least a 4-inch aperture is recommended.

3. Mount Type

Telescopes come with different mount types: altazimuth (up and down, side to side) and equatorial (aligned with the Earth’s rotation). For beginners, altazimuth mounts are generally easier to use. However, if you’re interested in astrophotography, an equatorial mount may be necessary.

4. Portability

Consider the weight and size of the telescope. If you plan to travel or take it to different locations, look for a model that is lightweight and easy to set up.

5. Price

Beginner telescopes can range from budget-friendly options to more expensive investments. Decide on a budget and look for the best telescopes for beginners within that range that meet your needs.

Top 10 Telescopes for Beginners on Amazon in 2024

1. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

The Orion SkyQuest XT6 is an excellent choice for beginners wanting to explore the night sky with ease. Its 6-inch aperture gathers plenty of light, revealing deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. The telescope boasts a user-friendly Dobsonian mount that allows for smooth movements, making it easy to track celestial objects. With its sturdy build and high-quality optics, it’s no wonder this model is a favorite among novice astronomers.

OFF -$100.00Bestseller No. 1
Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes for Adults, Professional Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Comes with 1.5X Barlow Lens Smartphone Adapter & 13% T Moon Filter
Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes for Adults, Professional Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, Comes with 1.5X Barlow Lens Smartphone Adapter & 13% T Moon Filter
  • 【130mm Large Aperture】Large aperture 130mm telescope, high resolution, good light collecting ability, imaging brighter, more suitable for the observation of deep space celestial objective.
  • 【High Quality Optics】The telescope adopts a sturdy and light fram structure, the carbon fiber was covering on the telescope surface, sophisticated technology. Objective lens features fully-coated glass optics, it can improve the optical system performance of astronomical telescopes, help you observe brighter, more detailed planets.
  • 【German Equatorial Mount】German Equatorial with dial and fine-turned control cables. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening knob. Precise positioning and fast tracking of celestial bodies make your observation more stable. You can enjoy the amazing process of manual tracking of the moon and planets.
  • 【Stable Tripod】The telescope comes with a high-quality large diameter adjustable aluminum alloy tripod. Extra a tray is attached for storing small temporary attachment. The tripod stable structure stable enable you to Locate celestial objects smoothly and accurately.
  • 【Multiple Accessories】Come with 2 High-quality Eyepieces, a 1.5X Erecting Barlow Lens, a 1.25" 13% Transmission Moon Filter, a Cellphone Adapter. The telescope contains all the accessories you need to observe. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you in 24 hours.

2. Celestron Astromaster 70AZ Telescope

The Celestron Astromaster 70AZ telescope is a portable and versatile option for those new to stargazing. With a 70mm aperture, this telescope provides crisp, clear images of the moon and planets. The altazimuth mount is simple to control, making it suitable for beginners. Additionally, it comes with a smartphone adapter, allowing you to explore astronomy apps to enhance your stargazing experience.

Bestseller No. 1
Celestron - AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope - Refractor Telescope - Fully Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable Height Tripod – Bonus Astronomy Software Package
Celestron - AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope - Refractor Telescope - Fully Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable Height Tripod – Bonus Astronomy Software Package
  • POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics, a sturdy yet lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a red dot finder scope, and an adjustable-height tripod.
  • HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: Our Celestron telescope features a powerful, fully coated 70mm glass optic objective lens. Erect image optics allow you to observe celestial objects at night and terrestrial targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day.
  • QUICK SETUP & LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: This telescope for adults features a lightweight frame and a panning handle with Alt-Az control for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
  • INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), an erect image star diagonal, a travel tripod, and a red dot finder scope. Download our BONUS Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software for interactive sky simulation.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

3. Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm Telescope

The Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm telescope combines a solid construction with versatile optics. With a 102mm aperture, it can deliver impressive views of distant celestial objects. The slow-motion altitude-azimuth mount enables precise adjustments for tracking objects in the sky. For those just starting out, this telescope also includes three eyepieces to explore various magnifications.

OFF -$20.95Bestseller No. 1
Celestron - AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope - Refractor Telescope for Beginners - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software Package
  • POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor telescope is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, 2 eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod
  • HIGH-QUALITY 102MM OPTICS: The heart of the system is a fully-coated 102mm primary mirrors. The AstroMaster mount features a panning handle that allows you to make precision adjustments to view celestial and terrestrial objects
  • QUICK SETUP & LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together features a lightweight frame and a manual Altazimuth mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required
  • INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a tripod, erect image star diagonal, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts

4. Gskyer Telescope 70mm Aperture Refracting Telescope

The Gskyer Telescope 70mm is lightweight and user-friendly, making it a fantastic option for beginners. Its 70mm aperture delivers clear images, while the adjustable aluminum tripod ensures stability during use. The telescope comes with a smartphone adapter, allowing users to capture stunning images of celestial bodies and share them with friends and family.

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5. Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope

If you’re looking for a computerized telescope, the Celestron NexStar 4SE is a great choice. Equipped with a 4-inch aperture and a highly portable design, this telescope makes stargazing a breeze. The computerized GoTo mount can locate over 40,000 celestial objects automatically! This feature is especially helpful for beginners unsure of where to point their telescopes.

Bestseller No. 1
Celestron - NexStar 4SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+ Celestial Objects - 4-Inch Primary Mirror
Celestron - NexStar 4SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+ Celestial Objects - 4-Inch Primary Mirror
  • NEXSTAR 4SE COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE: Celestron’s iconic orange tube telescope combines 4" Maksutov-Cassegrian optics with updated technology and the latest features for an amazing stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
  • 4-INCH APERTURE MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE: 4-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to deliver impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
  • FULLY-AUTOMATED GOTO MOUNT: With a database of 40,000+ celestial objects, NexStar SE's GoTo mount locates and tracks objects for you. It's the perfect telescope for astronomy beginners. NexStar SE is also compatible with StarSense and SkyPortal WiFi.
  • EASY TO SET UP & USE: Assembling the telescope takes just a few minutes.Once you're set up, built-in SkyAlign technology helps you align the telescope fast. When you're done observing, the telescope breaks down into small components for easy storage.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.

6. Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P Tabletop Reflector Telescope

The Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P is a compact and portable tabletop reflector telescope. This telescope boasts a 100mm aperture, which provides excellent light-gathering capabilities. Its unique design allows for easy setup and storage, making it ideal for home use or trips to darker skies. The excellent build quality paired with affordable pricing makes it a favorite among beginners.

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7. National Geographic 70mm Telescope

This telescope from National Geographic is user-friendly and provides an engaging experience for beginners. Its 70mm aperture allows for great views of celestial objects, and the included smartphone adapter extends the viewing experience to mobile platforms. The telescope also includes two interchangeable eyepieces and a sturdy mount, making it an excellent choice for young astronomers.

Bestseller No. 1
National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope - Adjustable Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software
National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope - Adjustable Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software
  • Powerful refractor telescope: Ample 70mm aperture will reveal lots of lunar details, planetary features like Jupiter’s cloud belts or Saturn’s rings and some of the brightest Messier objects.
  • Two interchangeable Plössl eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens provide magnifications ranging from 26.9x to 144x.
  • Panhandle control on alt-azimuth mount allows for smooth movements when navigating the night sky.
  • Full size tripod is fully adjustable and includes an accessory tray for holding extra eyepiece.
  • Included adapter helps observers use their smart device to capture and share images.

8. Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope

The Zhumell Z100 is an impressive entry-level telescope with a sleek design. The 100mm aperture enables considerable light-gathering capacity while remaining portable and easy to set up. Its user-friendly operations are perfect for beginners venturing into the world of amateur astronomy.

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9. Celestron StarSense Explorer 5″ Telescope

The Celestron StarSense Explorer is revolutionizing how novices interact with telescopes. It employs smartphone integration to guide users in locating celestial bodies. With its 5-inch aperture, this telescope is more than capable of providing excellent views of the moon, planets, and nebulae. Its straightforward assembly and intuitive app make it a remarkable tool for deep-space exploration.

Bestseller No. 1
Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 5” Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope – iPhone/Android Compatible
Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 5” Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope – iPhone/Android Compatible
  • UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Just follow the arrows to locate stars, planets & more!
  • PATENTED STARSENSE SKY RECOGINITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind scope uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time.
  • APP GENERATES A LIST OF TONIGHT’S BEST OBJECTS TO VIEW: The app tells you what’s in the sky based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, star clusters from the city PLUS fainter, deep sky objects from darker locations.
  • EASY TO SET UP AND USE: Manual altazimuth mount with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. When the bullseye turns green, it’s ready to view in the telescope’s eyepiece.
  • HIGH QUALITY 5” SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE: The best optics we’ve ever offered with StarSense Explorer technology! StarBright XLT optical coatings and 5” aperture deliver superb views of all the best celestial objects.

10. Astromania 80mm Telescope Refractor

The Astromania 80mm Telescope refractor is a compact option, making it a great choice for those with limited storage space. The telescope features an 80mm aperture, providing decent light collection for observing the moon and bright planets. Its straightforward setup and included accessories make it a straightforward option for budding astronomers.

Bestseller No. 1
Astromania Bahtinov Mask Focusing Mask for Telescopes - FM80mm for a Tube Outer Diameter (OD) from 85mm-120mm - can be Mounted with The Brass Screws Inside or Outside The drawtube
Astromania Bahtinov Mask Focusing Mask for Telescopes - FM80mm for a Tube Outer Diameter (OD) from 85mm-120mm - can be Mounted with The Brass Screws Inside or Outside The drawtube
  • Bahtinov masks take the guesswork out of focusing and even get over the seeing conditions as it is a mathematical type approach to the task; the best focus for your telescope quickly and easily
  • Suitable for use on all types of telescope; they are made from precision laser cut enforced plexiglass that is stiff and long lasting; they will never be brittle in the cold; unlike some other masks which are made from normal plastics
  • The masks grip the telescope tube gently but firmly with three metal posts which have non-scratching silicon sleeves to protect valued telescope surface; mask remains centered since 3-post mounting; while fitting a wider range of telescopes
  • Made from 2mm thick laser cut plexiglass and securing screws are capped with soft plastic so that do not damage telescope; They have adjustment latitude of about 85-120mm that adjustable to fit optical tubes unlike masks which only fit one telescope
  • Please be assured these focusing masks will work excellently for both reflectors and refractors with whatever focal length; all you need to do is to measure telescope tube size and choose right size of mask contact us if not sure where to measure

Conclusion

Discovering the wonders of the universe can be one of the most rewarding experiences. The best telescopes for beginners, such as those listed above, provide fantastic opportunities to delve into astronomy without requiring expert knowledge or significant financial investment. Consider your interests and needs, and consult the buying guide to choose the telescope that suits you best. With your new telescope in hand, you are ready to unlock the mysteries of the universe and embark on an astronomical journey that you will cherish for years to come!

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.

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