Looking for the best best beginner telescope can be an overwhelming task, especially with the vast array of options available on platforms like Amazon. Whether you wish to gaze at the stars, observe distant planets, or explore the Moon’s craters, having the right telescope can enhance your astronomical experience. This article will explore the top ten beginner telescopes available on Amazon for 2024, along with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make your choice.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners... | $99.69 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
|
Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers - 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High... | $129.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
|
Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners,... | $109.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
|
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
|
Telescope for Adults Beginners, 70300 Aperture Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners,... | $58.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
|
Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope DX - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal... | $84.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
|
Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy,... | $109.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
|
Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Refractor Telescopes (15X-150X) for Astronomy Beginners,... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
|
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
|
Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal... | $75.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
- Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Telescope
- Top 10 Best Beginner Telescopes on Amazon
- 1. Celestron Astromaster 70AZ Telescope
- 2. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope
- 3. Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm Telescope
- 4. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture
- 5. National Geographic 70mm Telescope
- 6. Celestron AstroMasters 90AZ Telescope
- 7. Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Flextube
- 8. Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
- 9. Vixen Optics A63M Refractor Telescope
- 10. Tasco 400450 400x90mm Telescope
- Final Thoughts
Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Telescope
Before diving into the specific products, let’s take a moment to discuss what features to look for when shopping for a beginner telescope:
1. Type of Telescope
There are mainly three types of telescopes: Refractor, Reflector, and Compound. Refractors use lenses, while Reflectors use mirrors, and Compound telescopes combine both technologies. For beginners, a **Refractor** is often recommended for its simplicity and ease of use.
2. Aperture Size
The aperture size is crucial as it determines how much light the telescope can collect, affecting the visibility of celestial bodies. As a rule of thumb, an aperture of at least 70mm is recommended for a beginner telescope for better viewing quality.
3. Mounting
There are two main types of mounts: Alt-azimuth and Equatorial. Beginners may find Alt-azimuth mounts easier to use, while Equatorial mounts are better for tracking celestial objects over time.
4. Portability
If you plan on taking your telescope to different locations, consider its weight and ease of assembly. Compact and lightweight models are easier to transport.
5. Accessories
Look for telescopes that include essential accessories like eyepieces, a finderscope, and a sturdy tripod. These can greatly enhance your stargazing experience right out of the box.
6. User Reviews
Reading about other users’ experiences can provide insights into how beginner-friendly a telescope is. Pay attention to the reviews and ratings on Amazon.
Now that you have a clearer idea of what to look for let’s delve into the top ten best beginner telescopes available on Amazon for 2024.
Top 10 Best Beginner Telescopes on Amazon
1. Celestron Astromaster 70AZ Telescope
The Celestron Astromaster 70AZ is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky without breaking the bank. This refractor telescope features a 70mm aperture, which provides bright, clear images of celestial objects.
Its straightforward Alt-azimuth mount makes it easy to use, and the included star diagonal allows for comfortable viewing angles. Users praise its light weight, making it portable and easy to set up.
Additionally, the package comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) for different levels of magnification, and a finderscope for easy object locating. Overall, it’s a fantastic entry-level telescope.
- 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.
2. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope is a versatile reflector telescope that is both user-friendly and compact. With a 4.5-inch aperture, it gathers ample light for bright images of planets and deep-sky objects.
This telescope features a stable base and an intuitive design that allows for easy tracking of celestial objects. It comes with two quality eyepieces, enabling users to switch between wide and narrow views of the sky.
Moreover, its compact nature makes it portable, ideal for backyard stargazing or trips to darker locations. The StarBlast is often recommended for families and serious beginners alike.
- POWERFUL TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMY BEGINNERS: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian reflector is ideal the telescope for beginners. It features fully-coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 130mm aperture, the AstroMaster 130EQ can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Galilean moons, the Moon's craters, and more.
- EASY TO SET UP AND USE: This is a great telescope for kids and adults to use together. It features a manual German Equatorial 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 full-height tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading optics brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty & US-based expert tech support.
3. Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm Telescope offers an accessible introduction to astronomy with its affordable price point and user-friendly design. The telescope has a 70mm aperture that delivers clear images of lunar craters and planetary bands.
It includes a variety of eyepieces and a red dot finder, enhancing the ease of locating objects in the sky. The Alt-azimuth mount is simple to operate, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.
This model is lightweight and can be easily carried, making it a great choice for beginners who want to explore different locations for stargazing.
- 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.
4. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture
The Gskyer Telescope is a highly rated model for beginners, featuring a 70mm aperture and an easy-to-use design. The telescope comes with a high-quality optical glass lens that produces sharp and bright images.
This telescope’s adjustable aluminum tripod and easy setup help new astronomers get started promptly. With three different eyepieces and a Barlow lens, the Gskyer telescope offers multiple viewing possibilities.
Additionally, it is equipped with a smartphone adapter, allowing users to capture and share their celestial observations with ease. Its portability makes it a convenient option for stargazing on the go.
- Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect full positive telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- Wireless Remote: Free includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
- Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
- Satisfaction: TWO-YEAR warranty. And technical support from our team of experts in 24 hours.
5. National Geographic 70mm Telescope
The National Geographic 70mm Telescope is perfect for novice astronomers keen to start their celestial adventures. This refractor telescope has a 70mm aperture that delivers images with excellent clarity.
Its Alt-azimuth mount enables smooth movement, making it easy to track moving celestial objects. The telescope is also lightweight, offering great portability for traveling stargazers.
It comes with several essential accessories, including three eyepieces and an instructional guide for beginners to get started with basic astronomical concepts.
- 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.
6. Celestron AstroMasters 90AZ Telescope
The Celestron AstroMasters 90AZ Telescope features a larger 90mm aperture, offering a more detailed view of the night sky compared to smaller telescopes. Users appreciate its sturdy construction and sleek design, allowing for comfortable handling and operation.
The telescope includes a full-height adjustable tripod for a stable viewing experience and comes with two eyepieces, facilitating various magnification levels for different objects.
This model is ideal for those who wish to delve deeper into astronomy, and it also comes with a software package containing astronomy guides for further learning.
- POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ Refractor telescope is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod.
- HIGH-QUALITY 90MM OPTICS: The heart of the system is a fully-coated 90mm primary mirror. 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 two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
7. Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Flextube
The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Flextube is a compact, portable reflector telescope with a 130mm aperture, providing excellent light-gathering capabilities. Its innovative collapsible design makes it easy to transport and set up, making it a perfect choice for beginners on the go.
This telescope features a stable base and user-friendly controls, allowing newcomers to easily locate and track objects in the sky. The included 25mm eyepiece offers a good balance between wide views and detail.
Users often highlight its ability to view planets and star clusters clearly, presenting enthusiasts with a solid starting point for their astronomical journey.
- LARGE APERTURE: The Heritage 130mm provides users with over 5 inches of aperture, delivering breathtaking views at a fraction of cost of other telescopes.
- ALL-IN-ONE COMPACT DESIGN: By combining the base and optical tube into a single tabletop package, this telescope is easy to transport and ready to use at any given moment.
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Fully assembled right out of the box, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130 combines full-sized optics with ease of operation, perfect for budding astronomers.
- FULLY LOADED WITH ACCESSORIES: Box includes two 1.25-inch eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a starpointer finderscope!
- TWO-YEAR WARRANTY: Sky-Watcher warrants your telescope to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a full two years.
8. Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
The Zhumell Z100 Telescope is a portable option with 100mm aperture capacity, offering bright, clear images of celestial objects. The telescope’s full rotation and stable mount make tracking celestial phenomena simple.
One notable feature is its ease of transport, which is excellent for newcomers who wish to stargaze in various locations. The Zoomell Z100 includes quality eyepieces and a finderscope for added convenience.
This model has gained popularity among beginners who want to expand their knowledge of astronomy without investing in an overly complicated setup.
No products found.
9. Vixen Optics A63M Refractor Telescope
The Vixen Optics A63M is a premium choice among entry-level telescopes with its 63mm diameter aperture. This refractor telescope is known for its exceptional optical quality, making it a favorite among serious beginners.
Featuring smooth controls and a lightweight design, it is easy to maneuver and provides an excellent user experience. Its durability is also commendable, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.
The Vixen A63M includes essential accessories like a finderscope, eyepiece, and a sturdy aluminum tripod, enhancing the overall value of the purchase.
- THE PERFECT ALL-IN-ONE TELESCOPE KIT: Travel Scope DX features fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, a smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote to capture images PLUS bonus accessories—all in a custom backpack.
- POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
- LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
- CAPTURE IMAGES AND VIDEO THROUGH THE EYEPIECE: Attach your smartphone to the telescope and use the Bluetooth shutter release to capture & share your own images of the Moon and planets at night or wildlife during the day.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Full-height tripod, Moon filter, 2x Barlow lens, Bluetooth shutter release and smartphone adapter, plus a custom backpack to carry it all. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
10. Tasco 400450 400x90mm Telescope
The Tasco 400450 is an affordable yet effective beginner telescope that is often praised for its ease of use. With a 70mm aperture, it can capture a variety of celestial bodies without breaking the bank.
This model is designed for quick setup and includes a sturdy tripod, two eyepieces, and a finderscope for efficient location tracking. Its lightweight construction makes it very portable for family trips and outdoor use.
Although some users point out minor durability concerns, many believe that its overall performance, especially for the price, makes it an attractive option for astronomy enthusiasts starting their journey.
- Powerful Optical Performance: This telescope features a 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length refracting design, providing exceptional optical performance that allows you to easily observe deep space objects in the universe.
- Sturdy and Durable Mount: The sub-black Vertisteel Altazimuth Mount provides stable support, allowing the lens to move smoothly with high precision and maintain accurate positioning.
- Phone Adapter & Wireless Remote: This telescope not only includes an Digital eyepiece, but also a phone adapter and wireless remote. You can easily capture and share images and videos of your observations on your phone without physically touching the telescope. This allows for a steady and stable observation experience, while also making it convenient to share your discoveries with others.
- Suitable for Beginners and Professionals: This telescope is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Its user-friendly design and excellent optical performance make it an ideal choice for learning and researching astronomy.
- Lightweight and Portable: With a compact design, this telescope is easy to carry and set up, allowing you to observe deep space objects at multiple different locations. This makes it an ideal choice for travel and outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best best beginner telescope can be a highly rewarding experience that opens up a whole new world of exploring the cosmos. Each of the telescopes listed above offers unique features and advantages suited for different types of beginners. While some prioritize a lightweight design for portability, others may focus on larger apertures for better light-gathering capabilities.
When making your choice, consider your specific needs, interests, and budget. Spending time researching user reviews and feedback can also further aid your decision. With the right telescope in hand, you’ll be ready for many nights under the stars, viewing the wonders of the universe.
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.