If you’re on the hunt for the best small telescope, you’ve come to the right place. Small telescopes offer convenience, portability, and the ability to explore the night sky without the complexity of larger systems. In 2024, there is an impressive range of options available on Amazon, perfect for both beginners and experienced stargazers. In this article, we will review the top 10 small telescopes available and provide a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Olimt 8x25 Monocular Telescope Mini Pocket Monocular Compact Monoculars for Adults | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners... | $99.69 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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The Dobsonian Telescope: A Practical Manual for Building Large Aperture Telescopes | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture (15X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescopes for... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners,... | $109.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm - for Kids & Adults Astronomical Refracting Telescopes AZ Mount Fully... | $84.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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Olimt 8x32 Monocular Telescope Mini Pocket Monocular Compact Monoculars for Adults | $88.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 8 |
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Monocular-Telescope 80x100 High Powered Monocular with Tripod and Smartphone Adapter High Definition... | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope - and How to Find Them | $34.47 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy... | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
- Why Choose a Small Telescope?
- 1. Celestron Astromaster 70AZ Telescope
- 2. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astronomical Reflector Telescope
- 3. Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm Refractor Telescope
- 4. Sky Watcher Heritage 130mm Flextube Dobsonian Telescope
- 5. NexStar 5SE Telescope
- 6. Gskyer Telescope, 80mm Aperture Telescope
- 7. Vixen Optics Space Eye 60 Telescope
- 8. Celestron 21061 Astromaster 70 AZ Telescope
- 9. Zhumell Z130 Portable Telescope
- 10. Celestron Travel Scope 70 Telescope
- Conclusion
Why Choose a Small Telescope?
Small telescopes are popular for several reasons. They are easier to carry and set up than their larger counterparts, making them ideal for casual observing or traveling. Moreover, a small telescope can still provide stunning views of the moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects, satisfying the curiosity of budding astronomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Buying Guide for Best Small Telescope
When shopping for the best small telescope, consider the following factors:
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Type of Telescope: There are three main types: refractors, reflectors, and compound telescopes. Refractors are better for planetary observation, reflectors are often more powerful for deep-sky viewing, and compound telescopes offer versatility.
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Aperture Size: The size of the primary lens or mirror (aperture) determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows for better visibility of faint objects.
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Portability: If you plan on traveling or moving your telescope frequently, look for lightweight designs that are easy to set up and pack away.
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Mount Type: The type of mount (alt-azimuth, equatorial) can influence how easy it is to track celestial objects. Beginners might prefer a simple alt-azimuth mount.
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Accessories: Check if the telescope comes with essential accessories like eyepieces, finder scopes, and maybe even a smartphone adapter for astrophotography.
- User Reviews: Look at customer reviews to ensure that other users have had positive experiences with the model you’re considering.
With that said, here are our top 10 picks for the best small telescopes available on Amazon in 2024.
1. Celestron Astromaster 70AZ Telescope
Celestron’s Astromaster 70AZ is an excellent entry-level telescope suitable for stargazers of all ages. With a 70mm aperture, this telescope provides clear, sharp images of celestial objects. The simple alt-azimuth mount allows for easy movement, making it extremely user-friendly.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), offering various magnifications. Plus, the built-in finderscope ensures you can quickly locate objects in the sky. This model excels for lunar observations but can also handle some planets and bright deep-sky objects.
- 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 Astronomical Reflector Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 is a small yet powerful telescope featuring a 4.5-inch aperture, making it an excellent choice for viewing both planets and deep-sky objects. The telescope’s compact design makes it easily portable, while the easy-to-use mount ensures you’ll find celestial objects without hassle.
With a fast focal ratio of f/4, this telescope offers a wide field of view, perfect for star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies. It also comes with two eyepieces and a sturdy base, making it a great choice for those serious about their stargazing.
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3. Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm Refractor Telescope
The Meade Infinity 102mm is a standout refractor telescope featuring a 102mm aperture. This model is particularly good for viewing the moon and planets, providing bright and detailed images. The telescope includes a red-dot finder scope, which aids in quickly locating objects in the sky.
With a lightweight design and easy-to-use altitude-azimuth mount, the Infinity 102mm is ideal for both beginners and experienced astronomers alike. It comes with three eyepieces to offer various magnification levels for diverse viewing experiences.
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4. Sky Watcher Heritage 130mm Flextube Dobsonian Telescope
The Sky Watcher Heritage 130mm is a unique and compact design built for portability without sacrificing performance. The 130mm aperture allows for bright and clear views of deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulas. The collapsible design makes it easy to transport and store.
This Dobsonian telescope is equipped with smooth movements and a simple design, allowing for easy setup and use. It is an excellent option for families or individuals looking to dive deeper into the cosmos.
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5. NexStar 5SE Telescope
For those looking to invest a little more in digital technology, the NexStar 5SE is a top-tier option. The 5-inch aperture and advanced features make it capable of delivering detailed views of stars, planets, and more. The telescope comes equipped with a sturdy computerized mount, making tracking celestial objects intuitive.
Its unique StarPointer finderscope makes it easy to align with celestial targets. With full GoTo functionality, you can locate thousands of celestial objects with just a press of a button, making it an excellent choice for those new to astronomy who desire a high-tech experience.
- NEXSTAR 5SE COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE: Celestron’s iconic orange tube telescope combines 5" Schmidt-Cassegrian optics with updated technology and the latest features for an amazing stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- 5-INCH APERTURE SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE: 5-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 SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year coverage and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
6. Gskyer Telescope, 80mm Aperture Telescope
The Gskyer Telescope features an 80mm aperture and is extremely lightweight, making it portable and easy to set up. It is equipped with a fully coated lens, which enhances image clarity, and the telescope’s mount is adjustable to ensure comfortable viewing.
Included are two high-quality eyepieces and a 5×24 finderscope, making it easy to locate celestial objects. The Gskyer also comes with a smartphone adapter, allowing you to easily capture your observations for sharing or studying.
- 【Ultra-clear Refracting Telescope】With 400 mm focal length and 80 mm aperture to capture more light picture and optical glass coated for enhanced image brightness to protect your eyes.
- 【Optimum Magnification】Three replaceable eyepiece (16X, 40X, 80X) with a 3X Barlow lens. 6*30 finder scope with mounting bracket, erect-image diagonal make locating objects more easily.
- 【Adjustable Tripod】This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable tripod. Adjustable full size tripod ensures a stable platform.
- 【Applicable Use】This telescope is quick and easy to set up even for the novice and will encourage kids to love learning about space, great gift idea for kids who love science and astronomy!
- 【Satisfaction Quality】Reliable and friendly customer service within a 24 hour time frame. 1-YEAR care for free replacement.
7. Vixen Optics Space Eye 60 Telescope
The Vixen Optics Space Eye 60 is a quality beginner telescope featuring a 60mm aperture. Although smaller in size, it provides excellent optics for viewing the moon and planets. The telescope design includes a lightweight tripod that is easy to use and transport.
Ideal for young astronomers, this model comes with quality accessories such as two eyepieces and a finder scope, allowing users to easily adjust their focus and improve their astronomical experience.
- Rigid and durable aluminum body
- Adjustable dim Red Dot
- 1/4" Screw Hole
- Weight: 6.5 oz.
8. Celestron 21061 Astromaster 70 AZ Telescope
An upgrade to the earlier listed Astromaster, the Celestron 21061 offers a 70mm aperture for incredible stargazing adventures. It includes an adjustable height tripod and a standard mount. This telescope is also very user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginner stargazers.
The package comes with two eyepieces and a star finder, allowing you to explore the night sky easily. This model’s robust design promises durability while maintaining a lightweight structure.
- 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.
9. Zhumell Z130 Portable Telescope
The Zhumell Z130 130mm Reflector telescope stands out with its optic performance and sturdy build. The telescope comes with an extensive optical system designed for clear images of planets, double stars, and deep-sky objects.
It is compact, lightweight, and features a smooth base for easy tracking of celestial movements. This model is an ideal choice for beginner astronomers eager to dive deeper into stargazing adventures.
- Industry standard 1.25” focuser, compatible with many different accessories
- Changing magnifications is easier than ever with included 17mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Easy to use red dot finder makes aiming the Z114 a breeze for any level of user
10. Celestron Travel Scope 70 Telescope
Finally, the Celestron Travel Scope 70 is the perfect travel companion for amateur astronomers. With a 70mm aperture, it’s compact yet still provides excellent views of the moon and planets. This telescope is easy to set up, making it fantastic for beginners.
Included in the package are a high-quality backpack, two eyepieces, and a smartphone adapter, making it an attractive option for those who want to share their observations with others or learn on the go.
- 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.
Conclusion
In 2024, the best small telescope offerings from Amazon are diverse, catering to various user preferences and skill levels. From entry-level models like the Celestron Astromaster 70AZ to advanced options like the NexStar 5SE, there is something for everyone.
When selecting the best small telescope, consider your specific needs, interests, and budget. User reviews and feedback can also guide you toward making the right choice. Stargazing can be a magical experience, and with the right telescope, you can explore the wonders of the night sky.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the best small telescope awaits you. Dive into stargazing adventures and uncover the mysteries of the universe right from your backyard!
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.