5 Best Beginner Telescopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

Choosing a telescope as a beginner can open up a world of wonder and fascination with the night sky.

Telescopes are tools that allow you to see celestial objects, from the craters on the Moon to the rings of Saturn.

There are various types of telescopes designed to provide different viewing experiences, making it crucial to pick one that suits your needs and skill level.

When looking for a beginner telescope, several factors must be considered to ensure a satisfying experience.

Key aspects like aperture size, portability, and ease of setup and use are critical.

The aperture size determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects the clarity of the images.

Portability is essential if you plan to transport your telescope to different locations for stargazing.

A simple and user-friendly design is best for those new to astronomy.

Telescopes from brands like Orion, Celestron, and Bushnell often strike the right balance for beginners.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and start your journey into astronomy.

Now, let’s explore some of the top choices for beginner telescopes.

Best Beginner Telescopes

Here is our full list of the best beginner telescopes. These options are perfect for those new to stargazing and offer excellent features to explore the night sky.

Want to learn more?

Here are our beginner telescope reviews.

1. Gskyer 70mm Refractor Telescope

This telescope delivers good value for beginner astronomers looking to explore the night sky.

Pros

• Quality optics provide crisp views
• Compact and portable design for travel
• Includes wireless remote and phone adapter for easy photography

Cons

• Limited to lunar and planetary viewing
• Tripod may be too short for some users
• Focus adjustment can be tricky at first

This Gskyer 70mm Refractor Telescope is perfect for those just starting out in astronomy.

The quality optics ensure you get a clear and sharp view of the moon and planets.

Its compact design makes it easy to carry on trips or to different viewing locations.

You get the added bonus of a wireless remote and phone adapter, which is great for capturing celestial images.

Setting it up is simple, and the included adjustable tripod makes it versatile for different viewing positions.

On the downside, the telescope’s focus wheel might require some practice to master.

The tripod is also on the shorter side, which could be inconvenient for taller users.

Despite these issues, the Gskyer 70mm is a solid choice for beginners.

2. HEXEUM Telescope for Adults & Beginners

A great choice if you are starting out in stargazing and want a user-friendly telescope.

Pros

• Easy setup with no tools needed
• Portable and comes with a carrying bag
• Quality optics for clear images

Cons

• Some may find the tripod unstable
• Limited magnification compared to higher-end models
• Can be tricky to fine-tune focus

This telescope is excellent for beginners.

With its simple setup, you won’t waste time figuring out how to assemble it.

The high-quality optics provide bright and clear images of the night sky.

The HEXEUM telescope is portable and comes with a carrying bag. This makes it easy to take with you on trips and stargazing outings.

Its adjustable tripod also ensures you can find the perfect height for viewing.

Although it’s great for beginners, the tripod might not be the most stable.

Fine-tuning the focus can be challenging, but you will still get good results.

3. ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids

An excellent beginner’s telescope that offers a lot of features for both kids and adults who are just starting with astronomy.

Pros

• Easy to assemble without tools
• Clear images with good magnification
• Includes smartphone adapter and wireless remote

Cons

• Some users report durability issues
• Limited battery life for remote
• Occasional problems with moon visibility

This telescope is simple to set up, making it a great choice if you’re new to using telescopes.

The 70mm large aperture allows you to see clear and detailed images, ideal for beginners who want to explore the night sky.

Included is a smartphone adapter and wireless remote, letting you take photos and videos of your discoveries with ease.

This makes it perfect for sharing your star-gazing experiences with friends and family.

There are a few drawbacks like occasional durability issues and some difficulties in observing the moon.

Despite this, it remains a strong option for those looking to start their astronomy journey.

4. HETEKAN Telescopes for Beginners

Great for those who are just starting out with stargazing and want a sturdy telescope with clear optics and high magnification.

Pros

• Easy setup with clear instructions
• Includes high magnification options
• Stable, adjustable tripod

Cons

• Not ideal for detailed distant object viewing
• Some users report issues with phone adapter
• May be bulky for younger kids

This HETEKAN telescope offers a solid option for beginners and those wanting to explore the night sky.

It comes with a variety of eyepieces and a Barlow lens, enabling you to enjoy a range of high magnification levels.

It includes a stable, stainless steel tripod, making it sturdy and easy to adjust for different viewing angles.

You can connect your smartphone to capture images, which is a fun feature for novice astronomers.

Although it might not be perfect for viewing very distant objects, it provides clear images of the moon and nearby planets.

Some users have noted minor issues with the phone adapter, but overall it’s a good choice for beginners.

5. Dianfan Telescope

Ideal for beginners, this telescope offers sharp and clear views of the night sky.

Pros

• Large 90mm aperture
• High magnification options
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Tripod stability issues
• Limited height range of the tripod
• Initial setup instructions can be confusing

With a large 90mm aperture, the Dianfan Telescope is capable of capturing a significant amount of light. This translates to bright and sharp images of celestial objects.

The included eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens offer flexibility in magnification, making it easier to observe various details in the night sky.

The telescope is user-friendly and can be set up quickly without the need for extra tools.

Although the stainless-steel tripod is sturdy, its height limitation can be a drawback for some users.

Furthermore, a more stable tripod would help avoid some wobbling during use.

Beginner Telescope Buying Guide

When choosing a beginner telescope, you need to consider a few key features.

Aperture

Aperture refers to the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. Larger apertures collect more light, improving image quality. Aim for at least 70-80mm for refractors or 114mm for reflectors.

Mount

Mount type affects stability and ease of use. Altazimuth mounts are simple and intuitive. Equatorial mounts are more complex but useful for tracking stars.

Type of Telescope

There are three main types: refractors, reflectors, and compound telescopes. Refractors are great for planetary and lunar viewing. Reflectors excel in deep-sky observing. Compound telescopes offer versatility but can be more expensive.

Portability

Consider the weight and size of the telescope. A more portable model is easier to set up and transport, making it ideal for beginners.

Price

Your budget is important. Generally, higher-priced models offer better quality and additional features. Look for reliable brands like Orion, Celestron, and SVBONY.

Accessories

Check if the telescope includes essential accessories such as eyepieces, a finderscope, and a tripod. Good quality accessories can significantly enhance your viewing experience.

Table of Key Features