Telescopes open up the world of astronomy to many people, allowing them to see stars, planets, and other celestial objects. They come in various sizes and types, including refractors and reflectors, which differ in how they collect and focus light.
Finding a good telescope on a budget doesn’t mean settling for poor quality. There are many affordable options that can provide great views of the night sky.
When choosing a cheap telescope, it’s essential to look at factors like aperture, magnification, build quality, and portability.
The aperture tells you how much light the telescope can collect, which is crucial for seeing faint objects. Meanwhile, magnification is important, but not as much as having a clear, stable image.
Build quality ensures the telescope will last and remain functional, while portability is key for ease of use.
To find the best cheap telescope for your needs, you’ll want to balance these factors carefully. Here are a few options that offer excellent value for their price range.
Best Cheap Telescopes
Discover the top affordable telescopes to enhance your stargazing experience. This list highlights the best models available without breaking the bank.
| Best Cheap Telescopes | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1. Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope | 99% |
| 2. Celestron Travel Scope 70 | 96% |
| 3. Zhumell 70AZ Portable Refractor Telescope | 92% |
| 4. Dianfan 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescopes | 89% |
| 5. EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our cheap telescope reviews.
1. Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope
You should consider this telescope if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with solid features and ease of use.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes multiple accessories and software
Cons
- Limited magnification for deep space objects
- Basic tripod stability
- Not ideal for advanced astronomers
This telescope is great for beginners and provides a simple way to start exploring the night sky. You’ll appreciate its lightweight design, making it easy to take with you on the go.
The included accessories, like extra eyepieces and astronomy software, add a lot of value.
While it’s not powerful enough for viewing distant galaxies, it’s perfect for observing the Moon, planets, and stars.
The manual yoke mount with slow-motion control allows for smooth tracking. Stability of the tripod might be an issue, but it serves its purpose for casual stargazing.
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2. Celestron Travel Scope 70
Ideal for beginner stargazers and casual observing, this telescope offers great value for its price.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up
- Includes useful accessories
Cons
- Tripod may be wobbly
- Limited magnification
- Not ideal for advanced astronomy
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is a great starting point for those new to astronomy. It offers easy setup without any tools required and comes in a portable size, making it convenient for travel and storage.
This telescope’s 70mm objective lens allows for clear viewing of both celestial and terrestrial objects. It includes two eyepieces, providing both low and high-power views, which make it versatile for different types of observation.
While the telescope packs a lot into a small, lightweight frame, the tripod included might not be the most stable. This can be a bit frustrating, but investing in a more stable tripod can solve this issue.
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3. Zhumell 70AZ Portable Refractor Telescope
This telescope offers great value for beginners looking for a budget-friendly option for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
Pros
- High-quality glass optics
- Lightweight and portable design
- Smartphone adapter included
Cons
- Some difficulty with the manual
- Limited viewing range for experienced users
- Tripod stability issues
You’ll appreciate the Zhumell 70AZ for its clear and sharp imagery, thanks to its high-quality, coated glass optics. Its 70mm objective lens offers bright views and superior resolution, making it a versatile choice for sky gazing and nature observation.
The telescope’s lightweight frame and portable design allow you to carry it easily on your adventures. Assembling it is a breeze, with no tools necessary, and it comes with a handy nylon duffle bag.
One great feature is the smartphone adapter, which lets you capture both photos and videos of your discoveries. This option allows you to preserve and share your experiences effortlessly.
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4. Dianfan 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescopes
This telescope offers clear views and sturdy construction, making it suitable for beginners and kids.
Pros
- Superior optics for clear, realistic views
- High magnification with multiple eyepieces
- Durable aluminum frame with a stable tripod
Cons
- Tripod height might be too short for some users
- Assembly required, which might be challenging for complete beginners
- Limited to basic stargazing and outdoor observations
The Dianfan 80mm Aperture 600mm Telescope is perfect for those just starting out in astronomy. With its high-quality optics, you’ll get clear and vivid images of the night sky.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens, providing great flexibility in magnification.
Its durable aluminum construction and stable tripod ensure it can withstand frequent use and travel. This makes it a reliable choice for children and families interested in exploring the stars.
You can also easily carry it around due to its lightweight design.
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5. EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope
This telescope is a great pick for beginners looking for an affordable option with solid features.
Pros
- Large 80mm aperture for bright and clear images
- Easy to use and assemble, even for kids
- Comes with a portable carrying backpack
Cons
- The tripod may feel a bit flimsy
- Initial setup can be tricky for some
- Limited to basic astronomy needs
If you are looking for a telescope to start exploring the sky, the EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope is a good choice. It is designed for ease of use, making it perfect for beginners and kids.
The 80mm aperture ensures you get clear and bright images of the moon and stars. The telescope comes with all necessary accessories, including two eyepieces and a phone adapter. This makes it versatile for various viewing needs.
Despite being portable, the tripod may not provide the sturdiest support, especially in windy conditions. However, it’s more than adequate for basic stargazing and makes the unit easy to carry around.
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Cheap Telescope Buying Guide
When looking for a cheap telescope, focus on a few key features to make the best choice.
The main aspects to consider are aperture, magnification, mount, and portability.
Aperture size determines how much light the telescope can collect.
Larger apertures allow you to see fainter objects. For beginners, a minimum aperture of 70mm is good.
Magnification is important, but it’s not the primary factor.
High magnification without a large aperture can result in blurry images. Optimal magnification often ranges from 20x to 60x per inch of aperture.
The mount is critical for stability.
Altazimuth mounts are easier for beginners to use, while equatorial mounts are better for tracking stars as they move across the sky.
Portability matters if you plan to take your telescope to various locations.
Lightweight models are easier to transport, but ensure they are not too fragile.
Consider eyepiece quality as well.
Multiple eyepieces can offer different levels of magnification.
| Feature | Importance | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | High | Look for at least 70mm for beginners. |
| Magnification | Moderate | 20x to 60x per inch of aperture is optimal. |
| Mount | High | Start with an altazimuth mount for ease. |
| Portability | Based on personal need | Choose lightweight but durable models. |
| Eyepieces | Moderate | Multiple eyepieces provide versatility. |
Look for additional features like a finderscope, which helps in locating objects.
Finderscopes can significantly improve your stargazing experience.
Price often correlates with quality, but even budget-friendly options can provide great views if they meet these criteria.