Looking at the sky and studying the stars can be a fascinating hobby. Telescopes can bring distant celestial objects into clearer view, making stargazing more enjoyable. If you’re new to astronomy or on a budget, you might be looking at telescopes under $100.
In this price range, it’s important to manage your expectations while still finding reliable equipment. Key factors like aperture, focal length, and ease of use should be considered. Aperture is crucial as it determines how much light your telescope can gather.
When choosing a budget telescope, also think about portability and durability. You want a telescope that’s easy to set up and sturdy enough to last. With these considerations in mind, you can find a quality telescope that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
Best Telescopes Under $100
Explore the stars without breaking the bank with the best telescopes under $100. These budget-friendly options offer surprising performance and quality for beginner stargazers.
| Best Telescopes Under $100 | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope | 99% |
| 2. Celestron Travel Scope 70DX | 96% |
| 3. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ | 92% |
| 4. 80X100 Monocular Telescope | 89% |
| 5. Celestron – StarSense Explorer 114mm | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our telescope under $100 reviews.
1. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
Affordable and powerful, this telescope is ideal for those new to astronomy.
Pros
- Strong magnification
- User-friendly controls
- Portable design
Cons
- Flimsy stand
- Can be tricky to align
- Basic accessories
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ delivers high-quality views of celestial objects. Its powerful magnification lets you see the Moon’s craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly. The easy-to-use controls mean beginners can start observing quickly.
This telescope is portable, making it great for taking on trips. It comes with multiple eyepieces, which adds flexibility. You can adjust the tripod easily for stable views.
One downside is the stand, which can feel unstable. Aligning the telescope might also take some practice. Basic accessories are included, but you might need extras for a better experience.
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2. Celestron Travel Scope 70DX
A great choice for beginner stargazers seeking portability and ease of use.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Smartphone adapter for photos and videos
Cons
- Tripod stability issues
- Limited magnification for advanced astronomy
- Some assembly required
Ideal for novice astronomers, the Celestron Travel Scope 70DX stands out with its transport-friendly design and clear optics. The inclusion of a smartphone adapter makes it easier than ever to capture images during day or night.
The telescope’s 70mm lens allows better light capture, resulting in sharp views of celestial and terrestrial objects. Accessorized with two eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens, it supports both low and high-power observations.
Despite its many strengths, the tripod can be a bit unstable, which may affect focusing. Keep in mind that it suits beginners more than advanced users. For a more stable tripod, you might consider separate purchase options.
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3. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
This telescope is a great choice for beginner astronomers who want a user-friendly experience with impressive features.
Pros
- Uses a smartphone app to guide you through the night sky
- High-quality viewing with a 130mm Newtonian reflector
- Easy setup and intuitive interface
Cons
- Heavier than other beginner models
- Requires compatible smartphones
- Learning curve for new users with the app
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ integrates technology with astronomy for an engaging experience. By docking your smartphone, you get guided help to find stars, planets, and more. Learning to navigate the sky with this telescope does not require prior experience.
It utilizes patented StarSense technology that accurately detects your location and aids in identifying celestial objects. This can eliminate the often frustrating trial and error of star searching. The telescope includes high-quality optics which offer clear and impressive views.
The setup process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. This model is somewhat heavier, which might make it less portable. However, the app-based guidance system compensates for its weight, making it user-friendly and interactive. This telescope is a solid choice for anyone looking to start their celestial observations without spending a fortune.
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4. 80X100 Monocular Telescope
This compact and powerful monocular telescope is a great option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros
- High-definition imagery
- Smartphone-compatible
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- Some reports of overestimated zoom
- Limited durability
- Tricky focus adjustment
The 80X100 Monocular Telescope delivers sharp images with its HD magnification, perfect for activities like bird watching and hiking. Its smartphone compatibility allows you to easily capture and share your outdoor experiences.
Despite its impressive optical performance, some users have found that the zoom may be exaggerated. Additionally, the build may not be as durable as higher-end models. Portability and ease of use make it a suitable choice for those in need of a budget-friendly monocular.
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5. Celestron – StarSense Explorer 114mm
If you want a user-friendly telescope with advanced smartphone integration, this could be a good buy.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Great light-gathering capabilities
- Stable base
Cons
- Must use a compatible smartphone
- Base assembly required
- Heavier than some other options
This telescope is easy to use, even for beginners. Place your phone in the dock, launch the StarSense app, and follow the instructions to align.
With 114mm aperture, you’ll get detailed views of planets, star clusters, and more. The app makes finding celestial objects a breeze.
It’s a bit heavy and needs a compatible smartphone for full functionality. Still, it’s an excellent choice for backyard astronomers.
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Telescope Under $100 Buying Guide
When buying a telescope under $100, consider a few key features.
Aperture: This is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. A larger aperture gathers more light, showing clearer images of celestial objects. Look for at least 70mm aperture.
Magnification: Check the maximum useful magnification. Higher magnification doesn’t always mean better quality. Generally, 50x per inch of aperture is a good rule of thumb.
Mount: The mount holds the telescope steady. An altazimuth mount is simple and moves up-down and left-right. Equatorial mounts track the stars’ movement but can be harder to use.
Portability: If you plan to take your telescope to different locations, consider its size and weight. Lightweight and compact designs are easier to transport.
Optical Quality: Ensure the optics are made from high-quality glass. Look for coated lenses which reduce glare and improve image contrast.
Accessories: Check for included accessories such as eyepieces, finderscopes, and tripods. Multiple eyepieces provide different views, while a finderscope helps you aim the telescope.
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Aperture | Larger aperture means more light and clearer images. |
| Magnification | Useful magnification is around 50x per inch of aperture. |
| Mount | Altazimuth for simplicity, equatorial for tracking stars. |
| Portability | Lightweight and compact designs are easier to transport. |
| Optical Quality | High-quality glass and coated lenses are preferable. |
| Accessories | Eyepieces, finderscopes, and tripods add value. |
Take your time to compare these features before purchase.