5 Best Telescopes Under $1,000 (Reviews Updated 2024)

Exploring the cosmos can be an exciting and educational experience. With telescopes priced under $1,000, there are plenty of options for both beginners and experienced stargazers. These telescopes provide a great balance between affordability and quality, ensuring clear views of celestial objects without breaking the bank.

When selecting a telescope, key factors include the aperture size, mount type, and focal length. The aperture determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects how bright and clear the images are. Mount types, such as altazimuth or equatorial, influence how easy it is to track objects in the sky. Focal length affects the telescope’s magnification power and field of view.

Considering these features will help you make a better choice. Knowing what to look for ensures you get the best value for your money. Here are some of the best telescopes under $1,000 to help you make an informed decision.

Best Telescopes Under $1,000

Below, you will find our top picks for the best telescopes under $1,000. Each telescope offers great features for amateur astronomers and hobbyists alike.

Want to learn more?

Here are our telescope under $1,000 reviews.

1. HEXEUM Telescope for Kids & Adults

A solid choice for beginners looking for a versatile and portable telescope.

Pros

• User-friendly assembly
• High-quality optics for clear images
• Portable with carrying case

Cons

• Limited advanced features
• Tripod stability concerns
• Basic for seasoned astronomers

This telescope is easy to set up, so you won’t need any tools, and it’s perfect for beginners. The carrying case allows for convenient transportation, making it suitable for outdoor use.

The HEXEUM provides clear, impressive views thanks to its high-quality optics. It’s equipped with excellent eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens for greater magnification.

Although it’s a good starting point, advanced users might find it lacks some higher-end features. The tripod might not be as sturdy as some may like, leading to slight stability issues.

2. HEXEUM Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm

This telescope offers great value for beginners with easy setup and good magnification options.

Pros

• Includes both 25mm and 10mm eyepieces
• Portable with a carrying bag and tripod
• Wireless remote control for easy photo capture

Cons

• Assembly issues with the tripod
• Instructions may be hard to follow
• Limited user reviews available

This HEXEUM telescope is ideal for both kids and adults who are new to stargazing. It features an 80mm aperture which helps capture more light, offering clear and bright images. The 600mm focal length gives ample magnification without sacrificing image quality.

The included 3x Barlow lens boosts the eyepieces’ magnifying power, allowing you to observe the moon and stars more closely. A finder scope aids in locating objects in the sky with ease. The setup is tool-free, which is great for those who want to start using it right away.

Portability is a key feature with its carrying bag and adjustable aluminum tripod. Additionally, the phone adapter and wireless remote make it easier to capture images. The main drawback is potential difficulty during the assembly process due to translation issues in the instructions.

3. TWJ Telescope 80mm Aperture 500mm

A solid choice for beginners looking for a quality telescope under $1,000.

Pros

• Superior optics with high transmission coatings
• Easy assembly with no tools required
• Handy phone adapter included

Cons

• Stability issues with the tripod
• Limited tilting capability
• Some users report threading problems

This telescope by TWJ features 500mm focal length and 80mm aperture, providing bright and clear images. It comes with two eyepieces for different magnifications and a 3x Barlow lens to enhance viewing power.

The package includes a phone adapter and a carrying bag, making it convenient to transport. It suits both kids and adults thanks to its easy setup and intuitive focus.

Even though some users have mentioned issues with tripod stability, its overall value and performance make it an appealing option for amateur astronomers.

4. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ

An excellent choice for beginner astronomers looking for a powerful yet easy-to-use telescope.

Pros

• Easy to use, making it ideal for beginners
• Powerful magnification for clear views of celestial objects
• Comes with multiple accessories, including a Barlow lens

Cons

• The stand can be somewhat flimsy
• Initial setup and collimation can be tricky for novices
• The included tripod may not be very stable

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is highly recommended for those new to astronomy. It offers powerful magnification, allowing you to see planets, moons, and distant stars with clarity.

Adjusting to the German Equatorial mount might take some practice, but it makes tracking celestial objects much smoother. The telescope is also portable, so you can easily bring it to different observing locations.

You’ll find that the additional accessories, such as the Barlow lens and astronomy software, enhance your stargazing experience. This makes the PowerSeeker 127EQ a great investment for long-term enjoyment.

5. Celestron NexStar 5SE

This telescope is perfect for beginners and intermediate stargazers who want an easy-to-use system with advanced features.

Pros

• Easy to set up and transport
• Excellent light-gathering ability
• Computerized GoTo mount

Cons

• Requires batteries
• Initial alignment can be challenging
• Limited highest magnification without extra eyepieces

The Celestron NexStar 5SE is known for its “orange tube” design and solid optics. Its five-inch primary mirror offers great light-gathering capabilities, making it enjoyable for observing planets and deep-sky objects. The computerized GoTo mount allows you to automatically locate and track thousands of celestial objects.

Setting up the telescope is straightforward thanks to the single fork arm and steel tripod. The SkyAlign technology simplifies the alignment process, allowing you to start your observations quickly. This feature is especially helpful for users who are not familiar with the night sky yet.

While it does require batteries to operate, which can be a downside, its overall performance and portability make it a strong choice. Optional accessories can enhance your viewing experience further, making it a telescope that can grow with your interests.

Telescope Under $1,000 Buying Guide

When buying a telescope under $1,000, consider aperture first. Aperture size determines the amount of light the telescope can gather, which affects image clarity and detail. Look for an aperture of at least 4 inches (100mm) for good performance.

Type of Telescope is also crucial. There are three main types: Refractor, Reflector, and Catadioptric. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Refractors are low maintenance, reflectors offer better light gathering, and catadioptrics are compact and versatile.

Think about focal length. Shorter focal lengths are better for wide-field views, such as star clusters. Longer focal lengths are ideal for viewing planets and the moon in greater detail.

Check the mount type. Altazimuth mounts are simple and intuitive but less stable. Equatorial mounts track celestial objects more easily but require more setup.

Opt for telescopes with computerized or “GoTo” systems if you want help locating celestial objects. These systems can be very helpful for beginners and save time.

Consider portability. Large telescopes have better performance but are harder to transport. If you plan to travel or need to store your telescope easily, a compact design is beneficial.

Lastly, inspect the included accessories. Essential accessories might include eyepieces of different focal lengths, a sturdy tripod, and a finder scope. Some packages also include useful extras like filters or carrying cases.

Feature Checklist:

Carefully compare these features to select the best telescope for your needs.