5 Best Beginner Telescopes for Under $200 (Reviews Updated 2024)

If you’re new to stargazing, finding the right telescope can make all the difference. Telescopes come in various types and prices, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. Telescopes under $200 can be a great entry point for beginners who want to explore the night sky without a big investment.

When looking for the best beginner telescopes, several factors should be considered. The aperture size is critical because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, affecting the brightness and clarity of the image. Additionally, ease of use and portability are important, especially if you plan to move your telescope frequently or have limited space.

Price doesn’t always equate to quality, but for less than $200, you can still find telescopes that offer good performance and durability. These factors together will ensure you get a telescope that is both user-friendly and provides a rewarding stargazing experience.

Best Beginner Telescopes for Under $200

These telescopes offer a great entry point into stargazing without breaking the bank. Each option provides quality optics and user-friendly features perfect for beginners.

Want to learn more?

Here are our beginner telescope under $200 reviews.

1. ToyerBee Telescope

A fantastic option for anyone new to astronomy, offering great features at an affordable price.

Pros

• Clear and bright images
• Wide range of magnification
• Adjustable tripod for flexibility

Cons

• Limited to manual focus
• Some assembly required
• Not ideal for professional use

This telescope features a 70mm aperture, which ensures bright and clear images, making it perfect for beginners. The wide magnification range from 15X to 150X allows you to explore various celestial objects with ease.

An adjustable tripod helps you find the perfect viewing angle and can be set between 16” to 46”. It also includes a smartphone adapter and wireless remote, offering convenience for capturing images.

A few downsides include the manual focus and some assembly complexity. Despite these minor issues, it’s an excellent beginner telescope that offers great value for its price.

2. Gskyer Telescope

This telescope offers great value for beginners looking to explore the night sky.

Pros

• Clear and crisp image quality
• Multiple magnification options included
• Easy to set up and use

Cons

• The tripod may feel unstable
• Limited field of view
• Heavier compared to other beginner telescopes

The Gskyer Telescope comes with high-quality optics that provide sharp images, ideal for lunar and planetary viewing. It has three eyepieces and a Barlow lens, which allows different levels of magnification. This makes it adaptable for various celestial observations.

Setting up the telescope is straightforward, requiring no special tools, which makes it beginner-friendly. It’s a solid choice for someone new to astronomy who wants an easy entry point without a steep learning curve.

On the downside, the tripod may feel a bit wobbly, which can affect your viewing experience. Additionally, it’s slightly heavier compared to other models, making it less portable. Despite these issues, it’s a worthy investment for anyone starting their stargazing journey.

3. SPECILITE Telescope for Beginners

A solid choice for those starting their astronomical journey due to its affordability and versatile features.

Pros

• Easy installation and setup with detailed guides
• Excellent portability with carry bag and light tripod
• Wide range of magnifications for varied uses

Cons

• Shaky tripod makes focusing a bit challenging
• Difficult for users to locate objects initially
• Some users may find the build quality lacking

Whether you’re an aspiring astronomer or looking to observe nature, the SPECILITE Telescope has you covered. With its 70mm aperture and multi-coated optics, you can explore the night sky in impressive detail. This beginner-friendly telescope makes stargazing accessible.

Portability is a key feature. The included carry bag and adjustable tripod make it easy to take anywhere. Whether at home or traveling, you’ll find the setup convenient. The storage tray on the tripod adds to the ease of use by keeping accessories handy.

Magnification versatility is another strong point. With options ranging from 16X to 120X, this telescope allows for diverse observational activities. The smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote enhance the experience by making photography easy.

4. HEXEUM Beginner Telescope with 600mm Aperture

This telescope is a fantastic choice for any beginner looking to explore the night sky.

Pros

• Easy setup without tools
• High-quality optics for clear images
• Portable with phone adapter and wireless control

Cons

• Tripod can be unsteady
• Takes some time to fine-tune focus
• Finder scope may be challenging to use for newcomers

The HEXEUM Beginner Telescope offers a no-fuss setup, making it user-friendly for those new to astronomy. Its high-quality optics provide bright and crisp views of celestial objects, offering an engaging experience for both kids and adults.

Its portability is a significant plus; you can easily carry it around with the included bag, and the phone adapter adds to the fun by allowing you to capture images.

While the tripod could be more stable and the finder scope takes a little patience, the overall value and performance make it a top pick for beginner stargazers.

5. Dianfan 80mm Refracting Telescope

A solid choice for beginner astronomers looking for a combination of durability and clear viewing under $200.

Pros

• Excellent optical quality
• Easy to assemble and use
• Durable and lightweight design

Cons

• Tripod stability could be improved
• Lower magnification range
• Limited advanced features

This Dianfan 80mm Refracting Telescope offers sharp and clear views thanks to its high-quality optics. Perfect for stargazing or checking out local wildlife, it’s designed with user-friendliness in mind.

Its lightweight construction makes it easy to transport for trips or outdoor observations. Despite the compact design, it maintains a sturdy build, ensuring longevity.

While the tripod could be more stable, it’s functional for casual use. The telescope’s simple controls allow beginners to dive right in without any fuss.

Beginner Telescope Under $200 Buying Guide

When choosing a beginner telescope under $200, there are several key features to consider.

Aperture Size

A larger aperture gathers more light, making faint objects clearer. Aim for at least 70mm for a good view of the Moon and planets.

Mount Types

Telescopes come with different mounts: Altazimuth, which moves up-down and left-right; or Equatorial, which follows the Earth’s rotation. Altazimuth is simpler for beginners.

Portability

Consider the weight and size for ease of transport. Lightweight models are easier to move and set up.

Ease of Use

Check if the telescope has a simple setup process. Refractors are typically easier to manage and maintain than reflectors.

Optics Quality

Ensure the optics are coated to reduce glare and improve clarity. Multi-coated lenses offer better performance.

Accessories

Look for included accessories like finderscopes, eyepieces, and tripods. Multiple eyepieces allow for varying levels of magnification.

Budget

Stick to your budget of under $200. It’s possible to find quality beginner telescopes in this range without compromising essential features.

By paying attention to these factors, you can select a suitable beginner telescope for your needs and interests.