5 Best Telescopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

Choosing the right telescope is key for both beginner and experienced stargazers.

Telescopes help bring distant celestial objects like the moon, planets, and galaxies into view, making them seem close enough to touch.

With a range of types available, picking the right one can enhance your stargazing experience.

When buying a telescope, consider factors like aperture size, which affects how much light the telescope collects, and focal length, which influences magnification.

Also, think about the type of mount, as it can impact how easily you can track objects in the night sky.

Materials and build quality will determine durability and ease of use.

These elements can guide you to the best telescope for your needs and budget.

Understanding what to look for helps ensure you choose a telescope that will provide a clear and enjoyable viewing experience.

Best Telescopes

Below is our full list of the best telescopes. Find the perfect model to explore the stars and planets with clarity and precision.

Want to learn more?

Here are our telescope reviews.

1. SOLOMARK 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope

This telescope is great for adults looking to delve into astronomy with a professional-grade device.

Pros

• Large 130mm aperture for bright, detailed images
• High-quality optics for clear viewing
• Stable tripod for smooth object tracking

Cons

• Setup can be complicated
• Difficult-to-navigate website
• Some users find the assembly instructions unclear

This SOLOMARK 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope features a large aperture of 130mm, which helps capture bright and detailed images of celestial objects.

The optics are fully-coated, ensuring that you get clear views of planets and other distant objects.

The German Equatorial Mount enhances your ability to track objects and keep them in view. This makes it easier for you to focus on specific celestial bodies, providing a stable and enjoyable experience.

An adjustable aluminum alloy tripod adds to the stability, making it simple to locate and observe celestial objects accurately.

However, assembling the telescope can be a bit tricky, especially if you rely solely on the instruction manual.

It’s recommended to watch online videos for easier assembly. Additionally, some users have found the brand’s website hard to navigate, which can be frustrating when trying to register your product or find support.

2. Gskyer 70mm Telescope

Great for beginners and kids interested in exploring the night sky.

Pros

• Quality optics with high transmission coatings
• Comes with a 3x Barlow lens for better magnification
• Includes a wireless camera remote for easy photo capture

Cons

• May require frequent adjustments to maintain focus
• Some users find the tripod to be too short for comfort
• Initial setup might be tricky for complete novices

Ideal for amateur stargazers, the Gskyer 70mm Telescope offers quality optics that can capture clear images of celestial objects.

Its fully coated glass lens ensures sharp visuals and protects your eyes during observations.

The adjustable tripod allows for various viewing angles, making it versatile for different users. It also includes a carry bag for convenience in travel and storage.

With the addition of a smartphone adapter and wireless remote, you can effortlessly capture and share your astronomical discoveries. This telescope is a reliable choice for entry-level astronomers.

3. MEEZAA Telescope

This telescope is a solid choice for both beginners and kids interested in astronomy.

Pros

• Sharp and bright images
• Stable tripod with versatile positioning
• High-powered magnification

Cons

• Some parts may feel loose
• Tripod height might be limited for taller users
• Setup instructions could be clearer

The MEEZAA telescope offers bright and clear images, thanks to its 90mm aperture and fully multi-coated lenses. It’s perfect for stargazing and viewing the moon.

The high-powered magnification, ranging from 32x to 240x, allows for detailed observation of celestial bodies.

You will appreciate the stable tripod, which provides various viewing positions and helps prevent shaking. It extends from 28.5” to 45”, accommodating different heights.

Connecting your phone to the telescope to capture pictures and videos is simple, courtesy of the included adapter.

For beginners, this telescope is easy to set up and operate. While the setup instructions might need some improvement, MEEZAA offers customer support for any questions.

4. HETEKAN Telescope

Perfect for beginners and experienced stargazers, this telescope is a great choice for exploring the night sky.

Pros

• High magnification range for detailed observations
• Stable stainless steel tripod
• User-friendly with phone adapter for easy astrophotography

Cons

• Some users report difficulty with focus adjustment
• Instructions may be challenging for younger kids
• Large size might require more storage space

This telescope offers impressive magnification and a stable tripod, making it ideal for viewing planets, the moon, and other celestial objects.

You can capture clear images and videos with the included phone adapter, enhancing your stargazing experience.

Beginners will appreciate the ease of setup, while seasoned astronomers can enjoy the detailed visuals.

Though the instructions might be a bit tricky for children, adults will find them straightforward.

The extensive magnification options and high-quality lenses ensure bright, precise images. The tripod provides stability, allowing you to track objects smoothly and easily.

5. HEXEUM Beginner Telescope

A solid choice for beginners, offering ease of use and good image quality.

Pros

• Easy assembly with clear instructions
• High-quality optics for bright images
• Portable with included accessories

Cons

• Tripod could be sturdier
• Fine-tuning may take time
• Some alignment issues reported

This HEXEUM telescope is perfect for new stargazers. Setting it up is a quick and simple process, making it accessible for anyone.

The included phone adapter is a great perk, allowing you to capture your observations.

Image quality stands out, thanks to the 80mm aperture and multi-coated lenses. You can expect clear and bright views of the moon and stars.

This makes it an exciting option for both adults and kids interested in astronomy.

The tripod, although adjustable, could be more stable. Some users have noted that fine-tuning it for the perfect view may require patience.

Telescope Buying Guide

Looking for a telescope can be exciting. To choose the best product, it’s important to consider some key features.

Aperture: The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. A larger aperture means more light can be gathered, which helps you see fainter objects and more details.

Magnification: While magnification is important, don’t get too focused on high numbers. The telescope’s ability to gather light (aperture) is more important for clear images.

Mount Types: Telescopes typically come with either an altazimuth or equatorial mount. An altazimuth mount is easier for beginners, while an equatorial mount aids in tracking celestial objects.

Portability: Consider how portable the telescope is. If you need to move it often, a lighter and more compact model may be better.

Ease of Use: Some telescopes come with computerized systems to help locate objects. These can be helpful for beginners.

Budget: Set a realistic budget. Higher quality often comes with a higher price, but there are good options at various price points.

Accessories: Check if the telescope comes with essential accessories like eyepieces, finderscopes, and tripods.

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