5 Best Telescopes for Viewing the Moon (Reviews Updated 2024)

Telescopes open up a world of exploration, bringing the heavens closer and making celestial bodies like the moon appear in remarkable detail. These devices come in various types, such as refracting, reflecting, and compound telescopes, each offering unique advantages. The most suitable type for viewing the moon typically combines ease of use with the ability to reveal detailed lunar features.

When choosing a telescope for moon viewing, consider factors like aperture, focal length, and mount stability. Larger apertures allow more light to enter, showcasing the craters, maria, and highlands of the moon more clearly. The telescope’s focal length affects the magnification capability, while a stable mount ensures that views remain steady and clear.

Understanding these critical aspects can help you select a telescope that provides the best lunar observation experience. Now, let’s look at some of the top choices available for moon gazing.

Best Telescopes for Viewing the Moon

Below is our full list of the best telescopes for viewing the moon.

Want to learn more?

Here are our moon viewing telescope reviews.

1. Orion Observer 114mm Equatorial Reflector Telescope

This telescope offers a great combination of sharp lunar views, sturdy design, and portability.

Pros

• Excellent image quality with 114mm parabolic mirror
• Sturdy EQ3-class equatorial mount
• Portable design with quick-release optical tube

Cons

• Generic instruction print-out
• Needs additional accessories for maximum power
• Some minor tolerance issues with the mount

The Orion Observer 114mm Equatorial Reflector Telescope is highly recommended for those getting started in astronomy. Its 114mm parabolic mirror and 500mm focal length give you sharp, wide-field views of the moon and other celestial objects.

The telescope’s equatorial mount is robust, providing stable support compared to other beginner models. The ability to remove and carry the optical tube separately makes it highly portable.

Though the instruction manual could be better, the overall performance of this telescope, especially for lunar observation, stands out. Consider additional accessories for enhancing its capabilities.

2. Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ

This telescope offers a great balance between high-quality optics and ease of use.

Pros

• Crisp and clear images.
• Easy to set up and operate.
• Adjustable tripod for various viewing angles.

Cons

• Bulky and heavy.
• Durability concerns with the tripod.
• Limited to manual focus.

The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ telescope is equipped with a high-quality optical system. This ensures you get clear and detailed views of the moon and other celestial bodies. The fully coated glass lenses reduce glare, enhancing your viewing experience.

Setting up this telescope is straightforward, making it suitable even if you’re new to astronomy. The adjustable tripod allows flexible positioning, helping you find the best viewing angle easily. Just keep in mind that it’s quite heavy, so transporting it might be challenging.

One drawback is the tripod’s build quality. It can feel a bit flimsy, especially when extended. Additionally, the focus mechanism is manual, which might take some getting used to. Despite these issues, this telescope remains a solid choice for amateur stargazers.

3. ESSLNB Moon Telescope

This telescope offers solid value for beginners who want to explore the moon.

Pros

• High transmission optical lens for clear images
• Multiple eyepieces for varying magnifications
• Adjustable tripod for versatile viewing angles

Cons

• Flimsy tripod stability
• Complicated instructions
• Phone holder not compatible with all devices

The ESSLNB Moon Telescope comes with a range of accessories, making it suitable for beginner astronomers. Its high transmission optical lens ensures bright and clear images, and the multiple eyepieces allow for different magnification levels.

Erect images and a 360° rotating diagonal prism provide a comfortable viewing experience. The 80mm objective lens gives you a broad field of view, making it easier to explore lunar details.

However, the tripod can feel unstable, and the instructions might be hard to follow. Additionally, the phone holder doesn’t fit all smartphone models, which might limit your ability to capture photos.

4. HEXEUM Telescope for Beginners

A solid choice for those new to lunar observation with clear optics and portability in mind.

Pros

• Excellent clarity with high transmission optics
• Easily portable with included carrying bag
• Quick and tool-free setup for beginners

Cons

• Stability issues with the tripod attachment
• Fine-tuning can be time-consuming
• Limited magnification power compared to advanced models

This HEXEUM telescope is great for beginners due to its clear optics and user-friendly setup. Its 80mm aperture captures plenty of light, offering bright and crisp views of the moon.

Portability is a key feature, as it comes with a carrying bag, phone adapter, and wireless remote control. This makes it easier to take along on trips or share with friends and family.

While stability can be an issue, especially with the tripod, the quick setup and easy focusing are real advantages for those new to stargazing.

5. EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope

A great buy for beginners and casual stargazers looking for a compact and easy-to-use telescope.

Pros

• Large 80mm aperture provides bright and clear images.
• Easy to adjust and point thanks to the gimbal with scale.
• Includes a mobile phone adapter for capturing images.

Cons

• The lightweight design might not hold up in strong winds.
• Assembly might be tricky without the manual.
• The tripod could be sturdier.

This EACONN telescope is perfect for anyone new to stargazing. Its 80mm aperture allows more light to pass through, giving you brighter and clearer images of the moon.

With its easy-to-use adjustment gimbal, you can quickly move it to point at your desired object. Thanks to the included mobile phone adapter, capturing images of celestial wonders is a breeze.

It’s lightweight and comes with a backpack, making it easy to carry on trips. Some users might find the tripod less stable in windy conditions. Assembling the telescope without the manual can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth process.

Telescope for Viewing the Moon Buying Guide

When buying a telescope for viewing the moon, there are key features you should consider. These features will help you get the most out of your lunar observations.

Aperture

The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. A larger aperture allows more light to enter the telescope, which results in clearer and brighter images. Aperture size is crucial for seeing details on the moon’s surface.

Magnification

While magnification is often highlighted, it’s not the most vital feature. A good telescope provides adjustable magnification to help you zoom in and out, but it should not compromise image clarity. Aim for a balance between magnification and resolution.

Mount Types

Your telescope’s mount will affect your viewing experience. There are two main types: Alt-Azimuth (easy to use, great for beginners) and Equatorial (better for tracking the moon’s motion, suited for more advanced users).

Optical Quality

Optical quality determines how clear and detailed your images are. Look for telescopes with coated lenses and mirrors, which reduce glare and enhance image sharpness. Quality optics will provide crisper views of lunar craters and mountains.

Portability

Consider how portable the telescope is if you plan to travel or frequently move it. Smaller, lightweight models are ideal for quick set-ups and transport, while larger models might offer better views but are heavier.

Budget

Telescope prices vary widely. Set a budget before shopping and look for the best features within your price range. More expensive models often offer better optics and durability, but there are budget-friendly options that still provide great lunar views.