5 Best Telescopes Under $300 (Reviews Updated 2024)

Stargazing is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just curious about the night sky, having a good telescope can enhance your experience. Telescopes in the under $300 category offer a balance of performance and affordability.

When choosing a telescope in this price range, you should look for key features. Aperture size is crucial as it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The mount type is also important for stability and ease of use. Portability and ease of assembly can be significant factors, especially for beginners.

Selecting the right telescope involves considering these factors to get the best value for your money. With careful choice, you can find a high-quality telescope that suits your needs and budget.

Best Telescopes Under $300

Discover the best telescopes under $300 for your stargazing adventures. These telescopes offer excellent performance and value for amateur astronomers.

Want to learn more?

Here are our telescope under $300 reviews.

1. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope

A strong choice for beginners due to its accessible price and quality features.

Pros

• User-friendly for beginners
• Impressive magnification range
• Durable and sturdy mount

Cons

• Tripod quality could be better
• Initial setup can be tricky
• Limited portability due to size

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ offers great value for those new to astronomy. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to set up and start viewing celestial objects.

The range of included eyepieces and the 3x Barlow lens provide flexibility in magnification. This allows you to see the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons in clear detail.

While the telescope itself is robust, the tripod might feel a bit flimsy. This is a minor drawback considering the overall quality and performance it provides at this price point.

2. Celestron Travel Scope 70DX

Great choice for beginners with clear views and useful accessories.

Pros

• Fully-coated glass optics for sharp viewing
• Portable and easy to set up
• Smartphone adapter for digiscoping

Cons

• Tripod stability issues
• Limited to beginner-level use
• Plastic parts may feel less durable

This telescope is highly portable and convenient, making it a good option if you want to take it on trips. The fully-coated glass optics ensure that you get clear and detailed views, both during the day and at night.

Two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) provide options for different viewing experiences. You can also use the included Barlow lens for even more magnification.

The smartphone adapter and Bluetooth shutter release are fantastic for capturing images. This makes sharing your stargazing experience much easier.

3. CELESTRON StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

Ideal for beginners looking for an easy and accurate way to explore the night sky with their smartphone.

Pros

• User-friendly for beginners
• High-quality optics
• Accurate star tracking with patented technology

Cons

• App setup can be challenging
• Limited smartphone compatibility
• Bulky for some users

This telescope offers an easy and enjoyable way to learn about the night sky. The StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ uses your smartphone to guide you to celestial objects, making it perfect for beginners.

Its high-quality 130mm primary mirror is great for viewing stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. The patented StarSense technology ensures precise tracking, which sets it apart from other telescopes in this price range.

However, some users may find the initial app setup tricky, and it might not work with all smartphones. The telescope is also somewhat bulky, which could be a concern for those with limited space.

4. SOLOMARK Telescopes for Adults

This telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore both terrestrial and celestial objects without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Easy setup with no tools required
• High-quality optics for clear images
• Includes phone adapter for capturing photos

Cons

• Tripod stability might vary
• Learning curve for equatorial mount use
• Limited to basic astronomical viewing

The SOLOMARK telescope is designed to be beginner-friendly. You can easily set it up without any tools, which saves time and effort. The included smartphone adapter allows you to capture and share your findings easily.

This telescope offers 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length, giving you clear and sharp images. The fully multi-coated optics reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring better visuals. You will find the Plossl eyepieces provide good magnification and performance.

The equatorial mount may take some getting used to for precise tracking. While it offers fine pointing adjustments, its stability can be a concern in uneven terrains. This telescope is excellent for basic stargazing and terrestrial observations but has its limitations for advanced astronomy.

5. Hexeum 70mm Telescope for Kids & Adults

This telescope offers great value for anyone looking to explore the night sky without spending too much.

Pros

• Great image clarity
• Easy to assemble
• Portable with carrying case

Cons

• Limited lens quality
• Basic tripod stability
• Not suited for advanced users

The Hexeum 70mm Telescope stands out due to its clear imaging and straightforward setup. It’s easy to assemble, making it a good choice for beginners or casual users. The carrying case is a nice addition, allowing you to easily transport it to different locations.

Despite its strengths, the Hexeum telescope has some limitations. The lens quality, while decent, may not satisfy more demanding users. The tripod, although functional, offers basic stability and might need upgrading for those looking for more precision.

This telescope is best suited for entry-level enthusiasts or families who want an accessible way to enjoy stargazing. With its combination of good optics and user-friendly features, it provides a solid viewing experience without breaking the bank.

Telescope Under $300 Buying Guide

When looking for the best telescope, you need to think about the type of telescope you want. There are three main types: refractors, reflectors, and compound. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

The aperture is a key feature. This is the diameter of the main lens or mirror. A larger aperture means more light, which helps you see fainter objects. For beginners, an aperture of 70-100mm for refractors or 114-130mm for reflectors is a good start.

Magnification is another important factor. It’s determined by the combination of the telescope’s focal length and the eyepiece. While high magnification might seem appealing, it’s not always better. Balance is crucial.

Consider the mount too. The mount affects how stable the telescope is. There are two primary types: alt-azimuth mounts, which move up-down and left-right, and equatorial mounts, which track the sky’s rotation.

Portability is something you don’t want to overlook. If you plan to transport your telescope, a compact and lightweight model is best. Check the weight and ease of setup.

Don’t forget to look at accessories. Some telescopes come with additional lenses, finderscopes, or tripods. These can enhance your viewing experience. Star charts or astronomy software can also be helpful.

Telescope Features Table