Best telescopes for beginners 2024: Top entry-level scopes

If you're looking for one of the best telescopes for beginners, you've come to the right place. With so many telescopes to choose from, it's hard to know what equipment is ideal for a beginner, but in our guide, we break it down and make your purchasing decision as easy and seamless as possible.

This beginner's guide to telescopes offers options across various price ranges, ensuring there's something suitable no matter your budget. Additionally, we explore different telescope types, from classic designs to electronic GoTo models. You'll also find telescopes here suitable for kids and adults alike — although if you're browsing for a youngster, we'd recommend taking a look at our best telescopes for kids guide.

Some of the telescopes we've selected here are more advanced than others, but each one of them has easy-to-use functions that we think make them great for beginners.

For each item in this guide, we've given a brief description of its features and why we think it's a great choice for a beginner astronomer. There's also a short pros and cons list as well as a breakdown of the best stockists and the current prices, all to help you choose which telescope might be best for you.

If you want a broader look at the best telescopes for all levels of experience, check out our guides to the Best telescopes, where we've got makes and models to suit all budgets and experience levels. For kid-friendly models, take a look at our guide to the as an excellent starting point for budding young astronomers.

The April 8 2024 solar eclipse is nearly here so check the links below for the best deals on solar eclipse glasses, solar telescopes and binoculars and solar adapters for existing devices.

Best solar eclipse glasses links March 2024

The quick list


Gemma Lavender Headshot
Gemma Lavender

Gemma currently works for the European Space Agency on content, communications and outreach, and was formerly the content director of Space.com, Live Science, science and space magazines How It Works and All About Space, history magazines All About History and History of War as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) kids education brand Future Genius. She is the author of several books including "Quantum Physics in Minutes", "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Large Hadron Collider" and "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Milky Way". She holds a degree in physical sciences, a Master’s in astrophysics and a PhD in computational astrophysics. She was elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2011.

Best telescopes for beginners 2024

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Best overall

Best overall: No astronomy experience required, this telescope automatically slews and images night sky objects

Specifications

Optical design: Reflector
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 4.5-inches (114mm)
Focal length: 450mm
Highest useful magnification: 50x optical, 150x digital
Lowest useful magnification: Not specified
Supplied eyepieces: Electronic Nikon eyepiece
Weight: 19.8 lbs (9kg) including tripod

Reasons to buy

+
Effortless setup
+
No previous astronomy knowledge required

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Not for traditionalists
Buy it if

✅ You want to invest on something that's going to last: This telescope caters to both beginners who have no prior knowledge of the night sky, and pros who have a lot of astronomy experience, so you're unlikely to outgrow it.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't have a big budget: Although it is worth the money, this telescope is incredibly expensive, so most beginners likely wouldn't be able to afford it.

❌ You want a 'traditional' telescope: This is very much a telescope for the tech lovers, so if you want a more traditional instrument, this may not be the one for you.

The bottom line

🔎 Unistellar eQuinox 2 A very impressive smart telescope that can do it all, it's incredibly easy to use and guides you around the night sky even if you have no prior astronomy knowledge, though the image resolution is average. ★★★★½

The Unistellar eQuinox 2 is the second iteration of this line of smart telescopes (Unistellar also produces the much more expensive eVscope 2) and is a modern take on a traditional telescope. 

This smart telescope is super easy to use, needing just one button to operate. You control it using the Unistellar smartphone app, which has two main functions. Firstly, you can manually direct the telescope to particular celestial objects. Secondly, there's an 'explore mode' that uses the telescope's current time and location to find and point out visible celestial objects in the night sky automatically. Plus, you can take astrophotos using this mode too!

During our Unistellar eQuinox 2 review we were particularly impressed with the Smart Light Pollution Reduction feature, which makes the telescope more usable in densely populated areas by digitally removing city glow from the images of the night sky.

The eQuinox 2 is perfect for beginners because it gets rid of all the difficulties of setting up a regular telescope. It's all about the fun of discovering the night sky, which is what really hooks newcomers into the hobby. If you prefer a more traditional stargazing experience, you might want to choose something else. But if you can handle a smartphone, the Unistellar eQuinox 2 is incredibly easy to use, almost unmatched in simplicity.

This is, however, an expensive telescope, which may be prohibitive to some beginners. But advanced technology always comes with a higher cost. This is an extremely well-made telescope that will last for years and is just as much enjoyed by experienced users as it is by new astronomers.

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Unistellar eQuinox 2
AttributesNotes
DesignSleek, simple design.
PerformanceIncredibly easy to use, but image resolution is average.
FunctionalityBackpack needed to travel with easily.

Best for quick set up

Best for quick set up: Affordable but giving excellent views of planets, stars, galaxies, stars and nebulas

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 3.94-inches (100mm)
Focal length: 660mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm
Weight: 20 lbs (9.07kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Great range of accessories
+
Easy to assemble
+
Good intro to astrophotography

Reasons to avoid

-
Slight false color in optics
-
10mm eyepiece isn't great
Buy it if

✅ You want a hassle-free setup: Our top pick in this category, this telescope assembles and packs down very quickly and easily.

✅ You want to do basic astrophotography: There's a clever dust cap that doubles as a smartphone holder, so you can easily take photos with your phone.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something super portable: It's not a heavy telescope by any means, but it does have a fairly large footprint. You could take it to dark sky locations in your car, but you might not want to carry it too far.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Inspire 100AZ Aimed at beginners and users looking to upgrade, this telescope is at its best when viewing the moon and planets and comes with a lens cap that doubles as a smartphone holder for easy astrophotography. ★★★★

For beginners, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope is hard to beat. It's part of the Inspired series from Celestron, which includes the Inspire 80AZ (with a focal ratio of f/11.3) and the Celestron Inspire 70AZ (with a focal ratio of f/11). However, the 100AZ stands out because it has the biggest aperture of them all and a focal ratio of f/6.6. This means it lets in more light, providing the brightest views in the range.

Most importantly, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ is simple to use and incredibly beginner-friendly, which is why we think it's one of the top telescopes for newcomers. It's easy to set up and comes with various accessories, so you can start using it right out of the box.

While it is suitable for beginners, it isn't a perfect telescope. During our Celestron Inspire 100AZ review, we did detect some false color (which we'd expect at this price) and some blurring in the field of view. However, the latter is easily resolved with a careful selection of one of the best eyepieces.

The Inspire 100AZ comes with several accessories, including two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a red LED flashlight for low-light visibility without disrupting night vision, an accessory tray for gear storage, a StarPointer Pro finderscope for locating celestial objects and a smartphone adapter for basic astrophotography. This telescope is very versatile and suitable for various subjects in both daytime (terrestrial) and nighttime (celestial) viewing.

Unlike other beginner telescopes that have delicate optical finders limited to locating only the brightest stars, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ telescope's StarPointer Pro presents a notable advancement. With improved accuracy and dependability, it makes navigation easier for beginners. The StarPointer's impressive capability to identify faint stars, even in moderately light-polluted areas, enhances the overall stargazing experience.

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Celestron Inspire 100AZ
AttributesNotes
DesignComes with a lens cap that doubles as a phone holder.
PerformanceExcels with lunar views.
FunctionalityEasy to assemble and take down.

Best for basic astrophotography

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 AZ set against a white background

In our review, we were impressed with the StarSense app and the GPS locating capability, which (sometimes) prevents laborious alignment procedures. (Image credit: Celestron)
Best for basic astrophotography: This telescope is ideal for introducing budding enthusiasts to astrophotography

Specifications

Optical design: Newtonian reflector
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 5.11-inches (130mm)
Focal length: 650mm
Highest useful magnification: 307x
Lowest useful magnification: 19x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm
Weight: 18 lbs (8.16kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to assemble and align
+
Suggests targets to observe
+
Good intro to astrophotography

Reasons to avoid

-
No motor drive
-
Eyepieces need updating 
Buy it if

✅ You want to do basic astrophotography: This telescope offers great views for anyone wanting an intro to basic astrophotography, but for any real long-exposure shooting it would be impossible.

✅ You want it to offer target suggestions: The StarSense app will display a simulated view of the night sky where you can select a range of options to view from the menus.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want good eyepieces: We noted that the included 10mm eyepiece, in particular, is lacking in quality, so either choose a different model or invest in better eyepieces.

❌ You're a seasoned astrophotographer: As it doesn't have an EQ mount, long exposure photography will be near impossible.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ An exquisite telescope for a beginner, fully equipped and supplied with everything the skywatcher needs for a successful observing session under the stars ★★★★

The development of the smartphone has revolutionized how we interact with technology, and Celestron's StarSense series of beginner telescopes take full advantage of that fact. In our Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ review, we found it owes its ingenious design and ease of use to the Starsense app, combined with the magic of GPS. It's no wonder it is a B&H Photo best seller.

When using GoTo telescopes, usually, you need to manually point the telescope towards a few bright stars so the computer can figure out where it is. This can be a bit much for beginners who just want to start stargazing without a lengthy setup. Fortunately, Celestron's StarSense technology takes care of all the necessary calibrations and alignments in just a few minutes. This makes everything much easier, letting you explore the wonders of the night sky without any trouble. It's a fantastic feature for people new to astronomy.

When you download the StarSense app, you'll see a simulated night sky where you can pick various celestial objects you want to explore further. The app will then show arrows on the screen, indicating which way to move the telescope to see your chosen objects. Once the object is in view, the app will notify you, prompting you to peer through the telescope's eyepiece for a closer look.

You don't need to use the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ with the app — you can operate it without for a more traditional experience — but with it, it offers an easy way for beginners to get to know the night sky. It's a fun and pleasurable way to do things, too, taking out all of the stress of scanning the night sky without really knowing what you're looking at.

Celestron's StarSense Explorer range also includes a 4.5-inch aperture Newtonian and a 4-inch refractor — be sure to check out our Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ review. But because the DX 130AZ boasts an aperture of 5.11 inches, we feel this is the superior instrument.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ comes with two eyepieces: a 25mm and a 10mm, providing magnifications of 26x and 65x. However, as is common with many budget telescopes, it's advisable to consider additional accessories to unleash the telescope's optical capabilities fully. We noticed that the 10mm eyepiece, in particular, was a bit underwhelming, so we'd recommend upgrading it to enhance your observing experience.

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Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
AttributesNotes
DesignGood quality optical tube and mount.
PerformanceViews are good — clear, crisp and contrasty.
FunctionalityEasy to use for navigation.

Best Maksutov-Cassegrain

Best Maksutov-Cassegrain: Fantastic beginners' value maksutov-cassegrain telescope

Specifications

Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Aperture: 4.02-inches (102mm)
Focal length: 1325mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm
Weight: 23 lbs (10.4kg) fully assembled

Reasons to buy

+
Celestron's SkyAlign Technology
+
Excellent build quality
+
Quick to set up

Reasons to avoid

-
Power supply advisable  
-
Narrow field of view
Buy it if

✅ You want a stress-free setup: There's basically no setup required with this telescope, so you can get to observing straight away.

✅ You want to view deep-sky objects: The narrow FOV makes deep-sky viewing tricky, so this is a telescope best suited to lunar and planetary viewing.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want portability: While it's certainly doable, it's not the most lightweight option, so if you plan on traveling a lot with it we'd suggest a more suited option.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron NexStar 4SE Aside from some questionable design choices, the NexStar 4SE is a good buy for the beginner astronomer for its ease of use and sharp, bright optics. ★★★★

We've chosen the Celestron NexStar 4SE as one of the best telescopes for beginners for one main reason: It's incredibly easy to set up and allows you to get observing the night sky straight away. For that reason, and some others, we gave it four out of five stars in our Celestron NextStar 4SE review.

The NexStar 4SE makes use of Celestron's SkyAlign technology, which aims to make stargazing as simple as possible. It will automatically pinpoint and center any celestial object you want to observe. The set-up process couldn't be easier, either: Simply point the telescope at three bright objects in the sky, perhaps the moon and two prominent planets. The scope will then adjust itself and place your selected object at the center of the field of view.

In a sense, it's like the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ we listed above. However, with this telescope, you don't need an app; it includes a large hand controller that can manage everything.

Considering the price tends to fluctuate around the $550 - $600 mark, you'll be treated to surprisingly bright and sharp images. It's tricky to do deep-sky viewing with this model due to its small field of view (for that you'll want to check out our guide to the best telescopes for deep space), but if you're only going to be looking at the moon and planets, you won't be disappointed.

This entry-level telescope, weighing about 8kg (not including the tripod, etc.), has a sleek design that securely holds accessories on the tube, lowering the chances of accidental damage while moving it around. Similar to other Celestron NexStar models, it's recommended to use a power source instead of relying solely on AA batteries, as the telescope can use up a lot of power.

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Celestron NexStar 4SE
AttributesNotes
DesignSolid and sturdy build, but drains batteries fast.
PerformanceCrisp, detailed views of the moon and planets.
FunctionalityCelestron's Skyalign and GoTo system automates most of the viewing work.

Best for the back yard

Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P telescope product photo on a white background

A collapsible Dobsonian, the Skyliner 200P should last beginners for years to come. (Image credit: Sky-Watcher)

Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P

Best for the back yard: Pick out faint galaxies and nebulas with ease for years to come

Specifications

Optical design: Reflector
Mount type: Dobsonian
Aperture: 7.87-inches (200mm)
Focal length: 1200mm
Highest useful magnification: 406x
Lowest useful magnification: 29x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm
Weight: 58.64 lbs (26.6kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Picks out faint galaxies easily
+
Collapsible, so very portable
+
Built to last

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires frequent mirror adjustment 
-
Quite heavy
Buy it if

✅ You want to view galaxies and nebulas This telescope has impressive observing power, allowing you to see deep sky objects in incredible detail.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something lightweight: The tube and mount weigh around 50 lbs, so it's not a telescope you can easily pack up and lug to dark sky sites.

You're on a budget: While we've featured it in this beginner's guide, it's not at the cheaper end of the spectrum, so if you're on a budget you'd be better off with one of the more affordable models.

The bottom line

🔎 Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P While technically very portable, it's actually quite a heavy bit of kit, so it would be a pain to transport anywhere — better suited to the back yard. That said, it'll reward you with incredible views of the night sky in stunning detail. ★★★★

The Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P is a fantastic choice for powerful telescope observations. Dobsonian telescopes, known for their impressive observing power, feature large tubes mounted on simple alt-azimuth rocker mounts, eliminating the need for a tripod. While they can be heavy and somewhat challenging to transport, Sky-Watcher's Skyliner Dobsonians have a unique feature — they can be split into two parts. This design enhances convenience for extension along trusses or folding into a more compact shape, effectively addressing any portability concerns.

Dobsonian mounts are famous for their capacity to support big aperture telescopes without the expense of tripod setups. The Skyliner 200P, with its 200mm aperture, offers fantastic value by delivering breathtaking views. Its remarkable ability to gather light enables detailed observations of distant galaxies and nebulas. If you've ever dreamed of getting up close to the far corners of the universe, we think this telescope is perfect for you.

But there's one significant downside to the Skyliner 200P: It needs frequent collimation. Collimation is when you adjust the position of the primary and secondary mirrors using small screws. Even a slight bump can throw off this alignment, and having to do it often can be quite annoying. On the flip side, if you like messing around with gadgets, you might find this process enjoyable.

While the Skyliner 200P's large aperture is fantastic, it does raise another point: it's quite heavy. The tube and mount together weigh over 50lbs (22.7kg), meaning it's not a telescope you can easily move around. It's meant to stay in one spot, so if you're searching for something portable for camping or hiking, this isn't the right choice.

The Skyliner 200P comes with two eyepieces — a 10mm (120x) eyepiece for displaying wide fields of view, such as the full moon or entire galaxies, and a 25mm (48x) eyepiece for working in more detail, like on a close-up of the rugged lunar surface or the planets.

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Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P
AttributesNotes
DesignPortable, but heavy.
PerformanceExcels at gathering light.
FunctionalityRequires frequent collimation.

Best for wide field observation

Orion StarBlast II 4.5 telescope set against a white background

Clear and sharp views make the StarBlast II 4.5 telescope suitable for observing wide-field objects, including Pleiades. (Image credit: Orion)

Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ

Best for wide-field observation: Achieve crisp wide-angle views of subjects such as Pleiades

Specifications

Optical design: Reflector
Mount type: Equatorial
Aperture: 4.5-inches (114.3mm)
Focal length: 450mm
Highest useful magnification: 228x
Lowest useful magnification: 16x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm & 2x Barlow lens
Weight: 20.72 lbs (9.4kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Very good overall build
+
Handy add-ons included
+
Good optics

Reasons to avoid

-
Mount could be a struggle for some beginners
-
Tripod needs an upgrade
Buy it if

✅ You want an EQ mount: The equatorial mount, although tricky to get used to if you're a beginner, will reward you with better tracking.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't want a learning curve: remember that helping people quickly identify if a product ISN'T right for them is just as helpful as pointing out the ones that are.

The bottom line

🔎 Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ A brilliant all-rounder that offers outstanding value for an extensive piece of equipment. The EQ mount does take some getting used to for beginners, but the initial setup is a breeze. ★★★★

The Orion StarBlast II 4.5 is a fantastic telescope that gives you everything you need at a great price. Unlike many beginner telescopes that come with a simple alt-azimuth mount, this one has an equatorial mount. While it might take some time to learn how to use it, once you do, you'll notice improved tracking performance during your observations.

Setting up the Orion StarBlast II 4.5 is incredibly simple. It's designed to be user-friendly, and if you need guidance, there's a manual included with step-by-step instructions. Everything you need comes in the telescope package: a mount, tripod, optical tube assembly, two eyepieces with magnifications of 18x and 45x (10mm and 25mm), a 2x Barlow lens, a moon map, a red LED light for preserving night vision, a red-dot finder and Orion's Star Target Planisphere and Telescope Observer's Guide to help you plan your observations. We think it's an excellent choice for beginners, especially given its very competitive price.

Although we haven't published a full review, we have had hands-on experience with this telescope. During our stargazing expedition, Jupiter was prominently visible in the southeast, shining brightly with a magnitude of -2.7. The conditions were favorable, allowing us to discern the atmospheric belts and the largest moons of the gas giant. We observed a slight amount of coma, causing images to appear as if they were 'falling inwards' near the edge of the field of view. However, with this telescope, we had to look closely to notice any distortion, and it did not impact our views or our enjoyment of the night sky.

As the telescope is better suited to wide-angle subjects, we turned the tube to the Pleiades (Messier 45), which dazzled in the field of view. The major member stars were pin-sharp, like white jewels. We were also able to spot the Merope Nebula, a reflection nebula surrounding the 4th-magnitude star, Merope.

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Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ
AttributesNotes
DesignEQ mount is unusual for beginner telescopes.
PerformanceStars are pin sharp, but we did detect a small amount of coma.
FunctionalityBetter suited to wide angle subjects.

Best computerized telescope

Best computerized scope: This app-controlled telescope has a motorized mount with a lightweight and easy to set up body

Specifications

Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized alt-azimuth single fork arm
Aperture: 4.02-inches (102mm)
Focal length: 1325mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm
Weight: 16 lbs (7.25kg)

Reasons to buy

+
No tools required for assembly 
+
Controlled via smartphone/tablet
+
Database recommends targets

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs app to function
-
Tripod could be better
Buy it if

✅ You want alignment technology: The SkyAlign technology makes aligning your telescope a breeze, all at the touch of a button.

✅ You want something portable: This telescope is lightweight and easy to transport, making it a great option to take on camping trips to dark sky sites.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't want technology: This telescope requires the use of its app in order to function, so users looking for a more traditional approach should look elsewhere.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron AstroFi 102 A basic telescope best suited to lunar and planetary observation. The motorized mount can initially be tricky to set up for beginners, but it comes at a reasonable price for a decent night sky view ★★★½

If you're looking for an excellent beginner telescope that offers great value for money, the Celestron Astro Fi is well worth your consideration. Its combination of technology and exceptional support make it a wise choice whether you're a newbie or a tech-savvy skywatcher.

In our Celestron Astro Fi 102 review, we noted that the optics provide good views of the moon and we could easily pick out the planets. The telescope has a four-inch aperture, and we were able to get pleasing views of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn — as well as a fantastic look at our moon's rugged terrain. 

There's everything a beginner needs here, including two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm, for magnifications of 132x and 53x), a smartphone adapter in case you want to dabble in astrophotography, and a red dot finder.

It's worth mentioning that the Celestron Astro Fi 102 makes some compromises in build quality to maintain a lower cost and weight. Its outer casing is plastic, which isn't as sturdy as metal-bodied telescopes. However, this doesn't necessarily have to be a dealbreaker. We like how much lighter and easier to transport it is because of this choice. Plus, it's important to handle anything with delicate optics carefully, regardless of the material it's made from.

The Astro Fi 102 features SkyAlign technology, which is straightforward to use and simplifies the alignment process. Alignment is crucial before you begin observing, as it assists the telescope in understanding its position in the night sky. Once aligned, the Astro Fi 102 can automatically direct you to your chosen target when you press a button.

To initiate the alignment process, you use your smartphone as the button. Simply download the Celestron SkyPortal app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to get started.

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Celestron AstroFi 102
AttributesNotes
DesignBasic plastic casing, tripod needs weighing down.
PerformanceSeamless syncing with the SkyPortal App.
FunctionalityQuiet operation and reliable integrated Wi-Fi.

Best grab and go telescope

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ and accessories placed against a white background

We think the AstroMaster 102AZ is an ideal beginner telescope option thanks to its grab-and-go nature. (Image credit: Amazon)

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ

Best grab and go scope: Lightweight and easy to assemble the AstroMaster 102AZ is quick to set up

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 4.02-inches (102mm)
Focal length: 660mm
Highest useful magnification: 204x
Lowest useful magnification: 14x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 20mm
Weight: 14.1 lbs (6.4kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable tripod
+
Easy to assemble
+
Very portable

Reasons to avoid

-
Color fringing around bright targets
-
Tripod can be stiff to start with
Buy it if

✅ You don't want any distractions: Many users feel distracted or overwhelmed with screens and apps to contend with, but this telescope is a great option for beginners who want to keep things simple.

You want something portable: Our best pick for a grab and go telescope, this model is lightweight and portable enough to travel with it easily.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something powerful: Part of the beauty of this telescope is its simplicity, so if you want something with a bit more oomph and more tech, there are better options.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ A great telescope that's perfect for beginners. It's easy to set up and use without any distracting bits of tech. We were impressed by its performance and image quality. ★★★½

The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a straightforward refractor telescope designed for beginners. Its assembly is easy, and it operates without the need for any technology, making it perfect for those who want to explore the night sky without the distraction of screens.

It's the longer version of the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ and in the same way, as we found in our Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ review, it doesn't produce any false color. The telescope is connected to a mount that moves smoothly in both horizontal and vertical directions. This makes it easy to explore the night sky accurately. With the panning handle on the Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ, we could easily track and sharpen our focus on objects. The mount holds the object steadily in view, preventing it from slowly moving out of the field of view.

We observed a waning gibbous moon and were fascinated by the clear view of its crater-covered surface. But, we did notice a slight bluish-purple outline around the moon's edge. This same effect was noticeable when looking at planets like Jupiter and Saturn. However, despite this minor issue, the telescope provided stunning sights of Jupiter's atmospheric stripes and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings. We could easily ignore this expected optical flaw with this portable refractor.

Like many other of the best telescopes for beginners, you'll find everything you need in the box of the AstroMaster 102AZ. There's a great-quality mount, two eyepieces (10mm and 20mm, offering magnifications of 66x and 33x), a red dot finder, a star diagonal and access to the Starry Night software. The two included eyepieces have enough magnification to see bright celestial objects that bit further away.

You can get a Celestron AstroMaster in different apertures — namely 70mm, 76mm, 80mm, 90mm, 114mm and 130mm — but we've found the Astromaster 102AZ to be beginner- and budget-friendly, and a great choice if you want to observe a wide variety of targets.

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Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ
AttributesNotes
DesignEasy to assemble.
PerformanceGood views with very little color fringing.
FunctionalityExquisite clarity and contrast.

Best budget telescope

Best budget scope: This refractor telescope for viewing the moon (but not much else)

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 2.76-inches (70mm)
Focal length: 400mm
Highest useful magnification: Unstated
Lowest useful magnification: Unstated
Supplied eyepieces: 20mm
Weight: 6.5 lbs (2.95kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Suitable focal length for lunar viewing
+
Light and easy to transport

Reasons to avoid

-
Ships with only one eyepiece
-
Tripod isn't great
-
Not very versatile
Buy it if

✅ You want to look at the moon: If your only interest is getting a closer view of the moon, then this is an inexpensive option that will give you decent lunar views.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a telescope that's going to last: Not only did we find this telescope frustrating to use, but we thought some of the parts weren't the best quality, so if you want an instrument that's going to last you for a while, look elsewhere.

The bottom line

🔎 Encalife SVBONY 501P 70 If you're looking for a small and inexpensive telescope so you can look at the moon and not a whole lot else, this model is worth considering.  ★★★

The SVBONY 501P 70 refractor telescope is perfect for anyone new to stargazing or experienced observers who want a simple arrangement. It comes with the main telescope tube, a basic 5x24 finderscope to help you find stars and planets and a 45-degree diagonal for comfortable viewing. Plus, it even includes a backpack for easy carrying.

It comes with a single 20mm eyepiece that connects to the 400mm refractor, making it perfect for viewing the moon but not for much else. The tripod (which reaches 41.5-inch / 105cm, or 50-inch / 127cm with the central column extended) is a little on the flimsy side, so that may be an item that'll need upgrading in the future. 

Overall, after our Encalife SVBONY 501P 70 review, our verdict was that, for the money, it's a good entry-level telescope for looking at the moon. Keep watch around occasions like Bank Holiday Sales, Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) as pricing might change significantly, as with a wide range of Encalife items.

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Encalife SVBONY 501P 70
AttributesNotes
DesignLightweight, but cheap price reflects cheap feeling design.
PerformanceDecent for lunar views but lacks sharpness.
FunctionalityLacks versatility.

Best telescopes for beginners: Frequently Asked Questions

When deciding on the best beginner telescope for yourself or the budding astronomer you're buying for, you'll need to consider what to look for if you want to achieve the best stargazing or skywatching experience.

It's important to take into account the various features and capabilities of the different telescope models, as well as any budget constraints you have when making your decision — set a budget and stick to it so you don't overspend.

You also need to consider the portability of the scope if you plan on using your scope in different locations, not all of them are simple to transport.

What types of beginner telescope are there?

There are three main types of beginner telescopes: Reflector, refractor and catadioptric, all more or less suitable depending on the desired night sky subjects. Typically, reflectors are better for viewing faint, deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies, whereas refractors are popular for observing objects like planets or moons. Catadioptric telescopes can give you the best of both worlds and can be a happy middle ground.

As the name suggests, refractors bend the light and typically work similarly to camera lenses, whereby light passes through a series of glass elements before resolving toward the eyepiece.

Reflectors use a primary mirror to capture light from the telescope tube, then a secondary mirror to reflect the light into the eyepiece. These types of telescopes are often less expensive to build since they require the creation of a single large mirror instead of the multiple glass elements you'd find in refractors.

Catadioptrics combine refractive and reflective technology, allowing for long focal lengths and wide apertures in smaller telescope bodies.

What is the cheapest beginner telescope?

In this guide, the least expensive beginner telescope we've reviewed is the Encalife SVBONY 501P 70, which is available for around $89.99 at the time of writing. However, it should be noted that while we gave it three out of five stars, it's not the best at anything in particular and we'd only recommend it for lunar viewing.

If you'd prefer something budget-friendly that can do a little more, then take a look at the Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ telescope.

Which is the best beginner telescope for astrophotography?

What's the best beginner telescope for a child?

The Celestron Inspire 80AZ is the best beginner telescope for kids because it offers more over most beginner packages and it's easy to assemble. Want to browse the very best models? We have an entire buying guide dedicated to the best telescopes for kids.

What do the telescope terms mean?

Here are some basic terms you may want to familiarize yourself with before you make a purchase:

Aperture: The diameter of the primary mirror or lens that allows the telescope to collect light.

Field of view: Area of sky visible through the eyepiece.

Focal length: A telescope's tube length. Short focal lengths offer a wide field of view and a small image.

Focal ratio: Also known as the telescope's speed. Small focal ratios provide lower magnifications, a wide field of view, and a brighter image.

Magnification: Relationship between the telescope's optical system and the eyepiece.

Which beginner telescopes comes with a phone mount?

The Celestron Inspire 100AZ has a phone mount that ships with the telescope as well as other accessories you'll need to get started. But increasingly there are many models that ship with phone mounts. Either to hold while you use one of the best stargazing apps, to manually guide you while you navigate the stars, and some phones use apps that control the telescope electronically. Take a look at the models above to decide which you want or need.

How we test the best telescopes for beginners

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best telescopes to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every telescope through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each telescope is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.

Each telescope is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each telescope and is judged based on its price point, class, and destined use. For example, comparing a 10-inch Dobsonian to a 2.76-inch refractor wouldn't be appropriate, though each telescope might be the best pick in its own class.

We look at how easy it is to set up, whether computerized or motorized mounts are reliable and quiet and if a telescope comes with appropriate eyepieces and tripods. We also suggest if a particular telescope would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best experience possible.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on telescopes, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

If you're curious to see what the best telescopes are, we've got a guide for that. Similarly, if you already know what brand of telescope you want to purchase, we've got you covered there too. Be sure to check out our brand-specific guides for Celestron, Meade Instruments, Orion and Sky-Watcher.

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Gemma Lavender
Contributing expert

Gemma currently works for the European Space Agency on content, communications and outreach, and was formerly the content director of Space.com, Live Science, science and space magazines How It Works and All About Space, history magazines All About History and History of War as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) kids education brand Future Genius. She is the author of several books including "Quantum Physics in Minutes", "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Large Hadron Collider" and "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Milky Way". She holds a degree in physical sciences, a Master’s in astrophysics and a PhD in computational astrophysics. She was elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2011. Previously, she worked for Nature's journal, Scientific Reports, and created scientific industry reports for the Institute of Physics and the British Antarctic Survey. She has covered stories and features for publications such as Physics World, Astronomy Now and Astrobiology Magazine.

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