Telescope deals 2024: Best offers from reputable retailers

Telescope Deals: Image shows man with telescope against twilight background.
(Image credit: Getty)

The best telescope deals are out there to discover and we've rounded up the top discounts, so you don't have to navigate the market alone.

We've sourced telescope deals exclusively from reputable retailers and now is a great time to look for offers as some of the best telescopes are on sale. When it comes to picking up new stargazing equipment, we always recommend that you do your research and know what you're buying before purchasing. If you don't find the right telescope deal below, you can always check out our round-ups of the best telescopes for beginners, budget telescopes under $500 and telescopes on Amazon. Below, we have tried to include something suitable for every astronomer, regardless of their budget, viewing needs and experience. 

Underneath all the deals in this guide, we've included some handy buying advice, just so you know what to look out for. It's worth remembering that while telescopes are what people may initially think of when it comes to astronomy, the best binoculars and binoculars deals are worth checking out as they can provide stunning night sky views at a (usually) lower price point.

Generally speaking, if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. And, if you don't recognize a manufacturer's name, it's worth staying clear of it. This guide is split into US-based deals and UK-based deals and, if there is a brand you trust, it could be worth taking a look at our specific guides for Celestron telescope deals, Sky-Watcher telescope deals, Meade telescope deals and Orion telescope deals. However, for the best telescope deals on the market, read on below. 


Best telescope deals 2024

Today's best US telescope deals

Unistellar eVscope eQuinox 114mm f/4 GoTo Reflector Telescope

Unistellar eVscope eQuinox Smart Digital Refractor Telescope: $2999 now $1399 on Amazon.
Save $1600, yes 16 hundred dollars! On a highly sophisticated telescope that's 100 times more powerful than a regular telescope, comes with a huge database of night sky objects so you can view targets at a touch of a button and comes with the Unistellar network of over 5000 citizen astronomers. This is a serious saving and a quality bit of equipment.

Note: This is now an older model but the technology is still decent. Stock is low, so you'll have to act fast to grab this deal. 

Celestron Astro FI 130 Was $728.95 Now $452.43 on Adorama.

Celestron Astro FI 130 Was $728.95 Now $452.43 on Adorama.

Save over $275 on a telescope that offers the most value to enthusiasts. You can read more about it in our in-depth review

Note: The before price has spiked to make it look like a bigger deal than it really is, the price you pay is still reasonable. 

Celestron Astro Fi 102 Telescope: Was $529.95 Now $429.99 on Amazon. 

Celestron Astro Fi 102 Telescope: Was $529.95 Now $429.99 on Amazon

Save nearly $130 on what we rate as one of the best out there. This is the lowest price we've seen in years on Amazon and it features a 102mm aperture, a 1325mm focal length, a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, smartphone-controlled and it comes with two eyepieces and a finder scope. 

Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope

Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian: Was $319.95 Now $249.95 on Amazon.
Save 22% on this 114mm push-to German Equatorial Newtonian telescope. The telescope ships with a fully adjustable steel tripod, finderscope, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ: $611.95$360.96 at Adorama.Save over $250 Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ review

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ: $611.95 $360.96 at Adorama.
Save over $250 on this refractor scope, which is another model from Celestron that works in tandem with the helpful StarSense app. Prices on this model have actually been a lot higher in months gone by so this reflects a really good deal. You can also check out our Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ review before buying. 

Note: This is a pretty good price for this telescope but the "before price" has spiked to make it look like a better deal.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ: now $334.91 at Amazon.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ: now $334.91 at Amazon.
This is an excellent reflector model from Celestron, which we were impressed with when we reviewed the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. It offers clear, crisp views and is excellent for spotting galaxies, nebulas, planets and star clusters. 

Note: this technically isn't a deal but it is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen. Stock is low though, so you'll have to act soon.

Sky-Watcher 8" Flextube 200P:was $755 now $599 at Adorama

The Sky-Watcher 8-inch Flextube 200P is an excellent instrument for capturing distant galaxies, nebulas and "nearby" solar system targets. Supplied with a finderscope, eyepieces and adapter. Save over $150

Sky-Watcher 8" Flextube 200P: was $755 now $599 at Adorama

The Sky-Watcher 8-inch Flextube 200P is an excellent instrument for capturing distant galaxies, nebulas and "nearby" solar system targets. Supplied with a finderscope, eyepieces and adapter. Save over $150 at Adorama today.

Gskyer 70mm Alt-az refractor: Was $96.99 Now $81.68 at Amazon.

The Gskyer 70mm Alt-az refractor telescope at Amazon.

Gskyer 70mm Alt-az refractor: Was $96.99 Now $81.68 at Amazon.

The Gskyer 70mm Alt-az refractor telescope at Amazon. This refractor comes complete with all the accessories a beginner astronomer would want: two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) a 3x Barlow lens for up-close views of night sky objects, phone attachment and Bluetooth control, a finder scope and an aluminum tripod. Plus an accessory tray and carry bag when you want to stargaze on location.

Note: This is a limited-time deal and the lowest price we've seen for this model.

Celestron AstroMaster 50AZ Telescope: $63.95 $47.99 at Amazon
You can save 25%

Celestron AstroMaster 50AZ Telescope: $63.95 $47.99 at Amazon
You can save 25% on this lightweight telescope, which is well-suited to beginner astronomers. It comes with plenty of accessories: four eyepieces, a finderscope and a 3x Barlow lens. It also boasts an easy-to-use alt-azimuth mount, which allows for a quick and fuss-free set up. 

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ LT: Now $59 at Walmart

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ LT: Now $59 at Walmart

This is a refractor telescope, which is perfect for beginners keen to observe the moon and planets. It features an alt-azimuth mount, which makes it easier to use over equatorial models, and comes with two eyepieces.

Note: This technically isn't a deal but is the same price as when it was previously on sale.

Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Was $219.95 Now $144.99 On Amazon. 

Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Was $219.95 Now $144.99 On Amazon

Save $75 on a telescope that features a 127mm objective lens diameter that offers great light gathering ability to see the moon, craters and other planets. It also features accessories including two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), a 3x Barlow lens and free download of astronomy software. It's ideal for beginners. 

Note: You can save an extra $20 by applying the coupon

Today's best UK deals

Celestron NexStar 8SEWas £1699.99now £1459.97 on Amazon

Celestron NexStar 8SE Was £1699.99 now £1459.97 on Amazon

Save £240 on what we think is the best motorized telescope out there. We reviewed the Celestron NexStar 8SE and rated it very highly. 

Celestron NexStar 4SE Was £699 Now £649 on Amazon.

Celestron NexStar 4SE Was £699 Now £649 on Amazon.

Save £50 on a great telescopes that features in our best telescopes guide and we found that it's the best for beginners, when we reviewed the Celestron NexStar 4SE.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ was £399.99 now £346.70 on Amazon. 

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ was £399.99 now £346.70 on Amazon

Save over £50 on this refractor telescope on Amazon. Here, you get fully-coated optics with a 70mm objective lens as well as a lightweight frame and numerous accessories to maximise your stargazing experience. 

Sky-Watcher Heritage-130P FlexTube (UK): was £215, now £195 at Wex Photo VideoSave £20

Sky-Watcher Heritage-130P FlexTube (UK): was £215, now £195 at Wex Photo Video
Save £20 on this simple, beginner-friendly scope from Sky-Watcher. It offers up to 406x magnification and has a decent 130mm aperture. What’s more, it has a foldable design that means you can pack it away for family camping trips and more.

Sky-Watcher Skyliner-200P (UK): £439 £399 at Wex Photo Video
You can save £40

Sky-Watcher Skyliner-200P (UK): £439 £399 at Wex Photo Video
You can save £40 on this grab-and-go style scope, which requires minimum set-up from users. It has an aperture of slightly over 200mm, so this represents fantastic value in terms of how much light you can gather with this little telescope.  

Buying advice: Finding the right one for you

Of course, you want the biggest discount you can possibly get and now is a great time to get a discount, but the saving isn't the only thing you need to consider. On top of the saving, you should also consider your stargazing experience and what you want to view. Do you want to look at far-off nebulas and galaxies or planets and the moon, which are a little closer to home?

If it is planets and the moon you want a closer look at then something with a longer focal point - around 2000mm (80 inches) is an excellent choice. But, if it's crystal clear views of nebulas, star clusters and galaxies then a shorter focal length of around the 500mm (20 inches) mark would work really well.

Just to make it that little bit more challenging, there's also three different main types of telescopes to look out for. You have the choice of refractor, reflector and catadioptric telescopes, but don't worry as we've included a run down of the pros and cons to each. It's important to consider these before picking out the right telescope deal for you.  

Refractor telescopes are great for beginners, as they're easy to assemble and operate. They're also usually relatively cheap to manufacture, which is reflected in their final price. They are best suited to viewing things like planets and moons, thanks to their typically long focal length, but unfortunately, they do have a tendency to suffer from chromatic aberration.

Reflector telescopes are well-loved by amateur astronomers and better suited to low-magnification targets, such as galaxies and nebulas. These telescopes can be divided into two different types: Newtonians and Dobsonians. Newtonian reflectors are quite versatile and well-suited to astrophotography, but they require quite a lot of upkeep. Dobsonians might be more tempting to amateurs, as they tend to be simpler to maintain. 

Finally, there are the slightly pricier catadioptric telescopes, which were created to tackle some of the problems found in the standard refractor and reflector design. Here, we've divided them into two categories: the Maksutov-Cassegrain and the Schmidt-Cassegrain. The former model is great for correcting issues such as the "coma" distortion effect and the aforementioned chromatic aberration. The latter is a very versatile model, also boasting reduced chromatic aberration, which typically comes equipped with a GoTo system. This software allows you to automatically point your scope at particular astronomical objects, which is great for beginners. 

Newtonian telescope deals

Meade StarNavigator NG 114

(Image credit: Meade Instruments)

Newtonian telescopes are popular with amateur astronomers because they allow users to focus on a really wide range of night sky objects. They're complicated bits of kits that require a fair bit of maintenance, so if you are going to buy one of these models then make sure you pick one that has mirrors with a protective coating, as it will last longer.

Below, you'll find deals on a couple of our favorite models, depending on availability in your local area: the Meade StarNavigator NG 114 and the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. Both models are great for beginners and – crucially – very reasonably priced.

Dobsonian telescope deals

Orion SkyScanner 100

(Image credit: Orion)

Dobsonian telescopes are another kind of reflector telescope. They're a lot easier to maintain and operate than their Newtonian counterparts, but they're still great for spotting a wide range of astronomical objects. 

In the deals box below, you'll find the latest prices for the Orion SkyScanner 100 Reflector, the Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P and the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 SynScan Dobsonian. The former two models are reasonably priced and ideal for beginners, while the latter model is a slightly pricier option, with a huge aperture that allows you to see deeper into space. 

Refractor telescope deals

Orion Observer II 70 telescope

(Image credit: Orion)

Refractor telescopes are intuitive to use and easy to set up, so they are popular with novice astronomers. They are also relatively cheap to manufacture, which means that you can get a refractor telescope with a decent size aperture for a very good price. The only drawback here is that the telescopes can suffer from chromatic aberration, where colors and images can seem a bit fuzzy. 

Here, we've rounded up some of our favorite refractors: the Orion Observer II 70 Refractor, the Meade Instruments Infinity 102 AZ, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ and the Celestron Omni XLT 120. The first three are brilliant for beginners who want to get clear views of planets, while the Celestron Omni XLT 120 is perfect for intermediate astronomers who value high-quality optics and want to spend a little more.

Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope deals

Sky-Watcher SkyMax 150 telescope

(Image credit: Sky-Watcher)

Put simply, Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes correct problems you might find in a reflector telescope, such as the 'coma' effect, where images appear blurred. They have sealed optics, so you don't have to worry about maintenance, and they also tend to come with a go-to system, making it easy to navigate the stars. Some of the best beginner telescopes can be found in this category, although they can also be a little bit pricey.

Just below, you'll find deals on some of our favorite models when they're available. These are the Meade ETX90 Observer, the Sky-Watcher Skymax 150 PRO and the Celestron Astro Fi 102. The Celestron Astro Fi 102 is actually fairly well-priced — and a great option for beginners — while the other two are a little more expensive, but still easy to set up and intuitive to use. 

Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope deals

Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25

(Image credit: Celestron)

The Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes we've included below are high-end models, with high-quality optics to match. They all boast decent apertures and can be used to get excellent views of planets and moons. Be warned, they're not always great for astrophotography because of their curved focal plane, but for stargazing purposes they're excellent. 

When they're available, you'll find deals below for the Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 (which boasts one of the best optical systems we've ever tried), the Celestron NexStar 6SE, the Celestron NexStar 8SE, and the Celestron Advanced VX 9.25 EdgeHD, which is a rare example of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that can be used by astrophotographers.

Kids' telescope deals

Celestron FirstScope 76 Telescope

(Image credit: Celestron)

When you're choosing the best telescope for your kids, you want something robust, compact and — ideally — less than $100. Here, we've rounded up refractor and reflector telescopes that fit the bill. These instruments will give youngsters clear views of the moon, along with some of our closest planets and stars. 

These telescopes offer the perfect introduction to astronomy, but for youngsters who prefer looking through two eyes, you might want to pick up some of the best binoculars for kids instead.

Below, you'll see deals on our top picks for youngsters: the Celestron FirstScope 76 Tabletop, the Meade Instruments StarPro 102, the Orion SpaceProbe II 76, the Celestron Astro Fi 90, the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector and the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Jase Parnell-Brookes
Channel Editor

Jase Parnell-Brookes is an award-winning photographer, educator and writer based in the UK. They won the Gold Prize award in the Nikon Photo Contest 2018/19 and was named Digital Photographer of the Year in 2014. After completing their Masters Jase has spent a good chunk of two decades studying and working in photography and optics shooting and writing all over the world for big-name brands and media outlets. Now the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at Space.com their speciality is in low light optics and camera systems.

With contributions from