You don’t need a massive telescope to get an up-close and personal view of the planets above. Telescope technology has become much more advanced and significantly more accessible in the last century. Thus, manufacturers are able to produce high-quality telescope models that serve everyone, from beginner to professional astronomers.
In this guide, we’re going to help you find the very best telescopes for beginners. We have included a list of some fine entry-level models that are perfect for noobs who are just getting started. To ensure that you’re able to begin exploring the cosmos straight away, we’ve selected telescopes that don’t require a ton of knowledge to use. They’re all designed to suit amateur astronomers while giving you the tools to learn more.
Best Beginner Telescope – Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Features | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gskyer Refracting Telescope | 70mm aperture Two eyepieces and 3X Barlow lens Fully coated optics 48-degree erecting prism | 4.4 out of 5 ⭐ | |
 | Celestron 70mm Travel Scope | Maximum theoretical magnification: 165X Comes with astronomy software, travel bag, and tripod Includes two eyepieces | 4.3 out of 5⭐ | |
 | Celestron Tel National Parks Foundation 76mm | Maximum magnification: 180X Newtonian reflector telescope Compact design | 3.9 out of 5⭐ | |
 | Gskyer Astronomical Refractor Telescope | Maximum magnification: 360X Comes with three eyepieces and Barlow lens Includes aluminum tripod and smartphone astrophotography adapter | 4.5 out of 5⭐ | |
 | KIOSESI Telescope for Adults & Kids | 70mm aperture 400mm focal length Up to 200X magnification Refractor telescope | 4.3 out of 5⭐ | |
 | Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope | Maximum magnification: 269X Newtonian reflector telescope Equatorial mount Includes tripod, astronomy software, and two eyepieces | 4.4 out of 5⭐ | |
 | Meade Instruments 209001 Infinity | Maximum magnification: 100X Includes three eyepieces and a Barlow lens Altazimuth mount Refractor telescope | 4.3 out of 5⭐ | |
 | ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids | 70mm aperture 300mm focal length Up to 150X magnification Refractor telescope | 4.4 out of 5⭐ | |
 | SARBLUE Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope for Adults | 60mm aperture 750mm focal length Multi-coated optics Detachable lid | 4.3 out of 5⭐ | |
 | Hexeum Telescope for Kids & Adults | 70mm aperture 500mm focal length Multi-coated optics Refractor telescope | 4.4 out of 5⭐ |
Best Beginner Telescope Reviews
Gskyer Refracting Telescope
Gskyer is another big-name brand with a reputation for producing some beginner-friendly gear. This refracting telescope is a fantastic choice for those looking to get their very first telescope. It’s easy enough to use. Best of all, it’s an all-in-one-kit. You have everything you need to start stargazing in no time!
The telescope is well-built and utilizing premium optics. The refracting lenses inside are fully coated to improve light transmission and reduce distortion.
The most remarkable thing about this kit is the astrophotography gear! Mount the included smartphone adapter to the eyepiece. It lines up the camera so that you can view the stars through the screen. With the included wireless remote, you can snap pictures and make memories, too!
Key Features:
- 70mm aperture
- Two eyepieces and 3X Barlow lens
- Fully coated optics
- 48-degree erecting prism
- It comes with a tripod and finderscope
- It includes astrophotography gear and remote
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Celestron 70mm Travel Scope
Key Features:
- Focal length: 400mm
- Aperture size: 70mm
- Focal ratio: F/5.7.1
- Maximum theoretical magnification: 165X
- Comes with astronomy software, travel bag, and tripod
- Includes two eyepieces
Stargazing on the go is easy with this Celestron beginner telescope. It comes with a tripod and protective carrying case. You can take this equipment out to a spot without a ton of light pollution to get the clearest image possible. This is a refractor telescope that uses a large 70mm lens. The glass components within the optical tube are fully coated to improve performance and reduce glare.
Once you have the telescope set up on the mount and tripod, you can use a star chart to find your target. A built-in sight on the side allows you to line up the telescope and lock onto the celestial objects you’re trying to look at. Then, simply focus the telescope and use one of the two eyepieces to perfect the image.
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Celestron Tel National Parks Foundation 76mm
Key Features:
- Focal length: 300mm
- Aperture size: 76mm
- Focal ratio: F/4
- Maximum magnification: 180X
- Newtonian reflector telescope
- Compact design
You don’t need a large and clunky piece of gear to take a look at the cosmos. This model from Celestron is revered for its portability. When compared to traditional telescopes, this model dwarfs them all. The optical tube is a mere 10 inches long. It’s also a tabletop telescope with a versatile mount. Just set it on a stable surface and use the altazimuth mount to point it in the right direction.
This is a Newtonian reflector. It uses a spherical mirror that manipulates light efficiently. The mirror is coated in aluminum to maximize its reflectivity and give you the best image possible. The aperture is also wide and fast. This makes it a great option for viewing some deep-sky objects like nebulae.
This particular beginner telescope was made in partnership with the National Parks Foundation. Thus, it has an attractive wrap around the optical tube that will look great wherever you place it.
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Gskyer Astronomical Refractor Telescope
Key Features:
- Focal length: 600mm
- Aperture size: 90mm
- Focal ratio: F/6.7
- Maximum magnification: 360X
- Comes with three eyepieces and Barlow lens
- Includes aluminum tripod and smartphone astrophotography adapter
- Dobsonian tabletop design
Here’s another great Gskyer telescope for first-time astronomers. It has a similar design to the previous beginner telescope from this brand. But, this model takes this up a notch. It’s capable of providing you with 360X magnification. The aperture size is a bit larger as well, which increases the amount of light that’s getting in. Whether you want to look at the rings of Saturn or the vibrant colors of Jupiter, this telescope can do it all.
With this kit, you’re getting three different eyepieces. On the lower end, the shortest eyepiece provides 24X magnification. The longest gives you 120X magnification. Plus, there’s the Barlow lens for greater flexibility.
In terms of performance, this telescope doesn’t disappoint. It’s a refractor telescope that uses treated lenses. They have a high-transmission coating to improve visibility and reduce chromatic aberration.
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KIOSESI Telescope for Adults & Kids
Here’s another telescope primed for stargazing in remote locations. Tipping the scales at less than four pounds, you can easily carry this refractor to dark locations in the middle of nowhere! Even the optical tube is compact, ensuring that you’re not lugging up tons of clunky gear to get a clear view.
Once you reach your destination, you can take full advantage of the wide aperture. The 70mm objective lens allows light to flood the optical tube. The high-quality optics inside manipulate light strategically to give you a surprisingly clear view.
This kit comes with two eyepieces and a Barlow lens. With the most high-powered accessories attached, you can get 200X magnification. That’s enough to see the details of the lunar surface!
Key Features:
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Up to 200X magnification
- Refractor telescope
- Smartphone adapter and wireless remote
- Includes two eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens
- Fully adjustable base and tripod
- Weighs less than 4 pounds
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Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope
Key Features:
- Focal length: 1,000mm
- Aperture size: 114mm
- Focal ratio: F/8.7
- Maximum magnification: 269X
- Newtonian reflector telescope
- Equatorial mount
- Includes tripod, astronomy software, and two eyepieces
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is an impressive piece of equipment. The large aperture and massive focal length ensure that the optical tube is flooded with light when you point it at the night sky. This is a Newtonian reflector telescope. These types of telescopes use a large primary mirror to manipulate light strategically.
While it’s made for amateur astronomy, this beginner telescope is more than capable of helping you study our solar system. It comes with great astronomy software for more information about celestial bodies. Plus, it uses an equatorial mount. This precise mounting system takes the Earth’s rotation into account. Slow-motion knobs make fine-tune adjustments relatively easy. Instead of having to make major changes to the direction of the telescope every few minutes, just turn a few knobs to stay locked onto your target in the sky.
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Meade Instruments 209001 Infinity
Key Features:
- Focal length: 600mm
- Aperture size: 50mm
- Focal ratio: F/12
- Maximum magnification: 100X
- Includes three eyepieces and a Barlow lens
- Altazimuth mount
- Refractor telescope
Meade is known for making some of the best beginner telescopes available. This model is no different. It’s easy to use and offers the magnification power you need to look at the moon, star clusters, and more.
It’s a relatively simple refractor telescope. It uses glass lenses to bend light and focus it into the eyepiece. While it’s not powerful enough for deep-space exploration, the high-quality parts and larger aperture do a great job of providing you with a close-up view of things you can see through the optical viewfinder.
The kit comes with three separate eyepieces and a Barlow lens. Using the right combination of gear can give you up to 100X magnification. The altazimuth mount is efficient, too. It moves in all directions to help you point the telescope exactly where you need it. Plus, there are some slow-motion knobs to make those fine-tune tweaks a breeze.
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ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids
This refractor telescope from ToyerBee is a cost-effective model perfect for kids and adults alike. But don’t let the low price tag fool you. The telescope is surprisingly capable of capturing stunning images of the cosmos.
The optical tube features a wide 70mm aperture. It allows light to flood into the barrel. This design captures as much light as possible to provide clarity and brightness.
The kit comes with two eyepieces and a Barlow lens to help you get an up-close and personal view. But you don’t have to use the eyepiece to get a good glimpse of the stars. The included adapter lets you attach your smartphone’s camera through a special eyepiece.
With the wireless remote, snap photos and keep memories of your stargazing adventures.
Key Features:
- 70mm aperture
- 300mm focal length
- Up to 150X magnification
- Refractor telescope
- Smartphone adapter and wireless remote
- Includes two eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
SARBLUE Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope for Adults
Check out this unique telescope. This isn’t like your average refractor. It’s a tabletop Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. If you’re not sure how these units work, Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes use a series of internal mirrors to extend the focal length despite having a short optical tube. It’s a feat of astronomical engineering.
The tube itself is only eight inches long, but the focal length is an outstanding 750mm. Want to take a closer look at the internals? This telescope has a removable lid. The unique feature is great for educators or anyone who wants to understand how they see the stars.
The biggest draw of this telescope is its compact nature. Everything disassembles and easily fits into a backpack. Set it up on a table, and you have some strong stargazing power!
Key Features:
- 60mm aperture
- 750mm focal length
- Multi-coated optics
- Detachable lid
- Compact build
- Includes tabletop tripod
- It comes with smartphone adapter
- Up to 37.5 magnification with 20mm eyepiece
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Hexeum Telescope for Kids & Adults
The refractor telescope from Hexeum is compact, lightweight, and affordable. It’s a great unit for on-the-go stargazing. The lightweight construction allows you to carry it to your favorite spot away from light pollution. You can set up in minutes thanks to the collapsible base and stand.
The telescope itself features a wide aperture of 70mm. Not only that, but it has a longer focal length. The results are more magnification power and a much clearer image. Despite a 500mm focal length, the optical tube is compact due to the zenith mirror inside.
Another big advantage of this telescope is the multi-coated optics. The mirrors and lenses have special treatments that reduce chromatic aberration, light scattering, and other visual distortion issues. This model also comes with a smartphone adapter. Put all the great features together, and you have the ultimate tool for astrophotography.
Key Features:
- 70mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- Multi-coated optics
- Refractor telescope
- Smartphone adapter
- 5X24 finderscope
- Sturdy aluminum base
- Includes two eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON