There are many telescopes on the market that come with an affordable price tag. These units contain all the finely tuned optics you need to gaze up at the stars and enjoy the night sky. The best telescopes under $200 will let you learn more about the cosmos and enjoy the view until you’re ready to make an upgrade.
What Can You Expect from a Telescope in this Price Range?
Believe it or not, telescopes at this price point are quite capable. Don’t assume that an affordable optical device won’t provide you with an enjoyable experience. You can still get a clear image and a pretty decent performance.
Now, the image won’t be as pristine as high-priced models. Manufacturers do have to cut corners and leave out some features to keep costs low. Generally, these units are considered to be entry-level options. So, you’re not going to get massive magnification levels or ultra-wide apertures.
Many units also don’t contain super high-quality optics like those thousand-dollar models have. Coated glass optics, while nice, will drive up the costs of the telescope significantly. Unfortunately, this may lead to issues with chromatic aberration, light transmission, and color correction.
Don’t let those issues stop you from investing in an affordable telescope! You can get a great view of the stars above. You’ll just have to work a bit harder to get there. At the end of the day, telescopes at this price point are still powerful optical devices. Good telescopes can zoom in on star constellations just the same.
What Can You Expect to View Through a Scope in This Price Range?
Because these telescopes are built with beginners in mind, you should be able to see all the basics without any issues. The telescopes offer enough power to view star clusters, Lunar surfaces, planets, and other nearby objects. Some may be powerful enough to view objects beyond the asteroid belt, such as the rings of Saturn.
Finding an affordable telescope that can view deep-sky objects is rare. They do exist, but most are not capable of viewing far-off objects like nebulae.
Our Picks for the Best Telescopes Under $200 – Reviewed
Stargazing on a budget has never been easier! The market is flooded with affordably priced telescopes. That said, not every unit is going to give you the viewing experience you’re after. To help you avoid a dud, here are some of the bests telescopes worth your time and money.
Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners
Check out this entry-level telescope from Celestron. The PowerSeeker 127EQ is a beginner-friendly model designed to expand your skills and help you see more. It’s not a cheaply made optical device that covers the bare minimum. Instead, it’s an investment that you can use to hone your skills and improve your stargazing prowess!
The telescope is surprisingly compact. You can use it at home or haul it to your favorite viewing spot. Tipping the scales at about 28 pounds, it’s not too cumbersome to carry.
Even still, the optical tube is impressively capable. It has a wide objective lens to capture as much light as possible. Inside, the aluminum optical coating helps to improve transmission and reduce distortion.
Additional accessories round off the telescope’s offerings. You’re getting a capable equatorial mount with slow-motion control knobs. They help you make fine adjustments without overshooting. There are also two eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens. Altogether, you can get up to 450X magnification to get up close and personal with the cosmos!
Key Features:
- 127mm aperture
- Up to 450X magnification
- German equatorial mount
- Aluminum optical coating
- Includes two eyepieces and Barlow lens
- It comes with Starry Night software
- Weighs less than 30 pounds
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Gskyer Telescope 80mm AZ Space Astronomical Refractor Telescope
If this is your first time buying a telescope, this model from Gskyer is a good option. It offers a moderate magnification level and a relatively wide aperture to let light in. But that’s not all. The glass optics in this refractor telescope are coated for better light transmission.
The package comes with a smartphone mount as well. With the included remote, you can snap away without having to look through the eyepiece.
Key Features:
- 80mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Coated glass optics
- Three eyepieces
- Smartphone mount
- Quick setup
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Here’s a great compact telescope that can let you view far-off targets without any issues. It’s a Dobsonian telescope that utilizes a curved primary mirror to focus light. Thanks to the wide aperture and long focal length, the unit can achieve up to 256X magnification!
The best part is that you can set it up on a table or a stable surface. View through the side-mounted eyepieces for greater comfort!
Key Features:
- 130mm aperture
- 650mm focal length
- Tabletop base
- Red dot finder
- Smooth altazimuth mount
- Two eyepieces
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
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
Celestron 21062 AstroMaster 70 EQ Refractor Telescope
This telescope lets you discover the fine craftsmanship of Celestron without spending a fortune. It features a lot of the brand’s best features. This includes coated glass optics, a smooth equatorial mount, and more.
You can take advantage of the included red dot finder to line up the telescope. Then, pop on the smartphone mount to take some photos. The unit even comes with computer software to help you learn more about what you see!
Key Features:
- 70mm aperture
- 900mm focal length
- Smartphone adapter mount
- Equatorial mount
- Red dot finder
- Erect image prism
- Comes with software
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
ToyerBee Telescope for Kids & Beginners
Check out this comprehensive kit for beginners. It’s from Toyerbee and includes everything you need to start your cosmic adventures. In addition to the telescope, the kit comes with a tripod, smartphone mount, and a wireless remote for photo-taking.
Overall, the performance of this device is respectable. Don’t expect to get the clearest or most capable magnification. However, viewing nearby star constellations or the moon is a breeze. It’s a decent option for newbies and budding astrophotographers. You may wish to check out our post here for a wider selection of telescopes for kids.
Key Features:
- 70mm objective lens
- 300mm focal length
- Up to 150X magnification
- It comes with two eyepieces
- 3X Barlow lens
- It includes a smartphone adapter and remote
- All-in-one kit
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
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
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope
Need a telescope you can take anywhere? This model from Celestron has you covered! It’s purposely made for compact storage. It even comes in a backpack! The entire thing collapses for easy storage, making it a breeze to lug up to your favorite viewing spot. Get away from the city lights and find a dark location to take full advantage of what this optical device has to offer.
Of course, you won’t be disappointed with Celestron’s optics. The lenses are fully coated for high light transmission. Not only that, but you get a wide objective lens that light pours into. Suddenly, you can pick up distant planets and celestial objects you could never view before.
Key Features:
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Fully coated lenses
- Altazimuth mount
- Includes two lenses
- It comes in a portable backpack
- It weighs about 4.2 pounds
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Celestron – AstroMaster 80AZS Refractor Telescope for Beginners with BONUS Astronomy Software Package
Celestron does it again! The AstroMaster 80AZS telescope is a bit simpler than some of the more tech-heavy options from this brand. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less capable.
This refractor telescope includes top-notch optical elements inside its durable tube. The lenses are fully coated to improve light transmission. They help provide as much clarity as possible, ensuring that you get great results when targeting faint objects or viewing the stars in a place with a lot of light pollution.
While this telescope doesn’t have a computerized or equatorial mount, the standard altazimuth mount has excellent precision. It glides smoothly yet sticks once you find the perfect position. To make fine adjustments, use the panning handle. It’ll let you make subtle movements without throwing off the altazimuth mount.
You can use the included StarPointer finderscope to get things just right. It has a wide field of view and uses coated glass to provide clarity as you line up the telescope.
Key Features:
- 80mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Fully coated lens
- Easy panning handle
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- Aluminum optical coating
- Includes two eyepieces and Barlow lens
- It comes with Starry Night software
- It weighs approximately 10 pounds
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Celestron 80mm Travel Scope Portable Refractor Telescope
This unit is, perhaps, one of the most portable telescopes you’re going to find on the market. It tips the scales at only 4.5 pounds! This model is so light that you can easily carry it with you to your favorite viewing spot.
The first thing you’ll notice about this telescope is the wide aperture. Despite the compact optical tube, Celestron implemented a design with superb light-gathering capabilities.
Key Features:
- 80mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Good portability
- Comes with a smartphone adapter
- Tripod and carrying case included
- Two eyepieces
- Coated optics
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
HEXEUM Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope
This Hexeum Telescope is pretty good for an entry level telescope. Hexeum is not a name I had heard of before, so I was interested to find out what the gear is like. They sell entry level scopes and night vision binoculars. This product has high-quality optics and a fully high transmission coated all-optical lens to improve image brightness and clarity. It has excellent magnification for an entry level scope and is very comfortable and convenient to use, thanks to the carrying bag. I like this product because it is simple to set up, quick to use, and easy to focus.
Key Feature:
- Excellent Quality Optics
- Optimum Magnification
- Portable And Convenient
- Easy To Set Up
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Sky Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
This Sky Watcher telescope has a lot to offer. It’s a versatile unit that’s packed with some serious optical power. The mirrors inside are coated to improve contrast. They also have a 94 percent reflectivity rating for better light transmission.
Those features work alongside the large aperture and long focal length to produce some impressive images. This is one of the very few affordable telescopes that you can use to find nebula and deep-sky objects in our solar system and beyond.
Key Features:
- 102mm aperture
- 13000mm focal length
- Dovetail plate
- Multi-coated optics
- Internal mirror focuser
- Versatile use
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Affordable Telescope Buying Guide
Need help finding a good telescope on a budget? We have you covered. Whether you’re a new amateur astronomer or a seasoned stargazer, here are some things to keep in mind while you shop.
Types of Telescopes Available
Telescopes are not one-size-fits-all devices. While they all rely on similar technologies to operate, they magnify your image very differently. The type of telescope you choose could impact what you can see and how you use the device.
Refractor Telescopes
Refractors are the most basic type of telescope. They operate using a series of lenses. The lenses work to manipulate light before focusing it on a mirror to get an erect image.
Refractors are great for portability. They usually have a thinner optical tube. Plus, the glass optics inside are fixed in place to prevent alignment issues. The main downside is that they don’t perform well in low-light conditions. Furthermore, issues like chromatic aberration are common.
Reflector Telescopes
Reflector telescopes utilize mirrors to bounce light and create an image on the focal plane. At this price point, you can easily get a decent Newtonian reflector. Newtonian models are quite simple, and the lower price reflects that.
These types of devices are wonderful at collecting light and creating a bright image. But, they come with more maintenance. You might have to use a collimation cap to keep things aligned.
Catadioptric Telescopes
Here’s a design that combines the best of both worlds. They utilize both mirrors and glass lenses. The biggest benefit of a catadioptric telescope is that it’s optimized for viewing objects at infinite distances.
Important Performance Features to Look For
Before you commit to a telescope, you must ensure that it can view the targets you want. For $200 or less, you will be limited in terms of viewing power. So, finding the right specifications is even more important. Here are the two most important specs to understand.
Aperture
The aperture is the diameter of the objective lens or primary mirror. The reason why the aperture is important is that it directly impacts brightness. A wider opening allows more light to flood in, resulting in a crystal-clear image.
A large-diameter telescope is essential if you want to view faint objects in the night sky.
Focal Length and Ratio
The focal length will directly impact the magnification level. This measurement, which is usually represented in millimeters, represents the distance the light travels in the optical tube assembly. It’s often the distance between the objective lens or primary mirror to the focal plane.
A higher focal length will provide more magnification power. In this price range, 50X magnification is pretty common. That’s perfect for viewing stars, the moon, and nearby planets.
The focal ratio is the relation between the aperture and focal length. You can use it as a general guide to gauge the capabilities of your telescope. A higher ratio means that you’re getting more magnification and a narrower field a view. A lower one means more clarity and a wide field of view.
Other Important Must-Haves
In addition to basic performance metrics, you need to pay attention to the telescope’s other features. There are a lot of components that work in tandem to provide a good viewing experience. Here are some of the most crucial.
Mounting System
The mounting system is what attaches the telescope to a tripod. A basic altazimuth mount is ideal. With this type of mount, you can move the unit horizontally and vertically. Look out for slow-motion controls for greater precision.
Equatorial mounts are available as well. They make up for the Earth’s rotational axis to provide a more true-to-life view.
Finderscope
The finderscope is a smaller optical device that’s usually attached to the main optical tube. It’s meant to help you find your target and line up the telescope in the right direction. Simple low-magnification finderscopes work just fine. You can also find affordable units with a red dot finder. Red dot scopes feature treated glass to help you see your target better.
Focuser and Eyepieces
Finally, you should pay attention to the focusing system and included eyepieces. A smooth and reliable focuser will help you zero-in on your target. Everyone’s eyes are different, so having the ability to remove blur is paramount.
The same goes for eyepieces. Most telescopes, even in this price range, come with a couple of eyepieces. Some even come with magnifying Barlow lenses. The eyepieces will help you improve the focus of the telescope.
What to Avoid
Now that you know what to look for, let’s go over some things to avoid. If the price is a top priority, you’re going to want to steer clear of expensive features that could drive the value up.
One such feature is a computerized mount. Some high-end manufacturers offer feature-rich mounts that do all of the work for you. While easy and fun to use, that convenience comes at a price.
You should also avoid any connected telescopes with unnecessary extras. For example, newer telescopes sometimes feature wireless connectivity to communicate with your smartphone. Like computerized bases, those features will only drive up the costs of your telescope.
The last thing you should avoid is any professional-quality design elements. Things like multi-coated optics, advanced finderscopes, and feature-rich mounts are some good examples. You might see some affordable telescopes with lower-quality versions of these features. But, avoid anything that has the pricier alternatives.
Conclusion
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy the mysteries of the universe. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to be left out of the fun! The best telescope for under $200 can provide you with all the viewing power you need to enter the astronomy hobby.
A great telescope can give you an up-close and personal view of the starry night above. Check out one of our recommended picks! The right one for your needs will hold you over until you’re ready to invest in something a bit more capable.