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If you’re a beginner dipping your toes into astronomy, a parent looking to ignite a child’s interest in the stars, or an enthusiast planning a foray into astrophotography, it can be confusing to know where to start. We often think that high costs are a barrier to entry into the world of stargazing. This notion is about to change.
In this article, we’ve assessed their performance on key factors like ease of use, portability, versatility, and optical quality, ensuring you get real value for your money.
Best budget telescopes for beginners
Stepping into the realm of astronomy should be an experience filled with excitement, not confusion or frustration. An ideal beginner’s telescope should strike a balance between simplicity, quality, and affordability. Here are our top picks tailored for newcomers to the astronomy scene.
1. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ is a beacon for those new to astronomy. It has been designed with novices in mind and features a remarkable StarSense Sky Recognition Technology.
It is a revolutionary telescope that embraces modern technology by offering smartphone app-enabled features. This model has an 80mm aperture refractor optical tube, providing bright, clear images of celestial objects.
The StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ stands out for its easy setup and navigation, aided by the StarSense Explorer app, which generates a list of stars, galaxies, and nebulas for you to explore.
The app guides you on where to move the telescope to spot these objects in the sky.
Perfect for beginners and amateur astronomers, this telescope offers an exciting, interactive way to explore the night sky. Its lightweight and compact design also makes it easy to transport and set up wherever your stargazing adventures take you.
2. Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian
The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian is compact yet powerful, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. This Dobsonian reflector boasts a 114mm aperture, giving viewers bright, clear views of the celestial wonders.
The uncomplicated mount design allows easy navigation across the night sky. This telescope is well-suited for beginners desiring a closer look at the Moon, star clusters, and even brighter galaxies.
3. Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ
Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ is a go-to choice for any beginner. It’s a refractor telescope that offers a 60mm aperture and 700mm focal length, delivering crisp images of the Moon, planets, and some brighter nebulae and galaxies.
It also comes with a sturdy altazimuth mount that provides ease of use for beginners. The package includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offering flexibility in magnification.
4. Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor
The Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor is a wonderful entry-level telescope. Its 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length provide bright and wide views of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons.
The altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls makes tracking celestial objects easy and precise, a great feature for beginners. The telescope comes with three eyepieces, providing various magnification options to start your sky exploration.
5. Sky-Watcher Heritage-130P FlexTube
The Sky-Watcher Heritage-130P FlexTube is an excellent choice for beginners due to its simple design and ease of use. This Dobsonian telescope offers a 130mm (5.1″) aperture, ensuring bright, detailed views of the Moon, planets, and deep sky objects.
The FlexTube design allows the telescope to be compact and portable, while its collapsible design makes it easy to store and transport.
This telescope has two eyepieces, providing varied magnifications for beginners to explore the cosmos.
Read the detailed review: Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P Review (Read Before Purchase!)
6. SVBONY SV501P Telescope
The SVBONY SV501P Telescope offers a great starting point for beginner astronomers. It’s a 70mm aperture refractor telescope that provides clear, high-contrast views of celestial bodies.
Its adjustable tripod provides a stable base for stargazing sessions. It’s also easy to set up and use, which makes it ideal for beginners.
You may also like: Svbony Telescopes: Breakdown of All Models
7. Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope
The AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope is a good choice for beginners entering the fascinating world of astronomy. This refractor telescope from Celestron features a 70mm aperture and a sturdy, pre-assembled tripod for stability, enabling first-time users to easily locate celestial objects.
With its included pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch for smooth and accurate pointing, beginners will appreciate this telescope’s control.
If you’re just starting out, this is a telescope that will grow with your interest, making the beauty of the universe more accessible and enjoyable.
Read the detailed review: AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope Review (Before Purchasing)
8. National Geographic NT114CF Newtonian Telescope
The National Geographic NT114CF Newtonian Telescope is great for young beginners. This reflector telescope has a 114mm aperture that provides clear, bright images of the Moon’s surface, planets, and even distant galaxies.
The sturdy mount and tripod provide stability and ease of use, and the package includes two eyepieces for varied magnification.
Read the complete review: National Geographic Telescope: NT114CF Review
9. Celestron FirstScope Telescope
Celestron FirstScope Telescope is an ideal choice for beginners showing their first interest in astronomy. This 76mm aperture Newtonian Reflector telescope offers detailed views of celestial bodies, making it perfect for aspiring astronomers.
It’s lightweight, portable, and has a user-friendly design with a stylish and decorative design celebrating the names of many famous astronomers.
The FirstScope requires no tools to set up and comes with two eyepieces for low and high-power viewing.
Best budget telescopes for advanced users
These affordable telescopes offer more advanced features and greater power for experienced users who aren’t quite ready to invest in high-end models.
10. Sky-Watcher S11620 Traditional Dobsonian 10-Inch
The Sky-Watcher S11620 Dobsonian telescope is an affordable option for advanced users, featuring a large 10-inch aperture for excellent light-gathering ability.
Its simple, streamlined design enhances its usability, and its Dobsonian mount offers stability and easy maneuverability.
With its high-quality parabolic primary mirror and the ability to gather a lot of light, this telescope is well-suited for deep-sky observing, making it a favorite among advanced astronomers on a budget.
11. Celestron NexStar 6SE Telescope
For advanced users seeking a blend of power and convenience within a reasonable budget, the Celestron NexStar 6SE is a formidable contender. Its 6-inch primary mirror and high transmission coatings ensure excellent light gathering, yielding sharp, bright images.
This model boasts a computerized altazimuth mount and a database of over 40,000 celestial objects.
With these features, it’s never been easier to locate and explore celestial bodies, including stars, galaxies, and nebulae.
Read the detailed review: Nexstar 6SE Telescope Review (Read This First!)
12. Orion AstroView 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
The Orion AstroView 90mm is a serious instrument that offers incredible views of the night sky while maintaining a budget-friendly price.
This refractor telescope features a large 90mm aperture to collect plenty of light for bright, clear images and a 910mm focal length for powerful magnification.
It’s equipped with an equatorial mount and slow-motion controls, enabling precise tracking of celestial objects.
13. Meade Instruments StarNavigator NG 130mm Reflecting Telescope
The Meade StarNavigator NG 130mm is an advanced yet budget-friendly telescope. It features a 130mm aperture for superior light-gathering capabilities and a computerized GoTo mount with a database of over 30,000 celestial objects.
This combination of power and technology allows users to easily locate and observe a wide variety of celestial objects, making it an excellent choice for advanced users on a budget.
14. Orion 9005 AstroView 120ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope
Designed for the intermediate and advanced user, the Orion AstroView 120ST offers exceptional value. Its 120mm aperture and 600mm focal length offer bright, wide-field views that are perfect for exploring star fields, nebulae, and other deep-sky targets.
The equatorial mount and adjustable tripod offer stability and smooth tracking of celestial objects.
This model is particularly appreciated by advanced users for its ability to capture astrophotography, making it a powerful and versatile choice for a budget telescope.
Best budget telescopes for kids
Astronomy can be a fun, educational, and inspirational hobby for children. A great way to foster a love for the stars is by choosing a telescope that’s easy for young hands to handle and use.
Here are our picks for kid-friendly, budget-friendly telescopes:
15. Emarth Telescope (5-10 years)
The Emarth Telescope is a refractor telescope with a 70mm aperture and 360mm focal length that promises clear, detailed views of celestial objects.
This scope includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, allowing for varying magnification levels. The adjustable tripod and easy-to-use controls make this telescope perfect for young users.
16. Meade Instruments Infinity 50mm AZ Refractor (6-10 years old)
Meade Instruments Infinity 50mm AZ Refractor is a great starting point for younger astronomers. This refractor telescope has a 50mm aperture and a focal length of 600mm, perfect for observing the Moon and planets.
The altazimuth mount is simple to operate, and slow-motion controls allow smooth tracking. It comes with three eyepieces, giving kids a range of viewing options.
17. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor (8 years old+)
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor is perfect for budding astronomers. With its 100mm aperture and 660mm focal length, it’s a step up from most beginner scopes, allowing clear views of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons.
Its lightweight, tool-free setup makes it child-friendly, and the integrated smartphone adapter allows children to capture and share their discoveries.
18. Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ (10 years old+)
The Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ is a good telescope for young stargazers. It’s a reflector telescope with a 4.5-inch aperture, offering great views of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects.
Its equatorial mount and slow-motion controls make tracking celestial objects easy and fun. A durable tripod ensures stability.
19. Gskyer AZ90600 Telescope (12 years old +)
The Gskyer AZ90600 is another telescope that’s great for kids. It’s a refractor telescope with a 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length that can produce bright and detailed images.
The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod provides stability suitable for young stargazers.
Read also: Gskyer Telescope Models: Your Ultimate Selection Guide
20. Orion Observer 80ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope (14 years old+)
The Orion Observer 80ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope offers excellent performance for a budget telescope. Its 80mm aperture and 400mm focal length give young stargazers clear, bright views of celestial objects.
The equatorial mount makes tracking those objects easy and comes with two eyepieces for varied magnification. Its short tube length makes it compact enough for kids to handle.
You may also like: Best Telescopes for Kids in 2023 (Read Before Purchase)
Best budget telescopes for travel
For those stargazers who enjoy traveling or camping, having a portable, durable telescope is crucial.
Here are some budget-friendly, travel-friendly telescopes you can find:
21. Celestron Travel Scope 70
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is a fantastic option for stargazers on the go. This refractor telescope has a compact, portable design that is easy to pack and set up.
Its 70mm aperture allows for clear views of the Moon and planets, and the package includes a tripod, a travel backpack, and two eyepieces.
The full-coated optics provide excellent clarity and brightness, perfect for night sky exploration in different locations.
22. Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope
The Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope is another excellent choice for traveling astronomers. This compact refractor telescope has a 70mm aperture that provides sharp, bright views of celestial bodies.
Its lightweight design and custom backpack make it easy to take on trips. It includes two eyepieces and a 5×24 finder scope to help locate objects in the sky.
23. Gskyer AZ70400 Travel Refractor Astronomy Telescope
The Gskyer AZ70400 is a compact and portable refractor telescope perfect for KIDS beginner astronomers. With its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length, this telescope can provide clear and bright images of celestial bodies.
It comes with two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens to increase viewing power. Its adjustable aluminum alloy tripod ensures stability during observations.
24. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope
The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is a compact, portable choice for beginners. Its 70mm aperture can provide clear images, while its lightweight frame and included carrying bag make it perfect for stargazing on the go.
This telescope doesn’t skimp on quality, offering bright and clear images of a variety of celestial objects.
25. Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
While a bit larger, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT offers the benefits of automated object location and tracking, making it great for travel and stargazing events.
Its 130mm aperture mirror provides bright, detailed images of the Moon, planets, and many distant galaxies and nebulae.
The SkyAlign technology makes setup and object location a breeze, and the whole setup is still compact enough to fit into the backseat of a car.
26. Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm AZ Refractor
The Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm AZ Refractor is an easy-to-use, versatile telescope that’s perfect for traveling. With an 80mm aperture, this refractor telescope provides clear, bright images.
It includes an adjustable tripod, a diagonal mirror for comfortable viewing, and three eyepieces offering different magnification options.
Its lightweight design makes it highly portable and suitable for backyard astronomy or on-the-go adventures.
You may also like: 27 Best Travel Telescopes (Ranked!)
Best budget telescopes for astrophotography
Astrophotography is an incredibly rewarding hobby, allowing you to capture the beauty of celestial bodies. While it often requires a significant investment in high-quality equipment, budget options are available for the budding astrophotographer. Here are some of them:
27. Celestron NexStar 4SE
The Celestron NexStar 4SE is a go-to telescope with a 4-inch primary mirror, excellent for moon and planet shots, and its automatic tracking system is suitable for long exposure deep-sky photography.
With the right camera adapter, you can attach your DSLR to it and take photos immediately. It also includes SkyAlign technology, simplifying the alignment process and making it easier to locate celestial objects.
28. Meade Instruments 216006 Polaris 130 EQ Reflector Telescope
Meade Instruments Polaris 130 EQ Reflector Telescope is a cost-effective solution for astrophotography enthusiasts. With a 130mm aperture and equatorial mount, this telescope provides fantastic tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.
It also includes three eyepieces that provide low, medium, and high-powered magnification for viewing a wide range of celestial objects.
29. Celestron Astro Fi 102 Wi-Fi Maksutov Wireless Reflecting Telescope
Celestron’s Astro Fi 102 Wi-Fi Maksutov is a budget-friendly telescope that incorporates smart technology. The telescope connects to your smartphone or tablet using Celestron’s SkyPortal app, allowing you to easily control your telescope and view celestial objects.
The 102mm aperture and fully-coated glass optics ensure detailed and clear images, ideal for astrophotography.
30. Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
The Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is a great budget-friendly pick for astrophotography, particularly for those who value portability.
With a 130mm aperture, this compact and lightweight telescope delivers impressively bright and clear images.
The altazimuth mount and slow-motion controls provide accurate tracking, which is crucial for astrophotography. The included adapter allows you to attach your smartphone to capture stunning images of the night sky.
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Best budget telescopes for deep sky objects
Deep sky observing is the observation of objects beyond our solar system, such as nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. While it requires a telescope with a larger aperture and light-gathering ability, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy deep-sky objects (DSOs). Here are some affordable telescopes for deep-sky objects:
31. Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
Celestron’s NexStar 130 SLT is a computerized telescope with a large 130mm aperture that’s perfect for viewing deep-space objects. A motorized altazimuth mount and automatic tracking capabilities make deep sky objects hunting a breeze.
Its computerized hand control allows you to automatically slew to any of its 4,000+ objects, including over 600 galaxies in the deep sky.
32. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Zhumell’s Z8 Dobsonian telescope is a fantastic budget option for viewing deep-sky objects. It has a large 8-inch aperture for superior light-gathering power, which is critical for viewing faint deep-sky objects.
The Dobsonian mount provides a stable base /and easy maneuvering of the optical tube. Additionally, the Z8 comes with a laser collimator for quick and easy mirror alignment.
Read also: Zhumell Telescopes: Complete Model Lineup (Explained!)
33. Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope
The Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST is a great balance of affordability and performance for deep sky object observation. It’s a reflector telescope with a 130mm aperture and a 650mm focal length.
The short tube design enhances its portability without compromising the quality of views. The equatorial mount allows easy tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky.
34. Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope is a formidable choice for those interested in observing deep sky objects. This Schmidt-Cassegrain style telescope features a 5-inch primary mirror that offers impressive light-gathering capability, ensuring bright and detailed views of distant nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
What makes it particularly useful for deep sky observations is its advanced computerized GoTo mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. With the push of a button, you can automatically slew to your object of interest and track it as it moves across the sky.
35. Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm telescope is an excellent entry-level option for deep sky observation. Its 102mm aperture refractor offers a large field of view to capture more light for better visibility of deep sky objects. It includes three eyepieces that provide low, medium, and high-powered magnification for viewing a wide range of objects.
You may also like: 9 Best Deep Space Telescopes (Ranked!)
Best budget telescopes for lunar and planetary observing
Lunar and planetary observing requires high-resolution telescopes to bring out the fine details on the Moon’s surface and the planets. The following telescopes fit the bill without breaking the bank:
36. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
Celestron’s PowerSeeker 127EQ is a Newtonian reflector telescope with a 127mm aperture that provides detailed views of the Moon and the planets.
The equatorial mount is beneficial for tracking objects across the night sky. It comes with two eyepieces and a Barlow lens that triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece.
37. Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm AZ Refractor Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm Refractor Telescope provides excellent views of the Moon and planets. Its slow-motion control rod allows for precise tracking of celestial objects. The telescope comes with three eyepieces for viewing a wide range of objects.
38. Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope
The Orion 10012 SkyScanner is a budget-friendly telescope that packs a punch when it comes to lunar and planetary observing. This compact reflector telescope boasts a 100mm parabolic primary mirror.
It gathers plenty of light to render detailed views of the Moon’s cratered surface and bright planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Its tabletop design allows for easy setup and storage, while its simplicity makes it a perfect pick for beginners.
The two included eyepieces offer different magnification options to adapt to what you’re observing, and the EZ Finder II reflex sight makes aiming the telescope a breeze.
39. Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Reflector Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Reflector Telescope offers an affordable option with a larger aperture for lunar and planetary observing. This telescope is one of the best budget reflector telescopes. Its 4.5-inch aperture gathers more light, providing enhanced details of celestial objects.
The equatorial mount allows for easy tracking, and the included accessories, such as eyepieces and a star diagonal, enhance your observing experience.
40. Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope
Celestron’s PowerSeeker 70EQ offers affordability without compromising on performance, making it one of the best budget telescopes for lunar and planetary observations.
Its 70mm aperture refractor provides high-resolution views of the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
The slow-motion controls on the equatorial mount allow for smooth and precise tracking, and the included Barlow lens effectively doubles your viewing power.
Best budget telescopes for stargazing
For casual stargazers whose primary interest is observing the beautiful tableau of the night sky, these budget-friendly telescopes offer superior stargazing capabilities. Here are some telescopes to consider:
41. Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
The Zhumell Z100 is a superb stargazing tool for budget-conscious astronomers. Its 100mm parabolic primary mirror captures a substantial amount of light, yielding sharp, bright views of a variety of celestial objects.
This includes the Moon’s detailed surface, Jupiter’s major moons, and the rings of Saturn.
This telescope’s sleek and compact design and its easy-to-use altazimuth mount make it a great pick for beginners and more seasoned observers alike.
42. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
Orion’s StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope is an excellent budget-friendly choice for stargazing. This telescope comes with a 4.5-inch aperture reflector optics which allows for bright, wide-field views of the night sky.
This makes it perfect for observing celestial objects like the moon, planets, and even some bright nebulas and star clusters. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to take along on camping trips or to dark-sky locations.
43. Meade Instruments – Adventure Scope 80mm Refractor Telescope
Meade Instruments Adventure Scope offers a fantastic and cost-effective solution for those interested in stargazing. Its 80mm aperture is excellent for viewing a wide variety of celestial objects.
This telescope comes with a full-size aluminum tripod with an altazimuth mount, making it easy to move the telescope to capture the best views.
Its lightweight and compact design makes it the perfect telescope for those who want to take their stargazing on the go.
FAQs about budget telescopes
Let’s address some frequently asked questions.
Is a cheap telescope worth it?
Absolutely! A cheap telescope is worth it, especially for beginners or casual stargazers. Budget-friendly telescopes often provide enough functionality and clarity to view the moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings. Affordable telescopes are great for learning the basics of stargazing before upgrading to a more advanced, pricier model.
What is the price of the cheapest telescope?
Telescope prices can vary widely based on the model, features, and brand. However, the price of the cheapest telescopes usually starts around $50. These affordable models are often designed for beginners or children and offer decent capabilities for observing the moon and the brightest planets.
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Can I see planets with cheap telescopes?
You can see planets with cheap telescopes. Even with an inexpensive telescope, it’s possible to see the moon in great detail, identify planets like Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and even spot Jupiter’s main moons and Saturn’s rings. However, viewing more distant celestial bodies or capturing detailed images may require a telescope with higher optical quality and greater light-gathering capabilities.
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Takeaway: Enjoying the beauty of our solar system in the night sky can be achieved with the best-budget telescopes
Discover the best budget telescope that combines affordability with exceptional performance, perfect for both beginners and experienced stargazers.
This extensive guide to the best budget telescopes across various categories proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a closer look at the cosmos.
Remember, the best telescope isn’t necessarily the most expensive one but the one that you will use the most.
Let the skies be your playground and your telescope, your best companion.
Unleash your astronomical curiosity with this affordable telescope, offering a gateway to the wonders of the night sky without breaking the bank.
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