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A cheap, worthless telescope could lead to a disappointing experience and possibly destroy your interest in astronomy. That’s why we have gathered this list of the 17 best telescopes under $100, which includes:
- HOROX 70mm aperture 400mm refractor telescope
- HSL astronomical refractor telescope AZ70400
- Celestron – 76mm Cometron FirstScope
- Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
- Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm altazimuth reflector telescope and more.
This list will help you find a good beginner telescope without overspending.
In addition to the list of telescopes, we’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about cheap telescopes. You’ll find out what you can see with a cheap telescope, where to buy one, and how much you should presume to pay for a good beginner telescope.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a skilled stargazer looking for an affordable telescope, keep reading to discover the best options under $100.
Cheap telescopes for beginners in astronomy
From my research, the following are the best budget telescopes ideal for beginners and kids passionate about astronomy.
1. HOROX 70mm aperture 400mm refractor telescope for astronomy beginners
The HOROX 70mm Aperture 400mm refractor telescope is a great choice for astronomy beginners, offering stunning moon images with the right brightness and magnifications.
It’s straightforward to install and comes with a professional-grade aluminum tripod, two eyepieces, a finder scope, and a smartphone adapter.
If you also love engaging in terrestrial observations, this versatile telescope allows for breathtaking bird watching, landscape viewing, and micro-spurting plants & flowers.
In addition, it makes a perfect home décor item. If you have kids between the ages of 8-12, it’s a beautiful Christmas and educational tech gift that can increase their interest and knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics, and mathematics.
2. HSL astronomical refractor telescope AZ70400
The HSL AZ70400 telescope is a compact and portable refractor telescope ideal for beginners in astronomy. It has a 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length, and three high-quality eyepieces (20mm, 10mm, and 4mm) that magnify nighttime celestial and daytime terrestrial objects.
The telescope is easy to set up and adjust, with a lightweight, portable design that includes a multi-angle adjustable tripod and a custom backpack for travel and storage.
The package also includes a smartphone adapter and wireless camera remote, allowing you to capture fantastic images of celestial objects through your screen.
Lastly, the HSL Astronomical Refractor Telescope AZ70400 has a complete set of installation and user guides, making it an ideal telescope for beginners.
3. Celestron – 76mm Cometron FirstScope
Another beginner-friendly telescope to explore the wonders of the night sky is the Celestron’s 76mm Cometron FirstScope!
This compact, lightweight tabletop telescope features a Dobsonian-style design with a large 76mm primary mirror, perfect for viewing comets, planets, and deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
Thanks to its wide field of view, it is easy to see the brightest part of the comet and its tail, as well as favorite deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
This Cometron FirstScope offers several upgrades from the original Celestron FirstScope, including 2 Kellner eyepieces and a 5×24 finderscope.
Weighing just 4.3 lbs, the Cometron FirstScope is a tabletop telescope you can take on all your outdoor adventures. It’s also fashionable enough to serve as a decorative piece on your desk or bookshelf.
In addition, it comes with access to Starry Night educational software and Celestron’s SkyPortal app to learn even more about the night sky.
4. Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm altazimuth reflector telescope
The Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is a fantastic beginner telescope for the whole family. It has a 3″ aperture reflector and comes with a stable altazimuth mount and a tripod for smooth motion.
It contains two anti-reflection coated 1.25″ Kellner eyepieces, a red-dot reflex sight, a 1.25″ rack and pinion focuser, and the Orion MoonMap 260.
Its focal length of 700mm provides sharp views of the Moon, Saturn’s rings, moons orbiting Jupiter, and some brighter nebulas. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and affordable.
5. Encalife SVBONY SV501P
Encalife SVBONY SV501P is a high-quality telescope suitable for astronomers who want to explore stars and the Moon. It is also a fantastic telescope for parents who wish to cultivate their kids’ interests in natural sciences.
It has a 400mm focal length and 70mm aperture, delivering bright and detailed images.
It comes with a K20mm eyepiece that provides 20x magnification and a multi-coated optics glass lens with high transmission ensuring stunning images while protecting your eyes.
The telescope is easy to assemble and adjust in height and viewing positions. It comes with a convenient backpack that can fit the telescope and tripod, making it easy to travel with.
Additionally, it has a 5x24mm finderscope to help locate objects you want to observe.
6. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope is a portable, easy-to-assemble telescope that produces bright, clear images of the Moon and planets.
With the AstroMaster LT Series, you can easily observe the belts and moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn.
The package also includes:
- deluxe accessory tray for convenient and accessible storage of accessories
- refractor tube
- tripod
- star pointer finderscope
- 1.25″ mirror star diagonal
- 25mm and 10mm Kellner’s
- instruction manual
- quick setup guide
- astronomy software.
7. Gskyer telescope AZ70400
Gskyer telescope AZ70400 is the perfect way to start your stargazing journey. It’s an affordable yet high-quality option for beginners and amateur astronomers.
This Gskyer telescope has a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length, resulting in clear and detailed images of deepspace objects such as stars and the moon.
It comes with two interchangeable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens that can incease the magnifying power of the eyepieces by threefold, allowing for a range of magnification options.
Plus, it’s effortless to assemble and comes with a carry bag, aluminum alloy tripod, finder scope, zenith mirror, accessory tray, and smartphone adapter with a Bluetooth remote.
The telescope is compact and portable, making it perfect for backyard exploring, outdoor adventures, camping trips, and vacations.
8. Emarth telescope (TELE-01)
This telescope from Emarth is another great option if you’re looking for a portable telescope. It comes with a tripod and carrying case. It has a 70-millimeter lens, which will let in plenty of light for some amazing images of the moon.
The TELE-01 is also really easy to assemble and should only take a few minutes. Plus, it comes with two eyepieces, a 10mm and a 25mm, which are better quality than most at this price point.
Now, the downside is that the directions for assembly could be better.
It’s easy to set up if you’re familiar with telescopes, but things can quickly go wrong if you make a mistake. Despite this, it’s still a good buy, especially if you have some telescope experience.
9. ToyerBee refractor telescope
If you’re a beginner or a parent looking for a great telescope for your kids, the ToyerBee Refractor Telescope is an excellent choice.
With a 70mm aperture and 300mm focal length, this telescope delivers clear images of planets, stars, and other celestial objects. It is also suitable for terrestrial observations, such as mountains and valleys.
The set includes two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, which can provide magnifications ranging from 15X to 150X.
One of the best features of this telescope is that it comes with a smartphone adapter and a wireless camera remote that lets you easily connect your phone and take some amazing images or explore the universe through the screen.
The ToyerBee Refractor Telescope is easy to assemble and dismount without any tools.
You may also like: ToyerBee Telescopes: Comprehensive Line-up Overview
10. HEXEUM astronomical refractor telescope
HEXEUM astronomical refractor telescope is an excellent choice for kids and adults interested in exploring the universe. With a 500mm(f/7.1) focal length and 70mm aperture, this telescope provides stunning views while protecting your eyes.
It comes equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) and a 3x Barlow lens, which trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. Additionally, a 5×24 finderscope makes locating objects a breeze.
Not only is this telescope high-quality and efficient, but it’s also portable and convenient.
It comes with a phone adapter, adjustable aluminum tripod, wireless remote control, and carrying bag, making it easy to capture amazing images and explore the universe from any location.
One thing I like about this brand is that they offer lifetime maintenance and are committed to keeping their customers satisfied.
11. Gaterda Telescope
The Gaterda Telescope is a wonderful tool for beginners in astronomy, providing a complete set of accessories so you can start exploring the universe immediately.
This telescope is equipped with fully coated objective and zenith lenses and provides a broad field of view.
It also comes with two replaceable eyepieces (25MM and 10MM) and a 3x Barlow Lens to increase the magnification of the image.
Moreover, the new model Red-Dot Finder makes locating objects in the night sky uncomplicated, especially for beginners.
Installation is quick and easy. Following the instructions and precautions in the manual, you can install it without any other tools, making it very user-friendly.
Excitingly, the Gaterda Telescope has a 5-year warranty, and all parts are replaceable for free.
12. Tuword telescope for beginners
If you’re a beginner in stargazing, the Tuword telescope might just be what you’re looking for.
With its 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, the Tuword telescope features fully multi-coated optics glass lenses with high light transmittance, providing a 90-95% light transmission for bright, sharp images.
Additionally, the telescope is equipped with 2 eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens that allows you to achieve magnification levels of 48X to 120X.
With these magnification levels, you can view planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, bright double stars, Orion Nebula, and Pleiades star clusters.
It’s also perfect for observing animals, landscapes, and buildings during the day.
Another exciting feature of this telescope is you can take pictures or videos with your phone and share them with family and close friends in real-time with the phone adapter.
The tripod is also compatible with 1/4 threaded holes cameras and equipment, making it versatile for various photography and live broadcasting needs.
Looking for an easy-to-use telescope? Tuword telescope is an excellent choice.
13. Celestron travel scope 70DX
The Celestron Travel Scope 70DX is a high-quality, professionally engineered refractor telescope that’s perfect for beginners who want to observe celestial or terrestrial objects on the go.
With fully-coated, high-quality glass optics and a 70mm objective lens, this telescope offers sharp and crisp views of the night sky and wildlife during the day.
It’s easy to use and comes with two eyepieces, a 2x Barlow lens, and a star diagonal.
The telescope also includes a smartphone adapter for digiscoping and a Bluetooth shutter release for remote photography.
It’s lightweight, assembles quickly, and comes with a traveling backpack for convenience.
An extra perk I love about this telescope is its FREE download of Celestron’s BONUS Starry Night Astronomy Software, which provides information on thousands of celestial objects, printable sky maps, and more, making it the perfect way to learn about the night sky and plan your observing session.
14. KIOSESI telescope
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the KIOSESI Telescope is perfect for observing celestial objects at night and ground objects during the day.
With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, the KIOSESI Telescope offers a wide field of view and clear, high-magnification views of stars, planets, and other deep space objects.
It comes equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, which means it can magnify celestial objects up to 200X.
In its box, you will find a finderscope that helps you locate objects more accurately, and a moon filter for reducing the brightness of moonlight, allowing you to see the lunar surface in greater detail.
The KIOSESI telescope comes with a clear installation manual and video guide, requiring no setup tools.
Its multi-angle design allows for various viewing angles, and it’s wireless remote control and phone adapter make it easy to take celestial images and explore the world around you.
If you have kids ages 8-12, this telescope is perfect for them and you.
If you have been looking for an excellent choice telescope to gift a loved one with a passion for stargazing, then your search stops here. The KIOSESI Telescope would make an ideal gift.
15. SOLOMARK 80EQ refractor professional telescope
The SOLOMARK 80EQ Refractor Professional Telescope, allows astronomy enthusiasts to explore the depths of the universe and uncover its secrets.
One of the preeminent features of the SOLOMARK telescope is its large aperture, which measures 80mm, allowing it to gather more light and provide a wider and clearer observation field compared to telescopes with smaller apertures.
The telescope comes with a built-in cross finderscope that enables quick and precise target positioning, despite the finderscope’s image being upside down.
One accessory that I like that comes with the telescope is the 13%T Moon Filter which helps to prevent reflected light from interfering with your observations so that you can see those lunar craters with clarity.
Whether you want to observe the moon, Saturn’s rings, or Jupiter’s Galilean moons, this telescope has got you covered. And with its compact, lightweight design, you can take it with you anywhere you go.
16. Hawkko Telescope
The Hawkko Telescope is a professional-grade device designed for beginners and kids curious about exploring the universe. This telescope is effortless to set up and use, which means that you won’t be intimidated by complex features.
With its high-quality optics, bright image quality, and high magnification, the Hawkko Telescope provides a clear view of the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter.
Once you’ve learned the basics, you can even explore the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy outside the solar system. And that’s not all; you can also use it to view nature’s wonders like mountains, rivers, birds, and animals.
The package includes the following:
- A carry bag
- Stainless steel tripod
- Telescope tube
- Finderscope
- Zenith mirror
- Two eyepieces (10mm, 25mm)
- Barlow lens (3X)
- Phone adapter
- Accessory tray
- User manual.
The phone adapter allows you to connect your mobile phone to the telescope, making it easy to take celestial pictures and share your discoveries with friends in real-time.
The kit also includes a smartphone adapter and a wireless camera remote control, allowing you to take stunning photos and record stars through your phone screen.
17. Honslis 70500 telescope
The Honslis 70500 telescope is another telescope you can get for less than $100. It is a perfect gift for kids or beginner astronomers and can help them develop their interest in astronomy and science, explore the unknown, and stay away from video games.
It offers a great balance between quality and affordability.
One of the standout features of this telescope is its 70 mm aperture and 500 mm focal length, resulting in precise and high-resolution images of extraneous nebulae 2 million light-years away.
It includes two interchangeable eyepieces as well as a 3x Barlow lens that increases the magnification power of each eyepiece up to a maximum magnification of 150x. This means that you will be equipped to see more detail in celestial objects.
Plus, the telescope comes with a smartphone adapter and a wireless camera remote control, allowing you to observe and record stars through your phone screen.
You can accurately track stars with a multi-functional head and multi-directional 360-degree rotation adjustment.
You may also like: 21 Best Telescopes for Beginners (Ranked!)
FAQ’s about cheap telescopes
Here are a number of the most asked questions about cheap telescopes.
What can I see with a cheap telescope?
Don’t expect to see much with a cheap telescope. If you want to see galaxies and nebulae, I must disappoint you. With a cheap telescope, it’s almost impossible.
Under the truly dark skies in the rural area, you might see them, but you can see some nebulae there with your naked eye, too. In this case, using a good pair of binoculars may be a better option than a cheap telescope.
That being said, a budget telescope can still provide a satisfying viewing experience for the moon. With its size and brightness, the moon is visible through any type of telescope.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t expect to see high-quality details in the eyepiece.
Aside from astronomy, a cheap telescope can also be used during the day to observe terrestrial objects.
You may also like: Can You Use a Telescope Through a Window?
How much is a cheap telescope?
A cheap telescope can cost between $50 to well over $1,000. Expect a cheap quality telescope for visual observing to start at about $300, and a telescope capable of deep-sky astrophotography begins at around $800.
Where to buy cheap telescope?
While many other online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores like Walmart sell budget telescopes, Amazon is a popular online marketplace that offers a vast selection of products at competitive prices.
You get to filter the prices to match your budget and read customer reviews so that you can make a more informed buying decision.
What is a good cheap telescope?
You can quickly tell if the telescope is in the cheap category when the price is usually below $100.
You will also find bold claims of the insane magnification capabilities of the telescope on the box, but a good one will have sturdy construction, decent optics, and be easy to set up and use.
Look for a telescope with a 70mm aperture and a stable mount.
Unfortunately, many cheap telescopes are made with poor-quality materials like plastic and have optical elements that are not made with glass or are of poor quality. In this case, you might be better off with decent binoculars instead.
Additionally, the mounts of these telescopes are often shaky and unstable, rendering them useless for high magnification. The result of all these issues is a frustrating and complicated experience with a cheap telescope.
It’s worth investing a little more to get a better-quality telescope for a more enjoyable stargazing experience.
What is the best budget telescope?
The best telescope for the money you can buy is the Dobsonian telescope. Dobsonians are very easy to use because they have a simple design that is not expensive to manufacture.
Dobsonian telescopes don’t use conventional tripod mounts. They use the Dobsonian mount, popularized by John Dobson in 1965. The result is that you can have a bigger telescope for less money.
An example is Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope.
This telescope costs, plus or minus, around $200. It has an aperture of 114mm. Amazing little scope for beginners or even kids.
Additionally, you can check out my recent article about What can you see with a 70mm telescope? It was the first telescope I bought, and I was happy with it.
If you have over $100 and there is no chance you could spend more than that, look at Orion 10012 Skyscanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope.
While it won’t provide the most detailed views, it’s a great option for fun and occasional moon observations, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Find out more options here: 43 Best Budget Telescopes (Ranked!)
How much do you have to pay for a good telescope?
You can get a decent telescope for something around $200. It may not seem like much more than the $100 options out there, but trust me, the $200 telescope is 10 times better than $100, so it is definitely worth investing $100 more and buying a good starting telescope.
On the other hand, even if you have a budget, you don’t necessarily need to spend more than $200 either.
The reason is that each telescope type has a specific purpose, so it’s best to start with a basic $200 telescope and figure out what excites you.
Do you want to try astrophotography or planetary imaging, or do you prefer visual astronomy? You may find you like a big manual telescope or a portable GoTo telescope you can take on camping trips.
There are so many options, so don’t go overboard with the initial investment, but also don’t cheap out. Later on, once you’ve experienced the hobby and know what you want from a telescope, you can invest in a more expensive, specialized option.
You may also like: Are GoTo Telescopes Worth It?
Is a cheap used telescope a good idea?
I recommend getting a used telescope only if you are looking for a manual telescope without electronics. You could find real gems and amazing telescopes for $100 on the used market.
Telescopes don’t lose too much value over the years. I once sold one of my GoTo telescopes for a higher price than I paid three years ago.
Just be careful on the used market and check the optics carefully, and try the mount if it is stable.
Usually, astronomers take great care of their telescopes. But a dent in the optics or a dirty mirror is a problem for the telescope. So be cautious.
What is the best cheap telescope for stargazing?
Some of the best budget telescopes for stargazing include the Celestron – 76mm Cometron firstScope, the Gskyer telescope AZ70400, the Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm altazimuth reflector telescope, and the Encalife SVBONY SV501P.
Can cheap telescopes see planets?
The biggest and closest planets in our solar system are like the brightest stars in the night skies; you can see them with the naked eye.
However, you’ll need high magnification to observe surface details, which is difficult to achieve with a cheap telescope and an unstable mount.
It would help if you had high magnification to see the surface details of the planets, which is difficult to achieve with an inexpensive telescope and an unstable mount. First, focusing will be challenging, and second, the image will not drop your jaws.
There are also limitations on the magnification you can use. Every telescope has something called the highest useful magnification.
You can’t go past that because it is impossible to focus, and the image will be blurry if you go above the highest useful magnification.
The formula for this is 50 or 60 times the telescope’s aperture in inches or 2 times the aperture in millimeters. The aperture is the diameter of the telescope lens or mirror.
So let’s say your cheap telescope has an aperture of 50mm. The highest useful magnification here is only 100x. This is not enough for observing the planets.
Even with 100x magnification, Jupiter appears like a slightly larger star without any details, such as cloud bands or the big red spot. Investing in a higher-quality telescope is essential if you’re interested in planetary observations.
To learn more about magnification, read my article on what magnification you need to see planets.
Read also: Can I See Planets With a Cheap Telescope?
Can you see deep sky objects with a budget telescope?
You can see deep sky objects with a budget telescope. However, most deep sky objects will appear as featureless, hazy patches. To see fine details of deep sky objects, you will need a scope that is 6 inches and above in diameter.
Looking for the best telescope to view deep sky objects? Check out 9 Best Deep Space Telescopes (Ranked!)
Can you see Saturn with a cheap telescope?
Saturn is a little bit different compared to Jupiter. It is smaller but has famous rings, so theoretically, it should be a better experience.
You can see the rings of Saturn with a minimum magnification of 30x, but it will not be a separate structure, just like a small disk with a thin line extending from the sides.
Even with the 100x magnification, you can’t expect miracles with Saturn. You need much higher magnification if you want to see the rings as a separate structure and resolve the Cassini division.
You may also like: How Big of a Telescope Do You Need to See Saturn’s Rings?
Takeaway – Top 17 telescopes under $100 for beginner astronomers
Getting started with astronomy doesn’t have to break the bank. With so many alternatives available, choosing the right telescope for your needs and budget can be overwhelming.
However, with our list of the 17 best telescopes under $100, you can rest assured that you’re getting great value for your money.
From Dobsonians to refractors, reflectors, and even travel-friendly options, there’s something for everyone.
Keep in mind that the best telescope is the one you use the most, so choose one that fits your lifestyle and interests.
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