Introducing your kids to the wonders of the cosmos presents a great way to spend quality family time. Staring out into the depths of the Milky Way offers endless evenings of mystical fascination at the wonders of the universe.
Taking up astronomy is a fun hobby for kids, teaching them the basics of physics and cosmology. To start them off on the right foot with their adventures into the universe, you’ll need to get them a telescope. Telescopes come in various sizes, from handheld models to giant scopes that take up entire buildings.
They say looking into the far reaches of the galaxy, and our universe is like looking back in time. The farther your look, the further you go. Scientists identified traces of the big bang through telescopic technology, helping them see into the depths of space.
With the United States establishing the “Space Force.” More kids are taking an interest in space and the wonders it has to offer. Getting your kid set up to take on some junior cosmology is easy – all they need is a telescope.
Most junior telescopes for kids come in 70mm models, and there are dozens available. We decided to help you with choosing the best telescope for beginners. We’ll recommend the ten best models and our top three picks.
Our Top Picks
Let’s start with the top three models in this review. These telescopes are the best of the bunch in three different categories.
There’s a telescope here to suit your requirements. If you can’t wait to grab your kids and start your stargazing, then choose one-off these models and get ready for the beginnings of a new hobby that will thrill and excite both you and your kids.
Best Pick: Celestron – TravelScope70mm
- Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.
- Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.
- Large 70mm objective lens: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy.
- Bonus bag, tripod, and software: This Celestron telescope and full-height tripod can be taken anywhere in the included travel backpack. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
Whether you’re buying yourself your first telescope, or setting one up for the kids, the Celestron 70mm travel scope is our top pick for the best overall model in this review. The Celestron 70mm telescope comes with superior optics, featuring a 70mm objective lens for maximum magnification and clarity when stargazing.
Premium Pick: Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ
- Powerful refractor telescope: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics, a sturdy yet lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a red dot finder scope, and an adjustable-height tripod.
- High-quality 70mm optics: Our Celestron telescope features a powerful, fully coated 70mm glass optic objective lens. Erect image optics allow you to observe celestial objects at night and terrestrial targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day.
- Quick setup & lightweight frame: This telescope for adults features a lightweight frame and a panning handle with Alt-Az control for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
- Included accessories: We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), an erect image star diagonal, a travel tripod, and a red dot finder scope. Download our BONUS Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software for interactive sky simulation.
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
IF you have more budget available, then we recommend another Celestron model, the AstroMaster 70AZ. This telescope is lightweight and easy to transport, with a 70mm objective lens and 45X to 90X magnification.
Budget Pick: TELMU Telescope
- 【High Quality Optics】400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens create stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- 【High Magnification】Come with two replaceable 1.25" Kellner eyepieces(K6mm/67X, K25/16X) ，5x24 finderscope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- 【Satisfaction Warranty】 2-year warranty and lifetime maintenance. If you have any question about product and service, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you.
- 【EASY TO OPERATION】 No tools are required for refractor telescope even for the novice. Adjusted from about 17.7-inch to 35.4-inch. Allowed for many different observational positions and keep the whole tripod steady with castor wheel.
- 【SHARING IN REAL TIME】You can take pictures or videos and share them with your family and friends in real time with the phone holder. Star telescope is suitable for kids who love science to discover the mystery of universe.
Those aspiring astronomers on a budget will get the best value for money from the TELMU. This model features a 70mm objective lens, with two eyepieces included. The TELMU features a cellphone accessory, allowing you to hook your phone up to the eyepiece to record your viewing experience and enhance your viewing.
Telescope for Beginners Reviews
Now that you have an idea of our top models, let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also look at a few other models to find the best telescope for beginners. Make sure you check out the buyer’s guide section for more information on selecting the right telescope to suit your stargazing.
Best Pick: Celestron – TravelScope 70mm
This Celestron model is our top choice for the best overall telescope for beginners. You get a 70mm aperture from the lens objective and fully-coated glass optics. The result is a clear, bright image with optimal light transmission.
This telescope is the ideal choice for beginners looking for their first telescope. Featuring two powerful eyepieces, and a complete accessory kit, the Celestron is our top pick for the best balance between performance, price, and functionality.
The telescope comes with a complete accessory kit, including a tripod stand. You also get access to the package is a great software tool for educating your kids about the wonders of the cosmos.
- Superior optics with 70mm lens objective
- Fully coated glass optics for excellent HD images
- Two powerful eyepieces included (10mm and 20mm)
- Comes with a complete accessory collection, including tripod
- Good quality images suitable for junior stargazing
- Tripod is somewhat flimsy
Premium Pick: Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is our top choice for the best premium telescope for beginners. You get a multi-coated 70mm lens objective, for a sharp, clear image with plenty of brightness. This refractor telescope is the top-of-the-range, with 45X to 90X magnification, and two eyepieces included in the package.
You get a lightweight frame for fast setup, and Alt-AZ control for accurate and smooth movement when pointing. This model also comes with access to the Celestron Sky portal and the Starry Night software. If you’re a serious stargazer looking for a top-quality model, the AstroMaster is your top choice.
- The best choice for junior stargazing
- 70mm objective lens and aperture for the best image production
- Magnification between 45X and 90X
- Fully coated glass optics
- Lightweight design
- Comes with two eyepieces and accessories
- 2-year warranty
- Premium Price
Budget Pick: TELMU Telescope
Junior stargazers looking for their first telescope will get plenty of fun and functionality out of the TELMU telescope. This model comes with a 70mm aperture, and it’s the most affordable model in this review. If your kid has the potential to be an astronomer, start them with this model.
You get a 400mm focal length, with fully-coated glass optics for a stable, clear image with plenty of color and brightness. This model comes with two replaceable eyepieces, 10mm and 20mm, and a 5×24 finderscope. This model is our top choice for the best value deal in this review.
- The most affordable model in this review
- A great choice for kids getting into astronomy
- Powerful refractor design with 70mm objective lens aperture
- Quick setup with a lightweight frame for easy transport
- All accessories, including a tripod, included with your package
- Cellphone mounting included
- 2-year warranty
- Slightly underpowered compared to other 70mm aperture models
Solomark 70mm Telescope for Kids
The Solomark is a great starter model for kids. It features a 70mm aperture, with two eyepieces included in the package. You get a 9mm and 20mm eyepiece, with a smartphone adapter included. Hook the eyepiece up to your kid’s smartphone, and let them record the viewing session.
You get high-quality glass optics with this model, and excellent light transmission for clear, bright images. This model is easy to set up and comes with a complete accessory kit.
- 70mm objective lens aperture
- High-quality glass optics with coated lens
- Comes with two eyepieces (9mm and 20mm)
- High magnification up to 44X
- Multi-angle tripod included
- 5×24 finderscope with mounting bracket added for cellphone
- Full accessory kit included
- Slightly heavy
MAXLAPTER Kids Telescope
The MAxLapter telescope for kids features fully coated optics for high light transmission and clear, bright images. You get 16X to 66X magnification, and this model is suitable for landscape viewing and stargazing. This set up includes a 5×24 finderscope, and 6mm and 25mm eyepieces.
The 70mm aperture is large enough for accurate viewing at a distance, and you’ll find it easy to explore the craters on the moon. The MaxLapter comes with a smartphone adapter, allowing you to record the session and share it with friends. You get a complete accessory kit and a 2-year warranty.
- Fully coated glass optics
- 70mm objective lens aperture
- The full accessory kit, including smartphone adapter
- Dual eyepieces with 6mm and 25mm sizes
- Worldwide warranty
- Tripod is a little flimsy
Gskyer Telescope
The Gysker is a premium-range model offering an excellent stargazing experience for beginners. This model features a 70mmm Aperture with a 400mm focal length for clear, stable images. You get an optimal light transmission through the multi-coated lenses and a 5×24 finderscope included in the package.
This model includes two eyepieces and a Barlow 3X lens to enhance the magnification. You get a smartphone adapter to record and share your viewing sessions, and a wireless remote. This model comes with a complete accessory kit, including a tripod and a carry bag for easy transport.
- 70mm objective lens aperture
- Wireless remote functionality
- Adjustable tripod and full accessory kit included
- High-quality glass coated optics
- Two replaceable eyepieces included, as well as a 3X Barlow lens
- 5×24 finderscope with crosshairs and mounting bracket included
- Needs a better tripod
BNISE 70mm
The BINSE model is another premium telescope for amateur astronomers. Featuring a 70mm aperture and full glass coated optics for clear, crisp images.
This model includes a 5×24 finderscope with crosshairs for easy range finding of moving celestial bodies. You get 6mm and 25mm eyepieces, with a full accessory kit, including a tripod and a carry bag.
- 400mm focal length with 70mm objective lens aperture
- 45-degree diagonal prism with multi-coated lens
- Comes with two eyepieces (6mm and 25mm
- Magnifications between 16X to 66X
- Moon filter for brightness included
- 5×24 finderscope included
- Accessory pack with an adjustable tripod included
- Could use better instructions
AOMEKIE Telescope
This model comes with a 70mm aperture, two eyepieces, and a Barlow lens for 3X magnification. It’s a great choice for beginners, featuring 20x to 40x magnification, with up to 120X using the Barlow eyepiece.
This model comes with a 5×24 finderscope including crosshairs, and a full accessory kit, including a tripod and a carry bag.
- 70mm objective lens aperture with coated glass optics
- Comes with a tripod and smartphone adapter
- Includes a 10mm and 20mm eyepiece
- Barlow 3X lends provides up to 120X magnification
- 5×24 finderscope included with purchase
- 45°erect prism diagonal for clear, crisp images
- Full accessory kit including tripod
- Adapter doesnt work with all iPhones
Emarth Telescope
The Emarth model is a great first telescope for kids. This model features a 70mm aperture, two eyepieces, and a 5×24 finderscope.
You get fully coated optics, with a 3X Barlow eyepiece included for additional magnification. The Emarth includes a complete accessory kit with a tripod and a carry bag.
- The ideal choice for a kid’s first telescope
- 70mm objective lens aperture
- Fully coated glass optics
- No-tool setup for easy viewing
- Full accessory kit including tripod
- Two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm)
- 3X Barlow lens included for magnification up to 128X
- Could use more stability
Orion 10034 GoScope II
The Orion is one of our favorite premium choices in this review. This telescope has a 70mm aperture, with a 5×24 finderscope.
You get two eyepieces in 10mm and 25mm, and access to the Orion MoonMap software for an enhanced viewing experience. This model comes with a complete accessory kit, including a tripod and a carry bag.
- 70mm objective lens aperture
- Day and night functionality
- Includes 5×24 finderscope
- Two eyepieces included (10mm and 25mm)
- Orion Moon Map included
- Comes with a backpack carry bag and full accessory kit, including tripod
- Assembly is a little tricky
Other Best Selling Options
- Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- Wireless Remote: Free includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
- Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
- Satisfaction: lifetime maintenance. If you have any question about product and service, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you in 24 hours.
- Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.
- Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.
- Large 70mm objective lens: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy.
- Bonus bag, tripod, and software: This Celestron telescope and full-height tripod can be taken anywhere in the included travel backpack. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
- Perfect entry-level telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the new telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power
- Manual german equatorial mount: Navigate the sky with our Newtonian Reflector telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob
- Compact and portable: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.Optical Coatings:Aluminum
- Multiple accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Users can also download BONUS Starry Night Astronomy Software Package
- Unbeatable and customer support: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts
- Perfect Beginners Telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope, the PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power
- Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard
- Multiple Accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope features 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), erect image diagonal, Finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts
- 【High Quality Optics】400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens create stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- 【High Magnification】Come with two replaceable 1.25" Kellner eyepieces(K6mm/67X, K25/16X) ，5x24 finderscope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- 【Satisfaction Warranty】 2-year warranty and lifetime maintenance. If you have any question about product and service, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you.
- 【EASY TO OPERATION】 No tools are required for refractor telescope even for the novice. Adjusted from about 17.7-inch to 35.4-inch. Allowed for many different observational positions and keep the whole tripod steady with castor wheel.
- 【SHARING IN REAL TIME】You can take pictures or videos and share them with your family and friends in real time with the phone holder. Star telescope is suitable for kids who love science to discover the mystery of universe.
Telescope for Beginners Buyer’s Guide
Learning the mystery of astronomy is a fantastic hobby for anyone at any age. Determining the position of the stars and constellations is fascinating, leaving you with a sense of wonderment at the complexity of the universe around us.
When looking for a new telescope for your hobby, we recommend taking some time to look at the options available. Telescopes come in various sizes and designs, with some purpose-built for stargazing, while others are more for landscape use.
After you take your first up-close look at the moon’s surface on a starry night, you’ll find yourself hooked on the science of astronomy. Teaching the basics of stargazing to kids is a great way to bond with your children and teach them something useful in life.
Learning how to use a telescope is easy, and you’ll figure it out with a few hours of practice. In this section, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about selecting and using your new telescope.
How Do Telescopes Work?
Before you finalize your purchase, it’s a good idea to read through all the information in this buyer’s guide. Telescopes work through allowing light into the lens chamber. The telescope collects the light, producing an image. The more light you get into the lens chamber, the clearer and more visible the image becomes.
What are the Types of Telescopes?
There are three types of telescopes available. Let’s look at the differences between the three models to help you narrow down your selection of the best beginner telescope.
What are Refractor Telescopes?
The refractor telescope features a large lens on the front of the scope. This lens collects the light from the environment, and it’s the most popular choice for modern telescope systems.
Depending on the model, you might have manual or automatic control over the refractor mechanism. Refractor telescopes are widely available and the best choice for a beginner model.
What are the pros of using a refractor telescope?
- Useful for stargazing at the moon and planetary bodies nearby
- You need no specialized training to use the telescope
- There is no maintenance other than cleaning the lenses
- Compact and sturdy design for easy transportation
- Resistant to weather conditions
What are the cons of using a refractor telescope?
- Dim objects are hazy in your field of view
- A 70mm aperture or larger can add significant weight to the telescope
What Is a Reflector Telescope?
A reflector telescope features design and construction with a mirror reflecting incoming light from the aperture. The primary mirror reflects the light to the second mirror, boosting the object’s light, allowing for clear viewing of dim objects.
What are the pros of using a reflector telescope?
- Lightweight compared to a refractor telescope
- Excellent low-light performance
What are the cons of using a reflector telescope?
- Not suitable for use in dusty environments or rainy conditions
- Regular maintenance needed to keep lenses and lens chambers clean
What Is a Compound Telescope?
A compound or catadioptric telescope utilizes dual mirrors to create high-quality images. The design of this telescope features the use of the mirrors on the front and back
What are the pros of using a compound telescope?
- Optics are resistant to environmental exposure
- A good setup for viewing closer objects
- Excellent low-light performance
What are the cons of using a compound telescope?
- Somewhat heavy
- Expensive design
What are the Important Components of a Telescope?
When selecting your new beginner telescope, you need to consider all its features and functions. The refractor telescope is the best choice for beginners.
This model is like a plug-and-play telescope, with no advanced training to operate the scope needed. Refractor telescopes also come with less maintenance, making it ideal for newbies to astronomy. Most newbies do better with refractor telescopes over reflector or compound models.
The ease-of-use and maintenance-free operation are beneficial for newbies that have no idea how to operate or maintain optical systems.
What Is the Aperture?
The aperture refers to the size of the lens objective on the front of the telescope. All the models in this review come with a 70mm lens objective, providing a 70-mm aperture. The aperture allows light to enter the telescope.
Therefore, the larger the aperture, the clearer the telescope view at long distance. The aperture is the most critical component of your telescope, and it’s more important than the magnification the system offers.
What Is the Focal Length?
When selecting your new beginner telescope, we recommend you look for the focal length of the model.
The focal length refers to the distance between the mirror and the focal point of the telescope. While the focal point isn’t as important as the aperture, it’s vital to increase the zoom on the object in view.
Does Magnification Matter?
Yes, the magnification of your telescope matters. You get the magnification rating through the eyepieces and the focal length of the scope. The use of a Barlow eyepiece can increase your magnification setting by up to 300%.
However, magnification is not as important as the aperture of the telescope. You could have a telescope with 200X magnification, but if there is no clarity in the details of the image, then the telescope is useless.
The best option is to look for a telescope that offers the best balance of aperture and magnification for the best results with your stargazing.
Does the size of the Telescope Make a Difference?
Yes, the size of the telescope matters. The Hubble Telescope is massive and floats around in space, it produces images from light-years away, with amazing clarity.
However, you’re not going to get this kind of technology in your backyard beginner telescope. However, you can expect to have some fun staring up at the moon, the eye on Jupiter, and Saturn’s rings with your home telescope.
We recommend looking at a 70mm telescope. There are options for smaller and larger apertures, but the 70mm measurement seems to be the sweet spot for telescopes with magnifications up to 45X. Manufacturers list the size of the telescope model using the size of the aperture.
What Kind of Accessories Do You Get for Telescopes?
The telescopes in this review are all modern systems. As a result, you get a high-quality refractor telescope at an affordable price point.
All the telescopes in this review come with complete accessory kits for your stargazing needs.
You can expect to find the following accessories included with the purchase of your beginner telescope.
- Carry Bag – This accessory is essential if you plan on taking your telescope out of the house. The carry bag fits everything inside, including your telescope and tripod.
- Tripod – Every telescope needs a tripod. Your tripod should be purpose-built for your telescope and come as part of your accessory kit. The tripod allows for stable images and easy movement of the telescope.
- Eyepieces – Telescopes feature eyepieces designed to enhance the magnification of objects. Most telescopes come with two eyepieces, around 10mm to 20mm in size. The smaller eyepieces provide magnifications up to 20X, while the lager eyepieces can provide magnifications up to 50x or more.
- Cellphone mounting bracket – Most modern telescopes allow you to set up your cellphone on a stargazing bracket. The bracket connects the camera lens on your phone to the eyepiece on the telescope. As a result, you can record your stargazing sessions, and use the cellphone as a viewfinder.
- Barlow lens – The Barlow lens attaches to the standard eyepieces included with your telescope. The Barlow can amplify the magnification of the eyepiece by 3X. Therefore, if you have a telescope eyepiece with a 44X magnification, the Barlow lens magnifies this threefold to 132X.
- Lens cover – Protect your telescope when not in use.
How Do You Maintain Your Telescope?
If you’re purchasing one of the refractor telescopes in this review, you don’t have to worry about maintaining your telescope. There’s no need for calibrating mirrors or lenses, and the lens chamber comes sealed against penetration by dust and water.
The most you’ll need to do to maintain your telescope is to wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth before and after every viewing session.
Wipe down the body of the telescope using a damp cloth. Make sure you only clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth. Using a cloth with stiff materials may scratch the lens, ruining your telescope.
Telescope Tips for Beginners
When unboxing at setting up your telescope for your first viewing session, it’s important to have realistic expectations. You’re not going to see the ends of the Milky Way galaxy with a standard 70mm aperture telescope.
You can still see plenty of planetary bodies using your telescope, but don’t think that it’s going to have the same performance as the Hubble.
However, there are a few tops we can give you to enhance your viewing experience with your new telescope.
#1 Get on the Roof
Getting to the roof or out into open spaces is a great way to avoid the clutter and light of the city. Your telescope will work well in town, but taking out into the countryside will make a huge difference in image quality. If you live in the city, try accessing your roof for the best viewing experience.
#2 Don’t Look Through the Window
When setting up your telescope, make sure you’re not looking through a window. Open the window before you start your viewing session.
By leaving the window closed, the pane becomes part of the lens, reducing image quality. The image quality will deteriorate if there’s a significant temperature difference on either side of the window.
#3 Look into the Eyepiece Using the Corner of Your Eye
When looking at low-light objects through your telescope, we recommend looking into the eyepiece using the corner of your eye. This technique helps with image tracking and improving the quality of low-light objects.
#4 Use a Low-Power Eyepiece
Make sure you test several eyepieces before settling on your preferred telescope. We recommend starting with the low-power eyepiece included in your set.
Master the use of manipulating the image production on that piece before moving up to the larger eyepiece. With most telescopes, the smaller eyepiece provides the best image quality for your viewing experience.
Telescope for Beginners FAQs
What are the essential components of a budget telescope?
The aperture is the most important aspect of making your selection. The aperture determines how much light enters the telescope during your viewing session. The larger the aperture, the more light entering the scope, providing a clear picture at a distance. Therefore, a model featuring a 4-inch mirror offers four-times the image performance of a two-inch mirror.
Is the magnification of the telescope important?
Yes, magnification is important to your telescope. However, the aperture is just as important to your viewing experience. If you have high magnification, but a low aperture on the telescope, it results in less clarity on far-away objects.
Do I need any accessories with my telescope?
All the models in this review come as complete telescope kits. You get everything you need with your purchase to enhance your stargazing experience. Your complete telescope package should include a tripod, carry bag, eyepieces, and some models that come with cellphone adapters.
Do telescopes require lots of maintenance?
Most telescopes don’t need much in the way of maintenance. Make sure you get a soft microfiber cloth to clean your lenses before and after use. If you take care of your telescope, it should last for years.
The Verdict – The Best Telescope for Beginners
By now, you should have a good idea of the best telescope for beginners. If you’re having trouble selecting the right scope for your needs, why not rely on our top picks? We scoured dozens of reviews to find these three tops models.
The Celestron – 70mm is an excellent choice for your first telescope. This model comes with everything you need to start your introduction to astronomy. This kit is lightweight and comes with everything you need to start your viewing experience.
If you want a scope that’s going to last you while your interest in the hobby grows, we recommend the Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ. You get two eyepieces included with this model and free starry night software to help you navigate the skies. With a massive magnification range between 45X to 90X, you get up-close and personal with inter-planetary bodies.
Those parents looking for a first telescope for their children will enjoy the TELMU Telescope. This model comes with a complete accessory kit and an affordable price. You get a 70mm objective lens, with two eyepieces, and everything you need to start.
