Starting your stargazing journey and not sure which telescope to buy? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best beginner-friendly telescopes out there.
ZWO Astro Seestar S50
What to Look for in a Beginner Telescope
Telescopes come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, so there’s something out there for everyone. If you’re just getting started, here are some key things to think about. First, you’ll need to decide what you’re most excited to look at. Are you hoping to see the Moon and planets, or are you more interested in distant galaxies and nebulae? The kind of objects you want to view will help guide your telescope choice.
Next, think about the type of scope you want. There are three main types of telescopes, each with its own pros and cons. Refractor telescopes are easy to use, reflector telescopes let you see more, and compound telescopes combine the two for a more versatile experience. For beginners, a small refractor or a Dobsonian reflector is usually a great starting point.
You also need to consider ease of use. If you’re new to telescopes, you’ll probably want something simple to set up and operate. Some models are manual, some are electronic, and others can even be controlled with a smartphone app. Choose whatever feels easiest for you.
Look out for the aperture. It’s by farthe most important spec on any telescope. It’s the diameter of the main lens or mirror. It determines how much light the telescope collects, which directly affects how much detail you’ll see. Generally, bigger is better, but keep in mind that a larger aperture usually means a bulkier telescope.
Next is the f-ratio. The f-ratio is the telescope’s focal length divided by its aperture. A lower f-ratio (like f/5) gives you brighter images with a wider field of view, which is great for viewing large star clusters or the Milky Way. A higher f-ratio (like f/10) gives you more magnification for zooming in on planets or the moon.
Don’t be fooled by big magnification numbers. You’ll see scopes advertised with high magnification like “600x”. Don’t fall for that. Realistically, you’re aiming for about 50x per inch of aperture. The aperture determines how much magnification is actually useful, not the number on the box.
When it comes to telescopes, it’s often a good idea to stick with trusted brands. Go with brands that have solid reputations and plenty of positive reviews. This helps ensure you’re getting quality gear that actually works.
Finally, your budget. At the end of the day, the right telescope for you is the one that fits your needs and your budget. If you can’t pay all at once, keep an eye out for sellers who offer financing or payment plans.
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Super easy auto-alignment with SkyAlign
On the pricier side for beginners
40,000+ objects in the built-in database
Automatic object locating and real-time tracking
GoTo mount with simple up/down, left/right controls
TheCelestron NexStar 8SEis a top pick if you’re serious about diving into stargazing and want something powerful but user-friendly. This telescope is a compact Schmidt-Cassegrain design with a generous 8-inch aperture, which means it pulls in a ton of light, producing crisp, detailed views of everything from the Moon and planets to distant galaxies and nebulae.
What really makes the 8SE shine is how easy it is to use. With Celestron’sSkyAlign technology, all you have to do is point it at any three bright objects in the sky, and it automatically aligns itself. From there, the NexStar+ hand controller gives you access to a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. Just pick one, and the scope will automatically find and follow it, no star maps or complicated setup required.
Once it locks onto your target, the 8SE even tracks it in real time, so you don’t have to keep adjusting as the sky shifts. Setup can be a little tricky at first, but it comes with clear instructions and solid customer support if you get stuck.
The 8SE also includes a few handy accessories: a finderscope, a basic Plössl eyepiece, and a visual back. While the included eyepiece isn’t anything to write home about, you can easily upgrade your setup with options like Celestron’s X-Cel eyepieces (5mm,9mm,25mm) and a2x Barlow lens. An AC adapter is also a smart add-on if you don’t want to rely on batteries.
Celestron NexStar 8SE
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a total game-changer for beginners ready to explore their stargazing fantasies. With its built-in SkyAlign tech, it can automatically align, locate, and track over 40,000 celestial objects.
Quite affordable for beginners
Not as powerful as pricier telescopes
Fast, hassle-free setup
Smartphone app helps you find and track objects in the sky
Curated list of what’s visible based on your location and time
If you want to explore the night sky without breaking the bank, theCelestron StarSense Explorer 22480is a fantastic place to start. Sure, you canstargaze with just your eyesor somestargazing apps. But if you want to go beyond that, this budget-friendly telescope gives you a much better view without costing a fortune.
The StarSense Explorer is super beginner-friendly. It’s quick to set up, and the Alt-Azimuth mount lets you move the telescope easily up, down, left, and right. One of its coolest features is the smartphone dock. Just pop in your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and you’re ready to explore.
The app uses your phone’s location and time to show you what’s in the sky right now, then gives you on-screen arrows to help you find and center planets, stars, and other space objects. It’s like having a stargazing coach in your pocket.
This telescope uses a 114mm Newtonian reflector, which means it gathers enough light to give you good views of the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and even some deeper space objects like the Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Of course, it’s not going to compete with the big, expensive scopes in terms of image detail. But for the price? It’s one of the best deals out there. If you’re looking for something even cheaper (with a few trade-offs), check out beginner scopes like theGskyer 70mmorHexeum 70mm. But if you’re after a good balance of price and performance, the StarSense Explorer hits the sweet spot.
Celestron StarSense 114mm Telescope
The Celestron StarSense 114mm Telescope is 5x cheaper than the NexStar 8SE, but still delivers impressive performance for beginners. It’s super easy to set up and includes a smartphone dock and StarSense app, which helps you find and explore celestial objects with ease.
Fantastic for deep-sky viewing
No computerized alignment or tracking
Large aperture for great image clarity
A little on the bulky side
Simple, sturdy design that’s easy to use
Smooth motion with manual tracking
Most beginner telescopes will show you the moon and planets. But if you’re really looking to dive deep into space and explore galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, theSky-Watcher Classic 200is a top choice for deep-sky viewing without overwhelming first-time users.
This telescope has a classic, no-frills design that’s surprisingly easy to use once it’s set up. Assembly is fairly straightforward, though the instruction manual could definitely be clearer, especially when it comes to setting up the focuser.
With its large 8-inch (200mm) aperture, the Sky-Watcher Classic 200 pulls in tons of light, which is key when you’re trying to see far-off objects like the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, or even the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands of Jupiter. It’s also a solid pick if you’re interested in trying your hand at basic astrophotography.
This telescope sits on a sturdy Dobsonian-style base with a rotating platform and tension-control handles, making it easy to move smoothly and adjust as you track objects across the sky. Just note that it doesn’t have an azimuth scale or automatic tracking, so following stars can be a bit of a learning curve at first. A laser collimator will make alignment much easier and is a worthwhile add-on.
It’s a bit bulky, but still portable enough to move around your backyard or take in the car for a night under dark skies. Inside the box, you get a good set of starter accessories, like a 2" Crayford-style focuser, 1.25" adapter, two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and a finder scope.
Want to level up your setup? Consider adding accessories like a 2X focal extender, a Shorty 1.25" Barlow lens, or a laser collimator for better accuracy.
Sky-Watcher Classic 200 Dobsonian
The Sky-Watcher Classic 200 takes your stargazing way beyond the Moon and planets, giving you a front-row seat to galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. It’s perfect for deep-sky exploration and even lets you snap detailed photos. Just note that it’s a bit bulky.
Lightweight and easy to travel with
Doesn’t support Celestron’s automatic SkyAlign feature
Simple, tool-free setup
Manual tracking only
Great views of both celestial and terrestrial objects
Perfect for beginners who want flexibility
If you love taking weekend camping trips or heading out to dark sky spots, lugging around a huge telescope can be a pain. That’s where theCelestron AstroMaster 102AZcomes in—it’s one of the best beginner-friendly portable telescopes out there.
The AstroMaster 102AZ is built for convenience. It’s lightweight, compact, and super easy to set up. Just unpack it, lock a few pieces in place, and you’re ready to explore the sky. The grab-and-go design makes it a breeze to toss in the car or carry to your favorite viewing spot.
Despite its size, this scope packs a punch with a 102mm (4-inch) aperture, which gives you sharp, detailed views of things like the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and even Saturn’s rings. It’s got a smooth manual Alt-Azimuth mount, so you can easily point and move the telescope in any direction with a natural, intuitive feel.
One of the cool things about this scope is that it’s not just for stargazing. During the day, you can use it to check out distant landscapes, birds, or wildlife, or anything you’d want to zoom in on from a distance.
It also comes with two eyepieces (10mm and 20mm), an erect image diagonal (so views are right-side up, helpful for daytime use), a tripod, and a finder scope to help you line up targets. To top it off, you can download the Starry Night astronomy software and the Celestron SkyPortal app, which help you identify and locate thousands of objects in the sky.
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ
The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a lightweight, travel-friendly telescope that’s perfect for beginners who love to chase the stars on the go. It’s super easy to set up wherever your adventure takes you. And when the sun’s up, you may use it to enjoy scenic landscapes or spot wildlife.
Cons
Compact, portable, and packed with smart features
Not ideal for viewing planets up close (better for deep-sky objects)
Built-in camera and tracking system
App-controlled with auto-tracking and star-finding
Great for astrophotography beginners
If you’re ready to start capturing stunning photos of the night sky, theZWO Seestar S50 Telescopeis an incredible choice for beginner astrophotographers.
While some telescopes are great for deep-sky viewing (like the Sky-Watcher Classic 200) or effortless alignment (like the Celestron NexStar 8SE), the Seestar S50 is purpose-built for taking amazing space photos, and it makes the process surprisingly beginner-friendly.
This is a compact, all-in-one smart telescope that combines a telescope, tracking mount, camera, focuser, and dew heater into one sleek device. Sounds high-tech, but don’t worry, setup is a breeze, and there’s even a step-by-step video tutorial if you need help.
The Seestar TH10 mount offers smooth up/down and 360° panning, and you can use Equatorial Mode in the app for longer exposure times, more stable tracking, and crisp, professional-quality shots without that frustrating “star trailing” effect.
The Seestar app is packed with cool features for shooting the night sky. Plan Mode lets you schedule shots of different celestial objects, set them, and forget them. Mosaic Mode allows you to stitch multiple images together into wide, sweeping views of the stars. You can even view everything live from your iPad and capture photos without touching the telescope itself.
Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can connect to your smartphone or tablet and control everything remotely. The app also gives you access to a real-time star map, helping you locate, identify, and track objects with just a tap.
Go beyond just looking, and start capturing stunning photos of the night sky with the amazing ZWO Seestar S50 Telescope. For the price, it comes fully equipped with everything you need for the most mind-blowing astrophotography adventure.
