The Best Telescopes For Astronomy Beginners
Looking up at the night sky can be an awesome experience in remote locations or mountaintop getaways, but what if you live in a suburb? Maybe even the city? Seeing stars with the naked eye is not as easy as it once was, but that shouldn’t discourage beginners from taking the plunge into astronomy. Using telescopes can provide a better vision of the celestial wonders whether you're on a city rooftop or in the pitch-black desert. Results vary, of course, but the sights can be magical. Experiencing the universe can give you a sense of awe and remind you of how small we all are in the grand scheme of things. That can be depressing or enlightening depending on how you look at it, but it’s magical nonetheless. If you’re looking to have such an experience and want to get a telescope, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of the best beginner telescopes available to help you dive headfirst into the world of stargazing.
Gskyer Beginner Telescope
Share the universe
Telescopes have come a long way from when they were invented in 1608, and now we can get quality telescopes at our doorstep in a matter of days. When you’re searching for a beginner scope, you don’t have to settle for the bare minimum. This telescope from Gsyker is a perfect example of exceptional quality in an accessible package.
This beginner telescope set comes with everything you need to get started, including a tripod, eyepieces, phone adapter, carrying case, and wireless remote for taking photos. On top of all that, it has great magnification capabilities and visual quality. It may not be the best for professionals, but for beginners, this set covers all the bases.
Pros:
- Decent aperture and focal length
- Good price
- Comes with a full accessory pack
Cons:
- It may take a lot of time to find celestial targets with the limited capabilities
Celestron Travel Scope
Through the looking glass
Just like a camera, a telescope is only as good as its lens. For looking at objects that are thousands of miles away, you’re going to need a lens that can bring in a lot of light. This Celestron telescope features a quality 70 mm aperture lens to bring in more light for better clarity. It also features two different eyepieces, a tripod, and a carrying case.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for stars, this set also comes with a download of “Starry Night,” an educational astronomy software. This can teach you more about where to look, what to look for, and how stars change position over time. For a beginner looking to jump into astronomy, this can be a powerful tool.
Pros:
- Good price
- High-quality lens
- Comes with free software
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a phone adapter
Celestron Travel Scope DX
Worldwide savings
If value is what you look for in a sale, look no further. This telescope package includes more accessories and tools than almost any other set available. On top of that, it comes at a price that any beginner would be happy about.
This set comes with standard accessories like a tripod, carrying case, phone adapter, and a Bluetooth remote for taking photos. In addition to all that, it also includes a software download, free ebook, two eyepieces, an erect image star diagonal, a 2x Barlow lens, a moon filter, and a finderscope. If you’re looking to get the complete package, here it is.
Pros:
- Great price
- Decent visual quality
- Comes with more accessories than competitors
- Free software download and ebook
Cons:
- You can’t adjust the angle of the eyepiece
Stilnend Telescope
Size matters
For those unfamiliar with photography or astronomy, focal length may seem like a foreign term. In many ways it is, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Put simply, focal length affects the zoom and depth of field of your device. These two things are pretty important if you want to see the moon up close and personal. That’s where this telescope stands out from the competition.
This Stilnend telescope has a 500 mm focal length, which is 100 mm longer than most other competitors in this price range. This means you’re getting optimal zoom and better image depth. On top of that, it has the standard included tripod, phone adapter, and 70 mm aperture. For clarity and quality at this price, it can’t be beaten.
Pros:
- Great zoom capabilities
- Includes tripod and phone adapter
- Wireless remote control to take photos
Cons:
- Tripod isn’t very durable
Ecoopro Refractor Telescope
When buying a telescope for children, bigger telescopes can be clunky or hard to manage. If your child is serious about having their own telescope, maybe it’s best to get them something their own size. This beginner’s telescope from Ecoopro is compact and lightweight but still packs a big punch.
Coming in at just 360 mm focal length, this telescope is a bit shorter than other competitors. This makes it easily portable and perfectly sized for most small children. Even though it’s small, it’s far from a toy. It still has a 70 mm aperture and comparable features to other telescopes in the price range. It has all the frills with a fun-size twist.
Pros:
- Great size for kids
- Comes with a tripod and accessories
- Excellent price
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a carrying bag or phone adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a telescope help me see stars at night even if I live in a city?
That depends. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to see some stars with your telescope, but light pollution can have a serious effect on the results. You may be able to get a good view if you’re on a rooftop, but it still won’t be as clear as if you lived in a remote location. That being said, using a telescope will definitely enhance your vision and help you see things you wouldn’t be able to see without it. If you live in a city, you shouldn’t expect breathtaking results. However, you could still see something worthwhile.
Do I need to know anything about astronomy to use a telescope?
No, not necessarily. You don’t need to know any astronomy specifics to look up and see the moon. The same goes for Polaris (the North Star). These celestial landmarks are common to everyone, so using a telescope to look at them doesn’t require any extra knowledge. Just point and focus. Finding more complicated constellations or momentary occurrences like meteor showers may require some help. Typically that’s done by professionals or hobbyists with extensive knowledge. For most uses, you won’t need any special knowledge. For beginners, it’s all about having fun.
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