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10 Best Beginners Telescopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm is a solid choice for beginners eager to explore astronomy. Its 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length provide decent light-gathering ability, enabling users to observe various celestial objects clearly. The fully coated optics enhance image brightness and protect eyesight, which is vital for newcomers. With three replaceable eyepieces (24X, 60X, and 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens, users can enjoy a range of magnification options, helping them to see details on planets and the moon more effectively.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,379
Mount Type
Portability

Most important from
21634 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky, simplifying the stargazing experience.
Portability
The lightweight and portable design makes it ideal for kids, ensuring they can easily move it around and set it up.
#2
9.6 score

Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.

The Gskyer Telescope is a solid choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent light-gathering capabilities, allowing users to see celestial objects like the moon and some planets with clarity. The fully coated optics enhance image quality, protecting your eyes while making stargazing more enjoyable. This telescope also comes with two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which significantly increases magnification, making it versatile for different viewing situations. The 5x24 finderscope is helpful for locating objects in the sky, an essential feature for newcomers who may struggle with initial alignment.

Rating
9.6
Mount Type
Portability
Eyepieces

Most important from
21634 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky, simplifying tracking celestial objects.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for kids and easy to transport for stargazing trips.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for newcomers.
Finderscope
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for newcomers.
#3
9.3 score

Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers - 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control.

This telescope is designed with beginners in mind, providing an 80mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, which helps capture clear and bright images of celestial objects. The two eyepieces included (25mm and 10mm) allow for easy magnification options of 24X and 60X, while the 3x Barlow lens can enhance that power even further. The 5x24 finderscope makes locating objects a breeze, which is ideal for those new to stargazing.

Rating
9.3
Mount Type
Portability

Most important from
4672 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount keeps it stable, making viewing smooth without shakes.
Portability
Light-weight yet stable, this telescope is easy to move around and adjust.

Top 10 Best Beginners Telescopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope

Aperture: 90mm
Focal Length: 600mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
Portability: Adjustable aluminum tripod (31.5-49 inches)
Eyepieces: 24X, 60X, 120X, 3x Barlow lens
Finderscope: Reflex

Chosen by 1379 this week

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Buying Guide for the Best Beginners Telescopes

Choosing a beginner's telescope can be an exciting journey into the world of stargazing. The right telescope will open up the wonders of the night sky and provide a rewarding experience. When selecting a telescope, it's important to consider several key specifications that will determine how well the telescope performs and how easy it is to use. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror. It is one of the most important specifications because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows you to see fainter objects and more detail. For beginners, an aperture of 70mm to 130mm is usually sufficient. If you are interested in viewing planets and the moon, a smaller aperture will work well. For deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, a larger aperture is beneficial.
Focal LengthFocal length is the distance between the telescope's main lens or mirror and the point where the image is brought into focus. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon. A shorter focal length offers a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and observe larger objects like star clusters. Beginners may find a focal length between 400mm and 1000mm to be a good starting point.
Mount TypeThe mount is the part of the telescope that supports it and allows it to move. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, making them simple and intuitive for beginners. Equatorial mounts are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which is useful for tracking objects across the sky but can be more complex to set up. For beginners, an altazimuth mount is often the best choice due to its ease of use.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. This is important if you plan to take your telescope to different locations or if you have limited storage space. Smaller, lighter telescopes are easier to carry and set up, making them ideal for beginners. Consider the weight and size of the telescope, as well as whether it comes with a carrying case or bag.
EyepiecesEyepieces are the lenses you look through to see the magnified image. The quality and variety of eyepieces can greatly affect your viewing experience. Most beginner telescopes come with one or two eyepieces, but having a range of eyepieces with different focal lengths allows you to adjust the magnification. Look for telescopes that include at least two eyepieces, and consider purchasing additional ones as you become more experienced.
FinderscopeA finderscope is a small, low-power telescope attached to the main telescope to help you locate objects in the sky. It provides a wider field of view, making it easier to aim the main telescope. There are different types of finderscopes, including optical and red dot finders. For beginners, a red dot finder is often easier to use because it projects a red dot onto the sky, showing exactly where the telescope is pointed.

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