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10 Best Celestron Telescope For Beginners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is a fantastic choice for beginners who want to dive into astronomy with a powerful and user-friendly device. With its impressive 11-inch aperture, it captures plenty of light, giving you stunning views of planets and deep sky objects. The dual fork arm GoTo mount is a standout feature, allowing you to easily locate and track over 40,000 celestial bodies, which is incredibly helpful for those just starting out. Plus, the inclusion of a 9x50 finderscope supports quick object alignment, making the setup less daunting.
Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,157
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Most important from
118 reviews
#2
Celestron 22065 AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope, Dark Blue
The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a great telescope for beginners, offering an impressive 102mm aperture that ensures clear and bright views of celestial and terrestrial objects. The fully-coated glass optics enhance image quality, making it easier for new astronomers to enjoy their observations. The telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), allowing for different magnification levels to suit various needs.
Rating
9.8
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Finderscope
Most important from
4324 reviews
#3
Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to dive into astronomy. Its 130mm aperture allows for impressive light gathering, making celestial objects like Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands visible in crystal-clear detail. The computerized star locating feature is a game-changer, as it provides access to a database of over 4,000 celestial objects, simplifying the stargazing experience. Plus, the included Starry Night software offers an interactive way to learn about the night sky, which is particularly useful for newcomers.
Rating
9.6
Eyepieces
Portability
Most important from
2114 reviews
Top 10 Best Celestron Telescope For Beginners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube
Aperture: 11-inch
Mount Type: Altazimuth
Eyepieces: Plossl
Finderscope: 9x50
Portability: 29.5 kg
Chosen by 1157 this week
Celestron 22065 AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope, Dark Blue
Celestron 22065 AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope, Dark Blue
Aperture: 102mm
Mount Type: Manual Alt Azimuth
Eyepieces: 20mm, 10mm
Finderscope: StarPointer red dot
Portability: lightweight, quick setup
Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey
Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey
Aperture: 130mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
Eyepieces: 20mm and 9mm
Finderscope: StarPointer red-dot finderscope
Portability: compact, 11.4 pounds
Celestron – AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope – Manual Reflector for Beginners – Aluminized Mirror – Adjustable-Height Tripod – Includes Accessories Plus Astronomy Software Package
Celestron – AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope – Manual Reflector for Beginners – Aluminized Mirror – Adjustable-Height Tripod – Includes Accessories Plus Astronomy Software Package
Aperture: 114mm
Mount Type: Equatorial Mount
Eyepieces: 20mm and 10mm
Finderscope: StarPointer red dot
Portability: 13.27 pounds
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
Aperture: 70mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth
Eyepieces: 20mm, 10mm
Finderscope: Reflex
Portability: lightweight, travel backpack
Related Products
Celestron Advanced VX 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Aperture: 8-inch
Focal Length: f/10
Mount Type: Equatorial
Eyepieces: Plossl
Finderscope: 6x30
Celestron 22097 NexStar 127SLT-Mak Portable Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, Grey
Celestron 22097 NexStar 127SLT-Mak Portable Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, Grey
Aperture: 127mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth
Eyepieces: Plossl
Finderscope: Reflex
Portability: 18.1 pounds
Celestron Advanced VX 6-Inch Refractor GoTo Telescope
Celestron Advanced VX 6-Inch Refractor GoTo Telescope
Aperture: 6-inch
Mount Type: Equatorial
Eyepieces: Plossl
Finderscope: Reflex
Portability: portable
Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope – Refractor Telescope – Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Adjustable-Height Tripod – Bonus Astronomy Software Package
Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope – Refractor Telescope – Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Adjustable-Height Tripod – Bonus Astronomy Software Package
Aperture: 70mm
Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
Eyepieces: 20mm and 10mm
Finderscope: StarPointer red dot
Portability: lightweight frame
#10
Celestron 31150 LCM 114 Series Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Silver
Celestron 31150 LCM 114 Series Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Silver
Aperture: 114mm
Mount Type: motorized altazimuth
Eyepieces: 25mm and 9mm
Finderscope: Built-on StarPointer™ red dot
Portability: 13.2 pounds, 27 x 45 x 24
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Buying Guide for the Best Celestron Telescope For Beginners
Choosing the right telescope can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially for beginners. The key to making the right choice is understanding the various specifications and how they align with your needs and interests. By focusing on the essential specs, you can find a telescope that will provide you with a rewarding stargazing experience.ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main optical component (the lens or mirror). It is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects the brightness and clarity of the images you see. For beginners, an aperture of 70mm to 130mm is usually sufficient. Smaller apertures (70mm-90mm) are more portable and easier to handle, while larger apertures (100mm-130mm) provide better image quality but are bulkier. Choose based on your balance between portability and image quality.
Focal LengthThe focal length is the distance between the telescope's main optical component and the point where it forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length (900mm and above) provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon. A shorter focal length (below 900mm) offers a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and observe larger celestial objects like star clusters and galaxies. Beginners might prefer a moderate focal length (around 700mm) for a good balance.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows you to point it at different parts of the sky. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simpler and easier to use, making them ideal for beginners. They move up-down and left-right, similar to a camera tripod. Equatorial mounts are more complex but allow for more precise tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky. If you're just starting, an altazimuth mount is usually the best choice.
EyepiecesEyepieces are the lenses you look through to see the magnified image. Most telescopes come with one or two eyepieces, but you can buy additional ones to change the magnification. The focal length of the eyepiece, combined with the telescope's focal length, determines the magnification. For beginners, having a range of eyepieces (e.g., 10mm and 25mm) allows for both high and low magnification views. Start with the included eyepieces and consider expanding your collection as you become more experienced.
FinderscopeA finderscope is a small auxiliary telescope mounted on the main telescope to help you locate objects in the sky. It usually has a lower magnification and a wider field of view. This is important because it makes it easier to aim the main telescope at the desired object. For beginners, a red dot finderscope or a simple optical finderscope is usually sufficient. These are easy to use and can significantly enhance your stargazing experience by making it easier to find and track celestial objects.
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 who might want to observe from various locations. Consider the weight and size of the telescope and whether it comes with a carrying case or bag. Choose a model that you can comfortably transport and set up on your own.