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- #5 ETX90 Observer, Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope From Meade Instruments
- #4 Astronomical Refracting Portable Telescopes From HEXEUM
- #3 PowerSeeker 127EQ From Celestron
- #2 Gskyer 70 mm AZ Refractor From Gskyer
- #1 Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope From Celestron
Best Beginners Telescope For 2021
Most people start stargazing because they want to see the Milky Way and other deep-sky objects. But it’s not until you’ve used a telescope that you realize just how amazing the night sky really is. When you start stargazing, you want to make sure you start with a good telescope that will give you a clear view of the night sky.
Luckily, there are hundreds of good telescopes on the market, and our team of experts has put together a list of the best telescopes to help you find yours.
If you’re not sure where to start your hunt for a good beginner’s telescope, then this list is for you. Keep reading to find the perfect one.
To make this top 5 of the best Telescopes For Beginners, we have analyzed 3261 customer reviews and looked through 101 products.
#1. Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope From Celestron
Best Value Digital Imaging
Best Value
Celestron NexStar 5SE features a high-tech computerized mount and a massive built-in database of stars and galaxies. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready again in minutes. This scope has an aperture of 5inches which allows for excellent light-gathering ability. The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation.
- 5″ Aperture
- Sturdy Steel Tripod
- Skyalign Technology
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Celestron is well known for producing some of the highest quality optics and imaging equipment on the market. With the iconic orange tube design, the Celestron NexStar 5SE is an excellent telescope that features a high-tech computerized goto mount and a massive built-in database of stars and galaxies.
This data is updated regularly and provides a unique look at the night sky. This scope has an aperture of 5inches which allows for excellent light-gathering ability. The designs produce images that are both phenomenal and inspiring. The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation.
And the SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready again in minutes. If you are looking for a more powerful scope, there is also a larger 8 inches version of this scope. For the price, this is a fantastic scope.
#2. Gskyer 70 mm AZ Refractor From Gskyer
Best for Kids and Beginners
Top Pick
The Gskyer 70 mm AZ Refractor is a good telescope for beginners. It doesn’t have the best optics, but for the price, you’ll be able to see the moon, planets, and bright stars. The included eyepieces aren’t the best, and you may have to spend a little more to upgrade the scope’s capabilities.
- 70mm AZ Refractor
- 5×24 Finderscope
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The Gskyer 70 mm AZ Refractor is a good telescope for beginners. It doesn’t have the best optics, but for the price, you’ll be able to see the moon, planets, and bright stars. When you’re ready to start observing, you can use the included eyepieces to find deep space objects and learn about the night sky.
The Gskyer comes with a tripod, two eyepieces, a Wireless Remote, and a 5 by 24 finderscope with mounting bracket. Later on, you can upgrade to a more stable tripod and find better eyepieces. The included eyepieces aren’t the best, and you may have to spend a little more to upgrade the scope’s capabilities.
As a final consideration, this telescope isn’t as high quality as some of the competition. But if you’re looking for a solid scope to get your kids started in astronomy, the Gskyer is a good choice.
#3. PowerSeeker 127EQ From Celestron
Best Bang For Your Bucks
Best Value
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is a fabulous value for your money. It has an aperture of 127mm, which is about as large as a beginner’s scope can get, and it comes with a mount that’s suitable for both night sky viewing and deep-sky imaging. There are things like an adjustable tripod collar and a less than perfect looking eyepiece, and the focus wheel is more prone to shaky hands.
- 127mm Aperture
- Versatile & Accurate
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We think the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is a fabulous telescope and a great value. Although we wouldn’t put this telescope in the “cheap” bucket, it’s certainly in the “beginner’s” category, and its certainly in the “best for beginners” bucket.
It has an aperture of 127mm, which is about as large as a beginner’s scope can get, and it comes with a mount that’s suitable for both night sky viewing and deep-sky imaging.
It’s impressively versatile and accurate. Its high-quality find with a stellar build quality, this makes it a really great value for your money. While it’s a fabulous scope, it’s not without fault.
You have to remember that this is a budget telescope, and as such, it does make some concessions. There are things like an adjustable tripod collar, a less than perfect looking eyepiece, and a slightly sluggish focus wheel that is more prone to shaky hands.
That said, most people will probably find that these quibbles aren’t deal-breakers. For most people, the PowerSeeker 127EQ will get them started in astronomy, and as such, it is a fantastic option.
#4. Astronomical Refracting Portable Telescopes From Hexeum
Best Budget Option For Kids
Budget Option
The HEXEUM has excellent optics and high-magnification power that makes it possible to see the moon, planets, and even far away objects up close. The objective lens has a 70mm aperture and a multicoated lens to protect the eyes. Comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and carrying bag.
- 70mm Aperture
- Phone Adapter Included
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This is an excellent telescope especially for kids because it is compact and easy to carry around. The HEXEUM has a sturdy tripod and a high-quality eyepiece. The objective lens has a 70mm aperture and a multicoated lens to protect the eyes. This telescope makes it possible to see details that are often lost with smaller apertures.
It Comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and carrying bag. It has excellent optics and a high-magnification power that makes it possible to see the moon, planets, and even far away objects up close.
This telescope is perfect for beginners and children who are just starting to build their interest in astronomy. When choosing a telescope for kids, you have to keep in mind that smaller ones may not have the attention span to focus and hold the telescope steady enough to appreciate the view.
As such, you should make sure that your child knows how to properly hold and use a telescope. While this product is quite affordable, it does not skimp on quality.
#5. ETX90 Observer, Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope From Meade Instruments
Best for Photographers
Top Pick
The Meade ETX90 Observer Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope has a 1250mm focal length and a 90mm primary aperture. When used in conjunction with a computerized go-to mounting system, this telescope will automatically find thousands of objects in the night sky. It has a high price tag, and there have been some reports of problems with the mounting system and the firmware update. Regardless, it is one of the best options for astrophotography that we have found.
- 90Mm Primary Aperture
- Crisp Image
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As a beginner astronomer, getting your feet wet with astrophotography is a great way to start. With the Meade ETX90 Observer Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, you will have the ability to attach a camera and take some amazing photos of the night sky.
When used in conjunction with a computerized go-to mounting system, this telescope will automatically find thousands of objects in the night sky for you.
The ETX90 has a 90mm primary aperture and a 1250mm focal length. It has a high-quality optical design with a crisp image and a pleasant viewing experience through the eyepiece. The aperture is nice and bright, ensuring it will produce excellent images of bright stars.
As a 90mm telescope, it has a wide field of view that is great for beginners. While the ETX90 has some great features, it isn’t perfect. It has a high price tag, and there have been some reports of problems with the mounting system and the firmware update.
Regardless, it is one of the best options for astrophotography that we have found.
