The Definitive Guide to Choosing the Best Telescope for Your Needs

Updated 15 Jul 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 15 Jul 2022

Written by

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Gskyer 80mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope

BOTTOMLINE
Best for Families
This excellent, well-rounded selection can help you start a new pastime with your children.

PROS
This model offers a lot of versatility for your child. It includes three replaceable eyepieces (16X, 40X, and 80X), allowing you to explore a wide range of visions. It's simple to get started with the fundamental features, making it exciting for children.

CONS
There isn't enough written with this product to fully utilize it.

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Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope

BOTTOMLINE
Compact Design
This is the one to get if you're in the market for a telescope that won't break the bank but will still amaze.

PROS
This telescope has features that ensure the first-time user a pleasant experience. The compact version comes complete with a tripod, finderscope, two eyepieces, and a Barlow lens, making it ideal for traveling.

CONS
It might be tough to put together at first, but with practice, it gets easier.

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Gskyer Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids and Beginners

BOTTOMLINE
Beginner-Friendly
The refractor model is simple to operate and encourages youngsters to be interested in astronomy.

PROS
For younger children, this is a simple yet effective system. It comes with a smartphone adaptor and wireless camera remote. A travel bag is included as well. Set up, takedown, and transport are all simple.

CONS
Some users may find it too easy; it's intended for intermediates and experts.

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Emarth Astronomical Refractor Telescope

BOTTOMLINE
Most Versatile
This is an excellent choice whether you're interested in birding or simply looking at the stars.

PROS
It is easily adjusted to fit a wide range of viewing angles. The optical glass has been coated to boost light transmission and clarity.

CONS
Some models that wobble slip through quality control.

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Celestron Portable Refractor Telescope

BOTTOMLINE
Portable Convenience
This portable model is ideal for stargazing novices and children and long-distance viewing during the day.

PROS
The size of these binoculars is ideal for travel. They're very portable and simple to assemble and take apart. Lightweight. Ideal for crystal-clear views of planets, dwarf galaxies, and distant nebulas. A backpack, two eyepieces, and a finderscope are included with the kit.

CONS
You won't regret buying this lightweight tripod if you want to save money on an accessory.

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Buying Guide for Best Telescopes

A great telescope is more than simply a useful tool for viewing some constellations of light for the amateur astronomer. A telescope with the appropriate strength and characteristics may provide an educational, breathtaking experience that brings together friends and family members to look at the cosmos around us.

It's critical to consider how you'll use the telescope and what kinds of things you want to view with it. Compound, reflector, and refractor bodies are among the many types of telescopes available. Sharpness, clarity, size, and weight depend on the telescope's design, quality, and materials.

We've put together a list of the best choices available to make purchasing a new telescope easier. Continue reading to learn more about the various characteristics you should consider while purchasing.

If you're using your telescope to look at the moon, invest in a filter; it will dim the light to make objects on the moon easier to see.

HOW A TELESCOPE WORKS

The apparent distance between you and an object is determined by how far away the object is and how powerful your telescope's lens is. A telescope focuses light from a scene, making distant objects appear closer—the light from the target through the telescope's lens and into the tube. The lens's aperture controls how much light passes through it; a bigger aperture allows more light to enter.

The light is then focused onto a point by the optics within the telescope, allowing you to view the object. You can enhance your view and adjust the focus by using a ring or a dial on the telescope. The eyepiece magnifies the focal point inside, making things seem closer than they are. The eyepiece is similar to a magnifying glass in that it employs similar principles.

TELESCOPE DESIGNS

Compound, reflector, and refractor telescopes are the three types of telescope designs available to amateur astronomers. They all appear similar, but they work differently.

"Keep in mind that expert astronomers' giant, stationary telescopes are not the same as those featured in our product list.

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Compound

In a compound telescope, the eyepiece is in the rear. This design has two mirrors inside the scope: one near the eyepiece and one at the front. A lens is used to combine a mirror in the front with a mirror in the back.

If you're new to astronomy, learn about the constellations so that your new telescope can be more enjoyable. You'll be more likely to enjoy what you find if you know what you're searching for.

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Reflector

This type of telescope stands out because it has a high eyepiece that extends vertically out of the tube, usually near the front. The tube has a mirror at the front that collects light. The light has then reflected another mirror, reflecting the light toward the eyepiece.

Like the Orion SpaceProbe, a reflector telescope is included in our product list.

DID YOU KNOW?

Objects will not seem as beautiful as they would at an observatory because portable telescopes lack the optics of bigger telescopes.

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Refractor

On consumer-grade telescopes, this is the most common design. A huge lens directs light through the tube and into a mirror in the device's eyepiece. That light then goes into the eyepiece located behind the tube.

EXPERT TIP

The refractor design is the most popular among beginners due to its simplicity and low maintenance. It's simple to use and doesn't require much upkeep.

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BEST USES FOR EACH DESIGN

When looking for a telescope, you must first decide how you want to utilize it and which features are most important to you.

Are you going to bring your telescope outdoors on clear evening nights? If so, a lightweight telescope that is simple to transport would be very useful.

Are you searching for a low-cost method to view the sky? If that's the case, a less expensive telescope might be appealing.

These are the types of questions to ask, and their answers will help you decide whether a compound, reflector, or refractor telescope is the best option for you.

EXPERT TIP

Take a flashlight to figure out what the controls are for the telescope. The light may also aid in your movement of the telescope around in the dark.

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Clarity and sharpness

We recommend a refractor telescope if clarity and specificity are at the top of your list.

Chromatic aberration is a potential problem with refractor telescopes. The objects may show a purple or green fringe around them. However, this issue should not deter you from purchasing one.

It will generate good image quality if you have a refractor-style telescope with a big aperture (and low light pollution).

Dew may build up on the lens of a compound telescope in humid weather. This might result in reduced sharpness.

Size and weight

The size of the unit is critical if you live in a big city and need to move your telescope to areas where you can observe the stars. The reflector design is the lightest available. The most important choice is a refractor telescope, which we recommend for people who don't intend to move their equipment around.

The most complex of the three designs is a compound telescope. If you intend to carry your telescope often, keep this in mind.

Never, never, never look through a telescope when the sun is out!

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Viewing earth objects

Both the reflector and compound designs perform well for observing dim stars and planets. The reflector and compound designs are equally effective in viewing faint objects. Refractors have a tough time with dimmer objects.

Viewing faint stars

For observing dim stars and planets, both the reflector and compound designs perform well. The reflector and compound designs are equally effective in viewing faint objects. Refractors have a tough time with dimmer objects.

Value

In general, reflector telescopes are less expensive than other sorts. There are, however, exceptions to this rule; our product list demonstrates this.

The least costly telescopes on our list are refractor telescopes (as previously said, they're the most significant kind of telescope for novices). The Orion SpaceProbe is a reflector model, the most expensive on our list. It's also our selection for the Best of the Best.

DID YOU KNOW?

A computerized telescope makes finding specific things in the night sky is much easier.

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Ease of use

The refractor design's main advantage is its easy use. The Eyepiece Cup of the Orion Refractor TD 10521 is positioned well for easy viewing. In our choices, the Barska Starwatcher and Meade Infinity are both refractor designs that would be suitable for beginners. The refractor telescope tube is fully waterproof, so it requires little upkeep.

Compound telescopes are also simple to use and require little upkeep. Furthermore, because you may simply connect a computer to a compound telescope for aiming, you'll have no trouble locating stars and planets.

Reflector scopes have an open tube on one end, attracting dust and necessitating regular cleaning. The lenses of reflector telescopes are more susceptible to being jarred out of alignment than the others, necessitating greater attention from the owner.

EXPERT TIP

When the moon isn't visible, you'll have the most luck looking for stars and planets via your telescope.

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TELESCOPE TERMS

Aperture: In a camera lens, aperture refers to the same as in a telescope. The aperture is the space in the lens through which light flows. More light enters the lens with a big aperture, allowing you to view faint objects in the night sky with greater clarity.
Astrophotography: Astrophotography is amateur photography that involves using a telescope with a digital camera. You mount your camera to the telescope to "see" through the eyepiece. Then, using the camera's capabilities, it captures things in the sky at night. This is a costly pastime that necessitates the use of specific equipment.
Earth objects: When telescope makers claim their models are ideal for viewing on earth objects, they're usually referring to birds or distant species on the planet.
Eyepiece: The eyepiece is the telescope area you look through to view objects. On a telescope, you may change out eyepieces to obtain higher or lower magnification levels.
Faint objects: Even with a telescope, faint objects in the night sky are things that are tough to detect. Such objects are either extremely distant or produce little light.

"Even amateur-grade telescopes can easily show you things like Jupiter's crimson spot or Mars' ice caps," he adds.

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Focal length: The focal length of a telescope is equivalent to that of a camera lens. The perspective seen through a large focal length telescope appears more significant than that of a small focal length scope.
Light pollution: Any illumination in your location at night is artificial light. Because of the high luminescence levels, artificial lighting makes viewing faint stars difficult.
Magnification: The size of an object will appear more significant if the eyepiece in a telescope has a high magnification rating. The focal length and eyepiece combine to determine the degree of magnification when using the telescope.
Optical tube: This is the device that houses the lenses and mirrors.
Software: Even entry-level telescopes now come with software that can assist you in aiming the instrument. If you want more features, you may buy additional software rather than relying on what comes with the package.
Tripod: A tripod is a tool that allows you to mount and adjust your telescope. It supports the telescope's weight while also allowing you to change its orientation. Tripods that come with telescopes are often low-quality models. If you want to use a tripod, it's recommended that you upgrade to one with a sturdier support base.

EXPERT TIP

The compound design of the telescope is the best option for astrophotography. Check whether your camera is suitable for the scope you're considering.

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PRICE

What is the best price to pay for a telescope?

It's best to start with an inexpensive telescope under $100 if you've never stargazed before. The Celestron PowerSeeker is the best bang for your buck option in our product list and costs $[B0000 UMLY]. It fits well within the "beginner" price range. The iOptron iExplore refractor model is another excellent starting point on our product list, with a price of $[B009S0VT62].

If you prefer astronomy after a while, you may always upgrade to a mid-range model for around $500. The most expensive amateur telescope on our list is the Orion SpaceProbe Equatorial Reflector, costing $999. However, it isn't the most costly amateur telescope available.

Although there are many different amateur telescopes available, some cost several thousand dollars.

Do you have any idea whether your kids would enjoy a new telescope? Have them looks at the moon through a pair of binoculars to test the waters. Observe the youngster's response to see if astronomy stimulates their interest.

FAQ

Q: How do I select a wonderful observing location?

A: When viewing things at night, avoid areas subjected to light pollution (such as the city). Look for an area with no trees, cell towers, or telephone poles.

You should also avoid things that give off heat at night. A concrete parking lot, for example, absorbs heat throughout the day and releases it at night. This may degrade your vision.

Q: What is the best way to find things to look at?

A: The night sky is enormous, making it difficult to identify specific things without assistance. Smartphone apps are available that can assist you in identifying typical objects in the heavens, such as planets.

Some telescopes can also be linked to a computer. The Orion SpaceProbe, for example, is a superb piece of equipment that comes with excellent software. You'll use a software package to correctly align the telescope, ensuring that you're viewing the right thing.

Q: In my telescope, I can't see the specific details that you see in space photographs. Is there something wrong with my telescope?

A: Portable telescopes intended for amateur astronomers will not compare in terms of quality to big, fixed-location telescopes. Using your own telescope is a lot of fun, but you must temper your expectations. The colors will be duller in the telescope than they are in NASA images, and the magnification will be much lower.

Q: What is the simplest way to get started with a telescope?

A: If you'd rather learn a new pastime the hard way, pick a telescope and get started! If you'd want some assistance, look for a local amateur astronomy group. If you were interested in buying a telescope, many members would be happy to talk with you about their own experiences and advice. If you don't, there are still plenty of sites that can be checked out. You might also find information programs on amateur astronomy at your local university if you have an observatory in the region (like a local university).

OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED

The Revuu Buddy editorial staff researches hundreds of products based on customer reviews, brand quality, and price. We then narrow down our top picks for further study and testing. These are the items we reviewed that didn't make our top five list.

GSKYER

Astronomical Refractor Telescope

CELESTRON

AstroMaster Refractor Telescope

ORION

StarBlast Astro Reflector Telescope

MAXUSEE

Travel Scope

ORION

SkyScanner TableTop Reflector Telescope

TELMU

70mm Telescope