Welcome, stargazers! Joel here, your friendly neighborhood night vision gear enthusiast and avid hunter. When I’m not out in the wilderness stalking prey, you can often find me gazing up at the night sky, marveling at the wonders of the universe. If you’re like me and have always dreamed of getting a closer look at planets, nebulas, and distant galaxies, then you’re in the right place. Today, I’m excited to share with you my top picks for the best beginner telescopes in 2024.
Choosing your first telescope can feel overwhelming, with so many options and technical specs to consider. But don’t worry, I’ve done the research and testing to bring you a curated list that will have you exploring the cosmos in no time, without breaking the bank. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking to nurture a budding astronomer in the family, these telescopes offer the perfect blend of performance, ease of use, and value.
So, let’s dive in and find the ideal scope to launch your stargazing adventures!
Here are the top 10 beginner telescopes for 2024:
Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope (Best Overall)
If you’re seeking a compact, portable telescope that punches way above its weight class, look no further than the Celestron 70mm Travel Scope. Despite its modest size, this refractor scope boasts fully coated glass optics and enough light-gathering power to treat your eyes to crisp, detailed views of the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings. Trust me, the first time you see Saturn’s rings with your own eyes, it’s a magical moment you’ll never forget!
The Travel Scope is a breeze to set up, with no tools required. It comes with everything you need to get started, including two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a tripod, and a handy backpack for taking your stargazing adventures on the road. Whether you’re camping under dark skies or exploring the universe from your backyard, this little gem is your ideal companion.
- BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS ANYWHERE: Unlike many beginner telescopes, this quality refractor features fully coated glass lenses and a 70mm aperture for crisp, clear views of the Moon, planets, and daytime scenery—all in a lightweight, travel-ready design.
- PERFECT FIRST TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: Designed for adults and kids to enjoy together, this beginner-friendly telescope sets up in minutes and delivers rewarding views with no prior experience required.
- EASY NO-TOOL SETUP: No complicated assembly or tools needed. The full-height tripod and telescope tube set up in seconds and pack neatly into the included backpack—so you’re always ready to observe on the go.
Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope (Best Professional)
Celestron’s AstroMaster 70AZ is a fantastic choice for beginners seeking a professionally designed telescope at an entry-level price. Featuring a 70mm aperture and a focal length of 900mm, this refractor scope gathers ample light to reveal spectacular details on the Moon and planets.
The AstroMaster 70AZ is renowned for its user-friendly design, making it a great option for both kids and adults just starting their astronomical journey. The setup is quick and intuitive, with no complicated assembly required. The package includes two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide 45x and 90x magnification, respectively, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of celestial targets.
- POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics, a sturdy yet lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a red dot finder scope, and an adjustable-height tripod.
- HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: Our Celestron telescope features a powerful, fully coated 70mm glass optic objective lens. Erect image optics allow you to observe celestial objects at night and terrestrial targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day.
- QUICK SETUP and LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: This telescope for adults features a lightweight frame and a panning handle with Alt-Az control for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
Thanks to its aluminum tripod and lightweight frame, this telescope is a joy to use and easily transportable. Whether you’re stargazing from your backyard or taking it on a camping trip, the AstroMaster 70AZ is built to impress.
Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ (Best for Wide-Field Observation)
For those who want to experience breathtaking wide-field views of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, the Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ is an outstanding choice. This reflector telescope features a generous 4.5-inch aperture, which means it can gather a impressive amount of light, allowing you to detect faint deep-sky objects that smaller scopes simply can’t resolve.
One of the standout features of the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ is its equatorial mount. While it may take a bit of practice to master, an equatorial mount enables you to easily track celestial objects as they appear to move across the night sky due to Earth’s rotation. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the precision and versatility this mount offers.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), providing magnifications of 18x and 45x, as well as a handy red dot finder to help you aim the scope. Whether you’re marveling at the Orion Nebula or exploring the Andromeda Galaxy, the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ is a fantastic instrument that will keep you captivated for years to come.
Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope (Best for Deep Space)
If you’re ready to take your stargazing to the next level and explore the depths of space, the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an excellent choice. This Newtonian reflector telescope boasts an impressive 5-inch aperture, allowing it to gather copious amounts of light and reveal stunning details in deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
With a focal length of 1000mm and a maximum magnification of 250x, the PowerSeeker 127EQ is well-suited for both planetary and deep-space observation. The package includes two eyepieces (4mm and 20mm) and a 3x Barlow lens, giving you a range of magnification options to suit various viewing conditions and targets.
- PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. This 127mm Newtonian Reflector offers enough light gathering ability to see planets, the Moon’s craters, distant stars, the Orion Nebula, and more.
- MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: With its slow-motion altitude rod, the German Equatorial mount allows you to navigate the sky with ease. Find celestial objects quickly and follow them smoothly & accurately as they appear to drift across the night sky.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the PowerSeeker is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take it to your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
The telescope is equipped with an equatorial mount, which, once aligned with the celestial pole, enables easy tracking of objects as they move across the sky. While the setup may be a bit more involved compared to simpler altazimuth mounts, the added precision is well worth the effort for serious beginners looking to explore the universe in greater depth.
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm (Best for Astrophotography)
- Superior Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect full positive telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5×24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- Wireless Remote: This refractor telescope includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
Astrophotography is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur astronomy, allowing you to capture and share the beauty of the night sky. The Gskyer 70mm telescope is an affordable and capable option for beginners eager to try their hand at photographing celestial wonders.
This refractor telescope features a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, providing clear and detailed views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The package includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow lens, a smartphone adapter, and a wireless remote, making it easy to snap photos of your celestial targets.
At just 5.7 lbs, the Gskyer telescope is lightweight and portable, perfect for impromptu stargazing sessions or astrophotography adventures away from home. The included aluminum tripod is adjustable and sturdy, providing a stable platform for your observations and photos.
Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P (Best for Backyard)
For backyard astronomers seeking a serious instrument that will provide years of celestial wonder, the Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200P is an outstanding choice. This Dobsonian telescope boasts an impressive 8-inch aperture, allowing it to gather a tremendous amount of light and reveal stunning details in planets, nebulae, and galaxies.
The Skyliner 200P’s simple yet sturdy Dobsonian mount is a breeze to set up and use, making it an excellent option for beginners and families. The telescope’s collapsible design also makes it easier to transport and store, ensuring that you can enjoy stargazing sessions whenever and wherever the mood strikes.
- LARGE APERTURE: Get a bright, bold viewing experience at a fraction of other optical designs.
- PROPRIETARY TENSION CONTROL HANDLES: These patented handles allow for accurate movement without the need for perfect balance.
- 94% REFLECTIVE MIRRORS: Fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors deliver exceptional views. Faintest Steller Magnitude:14.2.
- TEFLON BEARINGS: Proprietary Teflon bearings ensure smooth azimuth movement.
With a focal length of 1200mm and a maximum useful magnification of 406x, this telescope is capable of delivering jaw-dropping views of the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings. The package includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) to get you started, but you can always expand your collection as your skills and interests grow.
Vaonis Vespera II (Best Budget Smart Telescope)
Smart telescopes have revolutionized the way beginners explore the night sky, and the Vaonis Vespera II is one of the most impressive and user-friendly models on the market. This compact, lightweight telescope is controlled entirely via a smartphone app, making it incredibly easy to set up and use, even if you have no prior astronomy experience.
The Vespera II features a 50mm aperture and a focal length of 200mm, which, when combined with its advanced optics and light pollution reduction technology, allows it to capture stunning images of planets, nebulae, and galaxies. The telescope’s motorized mount automatically tracks celestial objects, ensuring that your targets stay centered in the field of view.
- Bundle Includes: Vaonis Vespera II Telescope, EP-C10S 8X Tabletop Tripod, and CODi 6-Feet Braided Nylon USB-C to USB-C Charge and Sync Cable
- Immersive Wilderness Stargazing: Explore the universe in the wild with the ultra-portable Vaonis Vespera II, weighing just 5 kg, allowing you to capture stunning celestial views beyond traditional observation settings.
- One-Click Cosmic Dive: Experience the vast beauty of the cosmos with a single click, making stargazing effortless and enjoyable for beginners and experts alike.
One of the standout features of the Vespera II is its ability to capture high-resolution images directly from the telescope. The app allows you to control exposure settings, select targets, and even stack multiple exposures to create stunning astrophotographs. With the Vespera II, you’ll be able to share your celestial discoveries with friends and family in no time.
Celestron – NexStar 4SE Telescope (Best Maksutov-Cassegrain)
Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes are renowned for their compact size, ease of use, and excellent optical performance, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. The Celestron NexStar 4SE is one of the best entry-level Mak-Cass telescopes on the market, offering a perfect balance of portability, power, and user-friendly features.
With a 4-inch aperture and a focal length of 1325mm, the NexStar 4SE provides crisp, detailed views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The telescope’s computerized GoTo mount is a game-changer for beginners, allowing you to automatically locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects with the push of a button.
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 4SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 4-INCH MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The 4″ aperture, combined with high-contrast, long focal length optics, delivers sharp views of the Moon and planets, while remaining compact and easy to transport.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
The NexStar 4SE is incredibly easy to set up and use, thanks to Celestron’s SkyAlign technology, which guides you through a simple three-step alignment process. The telescope’s compact design and sturdy tripod make it an ideal choice for stargazers who want to enjoy the night sky from their backyard or take their scope on the road for remote observing sessions.
Unistellar eQuinox 2 (Best Overall Smart Telescope)
If you’re looking for the ultimate smart telescope experience and are willing to invest in a high-end instrument, the Unistellar eQuinox 2 is the best choice for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. This cutting-edge telescope combines advanced optics, automated GoTo technology, and a powerful smartphone app to deliver an unparalleled stargazing experience.
The eQuinox 2 boasts a 4.5-inch aperture and a focal length of 450mm, providing stunning views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. The telescope’s light pollution reduction technology enables it to capture incredible images even in urban environments, making it perfect for city-dwelling astronomers.
- EQUINOX 2 Makes discovering the Universe accessible even in heavily light-polluted cities. Its state-of-the-art technology enables astronomers to experience the Cosmos like never before.
- DYNAMIC SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION: Redefines how people observe the night sky. In mere moments, objects that are barely visible with conventional telescopes – like galaxies, nebulae, and planets – appear with stunning clarity and in vivid color.
- OPTICAL DIGITAL HYBRID: The ideal pairing of optics and highly sensitive electronics that make it possible to see both the deep sky and our solar system.
One of the most impressive features of the eQuinox 2 is its ability to connect with other eQuinox users around the world, allowing you to participate in shared observing sessions and citizen science projects. The telescope’s smartphone app is intuitive and user-friendly, offering a wealth of educational content and guided observing plans to help you explore the universe like never before.
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Telescope (Best for Budget)
If you’re working with a tight budget but still want a telescope that can deliver impressive views of the night sky, the Orion SkyQuest XT6 is an excellent choice. This Dobsonian reflector telescope offers a great combination of aperture, portability, and ease of use, all at an affordable price point.
With a 6-inch aperture and a focal length of 1200mm, the SkyQuest XT6 gathers enough light to reveal stunning details on the Moon and planets, as well as brighter deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. The telescope’s Dobsonian mount is simple to set up and use, allowing you to spend more time observing and less time fiddling with complicated equipment.
The SkyQuest XT6 comes with a 25mm Plossl eyepiece, providing a magnification of 48x, which is suitable for a wide range of celestial targets. As your skills and interests grow, you can easily expand your eyepiece collection to access higher magnifications and wider fields of view.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – my top picks for the best beginner telescopes in 2024. Whether you’re a budding astrophotographer, a backyard astronomer, or a globetrotting stargazer, there’s a telescope on this list that will help you unlock the wonders of the universe.
Remember, a telescope is just the beginning of your astronomical journey. As you spend more time under the stars, you’ll develop new skills, make exciting discoveries, and perhaps even inspire others to take up this rewarding hobby.
I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect beginner telescope. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with these scopes, feel free to leave a comment below. Clear skies and happy stargazing!