10 Best Astronomy Telescope For Beginner 2026 in the United States

The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky. With a 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, it provides clear and bright images, perfect for viewing celestial objects. The fully coated optics help enhance image quality while protecting your eyes, which is a significant plus for novice users.

One of the standout features is the included three eyepieces (24X, 60X, 120X) along with a 3x Barlow lens, allowing for a variety of magnification options. This flexibility is great for beginners who want to experiment with different viewing experiences. The adjustable aluminum tripod, which ranges in height from about 31.5 inches to 49 inches, makes it easy to find a comfortable viewing position.

Ease of use is another strength of this telescope. It requires no tools for setup, and focusing is straightforward, making it accessible even for those who have never used a telescope before. The fact that it weighs 18 pounds makes it slightly heavier than some portable options, but it's still manageable for transportation. There are a few drawbacks to consider, such as the manual focus which may be challenging for some users and the reflex finderscope that may take time to get accustomed to. While the optical performance is good, it might not meet the needs of more advanced users.

The Gskyer Telescope is a solid choice for beginners and young astronomers, offering a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length. This aperture size allows for clear viewing of the moon and brighter planets, though deep-sky objects might not be as detailed. Its fully coated optics enhance image quality and protect your eyes, which is crucial for long stargazing sessions. The telescope is equipped with an altazimuth mount, which is simple and intuitive, great for those just starting out.

Portability is a major plus, as it includes a carry bag and is relatively lightweight at 5.7 pounds, making it easy for kids and families to transport on trips or outdoor adventures. The inclusion of a smartphone adapter and wireless remote is a modern touch, allowing users to capture celestial objects with ease. This feature can be particularly appealing for tech-savvy beginners interested in astrophotography.

The telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, providing a decent range of magnification options. The 5x24 finderscope aids in locating celestial objects, though some users might find it challenging to align at first. The adjustable aluminum tripod offers flexibility in viewing angles but may be less stable at maximum extension, which could affect the viewing experience. While some beginners may find the manual focusing a bit challenging at first, the comprehensive package of features designed for ease of use and portability makes it a compelling option for beginners eager to explore the night sky without a steep learning curve.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a solid choice for beginners interested in astronomy, especially those who want some tech help to get started. Its 130mm aperture is quite good for a beginner telescope, allowing you to see clear views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and some bright deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula. The Newtonian reflector design and decent focal length of 635mm give sharp images, which is a plus for early stargazers.

The standout feature is the StarSense app compatibility. By docking your smartphone and using the app’s sky recognition technology, you get an interactive guide that points you directly to interesting objects in the sky. This makes it much easier to find and identify stars and planets without needing previous knowledge or complex setup. The included altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls is simple to use and helps you track objects smoothly once located.

On the downside, the mount is manual, so you’ll need to adjust it yourself rather than having motorized tracking, which might limit longer observation sessions or astrophotography attempts. The telescope weighs about 18 pounds and is moderately portable, but it isn’t the lightest option if you plan to carry it frequently. It comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), providing some flexibility in magnification, though additional accessories may be needed as you progress. In summary, this telescope offers a great mix of good optics, smart tech integration, and beginner-friendly design. It’s particularly suited for users who want to explore the night sky with some digital guidance and don’t mind manually adjusting their view. The 2-year warranty and support from Celestron add extra peace of mind.