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10 Best Beginner Telescopes For Adults 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,439
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces

Most important from
21355 reviews

Aperture
Provides clear and bright views of the Moon, planets, and distant stars.
Mount Type
Smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky with the AZ mount.
Eyepieces
Comes with simple instructions and extra lenses for different views.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for kids.
Build Quality
Durable design that can withstand a bit of rough handling.

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is a solid choice for beginners interested in astronomy. With a 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length, it provides clear and detailed views of the night sky. The fully coated optics glass lens enhances image quality and protects the eyes, making it a good option for those new to stargazing.

The telescope includes three eyepieces (24X, 60X, 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens, allowing for versatile magnification options to suit different viewing needs. The adjustable aluminum tripod, which can be extended from 31.5 inches to 49 inches, ensures stability and comfort during use. The altazimuth mount type makes the telescope easy to operate, even for novices, and requires no tools for setup or adjustment, simplifying the focusing process.

On the downside, the 18-pound weight might make portability a concern for some users, especially if the telescope needs to be frequently moved. Additionally, while it is built well, some users might find the manual focusing a bit challenging initially. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Gskyer Telescope is a recommended option for beginner astronomers.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,439
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces

Most important from
21355 reviews

Aperture
Provides clear and bright views of the Moon, planets, and distant stars.
Mount Type
Smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky with the AZ mount.
Eyepieces
Comes with simple instructions and extra lenses for different views.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for kids.
Build Quality
Durable design that can withstand a bit of rough handling.
#2

Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.

Rating
9.6
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
21355 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements, making it simple to aim at objects in the sky.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, this telescope is ideal for kids and beginners, making it easy to move around for different viewing locations.
Build Quality
The sturdy design ensures it can withstand a bit of rough handling, making it a durable choice for young users.

The Gskyer Telescope is an excellent choice for adults just starting their journey into astronomy. With a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length, it offers decent light-gathering ability, which is crucial for observing celestial objects like the moon and stars. The fully coated optics ensure that images are clear and bright, making it easier for beginners to appreciate the night sky.

Included with the telescope are two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which enhances magnification options, catering to a variety of viewing preferences. The addition of a wireless remote and smartphone adapter allows users to capture images through their phones, which is a fun feature for those wanting to share their experiences.

Portability is another strong point; the adjustable aluminum tripod and the included carry bag make it easy to transport to different locations. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may want to engage in stargazing trips. However, the manual focus might be a bit challenging for complete novices who may prefer a more intuitive, automatic focusing system. The build quality, while satisfactory, does not offer the ruggedness that more advanced telescopes possess, which could be a concern for those planning to use it in varied outdoor conditions.

Rating
9.6
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
21355 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements, making it simple to aim at objects in the sky.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, this telescope is ideal for kids and beginners, making it easy to move around for different viewing locations.
Build Quality
The sturdy design ensures it can withstand a bit of rough handling, making it a durable choice for young users.
#3

Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm - Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag.

Rating
9.3
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces

Most important from
4482 reviews

Aperture
The lens strength is fantastic, delivering clear and concise images.
Mount Type
Stable despite its lightweight design, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Eyepieces
Two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens provide extra detail and versatility.
Portability
The telescope is lightweight, easy to assemble, and very user-friendly.

The HEXEUM Telescope with 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length is a great choice for beginners. This refracting telescope has a good aperture size for capturing more light and delivering clear images, making it suitable for viewing the moon and planets. The included eyepieces offer versatile magnification options, and the 3x Barlow lens further enhances its magnifying power. The 5x24 finder scope helps in easily locating objects in the sky.

The telescope features an Altazimuth mount, which is simpler to use for beginners. It's portable, thanks to the lightweight aluminum tripod, phone adapter, and carrying bag, making it convenient for travel and outdoor use. The wireless remote control is a nice addition for capturing images with your phone. Setup is user-friendly, requiring no tools, which is ideal for those new to astronomy. However, users should refer to the instruction manual for the best experience.

Some potential drawbacks include the build quality, which may not be as durable as higher-end models, and the manual focus, which might take some getting used to. This telescope is well-suited for beginner adults looking to explore astronomy without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.3
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces

Most important from
4482 reviews

Aperture
The lens strength is fantastic, delivering clear and concise images.
Mount Type
Stable despite its lightweight design, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Eyepieces
Two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens provide extra detail and versatility.
Portability
The telescope is lightweight, easy to assemble, and very user-friendly.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Telescopes For Adults

Choosing a beginner telescope for adults can be an exciting journey into the world of stargazing. The right telescope can open up a universe of discovery, but it's important to understand the key specifications to make an informed decision. Here are some essential specs to consider when selecting a beginner telescope, along with explanations to help you navigate your options and find the best fit for your needs.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror. It is one of the most important specs because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects the clarity and brightness of the images you see. Apertures are typically measured in millimeters or inches. 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 and allow you to see fainter objects. Consider your observing goals and whether you prioritize portability or image quality.
Focal LengthFocal length is the distance between the telescope's main lens or mirror and the point where it forms an image. It is measured in millimeters and affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length (900mm-1500mm) provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon in detail. A shorter focal length (400mm-800mm) offers a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and observe larger objects like star clusters and galaxies. Beginners should consider what they are most interested in observing to choose the appropriate focal length.
Mount TypeThe mount is the part of the telescope that supports it and allows it to move. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, making them simpler and more intuitive for beginners. Equatorial mounts are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which is useful for tracking celestial objects but can be more complex to set up and use. For beginners, an altazimuth mount is often recommended for its ease of use, while those interested in astrophotography or more advanced tracking might prefer an equatorial mount.
EyepiecesEyepieces are the lenses you look through to see the magnified image. Telescopes usually come with one or two eyepieces, but additional eyepieces can be purchased to provide different levels of magnification. The magnification is determined by dividing the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's focal length. For example, a 25mm eyepiece on a 1000mm focal length telescope provides 40x magnification. Beginners should look for telescopes that include a range of eyepieces (e.g., 10mm and 25mm) to offer flexibility in viewing different objects. It's also helpful to have a Barlow lens, which can double the magnification of any eyepiece.
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 may want to observe from various sites. However, more portable telescopes may have smaller apertures, which can limit the detail and brightness of the images. Consider how and where you plan to use your telescope to determine the right balance between portability and performance.
Build QualityBuild quality encompasses the materials and construction of the telescope. A well-built telescope will be more durable and provide better performance over time. Look for telescopes made from sturdy materials like metal or high-quality plastic, and check for smooth movements in the mount and focus mechanisms. Beginners should prioritize telescopes with good build quality to ensure a reliable and enjoyable stargazing experience. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can help identify well-constructed models.

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