10 Best Beginners Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Gskyer Telescope is a solid choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent light-gathering capabilities, allowing users to see celestial objects like the moon and some planets with clarity. The fully coated optics enhance image quality, protecting your eyes while making stargazing more enjoyable. This telescope also comes with two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which significantly increases magnification, making it versatile for different viewing situations. The 5x24 finderscope is helpful for locating objects in the sky, an essential feature for newcomers who may struggle with initial alignment.

Portability is another strong point; the adjustable aluminum tripod and included carry bag make it easy to transport, which is ideal for those who want to take their observations to different locations. The smart phone adapter and wireless remote enable users to capture images of their findings, blending traditional stargazing with modern technology.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the optical system is decent, it may not satisfy more experienced astronomers seeking higher quality optics for deeper space observations. The manual focus can also be a challenge for beginners, as it requires a steady hand and patience to adjust properly. Additionally, some users have noted that the build quality feels a bit less robust compared to higher-end models, which might raise concerns about longevity with frequent use. Finally, being a refractor telescope, it may not be as effective at viewing certain deep-sky objects compared to larger, more advanced telescopes.

This telescope is designed with beginners in mind, providing an 80mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, which helps capture clear and bright images of celestial objects. The two eyepieces included (25mm and 10mm) allow for easy magnification options of 24X and 60X, while the 3x Barlow lens can enhance that power even further. The 5x24 finderscope makes locating objects a breeze, which is ideal for those new to stargazing.

Portability is a strong point, as it comes with a carrying bag and an adjustable aluminum tripod, making it easy to transport to different viewing locations. The wireless control feature is also a nice touch, enabling users to capture images with their phones, which can enhance the stargazing experience.

There are some aspects to consider. While the telescope is easy to set up without tools, the manual focus might not be as smooth as some more advanced models, which could be slightly frustrating for those who desire quicker adjustments. Also, while the optical quality is generally good, more experienced users might find it lacks the performance of higher-end telescopes when it comes to more distant or detailed observations.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is a beginner-friendly telescope designed to make stargazing easy for those with little to no experience. One of its standout strengths is its integration with smartphones, allowing users to leverage the StarSense app for guided tours of the night sky. This feature, along with the patented StarSense sky recognition technology, simplifies the process of locating stars, planets, and other celestial objects.

The telescope boasts a decent 114mm aperture, which is sufficient for viewing the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and some deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula. The high-quality Newtonian reflector design ensures good light-gathering capabilities and clear images. The included altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls aids in smoother tracking of objects. This telescope is relatively portable, weighing 10.4 pounds, making it easy to transport to different viewing sites.

Its size and manual focus might pose some challenges for absolute beginners who are unfamiliar with telescope setups. Its optical tube length of 24 inches also means it might require a bit more space for storage and use. The inclusion of two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) offers some variety in viewing distances, but users might eventually want additional eyepieces for more flexibility. The reflex finderscope helps in initial object location but might not be as effective in heavily light-polluted areas. This telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a user-friendly device that combines modern technology with traditional stargazing, though some may find the need for a bit of patience in mastering its manual adjustments.