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.

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm is a solid choice for beginners eager to explore astronomy. Its 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length provide decent light-gathering ability, enabling users to observe various celestial objects clearly. The fully coated optics enhance image brightness and protect eyesight, which is vital for newcomers. With three replaceable eyepieces (24X, 60X, and 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens, users can enjoy a range of magnification options, helping them to see details on planets and the moon more effectively.

Portability is another strength, as the telescope includes an adjustable aluminum tripod that can be set between 31.5 and 49 inches, accommodating different viewing positions. Since it's easy to operate—without needing any tools for setup—this telescope is particularly user-friendly for novices who may feel overwhelmed by complex equipment.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at 18 pounds, it may be slightly heavy for some users, limiting its portability for those who wish to travel. The manual focus can also be a little challenging for beginners, who might prefer a more automated system to make adjustments easier. Furthermore, while the Reflex finderscope is beneficial for locating objects, some users may find it less intuitive compared to other types of finders.

The MEEZAA Telescope is designed with beginners in mind, making it an ideal choice for those new to astronomy. One of its standout features is the large 90mm aperture, which allows for capturing more light and producing brighter and clearer images, a critical factor for those just starting out. Paired with an 800mm focal length, it offers a good balance between magnification and field of view, which helps beginners to easily locate and observe celestial objects.

The telescope comes equipped with two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, allowing for a wide range of magnifications from 32X to 240X. This versatility is beneficial for exploring different celestial objects, from broader views of the moon to more detailed observations of planets and stars. The Altazimuth (AZ) mount is user-friendly, offering simple up-down and left-right movements, which is perfect for new users who may find more complex mounts difficult to handle.

Portability is another plus point, as the telescope includes a carry bag and an adjustable stainless steel tripod, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations. The added phone adapter is a thoughtful inclusion for those interested in astrophotography, enabling users to capture their observations on their smartphones. However, the telescope does have some drawbacks. The manual focus might take some time for beginners to master, and although the finderscope is included, it is of the straight-through type, which can sometimes be less intuitive and harder to use than right-angle finderscopes. Additionally, at 12.03 pounds, it is not the lightest telescope, which might be a consideration for those who need to carry it over longer distances. Despite these minor inconveniences, the MEEZAA Telescope offers a comprehensive package for beginner astronomers, combining quality optics, ease of use, and convenient accessories.