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 Hawkko 90900 is a 90mm aperture refractor telescope designed for astronomy beginners, offering a good balance between affordability, ease of use, and performance. With a large 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length, it provides clear and high-contrast images of celestial objects, making it suitable for moon and planet observations. The multi-coated glass lens enhances light transmission, helping users see more details in the night sky.

A key advantage is the altazimuth (AZ) mount, which is user-friendly and allows for easy movement and adjustment, a vital feature for beginners. The mount, along with the lightweight and portable design, ensures that the telescope is easy to carry and set up, even for outdoor stargazing sessions. Additionally, it comes with a variety of accessories, including two eyepieces, a finderscope, a Barlow lens, and a phone adapter, providing a complete beginner's kit for immediate use and photography.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The straight-through finderscope might be challenging for some users to align and use comfortably. Also, manual focusing and operation may require some practice for beginners to get the hang of. Despite these minor issues, the Hawkko 90900 offers strong support through detailed instructions and technical assistance, making it a solid option for those new to astronomy.