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10 Best Celestron Telescope For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,355
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
2104 reviews

Eyepieces
Upgrading to better eyepieces and adding a power supply can significantly enhance the experience.
Portability
The telescope is portable, especially with the right case, making it great for escaping city light pollution or taking on camping trips.

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to dive into astronomy. Its 130mm aperture allows for impressive light gathering, making celestial objects like Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands visible in crystal-clear detail. The computerized star locating feature is a game-changer, as it provides access to a database of over 4,000 celestial objects, simplifying the stargazing experience. Plus, the included Starry Night software offers an interactive way to learn about the night sky, which is particularly useful for newcomers.

Portability is another strength of this telescope; its compact design makes it easy to transport, whether you’re going on camping trips or simply heading to a darker area to observe the stars. The Altazimuth mount and the included 20mm and 9mm eyepieces further enhance its user-friendliness, allowing for both manual adjustments and computerized tracking of objects.

There are some points to consider. While the telescope's weight of 11.4 pounds is manageable, it may still be cumbersome for younger users or those with mobility issues. The manual focus can take some practice to get used to, which might be a minor hurdle for absolute beginners. Additionally, the device is battery-powered, meaning you’ll need to keep an eye on power levels during extended use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,355
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
2104 reviews

Eyepieces
Upgrading to better eyepieces and adding a power supply can significantly enhance the experience.
Portability
The telescope is portable, especially with the right case, making it great for escaping city light pollution or taking on camping trips.
#2

Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube

Rating
10.0
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces

Most important from
118 reviews

Aperture
The view from this scope is outstanding, even in light-polluted areas.
Mount Type
The quality of the scope and tripod are evident in the size and weight alone.
Eyepieces
It's a very nice instrument, offering crisp images with the supplied eyepiece.
Portability
The telescope has well-placed carrying handles, making it easy to transport despite its weight.

The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is a fantastic choice for beginners who want to dive into astronomy with a powerful and user-friendly device. With its impressive 11-inch aperture, it captures plenty of light, giving you stunning views of planets and deep sky objects. The dual fork arm GoTo mount is a standout feature, allowing you to easily locate and track over 40,000 celestial bodies, which is incredibly helpful for those just starting out. Plus, the inclusion of a 9x50 finderscope supports quick object alignment, making the setup less daunting.

Portability is relatively good for a telescope of this size; it can be set up and moved by one person, though its hefty weight of 29.5 kg may make it challenging for some to transport frequently. The telescope's ergonomic design and SkyAlign technology simplify the setup process, helping beginners feel more confident during their stargazing sessions. It also comes with Starry Night software, enriching your learning experience by allowing you to simulate the night sky and plan your observations.

The CPC 1100 is not the most affordable option in the market, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious newcomers. Additionally, while the computerized features are excellent, they may seem overwhelming to some users who prefer a more hands-on, traditional approach to stargazing. Nonetheless, the 2-year warranty and reliable customer support from Celestron are reassuring aspects for anyone concerned about their investment.

Rating
10.0
Aperture
Mount Type
Eyepieces

Most important from
118 reviews

Aperture
The view from this scope is outstanding, even in light-polluted areas.
Mount Type
The quality of the scope and tripod are evident in the size and weight alone.
Eyepieces
It's a very nice instrument, offering crisp images with the supplied eyepiece.
Portability
The telescope has well-placed carrying handles, making it easy to transport despite its weight.
#3

Celestron 22065 AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope, Dark Blue

Rating
9.8
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Finderscope

Most important from
4315 reviews

Mount Type
The EQ mount makes tracking objects much easier, allowing more time to enjoy viewing.
Eyepieces
Investing in better eyepieces and a high-quality diagonal can greatly enhance the viewing experience.
Finderscope
The sturdy design and helpful viewfinder enhance the overall experience.
Portability
It's super simple to set up and extremely easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.

The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a great telescope for beginners, offering an impressive 102mm aperture that ensures clear and bright views of celestial and terrestrial objects. The fully-coated glass optics enhance image quality, making it easier for new astronomers to enjoy their observations. The telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), allowing for different magnification levels to suit various needs.

The included StarPointer red dot finderscope is a helpful tool for locating objects in the sky, making the initial learning curve less steep for beginners. The manual Altazimuth mount with a panning handle allows for smooth and precise adjustments, which is essential for tracking objects in the sky. The lightweight frame and quick setup process (with no tools required) add to its convenience and portability, making it suitable for both adults and kids who are just starting out in astronomy.

Additionally, the package includes a bonus download of a top-rated astronomy software, enhancing the educational experience. However, one limitation is that it does not have motorized tracking, which means all adjustments must be done manually. This could be slightly challenging for those looking for automated features. The telescope’s sturdy build and high-quality optics, combined with Celestron’s reliable warranty and customer support, make it a trustworthy option for beginners looking to explore the night sky.

Rating
9.8
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Finderscope

Most important from
4315 reviews

Mount Type
The EQ mount makes tracking objects much easier, allowing more time to enjoy viewing.
Eyepieces
Investing in better eyepieces and a high-quality diagonal can greatly enhance the viewing experience.
Finderscope
The sturdy design and helpful viewfinder enhance the overall experience.
Portability
It's super simple to set up and extremely easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.

Buying Guide for the Best Celestron Telescope For Beginners

Choosing the right telescope can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially for beginners. The key to making the right choice is understanding the various specifications and how they align with your needs and interests. By focusing on the essential specs, you can find a telescope that will provide you with a rewarding stargazing experience.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main optical component (the lens or mirror). It is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects the brightness and clarity of the images you see. 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 but are bulkier. Choose based on your balance between portability and image quality.
Focal LengthThe focal length is the distance between the telescope's main optical component and the point where it forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length (900mm and above) provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon. A shorter focal length (below 900mm) offers a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and observe larger celestial objects like star clusters and galaxies. Beginners might prefer a moderate focal length (around 700mm) for a good balance.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows you to point it at different parts of the sky. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simpler and easier to use, making them ideal for beginners. They move up-down and left-right, similar to a camera tripod. Equatorial mounts are more complex but allow for more precise tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky. If you're just starting, an altazimuth mount is usually the best choice.
EyepiecesEyepieces are the lenses you look through to see the magnified image. Most telescopes come with one or two eyepieces, but you can buy additional ones to change the magnification. The focal length of the eyepiece, combined with the telescope's focal length, determines the magnification. For beginners, having a range of eyepieces (e.g., 10mm and 25mm) allows for both high and low magnification views. Start with the included eyepieces and consider expanding your collection as you become more experienced.
FinderscopeA finderscope is a small auxiliary telescope mounted on the main telescope to help you locate objects in the sky. It usually has a lower magnification and a wider field of view. This is important because it makes it easier to aim the main telescope at the desired object. For beginners, a red dot finderscope or a simple optical finderscope is usually sufficient. These are easy to use and can significantly enhance your stargazing experience by making it easier to find and track celestial objects.
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 might want to observe from various locations. Consider the weight and size of the telescope and whether it comes with a carrying case or bag. Choose a model that you can comfortably transport and set up on your own.

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