10 Best Telescope For Beginners 2026 in the United States

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ is a solid choice for beginners looking to explore astronomy without overwhelming complexity. One of its standout features is the 90mm aperture combined with a 600mm focal length, which allows users to capture bright and clear images of celestial objects. The fully coated optics improve light transmission, making your viewing experience more enjoyable. Additionally, it comes with three eyepieces (24X, 60X, and 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens, enhancing magnification options significantly for a versatile stargazing experience.

This telescope is designed for ease of use. The altazimuth mount is intuitive, allowing for straightforward adjustments in viewing angles, which is beneficial for novices who may struggle with more complex mounting systems. The adjustable aluminum tripod is a nice touch, letting users customize the height based on their preference or viewing comfort.

There are some drawbacks to consider. At 18 pounds, the Gskyer Telescope might be less portable than lighter models, making it less ideal for those who want to take it on outdoor trips. The manual focus can also be challenging for some beginners, as it requires a bit of practice to achieve sharp focus. Despite some concerns about build quality compared to more expensive models, the Gskyer Telescope is a commendable option for budding astronomers seeking a user-friendly tool for stargazing. Its combination of quality optics, ease of use, and adjustable features makes it suitable for casual observation, though the weight and manual focus may pose minor inconveniences for some users.

The Gskyer Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the night sky. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent light-gathering ability, allowing users to observe celestial objects like the moon and stars clearly. The inclusion of fully coated optics enhances image quality and protects your eyes during extended viewing sessions. One standout feature is the wireless remote, which, combined with the smartphone adapter, makes it easy for users to capture images of what they observe, a nice touch for those who want to share their celestial discoveries.

The telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which helps in increasing magnification options, making it versatile for various viewing preferences. The adjustable aluminum tripod provides stability and flexibility in positioning, which is crucial for comfortable viewing.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The telescope's manual focus might be a bit challenging for complete beginners, who may prefer a more user-friendly automatic focusing system. Additionally, while the telescope is portable at 5.7 pounds, some users might find it slightly cumbersome to carry around, especially if they plan on frequent travel. Also, while the 70mm aperture is suitable for casual stargazing, it may not suffice for more serious astronomical pursuits as you progress in your hobby.

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain is a solid choice for beginners who want a telescope with good optical power and clear views. Its 182mm aperture is fairly large for an entry-level scope, allowing you to see bright and detailed images of the moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design combines mirrors and lenses to deliver sharp, high-contrast views with minimal glare, helped by special coatings that boost light transmission. With an altazimuth mount, it’s simple to move the telescope up/down and left/right, making it beginner-friendly, though it's not motorized so you’ll manually track objects. The package comes with useful accessories like eyepieces, a star diagonal for comfortable viewing, and a finderscope to help you locate objects in the sky.

The telescope is somewhat heavy at 19 pounds and relatively long (30 inches deep), so it’s less portable than smaller models—something to consider if you plan to travel with it. Its autofocus feature is a nice plus for novices but the setup might feel a bit bulky for younger users or those needing something very lightweight. This telescope offers excellent optical quality and ease of use for beginners willing to handle a bigger, sturdier instrument rather than a compact travel scope.