Top Pick Telescopes for Beginners

Starting your astronomical journey is easier than ever with today's top telescopes for adult beginners. These telescopes combine advanced technology and user-friendly features, allowing you to delve into astronomy and even observe deep space.

With options for every budget, these beginner telescopes offer quality and functionality, including features like computerized tracking and smartphone connectivity. They are designed to be portable and durable, catering to enthusiasts of all ages.

If you're wondering which telescope to start with, our guide simplifies the choice, presenting the best beginner telescopes for various budgets.

saxon 709AZ3 Refractor Telescope

The saxon 70/900 AZ3 Refractor Telescope stands out for its exceptional value and versatility. This model is ideal for those new to astronomy, offering a seamless introduction to both sky and land observation.

The telescope boasts a 70mm achromatic objective lens paired with a 900mm focal length, ensuring vibrant and clear views of celestial bodies and terrestrial landscapes alike. Its robust Alt-Azimuth mount allows for easy and precise adjustments, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Pro’s: 

· Easy setup and use, suitable for novice astronomers.

· Lightweight and portable for on-the-go stargazing.

Con’s: 

· Limited to basic astronomical observations compared to more advanced telescopes.

saxon 909AZ3 Refractor Telescope

the saxon 909AZ3, an ideal telescope for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned observers. This beginner-friendly telescope, with its straightforward Alt/AZ mount, offers a hassle-free setup, perfect for those intimidated by the complexity of EQ mounts.

The 909AZ3 is equipped with an aluminum tripod and an AZ3 mount featuring slow-motion controls, enhancing your stargazing experience by smoothly tracking celestial objects like the Moon and planets across the sky.

Pro’s: 

· Quick and straightforward assembly, allowing you to start observing the night sky without much hassle.

· Designed for novice astronomers, making it an excellent choice for those new to stargazing.

Con’s: 

· Requires manual adjustments for tracking celestial objects, which might not provide the same level of tracking accuracy as computerized mounts.

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Reflector Telescope

the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ telescope transforms the complex universe into an accessible journey of discovery. This reflector telescope is a game-changer for beginners, integrating the revolutionary StarSense Explorer technology for seamless, intuitive stargazing.

The StarSense Explorer app, compatible with iOS and Android devices, harnesses your smart device's GPS and camera to pinpoint your exact location in the night sky. Simply select your desired celestial object in the app and follow the arrows on your screen to find it with your telescope. This user-friendly approach removes the guesswork from astronomy, making it perfect for novices.

Pro’s

· Suitable for terrestrial and celestial viewing.

· Helps beginners learn about the night sky and celestial objects.

Con’s

· May struggle to provide clear views in areas with significant light pollution.

saxon 6" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope (6 inch)

The saxon 6" Dobsonian Telescope is a fantastic entry point for beginners and young astronomers. Renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, the Dobsonian design is exceptionally user-friendly, making it the perfect choice for newcomers to the world of astronomy.

Once assembled, this telescope becomes a window to the universe. Beginners will quickly learn to navigate the night sky, discovering the Moon’s rocky terrain, the planets of our Solar System, and even deep sky wonders like star clusters, double stars, nebulae, and distant galaxies.

Pro’s:

· The Dobsonian design is known for its simplicity and quick assembly, making it an excellent choice for first-time telescope users.

· This telescope is perfect for newcomers to astronomy, offering an accessible entry point to stargazing.

Con’s:

· The Dobsonian design, while stable, can be bulkier compared to some other telescope types, which might affect portability for some users.

Skywatcher 150mm Collapsible Virtuoso GTI WIFI Table Dobsonian

The Sky-Watcher VIRTUOSO GTi 150/750mm Reflector Dobsonian Telescope represents an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate astronomers alike. This fully automatic telescope simplifies your stargazing experience with its user-friendly features.

The telescope’s 6-inch collapsible Dobsonian design makes it both compact and convenient for tabletop use. It's particularly suitable for various observational activities, from gazing at planets to exploring deep-sky objects.

Pro’s:

· The collapsible feature makes it highly portable and easy to store, suitable for both home and on-the-go observations.

· Integrated Wi-Fi capability allows for wireless control and image sharing with compatible devices, enhancing the stargazing experience.

Con’s:

· The telescope requires a power source for its motorized functions, which may need to be factored into your stargazing setup.

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Reflector Telescope

The Celestron STARSENSE EXPLORER™ DX 130AZtelescopemakes exploring the night sky easy and enjoyable, even for beginners. It uses your smartphone to help you find and identify celestial objects.

With a 130mm (5-inch) aperture Newtonian reflector, the telescope boasts highly reflective coatings and ample light-gathering capabilities. This feature ensures bright, clear views of the night sky's marvels.

The manual altazimuth mount, equipped with smooth dual-axis slow-motion controls, aids in tracking these objects effortlessly. Follow the app's on-screen arrows to your target, and when the indicator turns green, the object is ready to view.

Pro’s:

· You can use your smartphone with the StarSense Explorer app for an interactive stargazing experience.

· The alt-azimuth mount provides stable support and allows for smooth movement, making it user-friendly.

Con’s:

· The smartphone app is integral to the alignment process, so users should ensure their smartphone is compatible and adequately charged for stargazing sessions.

ZWO Seestar S-50 Smart Telescope

The Seestar S50 Smart Telescope revolutionizes stargazing by combining ease of use with advanced features. With its user-friendly mobile app, capturing mesmerizing celestial objects like the Sun, Moon, galaxies, and nebulae has never been simpler. Take control of your imaging experience, receive real-time weather updates, and access recommended viewing options for the night. Even during daylight or cloudy skies, switch to scenery mode and effortlessly capture terrestrial objects and landscapes.

The Seestar S50 introduces a revolutionary live stacking mode, offering a captivating journey through the hidden universe. With this feature, you can generate breathtaking images that gradually unveil an array of colours and intricate details previously concealed to the naked eye.

Pro’s:                   

·         The telescope offers high-quality optics and image clarity, allowing users to capture detailed celestial objects.

·         This telescope integrates smart technology, including smartphone connectivity and GPS, enhancing the overall stargazing experience.

Con’s:

·         Users who are new to astrophotography or smartphone integration may have a learning curve to fully utilize all the smart features.

saxon Astroseeker 13065N Reflector Telescope -Wi-Fi Enabled with Hand Controller

The Saxon AstroSeeker 13065, designed for intermediate astronomers, is a standout in the world of stargazing. With its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length, this telescope promises crisp, detailed views of celestial bodies, from the Moon's craters to Saturn's rings.

This telescope is a marvel of technology, boasting a computerized system with a vast database of over 42,900 objects and Wi-Fi capability for smartphone control through the SynScan app. It's perfect for those who value both ease of use and deep exploration of the night sky.

Astrophotography is a breeze with the AstroSeeker 13065. Connect your DSLR with a T-adapter or use an astro camera to capture stunning images of the cosmos. Its high-resolution optics are specially coated to enhance image sharpness, making it ideal for observing deep sky wonders.

Pro’s: 

· The 130mm aperture allows for excellent light gathering, enabling clear views of celestial objects, including deep-sky targets.

· A robust tripod provides stability and minimizes vibrations, ensuring steady viewing experiences.

Con’s: 

· The assembly and alignment process may take a bit longer due to its motorized GoTo features, so users should allow sufficient time for setup.

Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope 

The Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, is a renowned choice for beginners and a favorite among experienced stargazers seeking portability. This telescope's iconic orange tube design is not only visually appealing but also packs a powerful punch in a compact form.

With its 4-inch aperture, the NexStar 4SE excels in light-gathering, enabling you to marvel at lunar craters, Jupiter’s bands, and Saturn’s rings with outstanding clarity. Its compact size belies its powerful capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between performance and portability.

Astronomy is simplified with the Celestron NexStar 4SE’s award-winning design. The telescope combines a lightweight, portable build with a user-friendly, computerized hand controller, making it perfect for those who value ease of setup and intuitive operation.

Pro’s: 

· Maksutov-Cassegrain design provides sharp and clear views of planets and celestial objects.

· Ideal for novice astronomers, with user-friendly controls and guided tours

Con’s: 

· The telescope requires a power source for the computerized tracking and GoTo functionality, which is essential for extended observation sessions.

eVscope eQuinox Unistellar

eVscope eQuinox Unistellar Telescope, a state-of-the-art tool for both amateur astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts. This innovative telescope revolutionizes your stargazing experience with its Live Light Accumulation technology, making it easy to capture stunning, detailed images of galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial wonders. Ideal for urban astronomy, the eVscope eQuinox is perfect for busy individuals, offering quick setup and the ability to observe the night sky from the comfort of your home, even in light-polluted city environments.

Its Enhanced Vision technology offers a live observation experience, revealing the hidden beauty of faint objects in the cosmos in vibrant colour and detail. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sky watcher, the eVscope eQuinox Unistellar Telescope transforms your celestial exploration, making it a top choice for anyone passionate about exploring the universe.

Pro’s:

· Users can join the Unistellar Network, engaging with professional astronomers and contributing to real scientific research, like asteroid detection or studying distant stars.

· The telescope allows for remote observation, letting multiple users (up to 10) connect their devices for a shared experience.

Con’s:

· The eVscope eQuinox is an investment, and its price point might be a consideration for those on a tight budget or just starting in astronomy.