10 Best Beginner Telescope For Adults in 2023 [Top Models]


There are a lot of great beginner telescopes for adults on the market these days. But which one is the best? That really depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is.

Best Overall
1
4.9
Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Telescope, Silver/Black

Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Telescope, Silver/Black

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  • HIGH-QUALITY OPTICS: 114mm (4.5”) Newtonian reflector with highly reflective coatings and enough light gathering ability to view all the best celestial objects
  • SIMPLE CONTROL: Manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment and a sliding rod makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. When the bullseye turns green, it’s ready to view in the telescope’s eyepiece
  • SMARTPHONE TECHNOLOGY: Award-winning, patented StarSense sky recognition software uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time. Go on a guided tour of the night sky - no telescope experience required!
  • INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Two 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, 2x Barlow Lens, StarSense smartphone dock, a red dot finderscope (in case you want to use the telescope without your phone) and a full-height tripod
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty
Best Runner-Up
2
4.8
EMARTH Telescope for Kids Beginners Adult, 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope with Adjustable Tripod & & Finder Scope- Portable Travel Telescope Perfect for Kids Children Teens

EMARTH Telescope for Kids Beginners Adult, 70mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope with Adjustable Tripod & & Finder Scope- Portable Travel Telescope Perfect for Kids Children Teens

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  • 【High Magnification】360mm(f/5.1) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optical glass with high transmission coatings creates stunning images with increased brightness and clarity. Protect your eyes.Perfect Refracting telescope for beginners or kids to explore sky
  • 【No-tool Set Up】This telescope is quick and easy to set up even for the novice and will encourage to love learning about space, great holiday or birthday gift idea for your son who love science and astronomy
  • 【High Quality Optics】Includes two 1.25" eyepieces (K25mm & K10mm) which you can enjoy the magnification from 14.4 and 36x, And 5X24 Finder Scope can locate objects faster
  • 【Adjustable Tripod 】This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum tripod, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and on-the-go stargazing
  • 【Multifunction Travel Telescope】70mm telescope excels at daytime birding use as well as viewing wildlife, scenery and casual nighttime observing of the Moon
Best Fully automated
3
4.7
Celestron 11036 NexStar 5SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Automated GoTo Mount, SkyAlign Technology and Steel Tripod, Black/Orange

Celestron 11036 NexStar 5SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Automated GoTo Mount, SkyAlign Technology and Steel Tripod, Black/Orange

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  • NEXSTAR COMPUTERISED TELESCOPE: The NexStar 5SE Computerised Telescope features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design with updated technology and the latest features for amazing stargazing for beginners and experienced observers
  • 5-INCH APERTURE: The five-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, while retaining a compact form factor
  • FULLY-AUTOMATED GOTO MOUNT: Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the GoTo mount built into our telescopes for astronomy beginners automatically locates and tracks objects for you
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND BREAK DOWN: The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready in minutes
  • BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: The NexStar 5SE Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation
Best from Celestron
4
4.6
Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130EQ Reflector Telescope, Black/Dark Blue

Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130EQ Reflector Telescope, Black/Dark Blue

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  • POWERFUL REFLECTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian telescope is a powerful and user-friendly reflector telescope. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod
  • HIGH-QUALITY 114MM OPTICS: The heart of the system is a fully-coated 130mm primary mirror. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments to view celestial and terrestrial objects
  • QUICK SETUP & LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together features a lightweight frame and a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required
  • INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty
Best Under-Budget
5
4.5
ALEENFOON Telescope for Kids Beginners Adult, 50mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope with Adjustable Tripod Compass and Finder Scope- Portable Travel Telescope Perfect for Children Teens

ALEENFOON Telescope for Kids Beginners Adult, 50mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope with Adjustable Tripod Compass and Finder Scope- Portable Travel Telescope Perfect for Children Teens

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  • 【Astronomical Telescope】A thoughtful telescope for kids beginners and adult to take a closer look at the world around them, explore land & sky! Can be used with tripod or simply as a hand-held telescope, suitable for stargazing, land exploration, concert, animal, plant observation and so on.
  • 【Large Diameter and High Focal Length】 With 50mm large diameter and 360mm focal length, the item has a stronger ability to collect light, better imaging, higher contrast, better resolution and clearer observation.
  • 【High-Definition Coating】With professional multi-layer coating, the item has more light transmittance and can effectively avoid dark corners, restore color and small details of color difference, so that night vision effect is good and imaging is bright and vivid.
  • 【Wide-Angle Eyepieces】With H6mm (60X magnificatio) and H10mm (20X magnification ) large wide-angle high-definition eyepieces design,the item is no dispersion, little damage to eyesight,and wider and more beautiful viewing; with eyepiece protective cover design, it effectively protects the eyepieces from damage.
  • 【Multifunction & Durable】 Comes with compass and star finder lens, better to find the direction quickly and find the celestial body. The lens barrel design of the alloy can better resist light pollution, let children watch more focused and comfortable; The aluminum alloy bracket is stable and foldable, and with 360-degree gimbal, it is more convenient to find the star. Come with color box, great as gifts.
Easy to Setup
6
4.4
Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope - Blue

Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-In Refracting Telescope - Blue

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  • Easiest setup of any entry level scope. With the folding accessory tray, you just pop the tripod legs open, turn the lock knob and you’re ready to go
  • Bold new design - The main telescope lens cap comes with a fully integrated smartphone adapter built-in, perfect for the budding astrophotographer. The asymmetrical mount design offers light weight and incredible stability. Erect image optics enables a fully correct image for easy viewing day or night, terrestrial or astronomical.
  • Red LED flashlight - Stowed in the centre of the mount head, the flashlight can be used to gently illuminate the accessory tray or can be removed for use as a spotlight when needed
  • Focus micrometer - Allows quick return to a specific focus point for specific targets (bird nests, infinity focus, etc.)
  • Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 : 20mm. Focal Length of Eyepiece 2 : 10mm
Best Quality Build
7
4.3
Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount, Telescope for Kids Beginners, Fully Multi-Coated Optics, Astronomy Refractor with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Backpack

Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount, Telescope for Kids Beginners, Fully Multi-Coated Optics, Astronomy Refractor with Tripod, Phone Adapter, Backpack

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  • 【Quality Optics】The astronomical telescope features 400mm (f/5.7) focal length and large 70mm aperture, fully multi-coated optical glass with high transmission, creating stunning images with increased brightness and clarity.
  • 【Variable Magnification】The refractor telescope includes two 1.25" telescope eyepieces (K20mm and K9mm) for 20X and 44X magnification. The 5x24 finder scope makes locating objects easily. And diagonal prism ensures you get erect image, ideal for both celestial and terrestrial viewing.
  • 【Portable for Travel】This travel scope is quick and easy to set up. Comes with a phone adapter with 10mm eyepiece for you to capture the amazing images and share with your family. The lightweight telescope with adjustable tripod can be packed up in the custom backpack. Grab it and go anywhere!
  • 【Satisfaction Warranty】 Reliable and friendly customer service in 24 hours. We offer lifetime warranty. Please feel free to contact us if any problem with the quality of the telescope, and we will make an instant refund or replacement for you to make sure you are satisfied.
  • 【Great Gift Ideas】The telescope is a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for kids or beginner astronomers. It helps them build interest in astronomy and science, exploring the unknown, enjoy the nature and away from screen. The kids' astronomical journey starts from here!
Best Compact Design
8
4.2
Celestron 21049 Powerseeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black

Celestron 21049 Powerseeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black

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  • PERFECT BEGINNERS TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power
  • MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: Navigate the sky with our Newtonian Reflector telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob
  • COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favourite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard
  • MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Users can also download BONUS Starry Night Astronomy Software Package
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty
Best Single fork arm design
9
4.1
Celestron 11068 NexStar 6SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Advanced GPS, Astroimaging and AutoAlign Features, Black/Orange

Celestron 11068 NexStar 6SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Advanced GPS, Astroimaging and AutoAlign Features, Black/Orange

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  • NEXSTAR COMPUTERISED TELESCOPE: The NexStar 6SE Computerised Telescope features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design with updated technology and the latest features for amazing stargazing for beginners and experienced observers
  • 6-INCH APERTURE: The six-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, while retaining a compact form factor
  • FULLY-AUTOMATED GOTO MOUNT: Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the GoTo mount built into our telescopes for astronomy beginners automatically locates and tracks objects for you
  • EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND BREAK DOWN: The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready in minutes
  • BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: The NexStar 6SE Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation
Cheapest Option
10
4
Telescope for Kids & Beginners Adults 50/360mm Astronomical Telescopes Zoom 90X HD Refractor Scope With Tripod for Children

Telescope for Kids & Beginners Adults 50/360mm Astronomical Telescopes Zoom 90X HD Refractor Scope With Tripod for Children

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  • High Magnification: Beginner astronomical telescope with 360mm focal length and 50mm objective diameter can set 60X, 18X, include the mirror group plus 1.5X, 27X, 90X, perfect refracting telescope for beginners or kids to explore sky.
  • Premium Material: Our telescope for adult fully coated optical glass with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and brightness. Refractive astronomical telescope with 50mm aperture and 360mm focal length, 90x maximum power.
  • Easy Install: Easy assembly with no tools required. Equipped with two different magnification eyepieces and 1.5X multiplier mirrors, so that you can freely mix, observe different distances and sizes objects.
  • Portable and Easy Use: Compact, lightweight, weighs only 1.72 pounds. Equip with moon filter and aluminium tripod, reduce glare, enhance image quality and stability. It is ideal for kids adults astronomy beginners to explore universe and nature.
  • Perfect Gift: Refractive astronomical telescope for sky and land exploration, perfect gifts for your kids and astronomy beginners. Package Included 1*telescope, 1* H20mm eyepiece, 1* H6mm eyepiece, 1* moon mirror, 1* tripod.

She has contributed to Perseus Promos, Hazlitt, Rolling Stone, New Republic, Atlantic, GQ, Racked, VICE and The New Inquiry.

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