12 Best Beginner Telescopes in 2024 [Actually Simple to Use]

2. Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope

The Celestron NexStar Schmidt Cassegrain 8SE Telescope is a highly advanced top telescope for beginners and more experienced users. 

It uses SkyAlign technology to locate and track objects in the sky. Simply point to three bright images and the scope will align to the object you want to view. It comes with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and you can update it over the Internet. 

The scope has an eye-catching orange tube that attracts attention. It has a large 8” aperture for amazing views. This model comes with a 25mm eyepiece and a StarPointer Finderscope. The optics have StarBright XLT enhanced coatings for maximum clarity and light transmission. 

All NexStar SE models are GPS compatible and come standard with an auxiliary port for use with additional accessories. You can attach astrophotography equipment for beginners and try your hand at snapping photos of deep-sky objects, a very exciting hobby that will thrill the family. 

Set up is fast and easy with a quick-release optical tube and no tools are needed. This is a higher-priced telescope best suited for families who are more familiar with astronomy. It makes a great gift for a young enthusiastic stargazer.

What we liked

• 203mm aperture, 2032mm focal length
• 25mm eyepiece
• SkyAlign for fast and easy alignment process
• Computerized hand control and motorized altazimuth mount
• Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South Tracking Modes
• The Sky Planetarium software with 10,000 object database 
• Great beginner astrophotography telescope

What we didn’t like

• Higher price 
• Better suited for more advanced users
• Learning curve to get started 

Best features: Large 203mm aperture, computerized mount
How it’s beginner friendly: SkyAlign to easily find and track objects
What can you see with it: Moon, planets, nebula, Messier objects, star clusters

3. Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope

When we set off on a stargazing outing, we look for a telescope that is very portable and the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST is a great choice. It has a shorter length, a 24” optical tube, making it easy to fit into the car. 

This best amateur telescope features a 5.1″ aperture, which gathers large amounts of light. We have great views of the Moon and planets, as well as brighter galaxies and remote star clusters. The Orion Spaceprobe 130st is a versatile scope that the whole family enjoys. 

It comes with a sturdy EQ-2 equatorial mount that is easy to set up. The adjustable tripod allows manual slow-motion tracking, keeping the image in the eyepiece as it moves across the sky. These amature telescopes come with two 1.25” Sirius Plossl eyepieces, a 25mm and 10mm. 

It also has a 6×30 finder scope, a collimation cap, and a handy tripod accessory tray.  For added value and better viewing, the 2x Barlow doubles the magnification of these telescopes for beginners and adults. Also included for information with this good beginner telescope is the Star Target Planisphere, MoonMap 260, and Orion Telescope Observer’s Guide Book. 

What we liked

• Well priced
• 5.1” aperture for bright views
• 2 1.25” Sirius Plossl eyepieces, 25mm and 10mm.
• Great for viewing the Moon, planets, and star clusters
• Short length 24” optical tube, great for portability 
• Top amateur telescope with slow-motion controls for ease of use
• Accessory tray, 6×30 finder scope, Starry Night Astronomy Software

What we didn’t like

• Not computerized
• A few users found the initial set up to be tricky – but this was a minority
• The mount gear tends to get sticky from time to time

Best features: Well priced, 5.1” aperture for bright views
How it’s beginner friendly: Slow-motion controls for ease of use
What can you see with it: Moon, planets, star clusters, Orion Nebula, deep sky objects

4. Sky Watcher 8in. Flextube 200P Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope

The next beginner telescope that caught our attention is the Sky Watcher 8 in. Flextube 200P Collapsible Dobsonian. Dobsonian design telescopes offer bright, bold views at a fraction of the cost of other optical designs. 

This great amateur telescope has an innovative collapsible design that allows the optical tube to collapse for ease of portability. After collapsing, you lock it in place to prevent movement or damage. What we find most amazing is that it keeps its collimation even when closed, and you don’t have to collimate again after opening. 

The scope comes with 2 eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm. There is also an 8×50 right-angle Finderscope and a 2-inch Crayford-style focuser. The scope has a huge 8” aperture for amazing views. With this size, you can view fainter galaxies and resolve nebula that you cannot see with a smaller aperture. 

The fully multi-coated borosilicate primary and secondary mirrors add to the exceptional views. The mount has Teflon bearings that ensure smooth azimuth movement. The tension control handles have a patented design and allow for accurate movement without the need for perfect balance. This telescope for amateur astronomy offers great accuracy and astounding views of the night sky.

What we liked

• 8″ 203mm Dobsonian-style Newtonian
• Innovative collapsible design 
• 1200mm focal length
• 2″ Crayford-style focuser with 1.25″ adaptor
• 2 eyepieces, Plossl 25mm and 10mm 
• 8×50 right angle erect-image Finderscope
• Solid rocker mount with Teflon bearings and tension clutch

What we didn’t like

• Higher price
• Not computerized
• Learning curve to get started

Best features: 8” wide-angle aperture for great views
How it’s beginner friendly: Innovative collapsible design for portability
What can you see with it: More detailed views of Moon, planets, faint galaxies, nebula, and star clusters

5. Orion StarBlast 62mm Compact Beginner Refractor Telescope

A great beginner telescope, the Orion StarBlast 62mm Compact Beginner Refractor Telescope is perfect for on-the-go stargazers. This lightweight scope at only 3.1 lbs comes in a hard carry case. 

It is perfect for packing into a car for a camping trip away from city lights. The scope features a 62mm refractor aperture and a 520mm focal length. The 4-element lens system gives sharp, detailed views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep sky objects. You can also use this amateur telescope for observing animals and birds. 

This best refractor telescope for beginners comes with two Plossl eyepieces, a 20mm and a 4mm. It also has an Orion 1.25″ Deluxe 45° Correct-Image Prism Diagonal for easy viewing. The smooth Crayford focuser is simple to use and keeps celestial objects in view without them jumping around. 

The only con with this best starter telescope is that it does not come with a mount. It has a narrow Vixen-style dovetail mounting block with a 1/4″-20 threaded socket for attachment to a telescope mount or standard photo tripods. You will need to purchase one to go along with the scope. Kids will love the Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software. It is so helpful to show them how and what to view. 

What we liked

• 62mm refractor aperture, 520mm focal length
• Great compact design for beginner astronomy
• Well constructed and really cool looking 
• 2 eyepieces, Plossl 20mm and 4mm
• Orion 1.25″ Deluxe 45° Correct-Image Prism Diagonal
• Hard carry case for travel
• Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software

What we didn’t like

• Does not come with a mount 
• Best suited for travel, not stay-at-home
• Some users prefer a larger aperture

Best features: Compact, light, and easy to take on a trip
How it’s beginner friendly: Smooth Crayford focuser and helpful Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software
What can you see with it: Moon, planets, star clusters, also terrestrial viewing, birds, animals, ships

6. Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Beginner Telescope

This best amateur telescope is an exciting upgrade, as it is computerized. If you are skeptical to start, remember that teenage kids are on-the-mark when it comes to electronics and will figure it out in no time. 

The telescope comes with a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and sky objects to get you started. The great feature is the computerization that allows you to locate your object, and then the scope tracks it for you. No more moving the mount manually and losing the image.

The Celestron NexStar 127SLT comes with a Red Dot StarPointer and 2 eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm. It has a sturdy adjustable, full-height steel tripod with an accessory tray to keep your accessories organized. 

With a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design and a 127mm aperture, the Celestron computerized telescope for beginners gives stunning views of the Solar System, craters on the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s cloud bands. 

With a compact design, this is certainly the best telescope for amateur astronomy, ideal for taking along on weekend camping trips. 

What we liked

• 127mm aperture for great views
• 2 eyepieces, 25mm and 10mm
• Fast locating of celestial objects with Celestron’s Skyalign
• Top rated telescopes for beginners with computerized mount
• Compact design ideal for travel
• Bonus free Starry Night Software
• Adjustable, full-height steel tripod with accessory tray

What we didn’t like

• Higher price for amateur astronomy
• Learning curve for people not up to speed with computerized scopes

Best features: Computerized, full-size adjustable tripod
How it’s beginner friendly: Fast set up with Skyalign – simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky
What can you see with it: Solar System, craters on the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands

7. Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector Beginner Telescope

The next beginners telescope for review is the Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector Beginner Telescope. This wide-field reflector telescope has a 4.5 inch aperture giving amazing views of the Moon, planets, Messier objects, and bright deep-sky objects. At a very affordable price, this is a great choice for a family starting out on a stargazing hobby and will last for years to come. 

This good starter telescope comes with two eyepieces, a 25mm Sirius Plossl that gives 18x power magnification and a 10mm Sirius Plossl that gives 45x power magnification. It also offers an Orion Shorty 2x Barlow lens that doubles the magnification. 

The scope stands on an EQ-1 equatorial telescope mount that is super easy to set up. Kids love the EZ Finder II reflex sight aiming device. Simply point at the object you want and it comes into view. As a bonus, the kit contains a RedBeam Mini Red LED keychain flashlight. 

It is ideal for finding accessories and reading in the dark. This kit is also packed with educational information. It comes with an Orion MoonMap 260, Orion Star Target Planisphere, and Orion Telescope Observer’s Guide book. 

What we liked

• Well priced best beginner telescopes with great features 
• 4.5 inch aperture with great light collecting ability 
• 2 eyepieces, Sirius Plossl 25mm, and 10mm 
• Orion Shorty 2x Barlow lens
• EQ-1 equatorial telescope mount 
• EZ Finder II reflex sight aiming device
• Orion Star Target Planisphere and Orion Telescope Observer’s Guide book

What we didn’t like

• Some users found that the 2x Barlow distorts the images 
• A bit heavy for grab-and-go travel

Best features: Great optics for crystal clear views
How it’s beginner friendly: Easy to set up EQ mount, numerous astronomy guides 
What can you see with it: Moon, Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, star clusters

8. Celestron Astro Fi 102 Wi-Fi Maksutov Wireless Reflecting Telescope

Looking for another Wi-Fi enabled scope, we came across the Celestron Astro Fi 102 Wi-Fi Maksutov Wireless Reflecting Telescope. Kids will love this Celestron beginner telescope because it connects via your smartphone or tablet. You take control of the telescope wirelessly and do not need cell network reception. The free app works with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. 

The telescope has a Maksutov Cassegrain design with a fully coated glass optic 102mm aperture. It comes with two Kellner eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm. Also included is a star diagonal and a Finderscope for easy locating of sky objects. 

The tripod is adjustable, great for families with smaller kids. It has a handy accessory tray for holding all your bits and pieces. The scope automatically tracks objects with a slew speed of up to 3 degrees per second. Just sit back, relax, and follow the object as it moves across the sky. 

The set up of this scope does not require tools, ideal for people like me who are not great with DIY projects. With it, you will see amazing views of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, nebula, and star clusters. The battery lasts for hours without you worrying about running out of power. For techno-savvy users, the App includes star maps and support for gamepads. 

What we liked

• Has integrated WiFi using the free Celestron SkyPortal app
• Computerized mount on this best beginner goto telescope
• Works with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
• 102mm aperture
• 2 eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm
• Star diagonal and Finderscope
• No tools needed for easy set up

What we didn’t like

• Some users may prefer a non-computerized option
• Must know your way around apps 

Best features: Integrated WiFi, works with h iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
How it’s beginner friendly: Tech-savvy kids will love this 
What can you see with it: Saturn rings, Moon, Ice caps on Mars, Jupiter’s moons, star clusters, nebula

9. Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope is ideal for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. You can take it along on a safari trip and have great fun viewing animals and birds in their natural habitat. And, of course, we all love an easy-to-use telescope that gives great views of the Moon, planets and star clusters, and far-away nebulas. 

The starter telescope features a 130mm aperture and a 650mm focal length. It comes with 2 eyepieces, a 20mm and a 10mm, with 50x and 100x magnification, respectively. The EQ mount allows us to follow objects with ease. 

It uses a set of counterweights to balance the telescope as it moves, making each movement more smooth. These best amateur telescopes have a pre-assembled tripod with 1.25″ thick steel legs, offering a rigid and stable platform. It also has a deluxe accessory tray for convenient storage of all your accessories. 

What we liked

• Dual-purpose, ideal for terrestrial and celestial viewing
• All-coated glass optics 
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• EQ mount for smooth and accurate control
• Pre-assembled tripod with 1.25″ steel legs
• Deluxe accessory tray for convenient storage
• The Sky” Level 1 planetarium software with 10,000 object database

What we didn’t like

• Some users wanted better quality – this is a cheaper scope

Best features: Good price, easy to assemble
How it’s beginner friendly: EQ mount for smooth and accurate control
What can you see with it: Celestial and terrestrial viewing

10. Celestron Omni XLT 150mm Telescope

The next good telescope for beginners we review is the Celestron Omni XLT 150mm Telescope. I find that Celestron is one of the best telescope brands for beginners. 

The scope has a Newtonian Reflector Optical Tube, with hand-selected glass. Every air-to-glass surface is fully multi-coated with StarBright XLT anti-reflective coatings. It does make a great difference, and you will see amazing clear views. For ease of use, the mount is an ultra-precise German CG-4 manual EQ mount that is smooth and simple to operate. 

The Celestron Omni XLT has a 150mm aperture and a 750mm focal length. It comes with one 25mm eyepiece,  6×30 optical Finderscope, and a 1.25” Star Diagonal. The Stainless Steel tripod is heavy-duty and comes pre-assembled. This amateur astronomy telescope has a handy accessory tray and bubble level for correct leveling. 

With a database of 10,000 celestial objects in the Sky Level 1 planetarium software, a family will soon become very adept at finding objects to look at using this telescope for beginners. Enjoy seeing Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moon, and polar ice caps on Mars. 

What we liked

• 150mm aperture, 750mm focal length
• High-quality, hand-selected optical glass 
• Ultra-precise German CG-4 manual EQ mount 
• 25mm eyepiece,  6×30 optical Finderscope, 1.25” Star Diagonal
• Ball bearings in both axis of the mount for smooth performance
• Easy setup with no tools required
• Astronomy for beginners Sky Level 1 planetarium Software with 10,000

What we didn’t like

• Higher price 
• Only one eyepiece
• Not computerized

Best features: Easy no-tool assembly, high-quality glass optics 
How it’s beginner friendly: CG-4 German Equatorial Mount with slow motion controls to easily locate and track objects
What can you see with it: Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moon, polar ice caps on Mars

12. Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Amateur Telescope

My wife enjoys a tabletop mount. She doesn’t have to worry about the dogs knocking it over! The Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Amateur Telescope Kit offers a fabulous, simple point-and-view telescope kit. It is great for both beginners and seasoned astronomers, with ease of use and versatility. 

As a good amateur telescope, it features a large 6″ aperture. We enjoy viewing the craters on the Moon, planets, star clusters, and Messier objects. It has a compact pre-assembled design, which means no struggling to get it set up. It is ideal for grab-and-go portability for a weekend trip away from city lights. 

This great beginner telescope comes with 2 eyepieces, a Sirius Plossl 25mm and a 10mm. It has an EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy locating of any celestial object. For great Moon views, we use the 13% Transmission Moon Filter to enhance the images. 

There is also a Shorty Barlow Lens that doubles the magnification of the lenses. In the kit is a fun RedBeam Mini Red LED keychain flashlight, ideal for reading the sky maps in the dark. The Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software and Star Target Planisphere are awesome to guide stargazing for beginners.

What we liked

• Great value for money entry-level telescope
• 6″ aperture, 750mm focal length
• 2 eyepieces, Sirius Plossl 25mm, and 10mm 
• Orion Shorty 2x Barlow lens
• Tabletop mount for easy use 
• RedBeam Mini Red LED keychain flashlight 
• Red Dot EZ Finder II

What we didn’t like

• Some users prefer a hobby telescope with a floor-standing mount 
• Focuser could be better

Best features: Table top mount for ease of use
How it’s beginner friendly: Red Dot EZ Finder II to easily locate objects 
What can you see with it: Moon, Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, star clusters

Types of Telescopes