There are many online retailers that sell beginner telescopes. Once you find the best beginner telescope for you, be sure to buy at a reputable online store with a good return policy. We like Amazon.com for their selection, prices, and return policy. Below are a few recommended products in different price ranges.
Recommended Astronomy Book
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Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the UniverseOne of the best and most highly-rated astronomy books, hands-down. Tons of useful advice and some of the best star charts available, in an clear and easy-to-understand format for both kids and adults. |
Recommended Binoculars
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Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 BinocularsThese binoculars are a great value, and have some excellent optics for the price point. Their larger aperture is ideal for low-light skygazing. Details can be discerned in several planets, the Orion nebula, and the Andromeda galaxy. |
Recommended Under-$300 Beginner Telescope
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Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor TelescopeIf we had to recommend a beginner telescope in this price range, this would be the one. This telescope has good optics for the price, and features fairly sharp images at its advertised magnification levels. Under the right conditions, you should be able to see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and details of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. |
Recommended $300-$500 Beginner Telescope
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Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian TelescopeWe strongly recommend either going with binoculars, or saving up for a telescope in this price range. You will not be disappointed with the Orion SkyQuest XT8. Its high-quality, large-aperture optics will give you stunning images. Astronomy Magazine raves that this telescope’s optics and simple design bring a “new level of joy to simple observing.” |
Recommended Over-$500 Beginner Telescope
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Meade 12″ LightBridge Truss-Tube Dobsonian TelescopeMeade 12″ LightBridge Truss-Tube Dobsonian Telescope. This telescope will take your viewing into previously uncharted territory. With this 12″ Dobsonian, you will be able to observe a multitude of faint but fascinating galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters. |
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