The best telescopes are great for scoping out massive stars, but they’re just as useful for looking at planets, and with a high-quality lens, you can get a clear view of almost every planet in the solar system.
The only problem is that astronomy can be quite complex, and if you don’t know how to find the best telescope for your needs, there is a good chance that you’ll end up with a lacklustre experience.
Below I have outlined what I consider to be the best retail level telescopes on the market today.
Our Top Pick
The Best Telescopes List 2020
Best Buy Telescopes Online Reviews
SaleBestseller No. 1
Zhizuka ZH400 Telescope 50mm Aperture 400mm with Phone Mount and Portable Tripod Stand Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Phone Adapter
- 50mm Large Aperture: Zhizuka telescopes for astronomy has a 500mm (f/5.5) focal length and 50mm aperture.Its 50mm large aperture provides excellent light-gathering power, delivering sharp and bright images of celestial objects–even in low light conditions.Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
- 【Great Telescope for Kids& Beginners!】 The telescope meets all the needs of astronomy beginners, the adults & kids’ astronomical journey begins from here! Equipped with 3X Barlow len and two eyepieces, 20mm and 12.5mm, you can get magnification of 18X to 28.8X. This is a great telescope for adults astronomy beginners.Whether it's viewing planets and stars, our telescope is the best helper for adults & kids.
- Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
- Easy to Assemble and Use:The telescope is designed to be user-friendly , it can be set up quickly without additional tools.You can find a lot of fun in assembling and develop the child's hands-on and observation skills.It comes with a detailed illustrated manual for easy set up and use.It is the perfect gift for kids or astronomers.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Pie Matrix Pegasus 76700 Newtonian Reflector Telescope with 235x Ultra HD Zoom,Fully Coated Glass Optics,Alt-Az Mount, Professional Telescopes to Explore Moon, Saturn Rings, Planets & Deep Sky Objects
- Professional-Grade Telescope for Enthusiasts: The Pie Matrix Pegasus 76700 Newtonian Reflector Telescope is the ultimate choice for both beginners and experienced stargazers, providing exceptional performance for celestial viewing and deep sky observation
- Versatile Eyepiece Options for Custom Viewing: The telescope includes 20mm, 12.5mm, and 6mm eyepieces, offering a wide range of magnification options from 35X to an impressive 235X (with the included Barlow lens), allowing you to tailor your viewing experience to your preferences
- Ideal for Astrophotography: With the included phone adapter, you can easily capture stunning images of the night sky and share your astronomical discoveries with friends and family, making it a perfect tool for budding astrophotography
- Trending and Popular Choice: The Pie Matrix Pegasus 76700 Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a highly sought-after and trending telescope among astronomy enthusiasts, offering cutting-edge features, exceptional value, and a complete package for a memorable stargazing experience
- Highly Reflective Aluminum/SiO2 Coated Mirror: Equipped with a highly reflective aluminum/SiO2 coated mirror, the Pegasus 76700 ensures crystal-clear, sharp images, enhancing your stargazing sessions with superior image quality
- Durable and Adjustable Tripod for Stability: The telescope comes with a sturdy, powder-coated black aluminum tripod that is fully adjustable, ensuring stability and ease of use in various observing conditions
SaleBestseller No. 3
HETVIN Telescope HD Vision Binoculars 10000M High Power for Outdoor Travel Stargazing Concerts Sports Optical Vision Binocular Fixed Zoom (30X60)
- Binocular high power HD telescope Clear imaginglQuick focuslSturdy and durable Lightweight mirror body Accompany you to explore the world Carry around Accompany you to explore the world.
- Internal metal mirror body Sturdy durable Metal mirror body design, with high strength shock resistance Can greatly enhance the service life of the telescope.
- BAK4 High light transmission prism Reduce light leakage, improve brightness, observe clearly without dark edges High transmittance, imaging, transparent and bright.
- Wide-angle eyepiece Immersive experience Make the eye observation more comfortable and solve the various discomforts of eye fatigue caused by using for a long time.
- Multilayer broadband coating Multilayer broadband coating makes light refraction and refraction lower Higher light transmittance, clear imaging, bright colors.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Cezo Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners (15X-150X), 300mm Portable Telescope with an Phone Holder
- 70mm Large Aperture: The telescope is equipped with a 70mm large aperture objective lens which makes the images brighter and clearer. The bigger the aperture is, the bigger the field of vision will be, so you can see clearer images. Professional telescope can help adults&kids view the planets and moon.
- 15X-150X Magnification: Our refractor telescope is equipped with two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. So you can get magnification from 15X to 150X. Whether watching stars and moon at night or observing planets, ToyerBee telescope is the best helper for kids & adults & astronomy beginners.
- Easy to assemble& dismount】 We have a full set of paper and video Installation Guidelines. Don't worry about any installation problems. Even for first-time users, kids&beginners can install it themselves without any tools. It is a great telescope for 8-12 kids and it’s a great astronomy gift to send them.
- Adjustable Tripod: With an adjustable tripod, our astronomical telescope’s height can adjust from 16’’ to 46’’, which can adapt to different view positions. It’s also convenient to be carried when you go out and travel.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Amazon Basics | 90X Zoom HD Focus Astronomical Telescope Refractor | with Mobile Stand and Portable Tripod Stand | High Power Telescope Gift for Kids | Explore Moon, Planets, Stargazing
- Portability: Lightweight build with robust materials like aluminum for effortless carrying while maintaining durability.
- Observational Versatility: Telescopes on mobile stands offer flexibility through various types like refractors, reflectors, and compound telescopes, each tailored to diverse observational preferences.
- Stability and Maneuverability: Mounts are engineered to provide stable support and fluid motion, essential for precise viewing and capturing detailed astronomical images.
- Ease of Use: Designed for beginners and mobile users, these telescopes feature simplified setup and alignment, with built-in databases for easy celestial object location.
- Versatile Applications: Commonly used in education, public events, and by traveling amateur astronomers for various observation sites.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Pie Matrix Phoenix 60700 Astronomical land & Sky Refractor Telescope with 175x Ultra Zoom,Fully Coated Glass Optics, Alt-Az Mount,Professionals to Explore Moon,Saturn Rings, Planets & Deep Sky Objects
- Versatile Observation: The Pie Matrix Phoenix 60700 Refractor Telescope is perfect for both terrestrial and celestial observation, making it ideal for on-the-go viewing. It offers breathtaking views of planets, the moon, star clusters, and brighter stars, providing a versatile experience for various types of observations
- Enhanced Stargazing Experience: The adjustable tripod stand allows for exploration at various heights and surfaces, making it suitable for both beginner and professional astronomers. With its precise optics and easy-to-use design, the Phoenix 60700 lets you explore the lunar landscape and observe stars with remarkable detail
- Adjustable Tripod: The telescope comes with adjustable tripod legs, allowing you to customize its height or place it on raised surfaces. This added convenience ensures a comfortable and personalized viewing experience
- High-Quality Optics: Featuring a 60 mm aperture, 700 mm focal length, and an f/11.6 focal ratio, the telescope provides clear and sharp images with a resolution of 2.31 Arc Seconds. The optical tube is made of metal, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance
- Precision and Fluid Aiming: The telescope is equipped with an Alt-Azimuthal (Alt-Az) Fork Mount with a locking mechanism, allowing for precise and fluid aiming. This makes it easier to track and observe objects in the night sky with accuracy
- 360-Degree Experience: Whether observing the night sky or enjoying terrestrial views, the Phoenix 60700 provides an unparalleled 360-degree experience. This makes it a versatile and valuable tool for astronomy enthusiasts of all levels
SaleBestseller No. 7
Pie Matrix Neo 50/360 90x HD Zoom Astronomical land & Sky Refractor Telescope with Tripod & Travel Bag,Telescope Gift for Kids, Adults, Beginners to Explore Moon Craters,Planets,Wildlife Bird Watching
- Superior Optical Performance: With a 50mm aperture and a 360mm focal length, the Pie Matrix NEO50360 provides a focal ratio of f/7.2. This combination delivers outstanding resolution with 2.3 arc seconds accuracy, allowing for sharp, detailed images. Whether you’re observing distant celestial objects or close-up terrestrial scenes, the optical performance ensures that every detail is captured with clarity
- Enhanced Viewing Comfort: The telescope includes a 90-degree diagonal prism erecting eyepiece, which significantly improves viewing comfort by allowing for a more natural, relaxed viewing angle. Additionally, the set includes two eyepieces, H6mm and H20mm, which offer magnifications of 18x and 90x, respectively. This flexibility in magnification enables you to adjust your view according to your observational needs and preferences
- Sturdy and Stable Platform: The Pie Matrix NEO50360 comes with a robust aluminum tabletop tripod that provides a stable and reliable platform for your observations. This tripod ensures that the telescope remains steady, reducing vibrations and allowing for more precise and enjoyable viewing, whether you’re using it indoors on a table or setting it up on a flat surface outdoors
- Complete and Convenient Package: The telescope is packaged with a range of accessories that enhance its usability and convenience. Included is a soft carry case for easy transport and protection of the telescope. This comprehensive package makes the Pie Matrix NEO50360 an excellent choice for beginners, kids astronomers, and for educational purposes, providing everything you need to start your observational advent
- Trusted by Astronomers: Professional Multi-Coated glass lens used & Approved by Experts. First choice of Astronomers to Explore the Universe
- 2-Year Brand Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with a 2-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. For support, reach out to our 24/7 customer care team at +91 9355529405 or support@thepiematrix.com
SaleBestseller No. 8
Lukzer 1PC Refractor Telescope 90X Astronomical Landscape Magnification with Tripod Best Gift for Kids to Explore Moon Space, View Wildlife, Watch Night-Sky
- A small refracting type telescope with a larger diameter (50mm), accounting for little place
- Can set 60X, 18X, the mirror group plus 1.5X, 90X, 27X
- Equipped with two different magnification eyepieces and 1.5X multiplier mirrors, so that you can freely mix, observe different distances and sizes objects
- Suitable for beginners astronomy enthusiasts, especially a best gift for your children
- Do not view sun through telescope as serious injury to the eye will occur
SaleBestseller No. 9
Audavibe Educational 90x Astronomical Telescope with APP | 1000+ Facts on Solar System, Spacesuits, Launchers, Celestial Bodies, etc | AstroReels, Skymap & AR Based Fun Learning
- DISCOVER: The Audavibe 36050 90x Telescope with Arya's Space Odyssey App takes you on a captivating journey through space. Connect your phone to the telescope and use the companion app to unlock 1000+ fascinating facts about the Solar System, Celestial Bodies, Space Organizations, Scientists & Astronauts, and Events & Achievements. Engage with the Skymap feature to explore the cosmos in real-time and enjoy AstroReels for fun, educational space-themed reels.
- LEARN: Dive into over 1000 intriguing facts across five categories - Solar System, Celestial Bodies, Space Organizations and their launchers & spacesuits, Scientists and Astronauts, and Space Events & Achievements. Use the interactive Skymap to identify stars, planets, and constellations. Participate in fun quizzes and challenges designed to enhance your knowledge about space.
- FOR SPACE ENTHUSIASTS : Ideal for curious minds, this telescope and app combo sparks imagination and a love for astronomy. It supports learning in subjects like space science, astronomy, physics, and history, making it a perfect educational tool for young explorers. One of the best choice of Telescope for Gifting
- IN THE BOX: The package includes a 360mm telescope tube, a sturdy tripod stand, a 1.5x erecting scope, a zenith mirror, two eyepieces, a moon lens, a space passport, a visa stamp, a sticker sheet, and a user manual. (Tablet/smartphone not included.) If you're seeking an educational telescope and a unique gift, the Audavibe 36050 Telescope is the answer! It's fantastic for the curious minds!
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: This smart telescope works with the free Arya's Space Odyssey app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store. Internet connection is required to play. Compatible with iPad 5th gen & above, iPad Air all models, iPad Pro all models, iPad Mini 2 & above, iPhone 6 & above, and Android tablets and smartphones with ARCore compatibility and 3GB RAM and above.
SaleBestseller No. 10
Celestron Speciality Series Travel Scope 70 Telescope
- All coated glass optical elements for clear, crisp images
- Erect image diagonal so that your views are correctly oriented
- Smooth functioning altazimuth mount with easy pointing to located objects
- Quick and easy no-tool set up
- The telescope and tripod fit inside the custom backpack for easy traveling and storage
- Country of Origin: China
How To Choose The Right Telescope For You?
Chances you are going to use the telescope for amateur astronomy. Because if you are a professional in this field, you wouldn’t rely on our review post. Because we have only reviewed telescopes that are low-cost and beginner-friendly. In that case, Dobsonian telescopes are your friend. This type of telescope is better for you as they are easy to use, portable, and budget-friendly.
Next, if you want to look at the deep-sky objects, then you should opt for a telescope with a larger aperture. For the record, you should take a telescope that has an aperture of at least 70 mm or 2.8 inches. Of course, in this case, the more the better.
Another important thing to note is that the magnification is not everything. You can theoretically magnify infinitely on a telescope. But that doesn’t mean it will produce a clear image of the object.
As a result, the main priority should be the diameter of the aperture. The aperture of the telescope determines how sharp and bright the image will appear with its light-gathering and power resolving capability. That way, you should look for a telescope with a larger aperture.
At the same time, you should buy a portable telescope that is easy to set up and use. There is no use of buying a gigantic telescope if you cannot manage or set it up with ease. Also, portable telescopes will come in handy if you need to carry with you from one place to another.
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