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
Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope - Manual Alt-Azimuth Telescope for Beginners - Compact and Portable - Bonus Astronomy Software Package - 50mm Aperture
- Perfect beginners telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ 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 yoke mount: Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a yoke 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 favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- Multiple accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope features 4 eyepieces (20mm, 12mm, 4mm, and 1.5x image erecting eyepiece), star diagonal, a finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each.
SaleBestseller No. 2
SSEA Telescope -Mod 70076 Reflector Astronomical Telescope- HD Precise Optics -(with Full Size Stand-for) All -Multi Power Enhance Optics Aperture Modal 70076 mm
- Solid Reflactor Telescope 】 The astronomical telescope features 700mm(f/5.7) focal length and 76mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings, provides stunning views and protect your eyes. Awesome telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon Saturn Jupiter and more
- 🔭【High Magnification】 Magnification: Telescope with three eyepieces (0.965" eyepieces 6mm, 12mm, 20mm) Different magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
- 🔭【Portable & Stability】 No tools are required for assembly, the telescope refractors kit goes together in minutes. It has an adjustable aluminium tripod, which can be used in many different viewing positions.
- 🔭【Great Gift Ideas】 The kids telescope is a perfect festive gifts 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
- 🔭【Satisfaction Quality】 lifetime maintenance. If you have any question about product and service, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you in 24 hours.
SaleBestseller No. 3
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
SaleBestseller No. 4
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. 5
Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope DX - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - Bonus Astronomy Software Package - Digiscoping Smartphone Adapter
- SUPERIOR OPTICS: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against others
- LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy
- BONUS BAG, TRIPOD, MOON FILTER, 2x BARLOW, BLUETOOTH SHUTTER RELEASE, SMARTPHONE ADAPTER AND SOFTWARE: Highly portable and ready for your digiscoping adventures. Also includes 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 and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts
- POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day
SaleBestseller No. 6
EKRON Explore The Universe: Zoom 90X HD Focus Astronomical Refractor Telescope with Portable Tripod Stand for Kids, Adults, and Beginners
- 🔭【High-Quality Optics】: Delivers sharp, high-definition views of celestial objects, enhancing your stargazing experience.
- 🔭【Powerful Zoom Capability (90X)】: Allows for detailed exploration of distant planets, lunar features, and deep-sky objects.
- 🔭【Stable Tripod Stand】: Provides reliable support for steady observations, essential for clear and precise viewing.
- 🔭【User-Friendly Setup】: Designed for easy assembly and operation, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for all ages.
- 🔭【Ideal Gift】: Perfect for inspiring curiosity in astronomy enthusiasts of all levels, including kids and adults.
Bestseller No. 7
Cezo Telescope for Adults & Kids, 50mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners (15X-150X), 300mm Portable Telescope with an Phone Holder (50-MM)
- 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. 8
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.
Bestseller No. 9
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. 10
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
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.
Leave a Comment