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
CEZO Telescope Zoom 90X HD Focus Astronomical Refractor with Portable Tripod Stand. F36050M High Power Astronomical Telescope, Telescope for Kids, Adults, Beginners (Telescope)
- 【Astronomy Exploration & Good Habit Adaption】As an astronomical telescope perfect for kids, it will attract kid’s attention to the mystery of universal which can let your children be far away from the phone and adapt a good study habit.
- 【Reflector Telescope & High Magnification】Including two eyepieces (6 mm and 20mm), our F50360M Telescope features fully-coated glass optics and high transmission coatings, which can create a brighter image quality and higher magnification power.
- 【Easy Installation & Friendly to Beginners】No need for any tools, even the astronomy beginners can easily and quickly assemble our telescope within one minute and make use of it without confusion or difficulties, which is ideal for your lovely children.
- 【Strong Tripod & 360 ° rotation design】38cm Being made of aluminum, the tripod has a sturdy but lightweight frame, convenient to carry and stable to observe, with the 360 ° rotation design providing you a full range of scenery needless to move.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Amazon Basics TS-90X Zoom HD Astronomical Telescope| Mobile Stand & Portable Tripod | Perfect Kids Gift for Moon, Planets | Comprehensive 360° Viewing Optics | Simple Assembly
- Comprehensive Viewing: The 360° rotation design allows kids to enjoy a full view without constant adjustment.
- Immersive Exploration: High-quality optics provide an immersive experience, letting kids discover celestial wonders like the moon, planets, and stars.
- Portable Stability: A lightweight tripod frame offers stability and easy portability for observation sessions.
- Simple Assembly: No tools needed! Beginners can set up this telescope in just one minute, ensuring hassle-free use for kids.
- Inspire Curiosity: This telescope ignites children's fascination with the universe, encouraging healthy study habits and reducing screen time.
- Durable Construction: Built with sturdy materials, this telescope ensures long-lasting use, even with regular handling by enthusiastic young explorers.
SaleBestseller No. 3
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.
Bestseller No. 4
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. 5
ZHIZUKA Telescope Zoom 90X HD Focus Astronomical Refractor with Portable Tripod Stand. F36050M High Power TeleScope Gift for Kids, Adults, Beginners to Explore Moon, Space, Planets, Stargazing, Wildlife Bird Watching Day-Night Sky, Hunting, Outdoor Travelling.
- Model F36050 Star Telescope: 18X, 27X, 60X, 90X magnification F36050 astronomical refractor telescope has good performance for observing celestial bodies, moon, stars, venus, mars, planets, etc. Telescope could be moved vertically (altitude) and horizontally (azimuth)
- Perfect Configuration:50mm Aperture, 360mm focal length, H6mm, H20mm 2 different interchangeable eyepieces, different magnification eyepieces could make you things observed at different distances and sizes objects. 1.5X Erecting Eyepiece: not only increases the magnification of telescope but also correct the direction of the image. A travel telescope with 18X magnification will have a magnification of 27X. and the travel telescope with 60X magnification will have a magnification of 90X
- Provides clear long distance view very easily. Works well at both day and night vision. Astronomy Galaxy Exploration & Good Habit Adaption. Educational Learning.
- Solid Tripod: Adjustable aluminum tripod is solid, not easy to brake, very durable and safe. Detailed and specific set up introduction. Best gift for beginners, kids, teens, entry-level amateur astronomers
- Perfect Gift Box. Package include: 1*Telescope, 1*Moon lens, 1*H20mm eyepiece, 1*H6mm eyepiece, 1*1.5X Erecting Eyepiece, 1*Tripod.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Cezo Telescope 90X Zoom HD Focus Astronomical Telescope Refractor with Mobile Stand And Portable Tripod Stand High Power TeleScope Gift for Kids, to Explore Moon, Planets, Stargazing
- 【Astronomy Exploration & Good Habit Adaption】As an astronomical perfect telescope for kids, it will attract kid’s attention to the mystery of universal which can let your children be far away from the phone and adapt a good study habit. Ideal telescope for astronomy
- 【Reflector Telescope & High Magnification】Including two eyepieces (6 mm and 20mm), our F50360M Telescope features fully-coated glass optics and high transmission coatings, which can create a brighter image quality and higher magnification power.
- 【Easy Installation & Friendly to Beginners】No need for any tools, even the astronomy beginners can easily and quickly assemble our telescope within one minute and make use of it without confusion or difficulties, which is ideal for your lovely children.
- 【Strong Tripod & 360 ° rotation design】38cm Being made of aluminum, the tripod has a sturdy but lightweight frame, convenient to carry and stable to observe, with the 360 ° rotation design providing you a full range of scenery needless to move.
SaleBestseller No. 7
Cason- Professional Telescope Binoculars with Pouch, 8 X 40 HD Vision 8 X Zoom for Adults Long Distance Bird Watching, Sightseeing wildlife Trekking - Green
- PRISM TYPE : Binoculars For Long Distance has Porro BAK-4 Glass : DISPLAY TYPE : ultra clear FMC ,Model: 8x40 Magnification: 8X Objective Lens: 40mm Focus System: Center Field of view 420ft @ 1000yds
- FOCUSING SYSTEM : Binocular with Center + Right eyepiece diopter
- Binoculars For Bird Watching has Image Stabilization; Wide-angled view, compact-sized binoculars , Sharp & crispy image
- Smooth central focus knob for quick viewing., ·Antireflection tri-layer coated blue lens, brighter and sharp viewing
- BaK-4 prism and multi-coated blue film optics for superior resolution and image clarity, Material: specialized engineering metal, handgrip has high-class really rubber, comfortable to touch
SaleBestseller No. 8
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. 9
Amazon Basics | 40X60 Magnification Zoom HD Monocular Telescope | for Adults and Children | High Power Telescope Gadget | Outdoor Telescope with Built-in Compass
- 40X Magnification: Experience objects up to 40 times closer with our high-powered magnification, perfect for detailed nature observations and sporting events.
- Enhanced Vision: A 60mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images in low light and a wide field of view for easy tracking of moving subjects.
- Compact and Lightweight: Despite its powerful magnification and large lens, this monocular is designed to be lightweight and portable, ideal for adventures.
- User-Friendly Design: Designed for simplicity, it includes a focus knob for quick adjustments, catering to children and beginners alike.
- Versatile Viewing: Ideal for nature walks, sporting events, and stargazing, it often features a tripod mount for extended observation sessions without hand fatigue.
SaleBestseller No. 10
Audavibe Educational 90x Astronomical Telescope for Kids with APP | 1000+ Facts on Solar System, Spacesuits, Launchers, Celestial Bodies, etc | AstroReels, Skymap & AR Based Fun Learning (8-16 Years)
- DISCOVER: The Audavibe 36050 90x Telescope with Arya's Space Odyssey App takes your child 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 AGES 8-16: 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.
- 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 also a fantastic supplement for homeschooling and classroom learning.
- 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 3GB RAM and above.
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