Beginner Telescopes

Finding the right beginner telescope is the most important step toward a lifelong love of astronomy. Explore Scientific's collection of telescopes for beginners brings together easy-to-use refractors, compact Newtonian reflectors, Dobsonian telescopes and GoTo telescope packages from Explore Scientific, Explore FirstLight, Explore One and National Geographic, all chosen for quick setup, intuitive operation and optics that deliver satisfying views from the very first night.

A good first telescope should show you the craters and mountains of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the cloud bands and moons of Jupiter, and bright deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades. Aperture, the diameter of the main lens or mirror, matters most: larger apertures gather more light for brighter, sharper views. Refractors are low-maintenance and great for the Moon and planets, Dobsonians offer the most aperture for the money for deep-sky observing, and computerized GoTo telescopes locate thousands of objects for you at the push of a button.

When choosing the best telescope for beginners, consider where you will observe, how much you want to carry, and whether you prefer to learn the sky manually or let a GoTo mount do the finding. Many beginner telescopes include eyepieces, a finder and a tripod or mount, so you can start observing right away. These telescopes are equally suitable as a first telescope for adults, families and older kids, and many can grow with you as you add eyepieces, filters and accessories.

Shop by type

• Refractor Telescopes: lens-based, low maintenance, sharp views of the Moon and planets
• Reflector Telescopes: mirror-based, the most light for the money
• Dobsonian Telescopes: big aperture on a simple point-and-look base
• Astrophotography Telescopes: ED APO refractors built for imaging
• ED APO Triplet Refractors: our air-spaced triplets, 80mm to 152mm
• Sidara Series: matched telescope and mount packages, manual to GoTo
• Telescope & Mount Packages: everything you need in one box
• Telescopes Under $200: great starter scopes and gifts
• Telescope Eyepieces: waterproof 52° to 120° eyepieces to upgrade any scope

Beginner Telescope FAQ

What is the best telescope for a beginner adult?

A 70mm to 80mm refractor on a sturdy mount, a 114mm reflector, or a 6-inch tabletop Dobsonian. All three are easy to learn on and powerful enough to keep you interested. If you'd rather have the telescope find objects for you, choose a GoTo or tracker package.

What is a good first telescope for a kid?

For younger kids, a light 50mm to 70mm refractor on a tabletop or panhandle mount is easy to aim and hard to break. Kids 10 and up do well with a 70mm refractor or a 114mm reflector. See our gifts for kids.

How much should I spend on a first telescope?

Plan on $100 to $500 for a telescope that shows real detail and lasts. Under $100 works for kids and casual looks at the Moon, while $300 to $500 gets you a quality refractor, a tabletop Dobsonian or a GoTo tracker. Browse telescopes under $200.

What will I see the first night?

Start with the Moon, then Jupiter and Saturn when they are up, the Pleiades star cluster and the Orion Nebula in winter. Avoid using the highest power eyepiece first; low power makes objects easier to find.

What warranty do your telescopes have?

Explore Scientific telescopes carry a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner (electronics are covered for 2 years). Explore One and National Geographic telescopes carry a 1-year limited warranty. Register within 60 days of purchase to activate coverage.