5 Best Telescopes For Beginners of 2024
If you are thinking about getting into stargazing then you will need a telescope. Stargazing and astrophotography can be an expensive hobby. It’s best to research telescopes so you know what to look for and what to avoid. Not every telescope is created equal.
What Are The Best Beginner Telescopes?
The answer to this question isn’t very straightforward. It depends on what you want to get out of the telescope. Some are better for viewing deep-sky objects while some are better for viewing planets and moons.
Unistellar eQuinox 2
Unistellar makes very high-quality smart telescopes. They are also a bit pricey. They are great for astrophotography and for viewing in areas with a lot of light pollution. Another perk is that your images can contribute to astronomical research. Maybe you’re not interested in that. Maybe you want that experience of looking through an eyepiece. If that’s the case, then maybe a smart telescope isn’t for you.
Specs
- Mirror Diameter: 114mm
- Focal Length: 450 mm
- Mount: Motorized Alt-Az
- Image resolution: 6.2 Mpx
Best For Viewing
- Lunar and Planetary
- Deep-sky Objects
Pros
- Smart Technology Integration
- Real-Time Image Enhancement
- Portability and Compact Design
- Community and Science Contributions
Cons
- High Price
- Limited Manual Control
- Dependence on Technology
- Battery Life
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is a high-quality telescope designed for astrophotography and visual observation. It features a 100mm apochromatic doublet lens system, providing excellent color correction and sharp images. With a focal length of 900mm and a focal ratio of f/9, it offers a good balance between magnification and wide-field views. It doesn’t come with a mount, though. This could be seen as a pro or a con. It means you’re not stuck with a mount you don’t want.
Specs
- Aperture: 100mm (3.94″)
- Focal Length: 900mm
- Focal Ratio: f/9
- Optical Design: Apochromatic Doublet
Best For Viewing
- Lunar and planetary
- Deep-sky objects
Pros
- High-quality optics with excellent color correction
- Sturdy dual-speed focuser for precise focusing
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires a sturdy mount
Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor
The Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor is a versatile telescope designed for both beginners and experienced astronomers. With a 102mm aperture and a focal length of 1000mm, it provides clear and detailed views of celestial objects. Its achromatic doublet design minimizes chromatic aberration for sharp images. The telescope comes with a 2″ Rack and Pinion focuser, ensuring smooth and precise focusing. It includes essential accessories like a 25mm Plossl eyepiece and a 90° diagonal for convenient observation.
Specs:
- Aperture: 102mm (4″)
- Focal Length: 1000mm
- Focal Ratio: f/9.8
- Optical Design: Air-spaced doublet achromatic refractor
Best For Viewing
- Lunar and Planetary
- Bright deep-sky
Pros
- Affordability
- Portability
- Accessories Included
Cons
- Chromatic Aberration
- Mount Stability
Explore Scientific AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor
The Explore Scientific AR102 is a refractor telescope with a 102mm aperture and a focal length of 663mm. It features an air-spaced doublet optical design for improved color correction and sharpness. These telescopes come with a 2″ dual-speed Crayford focuser for precise and smooth focusing. It includes accessories such as a 2″ dielectric diagonal and an 8×50 finderscope. With its high-quality optics and sturdy build, the AR102 is suitable for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Specs
- Aperture: 102mm (4″)
- Focal Length: 663mm
- Focal Ratio: f/6.5
- Optical Design: Air-Spaced Achromatic Doublet
Best For Viewing
- Lunar and Planetary
- Deep-Sky Objects
Pros
- Wide Field of View
- High Optical Quality
- Sturdy Build
- Accessories included
Cons
- Mount Sold Separately
- Chromatic Aberration
Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope features a 6-inch aperture and a 750mm focal length, offering excellent light-gathering capabilities. Its Newtonian reflector design uses a parabolic primary mirror for detailed views of celestial objects. The telescope comes with a sturdy altazimuth mount. This makes it easy to navigate the night sky. Compact and portable, the StarBlast 6 is a great choice for beginner astronomers.
Specs
- Aperture: 150mm (6″)
- Focal Length: 750mm
- Focal Ratio: f/5
- Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector
Best For Viewing
- Lunar and Planetary
- Deep-sky Objects
Pros
- Big Aperture Size
- Portability
- User-Friendly
- Low Cost, High Quality
Cons
- Mount Stability
- Focuser
- Manual Tracking
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