Best telescopes for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is our top pick for beginners, it’s simple to set up, easy to use, and delivers crisp views of the Moon and planets without breaking the bank.
The Nexstar 130SLT suits hobbyists who want automated tracking, the Gskyer 70mm is the budget-friendly gateway, the Apertura AD8 is for those ready to invest seriously, and the Orion StarBlast II is the compact grab-and-go option.
A good telescope can turn a passing curiosity into a lifelong passion, but the wrong one can leave you frustrated with wobbly mounts and blurry views. For beginners, the key is to prioritize stability, simplicity, and enough aperture to see something worthwhile, not just the highest magnification number on the box. Most entry-level scopes fall into two camps: refractors, which are low-maintenance and great for lunar and planetary views, and reflectors, which offer more light-gathering for deep-sky objects but may need occasional collimation. When you’re choosing, think about where you’ll observe (a backyard vs. a dark-sky site), how much setup you’re willing to do, and whether you want to learn the sky manually or let a computer find objects for you. A sturdy mount matters more than a big lens, if the scope shakes at the slightest touch, you’ll never get a steady view. Below, we’ve ranked five well-regarded models based on owner feedback and published expert reviews, focusing on what actually works for a first-time buyer.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The AstroMaster 70AZ hits the sweet spot for beginners: a 70mm refractor on a sturdy alt-azimuth mount that’s quick to set up and intuitive to aim. It delivers sharp, bright views of the Moon, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings, and it’s compact enough to store easily. The included accessories are decent, though the finderscope can be fiddly for some users.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Celestron Nexstar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
the automated stargazer
4.5out of 5The Nexstar 130SLT is a computerized reflector that finds thousands of objects at the push of a button, making it a fantastic learning tool for tech-savvy beginners. Its 130mm aperture gathers plenty of light for bright deep-sky targets, and the GoTo mount tracks objects smoothly. The trade-off is a longer setup time and the need to align the scope each session.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Gskyer Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount
the budget gateway
4.2out of 5The Gskyer 70mm is a budget-friendly refractor that punches above its price for lunar and planetary views. It’s lightweight, comes with a decent tripod and two eyepieces, and is easy for kids or adults to handle. The main compromises are a smaller aperture and a mount that’s fine for low power but shaky at higher magnifications.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss first telescope for casual backyard observing of the | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Celestron Nexstar 130SLT Computerized Telescope | 4.5 / 5 | $$$ | Beginners who want a guided tour of the night sky and don’t mind a bit of tech setup. | Check price → |
| Best value | Gskyer Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Families or first-timers who want a low-cost way to see the Moon and planets without a big | Check price → |
| Best premium | Apertura AD8 Dobsonian Telescope | 4.8 / 5 | $$$$ | Enthusiasts who want a serious instrument for deep-sky observing and are willing to store | Check price → |
| Best for beginners | Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Beginners who want a portable scope for backyard use or travel, and who are willing to lea | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe AstroMaster 70AZ hits the sweet spot for beginners: a 70mm refractor on a sturdy alt-azimuth mount that’s quick to set up and intuitive to aim. It delivers sharp, bright views of the Moon, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings, and it’s compact enough to store easily. The included accessories are decent, though the finderscope can be fiddly for some users.
Pros
- Smooth, stable alt-azimuth mount
- Good optics for lunar and planetary viewing
Cons
- Small aperture limits deep-sky views
- Finder scope can be tricky to align
- Tripod is a bit wobbly at high magnification
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss first telescope for casual backyard observing of the Moon and bright planets.Who should skip it
You’re primarily interested in faint galaxies and nebulae, you’ll want a larger aperture reflector.2. Celestron Nexstar 130SLT Computerized Telescope: the automated stargazer
Runner-upThe Nexstar 130SLT is a computerized reflector that finds thousands of objects at the push of a button, making it a fantastic learning tool for tech-savvy beginners. Its 130mm aperture gathers plenty of light for bright deep-sky targets, and the GoTo mount tracks objects smoothly. The trade-off is a longer setup time and the need to align the scope each session.
Pros
- GoTo mount locates objects automatically
- Large aperture for its class
- Compact and portable for travel
- Good for both planetary and deep-sky observing
Cons
- Requires initial alignment and occasional recalibration
- Batteries drain quickly, plan for a power pack
- Tripod can feel a bit light for the mount
Who it’s for
Beginners who want a guided tour of the night sky and don’t mind a bit of tech setup.Who should skip it
You prefer a purely manual experience or want the simplest possible setup every time.3. Gskyer Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount: the budget gateway
Best valueThe Gskyer 70mm is a budget-friendly refractor that punches above its price for lunar and planetary views. It’s lightweight, comes with a decent tripod and two eyepieces, and is easy for kids or adults to handle. The main compromises are a smaller aperture and a mount that’s fine for low power but shaky at higher magnifications.
Pros
- Very affordable entry point
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Good views of the Moon and bright planets
- Includes a smartphone adapter for basic astrophotography
Cons
- Small aperture limits deep-sky performance
- Mount is not the most stable at high power
- Plastic focuser feels less durable
Who it’s for
Families or first-timers who want a low-cost way to see the Moon and planets without a big commitment.Who should skip it
You’re serious about deep-sky observing or want a mount that will last for years of heavy use.4. Apertura AD8 Dobsonian Telescope: the serious investment
Best premiumThe Apertura AD8 is a large-aperture Dobsonian that delivers stunning views of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, the kind of scope that can keep you engaged for years. Its 8-inch mirror gathers a lot of light, and the included accessories (two eyepieces, a laser collimator, and a cooling fan) are genuinely useful. The trade-off is size and weight; it’s a big, bulky tube that needs a dedicated storage spot.
Pros
- Excellent light-gathering for deep-sky objects
- Comes with quality accessories
- Easy to collimate with included laser
Cons
- Large and heavy, not portable for travel
- Requires some learning to collimate
- No motorized tracking, manual nudging needed
Who it’s for
Enthusiasts who want a serious instrument for deep-sky observing and are willing to store a large scope.Who should skip it
You have limited storage space or want a scope you can take to dark-sky sites easily.5. Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope: the compact grab-and-go
Best for beginnersThe Orion StarBlast II 4.5 is a small reflector on a tabletop base that’s perfect for quick observing sessions. Its 4.5-inch aperture is surprisingly capable for the Moon and bright deep-sky objects, and the short tube makes it easy to set up anywhere. The equatorial mount adds a learning curve, and the tabletop design means you’ll need a sturdy surface.
Pros
- Compact and portable, fits on a table
- Good aperture for its size
- Includes a useful red-dot finder
- Simple to use once set up
Cons
- Equatorial mount can be confusing for beginners
- Tabletop base requires a stable surface
- Smaller aperture than other reflectors in this list
Who it’s for
Beginners who want a portable scope for backyard use or travel, and who are willing to learn the equatorial mount.Who should skip it
You want a traditional tripod setup or prefer a fully manual alt-azimuth mount.Best for specific needs
Best for quick backyard sessions
If you want to step outside for a 15-minute look at the Moon or Jupiter without a big setup, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is your best bet. It’s light, sets up in minutes, and the alt-azimuth mount is intuitive to aim. You’ll be observing while others are still reading manuals. Our pick: Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ.
Best for deep-sky observing on a budget
For those who want to see galaxies and nebulae without spending a fortune, the Apertura AD8 Dobsonian offers the most light-gathering per dollar. Its large mirror reveals faint objects that smaller scopes can’t touch, and the included accessories make it a great value. Just be prepared for its size and weight. Our pick: Apertura AD8 Dobsonian.
Best for tech-savvy beginners
If you love gadgets and want the scope to find objects for you, the Celestron Nexstar 130SLT is the way to go. Its GoTo mount does the heavy lifting, letting you focus on observing rather than star-hopping. It’s a great way to learn the sky, but you’ll need to invest time in setup and alignment. Our pick: Celestron Nexstar 130SLT.
Our verdict
Choosing your first telescope is about matching the tool to your lifestyle and curiosity. For most beginners, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ offers the best balance of ease, performance, and value, it’s the one we’d recommend without hesitation. If you’re willing to spend more and want to dive deep into the cosmos, the Apertura AD8 is a worthy upgrade. And if you’re on a tight budget, the Gskyer 70mm will get you started without regret. Whichever you pick, remember: the best telescope is the one you actually use, so keep it simple, keep it stable, and enjoy the view.