Best Telescopes for Beginners in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: January 19th, 2024

🔭So, you're thinking about diving into the world of astronomy but have no idea where to begin? Picking your first telescope can feel daunting with all the choices out there. But don't worry—we've got your back.

We've sifted through a ton of telescopes to find the best ones for different needs and budgets. Whether you’re after the overall best, a close second, or a wallet-friendly option, we've got a suggestion for you. Keep reading to find the telescope that'll help you explore the marvels of the night sky.

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Overall Best: Celestron NexStar 8SE

Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+ Celestial Objects - 8-Inch Primary Mirror NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Our top pick for the best beginner telescope in 2024 is the Celestron NexStar 8SE. This telescope stands out with its 8-inch aperture, which delivers clear and bright images of everything from the moon to distant galaxies. What sets it apart is the fully automated mount, integrated with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, simplifying the process of locating and identifying night sky features. While its initial setup might require some alignment and it weighs a substantial 24 pounds, its automated functionalities and high-quality optics make it an excellent investment for serious beginners. The NexStar 8SE strikes a perfect balance between ease of use and advanced capabilities, making it a telescope that can grow with you as your interest in astronomy deepens.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,599.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How accurate is the GoTo mount on the Celestron NexStar 8SE?
So, you're curious about the accuracy of the GoTo mount on the Celestron NexStar 8SE? It's a pretty popular telescope among folks who are either just getting into stargazing or have been at it for a while. A big reason for this is its optical performance and that 8-inch aperture, making the Moon and planets look really sharp and detailed. What's really cool about it is the computerized GoTo mount, which basically takes the guesswork out of finding stars and planets. It's got this huge database with 40,000 celestial objects, so once you get it set up, it practically points you to whatever you want to see. But, like with anything technical, there are a few things to keep in mind. Our research shows that setting up the 8SE isn’t exactly a piece of cake; it needs a reliable power source and a careful initial alignment to get the best out of the GoTo feature. It runs on 8 AA batteries, but they tend to run out quicker than you'd probably like, especially if you’re planning a long stargazing session. A lot of folks suggest getting an external power pack or an AC adapter to avoid any interruptions. About the alignment—this telescope uses Celestron's SkyAlign technology. It can take a bit of practice to get it just right, but once you do, the accuracy improves a lot. Taking a little time to learn this setup can really make a difference in your observing sessions. The NexStar 8SE is also quite portable and easy to assemble, so you can take it to those darker places away from city lights. However, if you’re thinking about diving into astrophotography, especially with long exposure shots, you might find the alt-azimuth mount isn’t as stable or precise as you’d need. Consider some additional gear or even a telescope with an equatorial mount for better results. In all, the NexStar 8SE does a good job of balancing power, convenience, and ease of use. It’s a great option if you’re eager to explore astronomy, and with a few extra pieces, you can expand its potential as you get more into it.
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What accessories are needed for the Celestron NexStar 8SE?
Hey! The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a pretty cool telescope, especially if you're just getting into stargazing. It’s got this handy computerized GoTo mount that helps you locate over 40,000 celestial objects, which is neat. But, to really make the most of it, there are a few accessories you might want to consider. First, the telescope doesn’t come with built-in GPS, which means you'll need to manually enter location settings. If that sounds like a hassle, you might want to grab the [SkySync GPS module](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSkySync%2BGPS%2Bmodule%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). Our research suggests that this add-on makes aligning the telescope a lot easier, especially if you’re in a city with lots of light pollution or aren’t familiar with alignment. It feeds your exact coordinates into the telescope, making the SkyAlign technology work its magic pretty much on its own. Next, about power — according to some folks, the NexStar 8SE can eat through its eight AA batteries quicker than you’d expect. If you're planning on long observation or photography sessions, consider getting a [power tank](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpower%2Btank%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or an [AC adapter](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAC%2Badapter%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). This way, you’re not constantly swapping out batteries or worrying about running out of juice mid-session. Lastly, while the 8-inch aperture does a solid job at capturing light, a few people have found that adding some [extra lenses](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dextra%2Blenses%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [filters](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfilters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) can really up the ante when it comes to viewing planets or the moon. These can help with clarity and give you more detail. All in all, while the NexStar 8SE is a strong start on its own, the SkySync GPS and a sturdy power source can really level up your experience. These additions might cost a bit upfront, but from what we've gathered, many amateur astronomers find them to be totally worth it.
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How good is the Celestron NexStar 8SE for astrophotography?
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is pretty popular for amateur astronomy, but when it comes to using it for astrophotography, there are a few things to keep in mind. It's got this SkyAlign feature that's great for beginners because it makes aligning the telescope easy—you just need to pick any three bright objects in the sky. That's a nice touch, especially if you're not super experienced with astronomy. Now, for astrophotography, it's a bit different. The NexStar 8SE's GoTo mount is awesome for looking at things in the sky, but our research shows it's not really designed for photography. While it can do a decent job tracking objects for regular viewing, it might struggle with the precise tracking needed for long-exposure photos unless you do some upgrades or get extra gear. Astrophotography is all about getting those detailed, clear shots of celestial objects, which means your telescope has to track them really precisely. The NexStar 8SE has a single fork arm mount that might not be as solid as some of the mounts specifically meant for photography. So, if you're serious about capturing stunning shots, you might need to spend a bit on other mounts or guiding systems to get those crisp images. There's a huge database of over 40,000 objects that you can observe, which is really cool for visual astronomy. But if you want to snap high-detail images of these objects, you might have to deal with some of the limitations folks have pointed out. Things like getting a focal reducer or specific camera adapters can help, and maybe even a wedge if you're going all-in on astrophotography. Also, when you're setting up with computers, the telescope can connect to them, but you'll probably need something extra like a Wi-Fi module or connection cable. According to our data, getting this going, especially with newer systems, might require a bit of fiddling around. So, to sum up, the NexStar 8SE is a great telescope for just looking at the sky. If you're planning on doing astrophotography, though, be ready for some extra investments in gear and possibly a bit of a learning curve. It's really about deciding how much you're up for spending and tinkering to get the shots you want.
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Runner-up: Sky-Watcher Classic 200P

Sky Watcher Classic 200 Dobsonian 8-inch Aperature Telescope – Solid-Tube – Simple, Traditional Design – Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, White (S11610)

The Sky-Watcher Classic 200P is an excellent runner-up for those who prefer a manual telescope. With its 8-inch Dobsonian reflector design, this telescope offers great potential for observing faint celestial objects such as galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. Its sturdy yet simple mount makes setup easy, though its 45-pound weight makes it more suitable for home use rather than portability. This telescope comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), providing multiple magnification levels perfect for varied observations. Boasting a focal length of 1200mm and a focal ratio of f/5.9, the Sky-Watcher Classic 200P delivers high-quality performance at a reasonable price, making it a solid choice for dedicated astronomy enthusiasts.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$655.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Celestron Inspire 100AZ

Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Smartphone Adapter Built-in Refracting Telescope, Blue (22403)

For those on a budget, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ offers outstanding value. This refractor telescope costs under $300, making it one of the most affordable options for beginners. The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is incredibly user-friendly, making it perfect for observing planets, stars, and galaxies. It comes with a smartphone adapter and a phone mount, which are great for budding astrophotographers who want to capture their observations. While it may not have the advanced features found in more expensive models, its ease of use and impressive optical performance make it an excellent starting point for new astronomers looking to get their feet wet.

Lowest at Amazon
$279.64 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$279.64 at Adorama

Best for Portability: Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P

If portability is your top priority, the Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P is the ideal choice. This 4-inch tabletop Dobsonian telescope boasts a compact design and lightweight build, making it perfect for travel and easy storage. Despite its smaller size, it delivers commendable optical performance, suitable for viewing the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P is highly user-friendly and doesn't require any tools for setup. Whether attending a stargazing event or needing something that's easy to grab and go, this telescope offers convenience without compromising on quality.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best for Astrophotography: Unistellar eQuinox 2

Unistellar Equinox 2 Smart Telescope for Light Polluted Cities

For aspiring astrophotographers, the Unistellar eQuinox 2 cannot be beaten. This smart telescope features an auto-alignment and tracking system controlled via an app, making it incredibly easy to use. One standout feature is its Smart Light Pollution Reduction technology, which is particularly beneficial for urban stargazers, as it cuts through city lights to deliver clear and high-quality images. The eQuinox 2 foregoes the traditional eyepiece, using digital processing to enhance and capture images that can be shared directly on social media. Although it is on the pricier side, its advanced features and user-friendly interface make it a remarkable investment for those serious about astrophotography.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,999.00 at Amazon
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