Here’s an overview of the Best Telescopes For that we’ll explore today:
Beginner telescopes for astronomy enthusiasts, students, and families remain one of the most compelling entry points into observational science. A well-chosen starter telescope can spark curiosity, deliver satisfying views of the Moon and planets, and provide a foundation for gradual upgrades. This review evaluates five beginner-oriented refractor kits from four brands (Gskyer, HEXEUM, cbeyook, and EACONN) across a price spectrum from budget to premium within the $48.78–$85.49 range. Our methodology combines objective specifications with real-world usability signals: assembly ease, optical performance potential (aperture, focal length, coatings), mounting stability, included eyepieces and accessories, portability, and user experience (setup time, alignment, and handling). We also consider warranty and service commitments as proxies for long-term reliability.
1. Gskyer Telescope
- Brand: Gskyer
- Manufacturer: Gskyer
Overview: This 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length refractor (f/5.7) targets beginners and families with a compact design and a portable travel-friendly footprint. It includes a 5×24 finder, two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens for upscaling magnification, a wireless remote, a phone adapter, and an adjustable aluminum tripod with a carrying bag. The kit emphasizes accessibility and value, delivering a complete starter package at a mid-range price point.
Performance-wise, the 70mm aperture gathers a reasonable amount of light for lunar and planetary views and wider-field deep-sky glimpses on good nights. The fully coated optics and high-transmission coatings are typical for entry-level refractors, and the 3x Barlow in combination with the eyepieces expands the effective magnification range, though image brightness and edge sharpness will degrade at higher magnifications due to aperture-limited light and modest optical quality. The included wireless remote and smartphone adapter enhance beginners’ ability to capture images and share views, while the light weight (about 5.7 pounds) and portable tripod support quick, casual observing from a porch or park.
Pros
- Affordable bundle with essential accessories (two eyepieces, Barlow, finder, remote, phone adapter)
- Compact, portable design with a carrying bag
- Wireless remote enhances beginner-friendly capturing and sharing
- Fully coated optics help with light transmission and image brightness
- Lightweight and easy to transport
Cons
- 70mm aperture limits deep-sky performance under light-polluted skies
- AZ mount can be less stable for high-magnification viewing without careful setup
- Image brightness and sharpness degrade at higher magnifications due to optics and mount constraints
2. Telescope for Adults
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: This HEXEUM model expands to an 80mm aperture with a 600mm focal length (f/6.7), pairing a robust 80mm objective with multi-coated optics and an Altazimuth mount. It ships with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, a phone adapter, a wireless remote, and a carrying bag. The setup emphasizes portability with a tool-free assembly and a no-tool-focused user experience, making it appealing to newcomers who want straightforward operation and quick setup.
Performance-wise, the 80mm aperture collects more light than the 70mm option, improving brightness on lunar, planetary, and some brighter deep-sky targets. The multi-coated optics contribute to higher transmission and contrast, aiding details on the Moon and larger planets. The 600mm focal length yields moderate magnification with the provided eyepieces, and the 3x Barlow further extends reach, albeit with brightness trade-offs. The combination of wireless control and a carrying bag supports travel-focused use cases and family outings, while the no-tools setup reduces friction for first-time users.
Pros
- Larger 80mm aperture for brighter views
- Multi-coated optics improve brightness and contrast
- No-tools setup and portable design with tripod and bag
- Wireless remote plus phone adapter for easy imaging
- Includes two eyepieces and a Barlow for flexible magnification
Cons
- Focal length is moderate; high-magnification views may still require steady handling
- AZ mount can be challenging to optimize for precise tracking during extended sessions
- Price at the higher end of the beginner spectrum
3. Telescope for Beginners
- Brand: cbeyook
- Manufacturer: cbeyook
Overview: This cbeyook kit emphasizes a 70mm aperture with a 500mm focal length, delivering a f/7.1 ratio that translates to a practical balance of brightness and sharpness for a variety of targets. The package includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, a diagonal mirror for comfortable viewing, a wireless remote, and a carrying case. It positions itself as an all-in-one travel-friendly setup aimed at families and beginners who want a straightforward learning tool with strong onboarding friendliness.
Performance-wise, the 500mm focal length yields respectable planetary detail and Moon resolution with the 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, and the 3x Barlow expands exploration toward higher magnifications, though brightness will drop at the upper end of 150X. The diagonal mirror enhances viewing comfort by aligning light path to the observer’s eye, which is helpful for young users. The kit’s tool-free assembly and included tray in the tripod reduce setup friction, and the Lifetime Service Commitment adds confidence for families investing in a long-term educational tool.
Pros
- Longer 500mm focal length for clearer planetary and lunar views
- Diagonal mirror improves viewing comfort
- Tool-free assembly and integrated accessory tray
- Lifetime service commitment
- Reasonable price for a feature-rich beginner kit
Cons
- 50mm shorter focal length compared to the premium HEXEUM 80mm option may limit light gathering
- Plasticky-feel components could affect durability with heavy use by kids
- Auto focus listed in specs may be a mismatch with real-world manual focus experience
4. Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: This is the second HEXEUM model in the lineup, mirroring the AZ80600 configuration with an 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length, still featuring a fully multi-coated optic system and an AZ mount with a tripod, phone adapter, wireless control, and carrying bag. The key differentiator here is pricing alignment with the budget premium tier, offering higher-end optics and a more polished setup experience for enthusiasts who want reliability plus portability.
Performance-wise, the optics and coatings are designed for improved brightness and clearer images relative to the budget option, particularly for brighter deep-sky targets under reasonable sky conditions. The 80mm aperture provides the same brightness benefit as the other HEXEUM 80mm variant, while the 600mm focal length remains versatile for planetary and lunar work. The no-tools setup and reliable accessories, combined with lifetime maintenance, provide a reassuring ownership experience for first-time buyers seeking a more premium feel without stepping into mid-range telescope complexity.
Pros
- Same strong 80mm aperture with multi-coated optics
- Consistent no-tools setup and included accessories
- Wireless control and solid carrying bag
- Lifetime maintenance support
- Stable AZ mount with a balanced tripod
Cons
- Premium price relative to other beginner options
- Moderate extra cost for similar performance as the budget HEXEUM 80mm model
- Dependence on bundled accessories for best experience; upgrades may still be desired
5. Telescopes for Adults Astronomy
- Brand: EACONN
- Manufacturer: EACONN
Overview: This EACONN kit delivers an 80mm aperture with a 600mm focal length, focusing on portability and user-friendly setup with a carrying backpack, two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, and smartphone compatibility through a dedicated adapter. The design emphasizes a robust travel-ready package and a practical balance of performance and accessibility at a price near HEXEUM’s premium options.
Performance-wise, the 80mm aperture supports brighter views than the 70mm options, and the fully coated optics reduce glare to preserve contrast on Moon and bright planets. The rough adjustment and positioning gimbal help new users locate objects with the included finder and crosshair, while the travel-friendly backpack improves portability for field trips. The 1.85-pound weight rating on the base unit suggests a lighter build, which is advantageous for quick setup but could compromise stability in breezy conditions or when using higher magnifications.
Pros
- 80mm aperture for brighter, clearer views
- Rough adjustment gimbal and scale aid aiming and alignment
- Comprehensive accessories and dedicated smartphone adapter
- Carrying backpack enhances portability
- Good value within 80mm beginner segment
Cons
- Lower base weight may impact stability on uneven surfaces
- Younger users may outgrow the basic tripod quickly
- Warranty and long-term service visibility is less explicit than some competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about telescopes fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
.
.
Final thoughts here.