Here’s an overview of the Best Telescopes For that we’ll explore today:
Choosing a beginner telescope is about balancing portability, ease of use, image quality, and future-proofing as curiosity grows. The category spans compact travel refractors to entry-level models with basic GoTo or manual tracking capabilities. For this review, I tested five readily available beginner-oriented refractor kits that emphasize simple setup, included accessories, and educational value. My methodology combines objective specifications (aperture, focal length, eyepiece options, and mounts) with real-world usage: initial alignment or setup time, ease of finding bright targets, image brightness and contrast on the Moon and planets, and the overall ergonomics of transport, assembly, and operation. The products span a price range of $48.78 to $85.49, offering a spectrum from budget-friendly kits to more capable 80mm aperture options.
1. Gskyer Telescope
- Brand: Gskyer
- Manufacturer: Gskyer
Overview: The Gskyer AZ70400 is a compact refractor with a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length (f/5.7), designed for kids and beginners. It includes a 5×24 finder, two eyepieces plus a 3x Barlow lens, a wireless remote, phone adapter, and a lightweight aluminum tripod with a carry bag. The kit emphasizes portability and ease of use, making it a solid entry point for family stargazing and educational use. Performance and use cases: In practice, the 70mm aperture provides adequate light gathering for the Moon and bright planets, while the faster focal ratio aids quick setup and short viewing sessions. The 3x Barlow increases max magnification, but image brightness can degrade at higher magnifications on a small aperture—so expected performance peaks around 40–80x with comfortable views at 25–40x. The included wireless remote and phone adapter enable simple capture of celestial scenes, which is appealing for first-time astrophotography attempts. The overall experience benefits from the adjustable tripod for varied viewing angles and easy transport, but the lighter build may introduce some flex during high-magnification viewing.
Pros
- Lightweight, highly portable with carrying bag
- Starter-friendly features: two eyepieces, 3x Barlow, and phone adapter
- Wireless remote enables quick photo capture
- Good value for a complete beginner kit
- Includes a reflex finder and crosshair in finder scope
Cons
- 70mm aperture limits deep-sky performance and high-Mag views
- Potentially noticeable optical edge quality on at higher magnifications
- No automated tracking or goto; manual alignment required
2. Telescope for Adults
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: The HEXEUM AZ80600 presents an 80mm aperture with a 600mm focal length (f/7.5-ish) and is marketed as a portable, easy-setup refractor with an AZ mount, phone adapter, wireless control, and carrying bag. It ships with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) plus a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, and a sturdy aluminum tripod. The kit emphasizes improved light gathering and magnification versatility for a relatively compact form factor, making it appealing to newcomers who want brighter views without stepping up to larger, heavier setups. Performance and use cases: The 80mm aperture improves brightness and detail visibility over the 70mm counterpart, particularly for the Moon, Jupiter, and brighter deep-sky objects under dark skies. The multi-coated optics and higher transmission coatings help with image brightness, while the 600mm focal length supports 24x and 60x magnifications from the included eyepieces, augmented by the 3x Barlow for up to 180x potential with the right conditions. The no-tool setup claim is attractive for casual users, though real-world alignment still requires some basic familiarization with Alt-Az operation. The wireless control and phone integration facilitate capturing lunar and planetary shots, albeit at the mercy of smartphone camera limitations and shaking at high magnifications.
Pros
- Better light capture with 80mm aperture
- No-tool setup promise for quick readiness
- Versatile eyepiece set enables 24x–60x (and up to 180x with Barlow)
- Wireless control and phone adapter enhance imaging options
- Solid build quality with included carrying bag and tripod
Cons
- No automated tracking or GoTo; still manual pointing
- Higher magnification can require sturdier support to minimize shake
- 5×24 finder may be small for faint deep-sky targets
3. Telescope for Beginners
- Brand: cbeyook
- Manufacturer: cbeyook
Overview: The cbeyook 70mm aperture with a 500mm focal length (f/7.1) offers a compact, tool-free setup designed for beginners and kids. It includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow, a diagonal mirror, a 5×24 finder scope, and a carrying case with an accessory tray. The package emphasizes portability and a wide magnification range, making it an attractive all-in-one travel kit with a focus on educational use and family-friendly activity. Performance and use cases: The 70mm aperture provides a brighter image than some ultra-budget kits but still benefits from the 500mm focal length for crisper lunar details and brighter planetary views. The diagonal mirror aids comfortable viewing, and the Barlow lens expands flexibility for learning about magnification. The tool-free assembly is a key benefit for younger users and first-time buyers, but the footprint and mechanical stability of the tripod may limit performance at higher magnifications, especially on uneven terrain. The strong lifetime support claim adds peace of mind for families investing in a long-term introductory telescope.
Pros
- Very portable with tool-free setup
- Broad magnification range (20x–150x) via two eyepieces and Barlow
- Diagonal mirror improves viewing comfort
- Lifetime service commitment and solid customer support
- Included carry case enhances travel convenience
Cons
- 5×24 finder could be insufficient for finding dim targets
- Image brightness may drop at higher magnifications given 70mm aperture
- Build may feel less rigid compared to larger kits at high power
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 same HEXEUM 80mm/600mm kit as Product 2 but listed with a separate model entry, reinforcing its positioning as a versatile beginner scope with high-transmission coatings, AZ mount, and included accessories such as a phone adapter and carrying bag. It targets users who want a portable, easy-setup refractor capable of moon and bright planetary observing with simple photo capture options via smartphone. Performance and use cases: Users can expect bright lunar features and clearer planetary detail thanks to the 80mm aperture and multi-coated optics. The 600mm focal length supports practical magnifications suitable for beginners, and the no-tools requirement streamlines setup. While the lack of auto-tracking persists, the combination of a stable tripod and a generous eyepiece lineup supports a satisfying first-time observing experience, especially for family use or educational settings. Smartphone compatibility and remote control add modern convenience for capturing moments without a heavy camera rig.
Pros
- High-quality 80mm aperture with multi-coated optics
- No-tools setup for fast assembly
- Wireless control and phone adapter included
- Carrying bag and adjustable tripod improve portability
- Strong overall optics performance for the price point
Cons
- Manual Alt-Az operation lacks tracking for longer sessions
- Some users may desire GoTo or automatic alignment in this price tier
- Weight around 6 pounds can be a bit bulky for some travelers
5. Telescopes for Adults Astronomy
- Brand: EACONN
- Manufacturer: EACONN
Overview: The EACONN 80mm/600mm model is designed as a portable refractor with a true 80mm aperture, fully coated optics, and an alt-azimuth mount. It includes two eyepieces (K20mm and K9mm), a 5×24 finder, a smartphone adapter, and a carrying backpack. The design prioritizes travel-readiness and ease of use, with an emphasis on a complete package suitable for beginners, families, and as a gift option. Performance and use cases: The 80mm aperture provides a meaningful brightness increase over budget 70mm kits, improving lunar shading details and planetary brightness. The rough adjustment gimbal and altitude/azimuth positioning help with quick alignment and stable aiming, which is beneficial for newcomers who haven’t developed steadier viewing technique. The included backpack and the detailed installation resources indicate a thoughtful approach to getting started quickly, though the absence of automated tracking means sessions are best kept short and practice-focused. Smartphone compatibility adds modern usability for social sharing of views.
Pros
- True 80mm aperture for better brightness and detail
- Rough adjustment gimbal simplifies aiming
- Comprehensive accessory set with two eyepieces and smartphone adapter
- Carrying backpack aids travel and storage
- Strong customer reviews and beginner-friendly guidance
Cons
- No motorized tracking or GoTo functionality
- Manual focusing requires careful handling to avoid image shift
- Weight and bulk may be less ideal for very casual, ultra-portable use
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: For most first-time observers, the cbeyook 70mm/500mm (Product 3) delivers the strongest overall value with tool-free setup and a broad magnification range, making it an excellent starting point for families.
If image brightness and portability are your top priorities, the HEXEUM 80mm/600mm kits (Products 2 and 4) offer noticeably brighter views and a more robust imaging pipeline via smartphone capture.
The Gskyer 70mm (Product 1) is a compelling lightweight option for travel and casual stargazing, while the EACONN model (Product 5) adds practical ergonomics like a gimbal and backpack, making it ideal for travelers who want a simple, ready-to-go experience. In short: choose cbeyook for budget and family learning, HEXEUM for better optics and imaging potential, Gskyer for portability, and EACONN for travel-focused practicality..