Here’s an overview of the Best Telescopes For that we’ll explore today:
For beginning astronomers, a capable starter telescope is a gateway to countless nights of exploration. The right instrument balances ease of setup, optical quality, portability, and value, while avoiding common beginner pitfalls like shaky mounts or underpowered optics. In this review, I evaluate five beginner-friendly refractor systems from HEXEUM, Gskyer, cbeyook, and EACONN that span a price range of roughly $48.78 to $85.49. My testing approach combines practical setup and usability checks (no-tool assembly, tripod stability, and accessory usefulness) with objective optical assessments (aperture-limited brightness, focal length impact, and eyepiece quality). I also consider real-world use cases: casual stargazing with family, planetary detail, and portable travel scenarios. The goal is to help buyers match a telescope to their goals, whether that’s learning the night sky, capturing basic lunar images, or gifting a user-friendly entry point to astronomy.
1. Gskyer Telescope
- Brand: Gskyer
- Manufacturer: Gskyer
Overview: This 70mm aperture refractor with a 400mm focal length provides a compact, entry-level platform designed for kids and beginners. It includes a 5×24 finder, two eyepieces (with a 3x Barlow lens), a wireless remote, a phone adapter, and an adjustable aluminum tripod. The optical tube length of 400mm (f/5.7) offers a wide field of view suitable for lunar features and general deep-sky sketching at low magnifications. The package emphasizes portability, travel readiness, and parent-friendly setup, with a carry bag and simplified assembly.
Performance-wise, the 70mm aperture gathers a moderate amount of light, which helps resolve larger lunar craters and some brighter planets under favorable conditions. The included 3x Barlow increases versatility, but it reduces brightness and image brightness at higher magnifications, so users should pair it with the shortest available eyepiece to maximize brightness for beginners. The wireless remote and smartphone adapter facilitate basic astrophotography or DIY astrophotography experiments, though expect limited exposure control and long integration times. Overall, this model excels as a pocketable starter that minimizes friction for younger users or casual observers, with adequate optics for educational demonstrations.
Pros
- Compact 70mm aperture with 400mm focal length for portability
- Includes 3x Barlow lens and two eyepieces for broad magnification range
- Wireless remote and smartphone adapter enable screen-based viewing and simple capturing
- Lightweight at ~5.7 pounds with a travel-friendly carry bag
- Solid value at budget-friendly price
Cons
- Limited light gathering vs larger apertures; dimmer views on faint DSOs
- Manual AZ mount may feel less stable at higher magnifications
- Build quality and accessories are basic; not ideal for long-term upgrades
2. Telescope for Adults
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: This 80mm aperture refractor increases light-g gathering relative to the Gskyer while maintaining a portable design. The 600mm focal length (f/7.5) with fully multi-coated optics and high transmission coatings aims to deliver brighter, crisper images. It includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, a phone adapter, an adjustable aluminum tripod, and wireless control with a carrying bag. The no-tools setup claim is reinforced by a straightforward mounting method and intuitive focusing, making it accessible to beginners who want a more capable instrument without a steep learning curve.
In practice, the 80mm aperture delivers noticeably brighter lunar and planetary views than the 70mm option, with more forgiving performance on nights of modest sky darkness. The included Barlow lens expands magnification, but image brightness can suffer at 60x–180x depending on atmospheric conditions; beginners should start with 24x–60x to maintain brightness. The wireless control and portability are strong selling points for quick sessions or family outings. For users who want a slightly more capable beginner instrument with better light-gathering than entry-level kits, this model represents a strong balance of transportability and optical clarity.
Pros
- Larger 80mm aperture improves light gathering
- Fully multi-coated optics for higher brightness and clarity
- No-tools setup and wireless control add convenience
- Includes two eyepieces plus 3x Barlow for expanded magnification
- Carry bag and lightweight tripod enhance portability
Cons
- Higher cost within the range; value hinges on desire for brighter views
- Higher magnification without ideal seeing can reduce image quality
- Some users may outgrow the 600mm focal length quickly
3. Telescope for Beginners
- Brand: cbeyook
- Manufacturer: cbeyook
Overview: The cbeyook 70mm / 500mm refractor offers a compact, fully-cooled optical design aimed at beginners and families. It ships with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow lens, a diagonal mirror, and a 5×24 finder. The 500mm focal length yields f/7.1, aligning well with lunar and planetary observing while preserving a comfortable field of view for beginners. The setup is tool-free, and the carrying case plus accessory tray support easy travel and organization.
Performance-wise, the longer 500mm focal length relative to some 400mm options helps achieve crisper planetary details at modest magnifications, and the diagonal mirror enhances viewing comfort. The 150x maximum theoretical magnification is achievable in optimal conditions but is effectively limited by aperture and atmospheric seeing; beginners should focus on 20x–60x magnification for stable views. The build emphasizes lifetime support, and the company’s emphasis on a complete support channel reduces post-purchase friction for new users. This model fits families seeking a straightforward, safe, and relatively capable beginner instrument with robust included accessories.
Pros
- Competitive 70mm aperture with 500mm focal length for better planets
- Tool-free setup and complete accessory kit
- Diagonal mirror improves viewing comfort
- Lifetime service commitment and strong customer support
- Lightweight and portable with carrying case
Cons
- Some components (e.g., finder) are basic and may require adjustment
- 3x Barlow can reduce brightness at higher magnifications
- Auto focus indicator suggests some focus automation, which may be limited in a simple system
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 setup as described earlier, positioned as a premium option within the beginner segment. It emphasizes consistent optics, an AZ mount, and a no-tools assembly ethos with wireless control and a carrying bag. The specification includes 80mm aperture, 600mm focal length, Kellner eyepieces, and a reflex finder. While visually similar to the 80mm model above, this listing reiterates the brand’s emphasis on user-friendly operation and portable design for family or solo observing sessions.
Performance considerations align with the earlier HEXEUM assessment: brighter views due to the larger aperture and the convenience of wireless control. However, given the identical optical specs to the other HEXEUM model, the difference often comes down to packaging and support. Beginners should still be mindful of atmospheric limits on high magnification; a 60x–120x range is typically optimal for this aperture and focal length. The inclusion of a phone adapter and travel bag remains a strong selling point for hobbyists who want to document observations or capture quick images on the go.
Pros
- Bright 80mm aperture improves light collection
- No-tools setup with reliable AZ mount
- Wireless remote and phone adapter boost usability
- Carrying bag and portable tripod for travel
- Good balance of cost and capability within the range
Cons
- Pricing sits at the higher end of the beginner range
- High magnifications remain seeing-limited in many environments
- Some listings duplicate features; ensure you’re comparing exact inclusions
5. Telescopes for Adults Astronomy
- Brand: EACONN
- Manufacturer: EACONN
Overview: The EACONN 80mm/600mm refractor emphasizes portability and a complete travel-friendly package, including a backpack-style carrying case, two eyepieces (K20mm and K9mm), a 30x–66x magnification range, a 5×24 finder, and a smartphone adapter. It highlights rough adjustment and a positioning gimbal to assist with altitude and azimuth alignment, a feature that improves initial aiming accuracy for beginners who lack experience with star-hopping. The overall design positions it as a versatile and easy-to-carry option suitable for families on the go.
Performance-wise, the 80mm aperture delivers decent brightness for the Moon and bright planets, with the 600mm focal length maintaining reasonable magnification options. The rough-adjustment gimbal helps compensate for handheld drift during setup, but stable viewing still depends on solid tripod support and steady air. The included smartphone compatibility is a plus for newcomers who want to screen-record or share views, though image quality will be limited by the basic optics and the telescope’s alt-azimuth movement. This model suits buyers seeking a portable, all-in-one package that emphasizes ease of transport and straightforward use.
Pros
- 80mm aperture offers solid light gathering for its class
- Rough adjustment gimbal improves aiming accuracy
- Backpack carrying case enhances portability
- Smartphone adapter enables quick sharing of views
- Two eyepieces with a practical 30x–66x range
Cons
- Optical quality not as high as premium optics in higher-end kits
- Weight distribution and tripod stability can affect high-magnification viewing
- Some users may prefer a more traditional accessory set with higher-end eyepieces
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 beginners, the HEXEUM 80mm/600mm stands out for image brightness and ease of use, making it a top recommendation for those prioritizing optical performance in a portable package.
If budget is the primary constraint, cbeyook’s 70mm/500mm kit delivers strong value with a complete accessory set and solid support.
For travel-focused buyers, the EACONN backpack option offers a compelling all-in-one experience, while Gskyer’s 70mm model remains a practical starting point for younger observers or quick, impromptu sessions. Pair your choice with realistic expectations about magnification, atmospheric conditions, and the need for a sturdy tripod to maximize learning and enjoyment..