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The Best 5 Beginner Telescopes Under $300

January 3rd, 2024
By Larry Culver

Selecting the right telescope as a beginner is crucial for an enjoyable and fulfilling stargazing experience. In this guide, we’ll explore telescopes under $300, catering to beginners seeking quality optics on a budget.

This post provides a structured approach to presenting the telescope comparison, explaining the rationale behind each ranking, and offering recommendations based on user preferences and needs.

The telescopes are listed in order of our ranking, with the “best” telescope under $300 listed first. Our recommendations in this class of astronomical telescopes for beginners under $300 are:

1. Explore Scientific FirstLight 102 mm
2. Orion SkyScanner 100
3. Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ
4. SkyWatcher Heritage 130P Flextube
5. Celestron PowerSeeker 70

Please note that rankings are subjective and can vary based on individual preferences and requirements. Always consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a telescope.

The optical quality and design specifications are provided based on available information, and it’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the most accurate details.

1. Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm

Estimated Price: $299.99

Manufactured by Explore Scientific, a renowned name in producing high-quality optical instruments, the Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm is a refractor telescope celebrated for its apochromatic lens, ensuring superior image quality. Paired with the Twilight I Mount, this telescope combines stability and ease of use.

The Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor is a telescope that is suitable for beginners. It has a 102mm aperture and a focal ratio of f/6.5. It is also camera adaptable and has an altazimuth mount.

This telescope clinches the top spot in our rankings due to its well-balanced features, including a moderate aperture, excellent optical quality, and a versatile design. It’s an ideal choice for those who prioritize a harmonious blend of portability and image clarity. The telescope is recommended for individuals interested in observing the moon, stars, planets, as well as nebula/galaxies.

With an estimated price of $299.99, the Explore Scientific First Light 102mm would be a great first choice for a beginner stargazer.

2. Orion SkyScanner 100

Estimated Price: $149.99

Crafted by Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, the Orion SkyScanner 100 is a reflector telescope featuring a tabletop Dobsonian mount, designed with simplicity and affordability in mind. Its compact design makes it a popular choice among beginners.

The Orion SkyScanner 100mm is a tabletop reflector telescope that is suitable for beginners. It has a 100mm parabolic glass primary mirror with a focal length of 400mm, a 1.25″ rack-and-pinion focuser, and two Kellner-type eyepieces. It also comes with an EZ Finder II red dot finder and an adjustable field tripod.

This telescope secures a high ranking due to its user-friendly design, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. The SkyScanner 100 is recommended for entry-level astronomers seeking an easy-to-use and budget-friendly option, particularly for observing the moon and planets. Collimation is a trial and error process, primary mirror is difficult to fix if it gets knocked out of alignment, and it\’s best to supervise children while using it.

3. Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ

Estimated Price: $290.00

Even though this one may come at a price point right around $300, we feel that the decent aperture makes it very suitable for planetary and deep-sky observation.

The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is a Newtonian reflector telescope with an aperture of 114 mm and a focal length of 1000 mm. It comes with two eyepieces, a 20mm and a 10mm, and has a built-in red dot finder. It also has a pre-assembled tripod for easy setup.

This telescope earns its ranking due to the equatorial mount, sturdy construction, and balanced features. Recommended for users looking to step beyond entry-level telescopes for a richer observing experience, particularly for both planetary and deep-sky observation.

4. SkyWatcher Heritage 130 Flextube

Estimated Price: $275.00

Manufactured by SkyWatcher, known for innovative and high-quality astronomical instruments, the SkyWatcher Heritage 130P Flextube is a collapsible tabletop reflector telescope with a moderate aperture. Its collapsible design adds to its appeal, making it easy to store and transport.

The Skywatcher Heritage 130P Flextube is a 130 mm parabolic dobsonian telescope with a 130 mm aperture. It has a collapsible tube and a retractable upper tube assembly that extends from 38 cm to 61 cm. The Heritage 130P comes with 10 mm and 25 mm 1.25 inch eyepieces with magnifications of 26x and 65x. It also includes a red dot finder.

This telescope’s ranking is attributed to its compact design, collapsible structure, and a good balance between portability and aperture size. It is recommended for users valuing portability and seeking a telescope suitable for both planets and deep-sky objects.

5. Celestron PowerSeeker 70 Scope

Estimated Price: $124.95

Another creation by Celestron, the Celestron PowerSeeker 70 is an affordable refractor telescope with an altazimuth mount, designed for ease of use and accessibility. Its compact design and user-friendly features make it suitable for beginners.

The Celestron PowerSeeker 70 is a refractor telescope that is good for terrestrial and celestial viewing. It has a 70 mm aperture and a 700 mm focal length. It also has a German equatorial mount that allows for fine adjustments.

Earning its spot due to affordability, simplicity, and quick setup, this telescope is recommended for budget-conscious beginners seeking an easy entry into astronomy. An excellent choice for those on a budget, providing decent views of the moon and planets.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the choice of a beginner telescope involves considering personal preferences and intended use. Each of these telescopes, crafted by reputable manufacturers, offers a unique set of features catering to different needs and preferences. Consider your priorities, and embark on your astronomical journey with confidence.

Additional Tips and Resources

To ensure a successful stargazing experience, we provide additional tips for maintaining and using telescopes effectively. Here are some additional resources:
- Maintenance and Repair:
  - Check out websites like Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews and Astronomy Forum for advice and discussions on telescope maintenance and repairs.
- Educational Resources:
  - For beginning astronomy students, explore resources like NASA\’s Astronomy Picture of the Day and Sky & Telescope’s How-To Guides to deepen your understanding of the cosmos.
- Enhancements for Viewing Experience:
  - Consider additional equipment like eyepiece filters for specific celestial objects and software like Stellarium for enhancing your celestial navigation and planning.
- Podcasts and Astronomy Clubs:
- Listen to podcasts like StarTalk Radio for engaging discussions on astronomy. Join local astronomy clubs or online communities like AstronomyConnect to connect with experienced astronomers and enthusiasts.
Top 6 Apps For Stargazing And Astronomy

January 2nd, 2024
By Daniel Culver

Tired of squinting at unfamiliar constellations and wishing you knew what that bright streak across the sky actually is? Ditch the guesswork and unlock the secrets of the cosmos with the power of your smartphone! Whether you\’re an iPhone enthusiast or an Android devotee, there\’s a universe of stargazing apps out there designed to transform your backyard into a personal planetarium. Dive into our curated list of hidden gems and rediscover the magic of looking up, ready to identify celestial wonders with ease.

The Best Free Stargazing App For Android

With the SkEye stargazing app, you get an amazing user experience for Android phones for free. The following features below make stargazing much easier for you:
- Vast Celestial Database: Explore stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies, and more.
- Targeted Exploration: Search for specific objects by name or browse by type – stars, planets, nebulas, etc.
- Real-Time Sky Overlay: Point your phone, identify what you see.
- Absolutely Free
Although there is a paid ‘Pro’ version, the amount of objects available in the free version is quite vast. The nice thing about the targeted exploration is that once you select the object you would like to identify, the app tells you if you are close or far from seeing the object in your phone with a green, yellow or red indicator in the sky overlay.

I use this app almost exclusively when I’m trying to look at a specific object in my telescope. I simply search for the object I want to view, guide my phone by hand until the indicator circle is green and then line up the spotting scope on my telescope to match where my phone has found it, and I’m there!

Definitely download SkyEye and turn your phone into a powerful cosmic companion.

The Best Free Stargazing App For iPhone

The Nightsky app is a great choice if you are looking for free stargazing apps for iPhone. It really emphasizes ease of use and is a great app for beginners. The features that make this app a worthy choice are:
- Simple interface: Quickly find the stars and constellations you\’re looking for with a clear and uncluttered interface.
- Tonight\’s highlights: See a curated list of the most visible celestial objects for your current location and time.
- AR mode: Explore the sky in real-time with the AR overlay.
- Constellation stories: Learn about the myths and legends behind the constellations.
There are in-app purchases, but the above features come standard with the app straight from the App Store.If you have an iPhone and want a very easy-to-use app with the baseline features you want to get started, give Nightsky a try!

Best Free App for Astronomy and Space Travel News

If you’re interested in the latest breakthroughs in space exploration and various astronomical discoveries, look no further than the NASA mobile app. This app has an absolute wealth of information in the form of podcasts, videos and updates on upcoming missions.

It also has a feature to track the location of the International Space Station. It will even calculate the next time (to the second!) the Space Station will fly over your current area.

The Best App For Stargazing Events

There are so many things to see in the night sky, sometimes choosing one is quite a feat! You can leverage a few different mobile apps to narrow down what you would like to view and when. The following apps will help you save time by giving you key details about the moon, planets and stars that you can view in the universe.

Which App Is Best To Know The Moon’s Phases?

For the moon’s phases, check out The Moon Phase Calendar app. It will give you current and upcoming phases of the moon that may interest you to consider for your viewing schedule. Since the moon is so easy to spot, it is often the quickest and easiest choice for beginners.

What Is The Best Paid Mobile App For Stargazing Events?

Though a bit more on the pricey side for a mobile app ($9.99 in the Google Play Store), SkySafari 7 Plus is an excellent tool for tracking upcoming stargazing events. It has a calendar for all kinds of events from meteor showers, asteroids, planetary transits, etc.

Even though SkySafari is fantastic to use as a sky map and for facilitating other stargazing activities, the mind-bogglingly huge database of astronomical phenomena alone makes it worth the price.

Lastly, for tracking the moons of Saturn and Jupiter, Sky and Telescope has apps for mobile Apple devices: Saturnmoons and Jupitermoons, respectively. They aren’t free, but they do provide precise locations of Saturn and Jupiter’s satellites at any moment in time.

The Best Paid Stargazing App For Android And iPhone

While SkySafari 7 Plus undoubtedly shines as a celestial event maestro, there\’s another contender in the stargazing app arena that competes with it in many aspects: Stellarium Mobile.

Stellarium is a powerful, open-source tool that grants you unrivaled access to locations of celestial objects. The following are a list of awesome features:
- Enormous database – search over a million stars, hundreds of thousands of galaxies and nebulae, and even detailed simulations of planets and moons
- Vibrant community – Active forum of users and space enthusiasts
- 3D Sky Map
- Celestial events calendar (with paid version)
Stellarium even lets you choose from a list of different sky cultures. From the default Western to Norse to even Tongan/Polynesian! Give Stellarium a try if you want a good all-around app for Android or iPhone. Even the non-paid version has plenty of great features to get started gazing!

So open Stellarium Mobile\’s free skies and explore a million stars, or let one of the other aforementioned apps be your guided tour through cosmic events. Whichever app sparks your curiosity, download your celestial companion and unlock the magic of the night sky!