Updated 27 November 2009
Excellent "First"
Telescopes
Introduction:
The purpose of this page is to help people who are looking to buy their first telescope. If you have looked around the web already you have probably noticed that there are a myriad of choices when it comes to telescopes, and often someone new to the field is overwhelmed and confused as to what scope might be best for a particular situation. My goal is to help you pick out the best scope for your (or your child's) area of interest. Each of the scopes I recommend have the following attributes in common:
- The design of these scopes maximizes "what you'll be able to see" versus "how many useless accessories" they comes with.
- The capabilities listed for the scopes are honest and true (unlike those that are often claimed for many "department store" telescopes).
- They are simple to set up and use.
- The scopes I recommend are among the best performers available within the price class.
You may have seen a number of beginner telescopes (both on line and in stores like Wal Mart) that have features that will locate objects for you (many of these claim object databases including thousands of objects to locate and view). The scopes I recommend below do not locate objects (you have to manually find the objects). Why do I not recommend beginner class scopes with object location (often called "go to" scopes) functions? The bottom line is that entry level scopes with this feature are not very good at actually placing the desired object into the telescope's low power eyepiece. Some are better than others and all will get you close to where you want to be, but in my experience in the field scopes with these features are more of a source of frustration. In addition, the object location feature can add $100 - $200 to the price tag of an entry level scope. For beginner telescopes, it is far better in my opinion to get a basic telescope that emphasizes quality viewing as compared to one that can find things for you. Learning your way around the sky is part of the fun of astronomy and it will increase your overall enjoyment of the hobby. Also, for $400 (the typical cost of an entry level go to scope) you can get a manual scope with far greater viewing capabilities as compared to a go to telescope. Based on all of this my recommendation is to start with a traditional manual telescope. You can read much more about what to expect in my article Advice for First Time Telescope Buyers.
On this page I list several scopes that are excellent choices for a first instrument. For each scope I will describe what makes them good choices. All of the scopes below are within the budgets of just about everyone (from around $125 to around $500 including shipping), so you won't have to worry about taking out an equity loan to get started in astronomy! Why take my advice? I've been into astronomy since 1973 and have used many telescopes during that time (also I recently built my own Backyard Observatory) . I have used Orion products since 1984 and have purchased many of their products over the years (I own several of the telescopes listed below). The products are well made, the company was founded by an amateur astronomer and the customer service is excellent. Finally, astronomy is a lifelong hobby for me and I enjoy assisting those who are just starting out.
This scope is my #1 overall recommendation for a number of reasons:
- Classic 6" F8 Optical System: a time tested "classic" configuration that is great for all astronomical targets. This optical configuration was "the" defacto standard in the days when amateur astronomy started taking off.
- Powerful: 6" of aperture is enough to get really nice views of a large number and variety of objects. This is a scope of sufficient capability and you will not outgrow it in a few weeks.
- Simple to use: The scope has two pieces that are easy and quick to move and set up, translating to more time under the stars. It will easily fit into most any automobile if you need to go out of town to get dark skies.
- Quality construction: Orion is a company that specializes in telescopes, this scope was designed by people who actually use telescopes.
- Reviews: This scope got excellent all around reviews from the astronomy press.
- Unbeatable value: It would be difficult to find a better built more capable scope for the money.
- Cost: Around $330 including shipping, around $375
with one extra eyepiece (see below).
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you (you can get a version of the scope that will locate objects however it is more costly).
- This scope is for astronomy. If you are looking for a scope for viewing scenic vistas on Earth this is not a good choice.
- This scope would be best for someone of at least 10 years of age (and higher). Younger people could use it however they would need help moving it to the backyard.
- This scope (in conjunction with your digital camera and an adapter) can allow you to take some nice photos of the Moon and possibly the brightest planets. This scope's primary use is for viewing (photography options will be limited).
- You may have to collimate (align) the optics from time to time. This is normal for any Newtonian reflector telescope and the instruction manual will guide you through this task. Orion's instruction manuals are very well written by professionals who know telescopes and also know proper use of the English language (the manual is NOT a poor quality one sheet "Chinese translation" type manual).
- The Red Dot finder requires button batteries (they are supplied with the unit). They last a long time in normal use, but it you forget to shut off the finder when you put the scope away the batteries will probably be dead the next time you go to use the scope!
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here:
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Recommended Extra Eyepiece: The scope comes with one quality eyepiece that will provide 48x magnification (a perfect low power for this scope). Although not mandatory, a second eyepiece that provides a higher magnification is definitely recommended for closer views of the Moon and planets. The 10mm Siruis Plossl eyepiece (around $45) would provide 120x magnification (a perfect higher power for this scope). Click on the link to see this eyepiece:
Orion 10mm Sirius Plossl 1.25" Eyepiece
Bottom line: This scope will give you the best views for the least amount of money.
Alternate choice: An 8" version of the above scope. A more powerful version of the above scope, a little larger and somewhat more money but also an outstanding value:
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
This scope is an excellent choice for someone who you think (or know) has serious interest in astronomy:
- Powerful: 8" of aperture is enough to keep you viewing all kinds of astronomical objects for years!
- Simple to use: The scope has two pieces that are easy and quick to move and set up, translating to more time under the stars. It will fit into most any automobile if you need to go out of town to get dark skies.
- Quality construction: SkyWatcher telescopes are well made, among the best in their class, and they have received very good reviews in the astronomy community.
- Unbeatable value: Among the best out there. This scope comes with an 8x50 optical finderscope and it comes with two good quality eyepieces. Basically it comes equiped with everything you need (no "extras" to buy).
- Cost: Around $395 for the telescope, shipping is extra.
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you (you have to locate objects you want to look at).
- This scope is for astronomy. If you are looking for a scope for viewing scenic vistas on Earth this is not a good choice.
- This scope would be best for someone of at least 12 years of age (and higher). Younger people could use it however they would probably need help moving it to the backyard.
- This scope (in conjunction with your digital camera and an adapter) can allow you to take some nice photos of the Moon and possibly the brightest planets. This scope's primary use is for viewing (photography options will be limited).
- You may have to collimate (align) the optics from time to time. This is normal for any Newtonian reflector telescope and the instruction manual will guide you through this task.
- This telescope is fairly large (physically) so consider where you will store it when not in use. Its "footprint" on the floor would be about the same as a 55 gallon drum.
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here: Skywatcher 8" Dobsonian Telescope
This scope is my #1 recommendation for kids 10 and under for the following reasons:
- Although intended for younger viewers this is a REAL telescope (not a toy) and one that will perform very nicely.
- Simple to use: Just carry it outside, set it on a table (or the ground) and you are ready to observe. The fully assembled scope weighs only 13 pounds. This scope is small enough to fit into a car (for a camping trip or field outing) with minimal problems.
- Powerful enough to provide satisfying images of many objects. This scope will show a lot more than the typical first telescope that most people start out with (a 60mm refractor).
- Quality construction: Orion is a company that specializes in telescopes, this scope was designed by people who actually use telescopes.
- Reviews: This scope got excellent reviews from the astronomy press. Although this scope is aimed at younger people, there are many advanced amateur astronomers who have one as a second scope for "quick looks" at things when they don't have time to set up a large sophisticated instrument.
- Great value: This is a great all around scope that will likely outperform similar sized scopes you might find in department stores. Orion provides quality accessories on this scope where department store scopes add on several practically worthless items (department store scopes often claim a misleadingly high magnification for the scope).
- Cost: Around $235 including shipping.
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you. If you are buying this scope for a child you will still probably need to assist them in getting it set up the first few times you use it.
- This scope is for primarily for astronomy. It can also be used for terrestrial viewing (objects will appear "upside down", this is normal, not a defect)!
- This scope (in conjunction with your digital camera and an adapter) can allow you to take some nice photos of the Moon.
- You may have to collimate (align) the optics from time to time. This is normal for any Newtonian reflector telescope and the instruction manual will guide you through this task. Orion's instruction manuals are very well written by professionals who know telescopes and also know proper use of the English language (the manual is NOT a poor quality one sheet "Chinese translation" type manual).
- This telescope is meant for lower magnifications (it is fantastic on the Milky Way, star clusters, etc). This telescope can nice views of the Moon and planets, however if these will be your PRIMARY targets, I recommend that you seriously consider the
Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
instead (see the next scope on this page). The SkyQuest XT4.5 has a longer focal length and is inherently better for lunar and planetary viewing.
- The Red Dot finder requires button batteries (they are supplied with the unit). They last a long time in normal use, but it you forget to shut off the finder when you put the scope away the batteries will probably be dead the next time you go to use the scope!
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here:
Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
Bottom line: This scope is arguably one of the best all around choices for a child who is just starting out in astronomy. Its capabilities are considerably more than those of the common 60mm refractor that is often given as a "first" telescope.
Want something very similar but with more capability (and still quite portable)? The Starblast 4.5 Astro has a big brother called the
Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Telescope
. This telescope sells for around $330 (including shipping) and comes with 2 excellent quality eyepieces.
This scope is a great choice for a younger person (10+ years) and for those who can spend around $260. Here's why:
- Simple to use: Just carry it outside, set it on the ground, and you are ready to observe. The fully assembled scope weighs only 18 pounds.
- Powerful enough to provide satisfying images of many objects. This scope will show a lot more than the typical first telescope that most people start out with (a 60mm refractor).
- This scope comes with two very good eyepieces that are perfectly suited to this scope (providing 36x and 91x), there is nothing extra to buy!
- Finderscope: this telescope uses an optical finderscope (most of the others in this price range use a "Red Dot Finder"). The optical finderscope is a better choice for skies that have a fair amount of light pollution.
- Quality construction: Orion is a company that specializes in telescopes, this scope was designed by people who actually use telescopes.
- Reviews: This scope got excellent reviews from the astronomy press.
- Great value: This is a great all around scope that will likely outperform similar sized scopes you might find in department stores. Orion provides quality accessories on this scope where department store scopes add on several practically worthless items (department store scopes often claim a misleadingly high magnification for the scope).
- Cost: Around $270 including shipping.
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you. If you are buying this scope for a child you will still probably need to assist them in getting it set up the first few times you use it.
- This scope is for primarily for astronomy.
- This scope (in conjunction with your digital camera and an adapter) can allow you to take some nice photos of the Moon.
- You may have to collimate (align) the optics from time to time. This is normal for any Newtonian reflector telescope and the instruction manual will guide you through this task. Orion's instruction manuals are very well written by professionals who know telescopes and also know proper use of the English language (the manual is NOT a poor quality one sheet "Chinese translation" type manual).
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here:
Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Bottom line: This scope is a great choice for a young person starting out in astronomy. If you really want the SkyQuest XT6 (the scope at the top of this page) but don't have the funds for that unit, this scope is an excellent alternative. It comes with two very good eyepiece and an optical finderscope (basically it comes with everything you need right out of the box). This telescope's capabilities are considerably more than those of the common 60mm refractor that is often given as a "first" telescope.
This scope (or the one just below) is among the best picks if your budget is very limited:
- Simple to use: Just carry it outside, set it on the ground and you are ready to observe.
- A scope that will excel at viewing the Moon; you'll also be able to see the bright planets and a number of the brighter deep sky objects.
- Good basic capabilities: Orion is a company that specializes in telescopes, this scope was designed by people who actually use telescopes. Although this scope may look similar to those you see in department stores, there is a very real difference. This scope leaves out the junky accessories and provides two decent quality eyepieces that provide magnifications that are proper for a scope of this size. Department store scopes tend to provide eyepieces to prop up the magnification to a preposterously high number (due to the fact that most people associated magnification with how "powerful" a scope is).
- No maintenance: Refractor scopes do not need to have their optics periodically aligned (they are factory set).
- Great value: This is the most basic beginner scope you can buy. You will not likely find a better scope for the cost.
- Cost: Around $120 including shipping.
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you. If you are buying this scope for a child you will still probably need to assist them in getting it set up the first few times you use it.
- This scope can be used for both astronomy and for terrestrial viewing.
- This scope (in conjunction with your digital camera and an adapter) can allow you to take some nice photos of the Moon.
- The Red Dot finder requires button batteries (they are supplied with the unit). They last a long time in normal use, but it you forget to shut off the finder when you put the scope away the batteries will probably be dead the next time you go to use the scope!
- Keep in mind that this scope pretty much represents the least expensive option for starting out in astronomy: expect a fair amount of plastic (all scopes in this price range are of similar construction).
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here:
Orion Observer 60mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope
Bottom line: For those with very limited budgets this is among your best choices. It will be of higher quality as compared to similar looking scopes you might find in department stores. Many amateur astronomers (including me) got their start with a scope similar to this one!
This scope is another very good choice if your budget is very limited:
- The features of this Celestron telescope scope are nearly identical to the one just above, except that it is slightly more powerful.
Full details of the scope are here: Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope
This scope is a little larger and more powerful as compared to the Orion Observer 60mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope (above). Also very similar in features and capabilities as compared to the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope.
Full details of the scope are here:
Orion Observer 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope
Bottom line: A very nice telescope for the money, no useless accessories, just a good basic scope.
A Fourth Great Choice for a Limited Budget:
This is a great scope for the money. I personally own one and it gives very nice views especially considering its size. Here is more info on the scope:
- Simple to use: Just carry it outside, set it on the ground and you are ready to observe. The fully assembled scope weighs only 9 pounds, light enough for most anyone to carry.
- Although it is a basic scope it is powerful enough to provide satisfying images of many objects.
- Quality construction: Orion is a company that specializes in telescopes, this scope was designed by people who actually use telescopes.
- Reviews: this scope has not been reviewed by the astronomy magazines however I can state that in owning one it is very good for the cost.
- Great value: it comes with 2 good eyepieces that are well matched to the scope (28x and 70x). It also comes with an easy to use red dot finder scope.
- Cost: Around $120 including shipping.
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you. If you are buying this scope for a child you will still probably need to assist them in getting it set up the first few times you use it.
- This scope is for primarily for astronomy.
- This scope (in conjunction with your digital camera and an adapter) can allow you to take some nice photos of the Moon.
- You may have to collimate (align) the optics from time to time. This is normal for any Newtonian reflector telescope and the instruction manual will guide you through this task. Orion's instruction manuals are very well written by professionals who know telescopes and also know proper use of the English language (the manual is NOT a poor quality one sheet "Chinese translation" type manual).
- The Red Dot finder requires button batteries (they are supplied with the unit). They last a long time in normal use, but it you forget to shut off the finder when you put the scope away the batteries will probably be dead the next time you go to use the scope!
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
I took a photo of the Moon with this scope. Click on the small image below to see the full size image. Despite this being a small scope you can see that it does a very nice job in showing the Moon!
Full details of the scope are here:
Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altaz Reflector Telescope
Bottom line: For a little over $100 this is a very nice basic telescope that gives very sharp views of the Moon and other bright objects.
Two good choices for a child that really wants a telescope (but you're not sure the interest will last)!
There are two scopes that recently came on the market that are very basic (but are good choices in certain situations). These two scopes are perfect for a child who really wants a telescope, but you are (a) not sure the interest will last more than a week and /or (b) you want to keep costs to the absolute lowest possible. Both of these scopes are very basic performers and quite similar in overall design. The first one is:
This telescope sells for around $50. It got a decent review in Sky and Telescope magazine (keeping in mind the intent of this scope)! Here is more info on this scope:
- Simple to use: Just carry it outside, set it on a table (or car hood) and you ready to observe. The scope is small and light enough (4 pounds) for most anyone to carry.
- This scope will provide very basic views of the Moon, planets and the brightest deep sky objects.
- This scope comes with 2 eyepieces, one that provides 15x (low power) and 75x (enough to see detail on the Moon and brigth planets).
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you. If you are buying this scope for a child you will still probably need to assist them in getting it set up the first few times you use it.
- This scope is for primarily for astronomy.
- This scope does not come with a finderscope. However, the low power eyepiece (15x) is low enough to allow reasonably easy location of things you want to look at.
- This is a very basic scope... don't expect world class performance from a $50 scope! It is not a "toy" telescope however.
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here:
Celestron FirstScope Telescope
The second scope in this class is below:
This telescope also sells for around $50. It is very similar overall to the Celestron scope just above (there are a few differences however). Here is more info on this scope:
- Simple to use: Just carry it outside, set it on a table (or car hood) and you ready to observe. The scope is small and light enough (4 pounds) for most anyone to carry.
- This scope will provide very basic views of the Moon, planets and the brightest deep sky objects.
- This scope comes with 2 eyepieces, one that provides 15x (low power) and 30x. 30x is still pretty low, you'll see detail on the Moon but the planets Jupiter and Saturn will appear very small. The Celestron scope (above) is possibly the better choice if seeing the planets a little closer is a priority.
- This scope DOES come with a Red Dot finderscope (this item alone sells seperately for around $35 so this scope is a great deal). This will make locating objects you want to look at a lot easier.
There are some other things to be aware of:
- This is not a scope that will locate objects for you. If you are buying this scope for a child you will still probably need to assist them in getting it set up the first few times you use it.
- This scope is for primarily for astronomy.
- The highest magnification possible with the supplied eyepieces (30x) is kind of low and you won't see much detail on Jupiter and Saturn. You can always get seperate eyepieces to boost up the magnification, however this will basically double the cost of the scope (and if you're going to spend $100+ I'd recommend getting the
Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altaz Reflector Telescope instead)!
- This is a very basic scope... don't expect world class performance from a $50 scope! It is not a "toy" telescope however.
- The Red Dot finder requires button batteries (they are supplied with the unit). They last a long time in normal use, but it you forget to shut off the finder when you put the scope away the batteries will probably be dead the next time you go to use the scope!
- NEVER point this (or any) telescope at the Sun unless you have the proper filter and are familiar with how to use it. Blindness can result.
Full details of the scope are here:
FunScope 76mm Reflector Telescope
So which of the two should I get? I'd lean towards the Celestron model (mainly because it has an eyepiece that provides 75x, enough to see a little more on the Moon and planets). That said, it won't be a top quality view (due to the very low price of the scope it is not possible to include a high quality eyepiece). The Orion Funscope is very similar (with the supplied eyepieces it only goes to 30x, a tad low for detail, but on the plus side it comes with a good finderscope). Chances are that these scopes will be big sellers around the holidays... if the one you want is out of stock the other one is a good substitute.
Remember, these two scopes are very basic. If you think your child will have a longer lasting interest in astronomy, one of the other scopes on this page would be a better choice. The two scopes listed just above are intended only to get your "feet wet" in astronomy!
There are a number of other great choices...
If you have questions please E-mail me
and I'll try to help get you to the right scope!
Excellent Books to go with your First
Telescope
Below I list a few books that are among the best for the new astronomer. Each of these will help you get started (in terms of using your new scope, what to look for in the sky, and many other useful tips for beginners). Here are several excellent books to chose from:
A basic but good choice to consider with your first telescope (good for very limited budgets):
This book is around $14 plus shipping.
A great companion book to help get you started with your first telescope. Cost is around $25 plus shipping.
A superb book if your first telescope a little larger (like the 6" scope at the top of the page):
This is an excellent book; it covers all kinds of topics including how to use your scope, what to look for (based on the seasons). Highly recommended.
This book is around $30 plus shipping.
If you live where there is a lot of light pollution the Moon may be your most visible astronomical target. This excellent book will help you see all kinds of fascinating features on the Moon:
This book is around $15 plus shipping. The book covers what you can see on the Moon on a night by night basis and also talks about basic lunar photography should you want to try that. Below are a few images from the book (I can't show anything too detailed as it is a copyrighted work):
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