Everyone has to start somewhere. If you have spent some time observing the sky with your naked eyes and a pair of binoculars, you may be ready to move on up to telescopes. Still, even though you want to have the best, it may not be a great idea to spend a lot of money until you're sure you will get your money's worth. Check here for some great reflectors and refractors.
Also, check out our Top Telescope Books
1. Konus MotorMax 90 with RA Motor Drive
Konus
With its right ascension motor and robust mount, this sturdy telescope adds great optics for a pleasurable viewing experience.
2. Galileo 135x1100 Reflector Telescope
Galileo
3. Celestron SkyScout Scope 90 Telescope
Celestron
The SkyScout Scope 90 is easy to set-up, nearly maintenance free and has excellent optics. Simply attach the SkyScout to the specially designed mount to locate and identify celestial objects.
The SkyScout Scope 90 is designed exclusively for use with the Celestron SkyScout® Personal Planetarium® (sold separately).
4. Vixen VMC110L Modified Cassegrain OTA
Vixen
The Vixen VMC110L features include a curved vane secondary mirror spider to reduce diffraction effects, and a correcting meniscus lens just ahead of the secondary mirror as its larger cousins the VMC200L and VMC260L incorporate. It is a 110 mm (4.33 inch) aperture modified Cassegrain f/9.4 optical tube assembly and includes a built in flip mirror. With no corrector plate, the VMC110L features a small corrector lens ahead of the secondary mirror. This compact optical tube, with features found on our higher end telescopes, is a great pick up and go scope.
5. Meade ETX-80BB Backpack Observatory Telescope
Meade
The BackPack version of the Meade ETX-80AT-TC Telescope has a slightly lighter field tripod with bubble level indicator and a special edition Meade backpack. It is perfect for camping and quick grab-and-go astronomy trips. We recommend this version for travel use due to the lighter weight of the tripod.
Meade's brainy AutoStar computer solves the stargazer’s two biggest challenges in navigating the heavens with a computer telescope: aligning the telescope with the night sky and finding celestial phenomenon in the vast starry firmament. Right out of the box with a simple initialization, AutoStar makes finding the sky’s elusive jewels virtually as easy as pushing a few buttons.
6. Celestron NexStar 60 SLT Telescope
Celestron
The Celestron NexStar 60 SLT Refractor is an affordable entry-level to mid-level, computerized GOTO telescope. It is loaded with valuable design features and can be set up in a matter of minutes - no tools required.
7. Celestron AstroMaster 90 EQ Refractor Telescope
Celestron
Celestron AstroMaster 90 EQ Refractor Telescope is designed for the first time buyer. It offers exceptional value and features a compact and portable design with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy.
8. Meade ETX-80AT-TC Astro Telescope with AutoStar
Meade
Meade ETX-80AT-TC Astro Telescope with AutoStar delivers more light gathering for increased image brightness and greater detail. Moon craters by the hundreds, cloud belts on Jupiter, and Saturn’s rings are just the beginning of what can be seen with this telescope. Meade's brainy AutoStar computer solves the stargazer’s two biggest challenges in navigating the heavens with a computer telescope: aligning the telescope with the night sky and finding celestial phenomena in the vast starry firmament.
9. with RA Motor and Electronic Focuser
Konus
Konus KonusMotor 90 Refractor Telescope has an achromatic objective, metal tube assembly, eyepiece holder diam. 31,8 (1.25"). It also includes carrying cases and Skywatch astronomy software. This is an excellent beginner's telescope.
10. Bushnell Goto 675x4.5 Inch with Real Voice Output Telescope
Bushnell
The NorthStar 675 x 4.5-inch reflecting telescope with Real Voice Output includes the expected Bushnell quality and reliability. Its automatic, "Go-To" technology takes the work out of amateur astronomy by locating celestial objects for you.