I prioritized telescopes that are easy to carry around so that you’ll actually want to use them. I looked for devices with magnifications of at least 30x for those who want to see details on large planets like Jupiter and Saturn.Įase of Use: Like I said before, you don’t need a Galileo-esque telescope to check out Jupiter. It’s calculated by dividing the focal length by the length of the eyepiece, according to Sky & Telescope. Magnification: The magnification of a telescope tells you how far you can zoom in with your telescope. For another perspective on light, check out our guide to the best lava lamps. I went for models with apertures of at least 3 or 4 inches, depending on the type of telescope. The more light, the greater detail you’ll be able to see. I used what I learned from them, as well as outside research, to narrow down my choices for the best telescopes for beginners based on the following criteria:Īperture: A telescope’s aperture describes the diameter of the lens - and, therefore, how much light it lets in. Best Starter Set: Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ How We Picked the Best Telescopes for BeginnersĪs a journalist and product reviewer, I’ve interviewed astronomers and astrophysicists about finding the best telescopes. Best Overall: Sky-Watcher Classic 200 Dobsonian 8-Inch - Best for Kids: Gskyer 90mm Astronomical Refractor Telescope - Best Value: Celestron FirstScope Telescope - Best Computerized: Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope - Best Portable: Popular Science by Celestron Travel Scope 70 Whether you know absolutely nothing about telescopes or this is the 15th article you’ve read to convince yourself to bite the bullet, the best telescopes for beginners will help you reach new celestial heights. Today’s telescopes aren’t like Galileo’s - nowadays, you can find lightweight devices that can be easily transported anywhere. If you’re a suburb-to-city transplant like me (or just a new astro-enthusiast), the best telescopes for beginners can help you find your favorite constellations and planets from any rooftop or park. When I moved to New York City for college, I had to adjust to barely seeing any stars in Manhattan even on the clearest nights, and even though I now live in Brooklyn, I can only get a slightly better view from my roof. The house I grew up in was in a wooded part of town, and as soon as spring started every year, I’d spend at least an hour out on the porch each night trying to see if I could point out Orion’s Belt or the Big Dipper. My favorite part about summers in my home state of Georgia is getting to see all the stars on a clear night. Just be mindful to always supervise your child when they’re using a telescope, and never let them point it at the sun.I’ve been hunting for the best telescopes for beginners for a while now. Either way, the bigger the aperture that collects the light, the better, so look for an aperture of 70mm upwards and you’ll be well on your way to stargazing success. The first uses mirrors to capture and focus light, and the second uses lenses. Broadly speaking, the two main options at this level are reflector and refractor telescopes. If it’s a full-blown astronomical telescope you’re after, spend some time shopping around. A terrestrial telescope designed to study distant objects on Earth is another good option, especially for curious nature lovers. For very young children, or kids who are just getting their head around the idea of magnification, a toy telescope is a great place to start. While an in-depth knowledge of astrophysics isn’t necessary when you’re buying a telescope at this level, knowing the basic differences will certainly help you to narrow things down. What types of kids’ telescopes are there? New West End Company BRANDPOST | PAID CONTENT.
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