Introduction
Exploring the night sky doesn’t have to break the bank. With the best telescope under 500 dollars, you can dive into stargazing without sacrificing quality or performance. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use option or an intermediate stargazer aiming for sharper celestial views, there are affordable telescopes that deliver impressive results.
In this guide, we’ll review five standout options under $500, including the popular Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ, AstroMaster 130EQ, and more. Each telescope on this list offers great value, making them ideal choices for newcomers to astronomy. Read on to discover which one best fits your stargazing goals. Furthermore we can check our best proposals for beginners telescopes in our dedicated post about the best telescopes for beginners in 2025
Top Picks for the Best Telescope Under $500
1. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is a popular choice among entry-level telescopes, offering an impressive 127mm aperture at an affordable price. Designed with beginners in mind, it provides clear views of the moon, planets, and even some star clusters, all while being portable enough for easy setup and transport.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 127mm, allowing for detailed views of the night sky.
- Focal Length: 1000mm with a fast focal ratio of f/7.87, delivering bright images that are ideal for beginners.
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector, giving better light-gathering power than smaller refractors.
- Mount Type: Manual German equatorial mount, which helps with precise tracking of celestial objects.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The PowerSeeker 127EQ combines affordability with strong performance, making it ideal for novice astronomers who want a reliable telescope without a steep learning curve. The larger aperture provides bright images, especially for lunar and planetary observations. The included slow-motion controls allow beginners to track objects smoothly, while the compact design makes it easy to transport and store. Furthermore you can check our post about a detailed review of the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ telescope
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable for its aperture size and quality.
- Good optics that provide clear images of celestial objects.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to set up and carry.
- Includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offering versatile magnification options.
Cons:
- The equatorial mount has a learning curve and may be challenging for true beginners.
- Limited deep-sky capability; best suited for lunar and planetary viewing.
- The included finderscope could be more accurate for precise targeting.
User Reviews:
Customers generally appreciate the value and image clarity of the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ. Many beginners find it an excellent introduction to stargazing, with users praising its portability and ease of setup. However, some note that the equatorial mount can be a bit complex to adjust, especially for first-time users, and recommend using a stable surface to minimize shaking.
2. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ offers a step up in aperture and image clarity, making it a solid choice for beginners and intermediate stargazers. With a 130mm aperture, this reflector telescope gathers more light, which translates into brighter, sharper images of planets, the moon, and even some deep-sky objects. The durable build and powerful optics make it a popular choice for those looking to invest in a reliable telescope.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 130mm, which provides more detail and brightness compared to smaller models.
- Focal Length: 650mm, giving it a focal ratio of f/5, well-suited for wide-field views.
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector, ideal for both planetary and some deep-sky observations.
- Mount Type: German equatorial mount with slow-motion controls for precise tracking.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The AstroMaster 130EQ is known for its user-friendly setup and straightforward design, making it accessible for beginners. The larger 130mm aperture offers noticeably clearer images, and the included equatorial mount, though slightly more complex, helps in accurately tracking celestial objects. This telescope is especially good for those who want to explore not just the moon and planets, but also get a glimpse of deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- High-quality optics for clear, bright images.
- Sturdy build, which is ideal for both home and field use.
- Includes a StarPointer finderscope, which helps users easily locate objects in the sky.
- Easy assembly with minimal tools needed.
Cons:
- The mount can take some time to master, especially for beginners.
- Limited accessories; additional eyepieces might be needed to maximize versatility.
- Slightly heavier than some other entry-level models, which may impact portability.
User Reviews:
Users highlight the AstroMaster 130EQ’s strong optical performance and solid construction. Many reviewers note that this telescope is versatile enough for both planetary and some deep-sky viewing, which is unusual in this price range. While the equatorial mount requires a bit of practice to master, most users find the tracking precision worth the effort. Some customers recommend purchasing extra eyepieces for enhanced views and a stable tripod for additional support, especially during longer observation sessions.
3. Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope
This Gskyer telescope is a high-performing reflector telescope that offers quality optics and a generous 130mm aperture at an affordable price. Designed with both beginners and intermediate users in mind, this telescope provides sharp views of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. Its sturdy equatorial mount and easy-to-use controls make it a practical choice for anyone looking to delve deeper into astronomy.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 130mm, enabling clear, bright images suitable for various celestial objects.
- Focal Length: 650mm, with a fast focal ratio of f/5 for wide-field viewing.
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector, ideal for bright, detailed images of planets and some deep-sky targets.
- Mount Type: German equatorial mount with precision controls for easy tracking.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Gskyer 130EQ stands out for its ease of use and setup, making it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced features that will satisfy more experienced users. The 130mm aperture is a strong feature for this price point, providing enough light-gathering ability to observe planets, the moon, and even star clusters. Additionally, the Gskyer comes with multiple eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, allowing for a range of magnifications to suit different celestial targets.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- High-quality optics and build, ideal for beginner and intermediate stargazers.
- Comes with multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens, offering good value and versatility.
- Equatorial mount enables smooth tracking once mastered.
- Compact size and lightweight, making it portable.
Cons:
- Setup may be slightly challenging for absolute beginners due to the equatorial mount.
- Finer adjustments on the mount may require additional practice.
- Limited to planetary and some bright deep-sky observations.
User Reviews:
Customers appreciate the Gskyer 130EQ for its image quality and ease of transport, making it ideal for both home use and stargazing trips. Many users find the multiple eyepieces and Barlow lens a major plus, as it gives them flexibility in observing various objects. While some beginners find the equatorial mount takes a bit of getting used to, the telescope’s sturdy design and clear optics generally earn high marks. Users recommend this telescope for its versatility, especially given its value and included accessories.
4. Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope
The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ refractor telescope is a great choice for beginners seeking a straightforward, easy-to-use telescope. With a 90mm aperture, this refractor telescope captures clear views of the moon, planets, and even brighter deep-sky objects. Its altazimuth mount is simple to operate, making it accessible for novice astronomers who may find equatorial mounts complex.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 90mm, offering bright and crisp images of celestial objects.
- Focal Length: 600mm, with a focal ratio of f/6.7, allowing for wide-field views.
- Optical Design: Refractor, known for sharp, low-maintenance optics.
- Mount Type: Altazimuth mount, which is intuitive and easy to navigate for beginners.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
This Gskyer telescope is lightweight, easy to set up, and does not require frequent maintenance, making it a reliable choice for beginners. The altazimuth mount is straightforward, allowing for smooth horizontal and vertical movements. This telescope also comes with three eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, providing a variety of magnification options to enhance views of the moon, planets, and nearby star clusters.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Simple altazimuth mount, easy for beginners to use.
- High-quality optics that deliver sharp and clear images.
- Includes multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens for flexible viewing.
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for on-the-go stargazing.
Cons:
- Limited deep-sky capability due to the smaller aperture compared to larger reflectors.
- Altazimuth mount lacks the precision tracking available with equatorial mounts.
- The lower magnification power may limit detailed views of distant objects.
User Reviews:
Users praise the Gskyer 600x90mm AZ telescope for its simplicity, portability, and reliable performance for lunar and planetary observations. Many beginners appreciate the easy-to-use altazimuth mount and clear views it offers, making it an ideal first telescope. However, some users suggest additional eyepieces for better versatility, particularly for viewing planets at higher magnifications. Overall, users recommend this telescope for its ease of use and value, especially for newcomers looking for a hassle-free stargazing experience.
5. Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ Newtonian Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ is a compact yet powerful reflector telescope that provides good image quality for beginners interested in both lunar and planetary viewing. Its 114mm aperture offers bright, clear images, making it a great choice for first-time stargazers looking for a balance between quality and affordability.
Key Features:
- Aperture: 114mm, providing sufficient light-gathering capacity for sharp views.
- Focal Length: 1000mm, with a focal ratio of f/9, offering detailed, high-contrast images.
- Optical Design: Newtonian reflector, ideal for clear views of planets and the moon.
- Mount Type: German equatorial mount, allowing for precise tracking once aligned.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The AstroMaster 114 EQ is designed with entry-level users in mind, delivering quality optics and an intuitive setup. Its equatorial mount enables users to track celestial objects with more precision, which is useful for observing planets as they move across the sky. The telescope includes a StarPointer red dot finderscope for easy object location, and two eyepieces for flexible magnification options.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Clear and bright images of the moon and planets.
- Equatorial mount with slow-motion controls, ideal for tracking.
- Comes with two eyepieces and a red dot finderscope.
- Easy assembly and setup for beginners.
Cons:
- Equatorial mount may require practice to use effectively.
- Slightly lower light-gathering power than larger telescopes.
- Additional eyepieces might be needed for high-power viewing.
User Reviews:
Many beginners and intermediate users appreciate the AstroMaster 114 EQ for its sharp planetary views and smooth tracking capabilities. Users often highlight the telescope’s sturdy build and compact design, making it easy to transport. Some beginners find the equatorial mount challenging at first but agree it’s worthwhile for the improved tracking once mastered. Users generally find this telescope to be a strong value for its quality and features, making it a reliable choice for beginners ready to explore the night sky.
Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table that includes key specifications, features, and ratings for each telescope:
| Telescope | Aperture | Focal Length | Mount Type | Optical Design | Best For | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ | 127mm | 1000mm | Equatorial | Reflector | Moon, planets, bright stars | 4.3 |
| Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ | 130mm | 650mm | Equatorial | Reflector | Planets, some deep-sky | 4.5 |
| Gskyer 130EQ Reflector | 130mm | 650mm | Equatorial | Reflector | Planets, deep-sky objects | 4.4 |
| Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Refractor | 90mm | 600mm | Altazimuth | Refractor | Moon, planets | 4.2 |
| Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ | 114mm | 1000mm | Equatorial | Reflector | Moon, planets, basic tracking | 4.1 |
This table gives an overview of each telescope’s key features and relative rating to help you quickly compare their options. Each rating reflects user experiences and suitability for beginners.
See also:
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