Finding the best telescope under $500 can be a challenge. This blog post highlights top picks suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Telescopes open up a world of celestial wonders. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stargazer, a good telescope enhances your viewing experience. In this guide, we explore some of the best telescopes under $500, ensuring quality without breaking the bank.
From the versatile 70mm Aperture 500mm telescopes to high-powered models like the Gskyer 130EQ, there’s something for everyone. Each of these telescopes comes with useful features such as phone adapters, carrying bags, and easy setups. Read on to discover which telescope fits your needs and budget, and start your journey into the stars today.
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ToggleTelescope 70mm Aperture 500mm – For Kids & Adults Astronomical Refracting Telescopes

The Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm by HEXEUM is an excellent choice for both kids and adults who are interested in astronomy. This astronomical refracting telescope comes equipped with an AZ mount, fully multi-coated optics, a diagonal mirror, phone adapter, carrying bag, and a wireless remote. It features a sleek black color and has dimensions of 5.0 inches in height, 8.6 inches in width, 22.8 inches in length, and weighs 5.2 pounds.
Pros:
- 70mm aperture provides clear and bright images.
- 500mm focal length for detailed views of celestial objects.
- Fully multi-coated optics for enhanced image quality.
- AZ mount for easy and smooth adjustments.
- Comes with a diagonal mirror for comfortable viewing.
- Includes a phone adapter for capturing photos.
- Carrying bag makes it convenient to transport.
- Wireless remote for hands-free operation.
Cons:
- Limited aperture size may restrict deep-sky observations.
- Manual adjustments required which may be challenging for beginners.
- Plastic components might be less durable over time.
The HEXEUM Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm is an excellent entry-level telescope for those looking to explore the night sky. Its 70mm aperture and 500mm focal length provide clear and detailed views of celestial objects, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. The fully multi-coated optics enhance the image quality, ensuring bright and sharp visuals. Additionally, the AZ mount allows for easy and precise adjustments, making it user-friendly for all ages.
One of the standout features of this telescope is the inclusion of a diagonal mirror, which offers comfortable viewing angles. The phone adapter is a great addition for those who wish to capture images of their observations, while the carrying bag ensures easy transportation, making it ideal for on-the-go stargazing. The wireless remote further adds to the convenience, allowing for hands-free operation. However, users should be aware of the limited aperture size, which may not be suitable for deep-sky observations, and the manual adjustments required, which could be a learning curve for beginners. Despite these minor drawbacks, the HEXEUM Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm remains a valuable tool for anyone keen on exploring the wonders of the universe.
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Free Soldier Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm Refractor Telescope For Adults High Powered – Professional Astronomical Refracting Telescope For Adults Beginners With Phone Adapter And Carry Bag White

The FREE SOLDIER Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm Refractor Telescope is an ideal choice for both adults and beginners interested in astronomy. This high-powered, professional astronomical refracting telescope comes with a phone adapter and carry bag, making it convenient and easy to use.
Pros:
- High-powered refractor telescope suitable for detailed astronomical observations
- Comes with a phone adapter for easy image capturing
- Portable and includes a carry bag for convenient transport
- Great for both adults and beginners
Cons:
- The dimensions might make it bulky for some users
- Only available in white color, limiting color options
The FREE SOLDIER Telescope offers a 70mm aperture and 500mm focal length, making it a powerful tool for exploring the night sky. Its professional-grade optics ensure clear and sharp images of celestial objects. The included phone adapter allows users to easily capture and share their discoveries with friends and family.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the telescope’s larger dimensions may be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, the single color option of white may not appeal to everyone. However, its portability and suitability for both adults and beginners make it a versatile and accessible choice for anyone looking to delve into astronomy.
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Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm Az Astronomical Refractor Telescope

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for Adults Astronomy is a highly regarded piece of equipment, known for its German Technology and superior performance. It is specifically designed for adults who have a keen interest in astronomy and are looking for a reliable and high-quality telescope.
Pros:
- High magnification capabilities with 600x90mm lens
- Durable build with German technology
- User-friendly design, suitable for adults
- Portable with manageable weight of 18.0 pounds
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other models in the market
- Learning curve for beginners
- Bulky with dimensions of 38.0 x 12.0 x 8.0 inches
The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ is an exceptional choice for those who are serious about their stargazing activities. Its high magnification power allows users to see celestial objects in great detail. The German technology ensures that the telescope is not only durable but also offers precise and accurate observations. Additionally, the user-friendly design makes it a great option for adults who are looking to delve deeper into the world of astronomy without much hassle.
However, there are a few drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. The telescope is relatively pricey, which may not make it the best choice for beginners or those on a budget. There is also a learning curve involved in getting accustomed to its features and functionalities. Moreover, its bulky dimensions might pose a challenge for storage and portability. Despite these cons, the Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ remains a top-tier option for dedicated astronomy enthusiasts.
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Gskyer Telescope

The Gskyer Telescope is a high-quality astronomical refractor telescope designed for both kids and adults. With its German technology, it offers a reliable and precise scope for astronomy enthusiasts. The telescope features an 80mm aperture and comes in a sleek AZ80400 color. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to set up and use.
Pros:
- High-quality German technology
- 80mm aperture for clear and detailed views
- Lightweight and portable
- Suitable for both kids and adults
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Limited to refractor type only
- Some users may find the focus adjustments challenging
- May require additional accessories for advanced usage
The Gskyer Telescope offers a great combination of performance and ease of use. With its 80mm aperture, users can enjoy clear and detailed views of celestial objects. The German technology ensures reliability and precision, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced users. Its lightweight and portable design make it convenient for on-the-go stargazing, allowing users to set it up quickly and easily.
Despite its many advantages, the Gskyer Telescope does have a few limitations. Being a refractor type telescope, it might not offer the versatility that some advanced users are looking for. Additionally, some users may find the focus adjustments a bit challenging at first. However, with a bit of practice, these issues can be easily overcome. For those looking to enhance their astronomy experience, investing in additional accessories might be necessary. Overall, the Gskyer Telescope is a valuable tool for anyone interested in exploring the night sky.
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Telescope For Adults High Powered

The Telescope for Adults High Powered by HETEKAN is a professional refractor telescope designed for both kids and beginners. With a 90mm aperture and a 900mm focal length, it provides a magnification of 450X, making it ideal for planet observation. This telescope comes with a stainless tripod and a phone adapter for easy viewing and capturing of celestial events.
Pros:
- High magnification of 450X for detailed observation.
- Large 90mm aperture for clear and bright images.
- Comes with a sturdy stainless tripod.
- Includes a phone adapter for capturing images.
- Suitable for both kids and beginners.
Cons:
- The large size may be difficult to transport.
- Setup can be time-consuming for beginners.
The HETEKAN Telescope is a great option for those looking to explore the night sky in detail. Its high magnification and large aperture allow for stunning views of planets and other celestial objects. The included stainless tripod ensures stability during observations, and the phone adapter makes it easy to share your discoveries with others.
However, the telescope’s size can make it cumbersome to move around, and setting it up might be challenging for those new to astronomy. Despite these minor drawbacks, this telescope offers excellent value for its price and serves as an effective tool for both kids and beginners interested in astronomy.
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Celestron – Powerseeker 127eq Telescope

Experience the wonders of the night sky with the Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope. This manual German equatorial telescope is designed for beginners and is both compact and portable, making it easy to transport to your favorite stargazing locations. With a 127mm aperture, it provides excellent light-gathering ability for viewing celestial objects.
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- 127mm aperture for excellent light-gathering
- Manual German equatorial mount for precise tracking
- Bonus astronomy software package included
Cons:
- Manual setup can be challenging for some beginners
- Heavier compared to some other beginner telescopes
The Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope stands out with its impressive 127mm aperture, which allows for detailed views of planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects. The manual German equatorial mount is a standout feature, providing precision tracking of celestial bodies as they move across the sky. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners who are eager to learn the intricacies of manual tracking.
One of the key advantages of this telescope is its compact and portable design, making it easy to transport for stargazing on the go. Additionally, the bonus astronomy software package included with the telescope offers a wealth of information and guided viewing experiences. However, the manual setup may pose a challenge for some beginners, and its weight is a bit on the heavier side compared to other beginner models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a fantastic option for novice astronomers looking to explore the night sky.
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Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope

The Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm is an Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope that offers fully multi-coated high transmission coatings. It features an AZ mount with tripod, phone adapter, wireless control, and a carrying bag. The setup is designed to be easy and straightforward.
Pros:
- Fully multi-coated high transmission coatings for superior image quality
- Portable and easy to set up
- Includes phone adapter and wireless control for enhanced usability
- Comes with a carrying bag for easy transportation
- AZ mount with tripod for stability
Cons:
- Weight of 6.2 pounds may be heavy for some users
- Dimensions might be bulky for travel
- Color limited to 80600White
The Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm by HEXEUM provides an excellent balance between quality and portability. The fully multi-coated high transmission coatings ensure that users get clear and sharp images of the night sky. The inclusion of a phone adapter and wireless control makes it easier to capture and share astronomical observations with friends and family.
Despite its numerous advantages, the telescope has a few drawbacks. The weight of 6.2 pounds might be cumbersome for some users to carry. Additionally, the dimensions might be considered bulky for those looking to travel light. However, the carrying bag provided does help in mitigating this issue by allowing for more convenient transportation. Overall, this telescope is a great choice for both amateur and seasoned astronomers.
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Gskyer 130eq Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope

The Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope is a high-quality telescope designed for both amateur and professional astronomers. This German Technology Scope offers precision and performance, making it a top choice for stargazing enthusiasts. With its robust build and advanced features, the EQ-130 model stands out as a reliable instrument for exploring the night sky.
Pros:
- High-quality optics for clear and detailed images.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
- German engineering provides precision and reliability.
- Equatorial mount allows for easy tracking of celestial objects.
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Cons:
- Heavier weight makes it less portable.
- Requires assembly, which might be challenging for some users.
- Higher price point compared to basic models.
The Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope is known for its exceptional optical quality, which provides stunningly clear and detailed views of celestial objects. Whether you are observing planets, stars, or distant galaxies, the high-quality lenses and mirrors ensure that you get the best possible image. Its durable construction means that it can withstand regular use and handling, making it a reliable choice for serious astronomy enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the Gskyer 130EQ is its German engineering, which ensures precision and reliability. The equatorial mount is particularly beneficial for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky, providing a smoother and more accurate viewing experience. While the telescope’s heavier weight and the need for assembly might be seen as drawbacks, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall performance and quality offered by this telescope. Despite its higher price point, the investment is justified by the superior features and durability it provides.
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Telescope For Adults High Powered

The Telescope for Adults High Powered, 70mm Aperture 700mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners by HUTACT is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced astronomers. With its 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length, this telescope promises clear and detailed views of the night sky.
Pros:
- High Powered for clear and detailed images
- 70mm Aperture allows more light for brighter images
- 700mm Focal Length for increased magnification
- Suitable for Kids & Beginners
- Manufactured by HUTACT, a trusted brand
Cons:
- Size may be bulky for some users
- Setup might be complex for complete beginners
The HUTACT Telescope is designed with both amateur and experienced astronomers in mind. Its high-powered lens provides excellent clarity, making it easier to observe planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. The 70mm aperture ensures that more light enters the telescope, resulting in brighter and clearer images, which is especially beneficial for stargazing in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the 700mm focal length allows for greater magnification, enabling users to see distant objects in more detail. While the telescope’s size may be a bit cumbersome for some, and the setup process could be challenging for complete beginners, the overall performance and quality make it a worthwhile investment. HUTACT has established itself as a reliable manufacturer, ensuring that this telescope is both durable and efficient, making it a great choice for anyone looking to explore the night sky.
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Celticbird Telescope For Adults High Powered

The Celticbird Telescope for Adults is a high-powered device designed for astronomy beginners and enthusiasts. This travel telescope comes with an 80mm aperture and a 900mm refractor, making it a great gift option. It includes an AZ mount, a carry bag, and a phone mount for added convenience.
Pros:
- High-powered telescope suitable for adults and beginners
- 80mm aperture for clearer images
- 900mm refractor for enhanced viewing
- Comes with AZ mount for easy setup
- Includes a carry bag for portability
- Phone mount allows for easy integration with smartphones
Cons:
- Setup instructions might be complex for complete beginners
- Heavier compared to some other travel telescopes
The Celticbird Telescope is designed for those who are new to astronomy as well as seasoned enthusiasts. With its 80mm aperture and 900mm refractor, it provides bright and clear images of celestial objects. The inclusion of an AZ mount ensures that the telescope can be set up easily and allows for smooth tracking of objects in the sky. This makes the telescope user-friendly and efficient in delivering a quality viewing experience.
One of the standout features is the phone mount, which allows users to attach their smartphones and capture images or videos directly through the telescope. This feature is particularly useful for sharing your stargazing experiences with others. Additionally, the carry bag makes this telescope highly portable, allowing you to take it on your travels without any hassle. However, users should be aware that the setup instructions may be a bit complex for complete beginners, and the telescope is slightly heavier than some other models, which could be a consideration for those prioritizing lightweight equipment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Telescope Under $500 For Beginners?
The Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm is ideal for beginners. It features user-friendly setup, a phone adapter, and a carrying bag.
Can Kids Use The Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm?
Yes, the Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm is perfect for kids. It’s easy to use and comes with a wireless remote.
Is The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm Good For Adults?
Absolutely, the Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm is excellent for adults. It offers high magnification and German technology for precise viewing.
How Portable Is The Celestron Powerseeker 127eq?
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is compact and portable. It includes a carrying bag, making it easy to transport.
What Features Does The Free Soldier Telescope Offer?
The FREE SOLDIER Telescope has a 70mm aperture and 500mm focal length. It includes a phone adapter and carrying bag.
Is The Gskyer 130eq Suitable For Professional Use?
Yes, the Gskyer 130EQ is suitable for professional use. It features German technology and high-quality optics for detailed observations.
Conclusion
Finding the best telescope under $500 can be challenging with so many options available. The models listed offer great value for their price. They provide excellent features suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. The 70mm aperture telescopes are perfect for kids and adults starting in astronomy.
They come with useful accessories like phone adapters and carrying bags. The gskyer and celestron models stand out for their advanced features and reliable performance. They are built with german technology, ensuring high quality and durability. The 90mm and 127mm aperture telescopes are ideal for those wanting to explore deeper into space.
They offer high magnification, making them perfect for detailed planet observation. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, these telescopes provide a great start into the world of astronomy. Invest in one of these models and embark on your celestial journey today.
Happy stargazing!