Here at CuriousMatrix.com, we love to write about the cosmos and planets. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best telescopes under $200 to help you get started on your own stargazing journey. Each of these telescopes has been carefully selected based on their quality, features, and affordability.
We’ve also included the pros and cons of each product to help you make an informed decision. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top 5 picks for the best telescopes under $200.
Sidenote: Have in mind that (currently), most of those telescopes actually costs below $100 because of big discounts.
When it comes to purchasing a telescope, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of telescope you want. There are three primary types of telescopes: refractor, reflector, and catadioptric. Refractor telescopes use lenses to focus light, while reflector telescopes use mirrors. Catadioptric telescopes use both lenses and mirrors. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Another crucial factor to consider is the aperture size, which determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture size means better image quality, but it also means a higher price tag. With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at the top 5 telescopes under $200.
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ABOTEC Telescope
ABOTEC Telescope is a great entry-level telescope for adults and kids interested in astronomy.
Pros
- The 80mm objective lens and fully coated optics provide bright, clear images of the moon and planets.
- The 25X-250X magnification and 3 eyepieces with a 3X Barlow lens allow for a range of viewing options.
- The portable design with an adjustable tripod and smartphone adapter make it easy to take on the go.
Cons
- The tripod can be a bit wobbly at maximum height.
- The included wireless remote can be finicky.
- The manual could be more detailed for beginners.
Overall, we highly recommend the ABOTEC Telescope for beginners and kids interested in astronomy. It’s a great value for the price, and the image quality and portability make it a great choice for stargazing on the go.
HEXEUM Telescope
The HEXEUM Telescope is a great option for those who are just starting out in the world of astronomy.
Pros
- Excellent quality optics for stunning views and eye protection
- High magnification with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens
- Portable and convenient with phone adapter, adjustable tripod, and carrying bag
Cons
- Barlow lens takes away some light when used
- Manual could be more thorough for beginners
- Limited clarity for objects other than the moon
This telescope is a perfect gift for kids or beginner adult astronomers. It helps them build interest in astronomy and science, explore the unknown, enjoy nature, and stay away from screens. The HEXEUM Telescope is equipped with a reflex finderscope, adapter power source, manual focus, and an Altazimuth Mount. The objective lens diameter is 70 millimeters, and the optical tube length is 500 millimeters.
Emarth Telescope for Adults
The Emarth Telescope for Adults is a great way to explore the cosmos and planets, without breaking the bank.
Pros
- The Germany Powerful Optical Lens delivers a wide, sharp, and crystal-clear view, making it perfect for stargazing or bird watching.
- The exclusive extraordinary high-end configuration provides excellent colorful and natural views.
- The interstellar beginner telescope is very easy to set up, even for kids.
Cons
- The phone mount may not work with all phone models.
- The telescope requires at least a 20mm eyepiece to see the moon and planets better.
The Emarth Telescope for Adults is a great option for beginners who want to explore the night sky. With its updated adjustable tripod, it provides reliable stability and supports three different height adjustments. The telescope comes with a diagonal mirror, which ensures that the pictures we see won’t be upside down, making it perfect for moon watching or bird watching.
The telescope also comes with a moon map and star map in the package inside, which is very useful for astronomy lovers .
HEXEUM 80mm Aperture
Another Hexeum Telescope on our list. This one has higher focal length (600mm, f/6.7) and 80mm aperture.
Pros
- The telescope has excellent quality optics that enhance image brightness and clarity, making it easy to capture stunning images.
- With two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, the telescope offers optimum magnification for viewing the moon and other celestial objects.
- The telescope is portable and convenient, with a phone adapter, adjustable aluminum tripod, and wireless remote control.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty getting the telescope to focus properly.
- The stand can be shaky and unstable, making it challenging to use the telescope accurately.
- The telescope may not offer enough detail for more experienced users.
Overall, we think the HEXEUM Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore the night sky. It’s easy to set up and use, and the phone adapter allows you to capture amazing images.
Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope
The Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope is a great telescope for enthusiasts who want to observe celestial objects or terrestrial views while on the go. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use, making it perfect for adults and kids to use together.
Pros
- The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around in the included traveling backpack.
- The 70mm objective lens provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
- The included two quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and a star diagonal for crisp low- and high-power viewing during the day or at night.
Cons
- The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is primarily a terrestrial viewing telescope, and its performance for celestial viewing is limited.
- The included software can be difficult to download.
The Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope is perfect for people who want to explore the night sky or observe wildlife in nature. It’s easy to assemble and navigate, and the included backpack makes it easy to carry around.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a telescope under $200 (or any other budget for that matter), there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. These are aperture, mount and accessories.
So when choosing a telescope either for yourself or as a gift for someone else please consider these characteristics.
And at the end – hopefully we’ve made it easier for you to decide which telescope to buy, especially having in mind upcoming Christmas and holiday season where telescopes are great and useful gifts both for adults and children.
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