If you’re looking for a great telescope but don’t want to spend a fortune, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great telescopes that can be had for under $500. In this article, Best TechSmart introduce you to some of the best telescopes for under $500.
With a budget of $500, you’ll be able to get a great telescope that will allow you to see plenty of detail in the night sky. You’ll be able to see the craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and even the galaxies beyond our own.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a telescope. First, you’ll want to decide what type of telescope you want. There are refractor telescopes, which use lenses, and reflector telescopes, which use mirrors. Reflector telescopes are usually a bit cheaper, so they’re a good choice if you’re on a budget.
Next, you’ll want to decide how big of a telescope you want. The size of the telescope will determine how much light it can gather, and thus how much detail you’ll be able to see. A bigger telescope is usually better, but it can also be more expensive.
Finally, you’ll
1. Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
If you’re looking for an affordable telescope that will give you good views of the night sky, the Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a great option. This telescope has a 127mm aperture, which means it can gather a lot of light and give you clear views of objects like the moon and planets. The 1000mm focal length also means you can see details on objects that are far away.
The Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope also comes with a 3x Barlow lens, which will increase the power of your telescope and give you even better views. The German Equatorial Mount makes it easy to follow objects as they move across the sky, and the aluminum tripod and accessory tray make it easy to set up and store your telescope.
The only downside of the Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is that it doesn’t come with a finderscope, so it can be a little difficult to find objects in the night sky. But overall, this telescope is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use telescope.
- Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope - 20mm Erect-Image Eyepiece - 4mm Eyepiece - 3x Barlow Lens - Star Pointer Finder - Equatorial Head - 2x Slow-Motion Cables - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Counterweight Bar - 7.5 lbs Counterweight - Download Code - Original Box
- Quick and easy no-tool setup
- Slow motion controls for smooth tracking
- Erect image optics - Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
- Fully coated glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brightness and clarity
2. Celestron Refractor Telescope Beginners Astronomy
Celestron is a brand that has been around for a long time, and they make some of the best telescopes on the market. The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is no exception. This telescope is perfect for beginners, as it is easy to set up and use. It comes with a 20mm and 10mm eyepiece, which provide low and high power views, respectively. The large 70mm aperture objective lens provides brighter and more detailed views than the 50mm model. This telescope is also equipped with a custom backpack, which makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- SUPERIOR OPTICS: The 70mm Travel Scope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched among competitors in its class.
- POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
- LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
- BONUS BAG, TRIPOD, AND SOFTWARE: Take your Travel Scope anywhere in the included travel backpack.The scope and tripod are easy to set up and use. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
3. Celestron 31045 AstroMaster Reflector Telescope
Telescopes are a great way to explore the universe, and the Celestron 31045 AstroMaster Reflector Telescope is perfect for astronomy beginners. This telescope has a 130mm aperture, which allows it to gather enough light to see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Galilean moons, the moon’s craters, and more.
The AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian reflector is easy to set up and use. It has a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy with no tools required.
The AstroMaster 130EQ comes with 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a fullheight tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. It also includes a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- POWERFUL TELESCOPE FOR ASTRONOMY BEGINNERS: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian reflector is ideal the telescope for beginners. It features fully-coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 130mm aperture, the AstroMaster 130EQ can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Galilean moons, the Moon's craters, and more.
- EASY TO SET UP AND USE: This is a great telescope for kids and adults to use together. It features a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
4. Celestron 21061 AstroMaster Refractor Telescope
The Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope is a powerful and user-friendly telescope that is perfect for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. The fully coated glass optics provide clear, crisp images, while the included accessories and 2-year warranty make this telescope a great value.
The high-quality 70mm optic objective lens is perfect for observing celestial objects at night, as well as land-based targets during the day. The telescope is also portable and easy to set up, with no tools required. The included accessories are a 20mm and 10mm eyepiece, a star diagonal, a full-height tripod, and a red dot finderscope.
- POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a red dot finderscope.
- HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: This Celestron telescope features a powerful, fully coated 70mm glass optic objective lens. You can observe celestial objects at night and land-based targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day.
- PORTABLE AND EASY TO SET UP: This telescope for adults features a sturdy-yet-lightweight frame and a panning handle with Alt-Az control for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a star diagonal, a full-height tripod, and a red dot finderscope. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
5. Celestron 31042 AstroMaster Reflector Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian telescope is a powerful and user-friendly reflector telescope. It features fully-coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.
With a 114mm aperture, the AstroMaster 114EQ can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Galilean moons, the Moon’s craters, and more.
Setup is quick and easy with no tools required. The telescope features a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing.
We’ve included 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. You’ll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ 114mm f/8.8 Newtonian Reflector Telescope with German Equatorial Mount - Tripod and Mount - 20mm Eyepiece with Built-In Erect Image Corrector - Standard 10mm Eyepiece - Red-Dot Finderscope - Download Code
- Manual German equatorial mount with setting circles to accurately locate and track sky objects
- Adjustable, full height steel tripod with deluxe accessory tray
- Quick and easy no-tool setup
- Download Starry Night Basic Software with a 36,000 object database, printable sky maps and enhanced images including 3D renderings of stars, exoplanets, and galaxies
6. Celestron 21048 PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope
Telescopes are a great way to view the night sky. They come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of features. The Celestron 21048 PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope is perfect for beginners. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of accessories.
The PowerSeeker 80EQ is a refractor telescope. It has a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. The mount can be adjusted to the desired position, then secured by tightening the cross knob. This telescope is compact and lightweight, making it portable. It can be taken to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply used in the backyard.
The telescope features two eyepieces – a 20mm and a 4mm. It also comes with an erect image diagonal, finderscope, and a 3x Barlow lens. The accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
The Celestron 21048 PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope is a great way for beginners to explore the night sky. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of accessories.
- PERFECT BEGINNERS TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power.
- MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES: The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope features 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), erect image diagonal, finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
FAQs
When you’re looking for the best telescope for under $500, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are the five most frequently asked questions about finding the right telescope for your needs.
1. What type of telescope is best for beginners?
If you’re a beginner, a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is a good option. They’re easy to use and have a wide range of applications.
2. What are the benefits of a refractor telescope?
Refractor telescopes are typically smaller and lighter than other types of telescopes, making them easier to transport. They also offer a wider field of view.
3. What is the difference between a reflector and a refractor telescope?
Reflector telescopes use mirrors to reflect light into the eyepiece, while refractor telescopes use lenses to do the same. Reflector telescopes are usually less expensive than refractor telescopes.
4. What should I consider when choosing a telescope?
Some things you’ll want to consider include the aperture size, the type of telescope, and the mount type.
5. What is the best telescope for under $500?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best telescope for under $500 will vary depending on the individual’s needs. However, some good options include the Celestron NexStar 6SE, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic, and the Meade LX600.
