Just as there are different types of cars for different needs, there are different types of telescopes for different needs. If you’re looking for a quality telescope that won’t break the bank, then you should consider one of the best telescopes under $300.
There are a number of great telescopes in this price range, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. So, it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you make a purchase.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a telescope:
• aperture size – This is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. Larger apertures allow for more light to enter, which means you can see more detail.
• focal length – This is the distance between the telescope’s lens or mirror and the point where the image is focused. Longer focal lengths result in higher magnification, but also introduce more image distortion.
• type of mount – The type of mount affects the stability of the telescope and how easy it is to use. There are two main types of mounts: equatorial and altazimuth.
Once you know what to look for, you can start shopping for the best telescopes under 300 with the following list from Besttechsmart.
1. Gskyer Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope,Telescope for Kids
Telescopes are a great way to get a closer look at the sky. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, making it easy to find the perfect one for your needs. If you’re looking for a telescope for general use, Gskyer Telescope Telescopes for Adults 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor TelescopeTelescope for KidsHigh Quality Optics600mmf67 focal length and 90mm aperture fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyesHigh MagnificationCome with three replaceable eyepieces24X 60X120X and one 3x Barlow lens 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepieceAdjustable TripodThis telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum tripod The height of aluminum tripod can be adjusted from about 315inch to 49inchEasy to OperateNo tools are required for reflecting telescope even for the novice quick and easy to focus is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, general use telescope.
This telescope is easy to set up and use. It comes with three eyepieces, 24X, 60X, and 120X, and one 3x Barlow lens. The Barlow lens triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece. The telescope also has an adjustable tripod, which allows for many different viewing positions. It’s easy to focus, and no tools are required. This telescope is perfect for the novice astronomer.
The Gskyer Telescope Telescopes for Adults 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor TelescopeTelescope for KidsHigh Quality Optics600mmf67 focal length and 90mm aperture fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyesHigh MagnificationCome with three replaceable eyepieces24X 60X120X and one 3x Barlow lens 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepieceAdjustable TripodThis telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum tripod The height of aluminum tripod can be adjusted from about 315inch to 49inchEasy to OperateNo tools are required for reflecting telescope even for the novice quick and easy to focus is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, general use telescope that is easy to use.
- 【High Quality Optics】600mm(f/6.7) focal length and 90mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes.
- 【High Magnification】Come with three replaceable eyepieces(24X, 60X,120X) and one 3x Barlow lens. 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece
- 【Adjustable Tripod】This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum tripod. The height of aluminum tripod can be adjusted from about 31.5-inch to 49-inch
- 【Easy to Operate】No tools are required for reflecting telescope even for the novice, quick and easy to focus
- 【What You Get】AZ90600 telescope with 3 eyepieces, our 12-month worry-free support and friendly customer service.
2. Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope – Reflector Telescope for Beginners
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is a Newtonian reflector telescope designed for beginner astronomers. It has a 130mm aperture, which allows it to gather enough light to see details of objects in our solar system and beyond. It is easy to set up and use, and comes with a variety of accessories, including two eyepieces, a tripod, and a red dot finderscope. It also has a two-year warranty.
- 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.
3. PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners
Telescopes are one of the most popular hobbyist items today. They can be used for a variety of activities, from viewing terrestrial objects to studying celestial objects. Celestron, a leading telescope manufacturer, offers a variety of telescopes for the beginner and experienced hobbyist. The PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a manual German equatorial telescope that is ideal for beginners.
The PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is quick and easy to set up. There is no tool required for setup. The slow motion controls make smooth tracking easy. The erect image optics are perfect for terrestrial and astronomical use. The telescope is fully coated with high transmission coatings, providing enhanced image brightness and clarity.
The PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope is a great starter telescope for the beginner hobbyist. It is easy to use and provides clear images.
- 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
4. AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope – Reflector Telescope for Beginners – Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Adjustable
The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a great choice for beginner astronomers. It has a fully coated glass optics system that provides clear images, and the erect image corrector ensures that the image you see is right-side up. The German equatorial mount makes it easy to track objects in the sky, and the adjustable tripod ensures a stable viewing experience. Plus, the included star chart software makes it easy to find and track objects in the sky.
The biggest downside of the AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is that it doesn’t come with a finderscope. This can make it difficult to find objects in the sky, especially if you’re new to astronomy. However, the included software can help you locate objects and track them in the sky.
Overall, the Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a great choice for beginner astronomers. It has a clear optics system, an erect image corrector, and a German equatorial mount. Plus, the included software makes it easy to find and track objects in the sky.
- 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
5. Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope is a great choice for amateur astronomers who want a versatile and easy-to-use telescope. This 51 aperture reflector telescope gathers an ample amount of light for great views of the planets and Moon as well as brighter galaxies nebulas and star clusters.
The compact optical tube design makes the SpaceProbe 130ST EQ easy to transport and set up. The fast f5 focal ratio provides pleasing widefield performance, making the telescope suitable for a variety of celestial objects. The sturdy equatorial telescope mount and adjustable tripod allow manual slowmotion tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky.
The complete assembled telescope weighs just 28 lbs, making it easy to transport to your favorite observing spot. The included two 125 Plossl eyepieces provide a variety of magnification options. The 25mm eyepiece provides 25x power, while the 10mm eyepiece yields 50x power. The included smartphone camera adapter allows you to take pictures or videos of the night sky with your phone. The included DeepMap 600 MoonMap 260 and collimation cap complete the package.
- This 5.1" aperture reflector telescope gathers an ample amount of light for great views of the planets and Moon, as well as brighter galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters
- Compact optical tube design for easy portability and fast f/5 focal ratio for pleasing wide-field performance makes the SpaceProbe 130ST EQ a very versatile telescope the whole family can enjoy
- Sturdy equatorial telescope mount and adjustable tripod allows manual slow-motion tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky
- Complete assembled telescope weighs just 28 lbs. for convenient transport
- Includes two 1.25" Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), smartphone camera adapter, DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260, collimation cap, and more!
6. AstroMaster 90EQ Refractor Telescope – Refractor Telescope for Beginners – Fully-Coated Glass Optics
AstroMaster 90EQ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 90EQ Refractor telescope is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, and an adjustable tripod.
HIGH-QUALITY 90MM OPTICS
The heart of the system is a fully-coated 90mm primary mirror. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments to view celestial and terrestrial objects.
QUICK SETUP
The telescope for adults and kids to be used together features a lightweight frame and 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 tripod, erect image star diagonal, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of U.S.-based experts.
- POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 90EQ Refractor telescope is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod.
- HIGH-QUALITY 90MM OPTICS: The heart of the system is a fully-coated 90mm primary mirror. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments to view celestial and terrestrial objects.
- QUICK SETUP & LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together features a lightweight frame and 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 tripod, erect image star diagonal, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
7. Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
The Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm TableTop MaksutovCassegrain Telescope is a compact telescope that is perfect for taking with you on road trips, camping, or just to the backyard. Weighing in at just 65 lbs. assembled, this telescope is easy to transport and set up. With a 90mm aperture, this telescope is capable of gathering enough light for beautiful views of the night sky, including brighter deep space objects like globular clusters, nebulas, and many bright galaxies. The included tabletop base provides a stable viewing foundation, and can be set on any sturdy table or even attached to a field tripod with a 38 or 1420 threaded post. This telescope also includes two 125 eyepieces (25mm and 10mm focal lengths), an EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming, and a 90 degree mirror diagonal for comfortable night sky viewing.
- This grab-and-go TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope provides powerful views of the Moon and bright planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars
- Weighing just 6.5 lbs. assembled, this compact telescope and base can be taken just about anywhere to provide great views of the night sky while on road-trips, camping, or the short trip out to the backyard
- 90mm aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope gathers enough light for beautiful views of brighter deep space objects like globular clusters, nebulas, and many bright galaxies
- Nifty tabletop base provides a stable viewing foundation you can set on any sturdy table, or even attach it to a field tripod with a 3/8" or 1/4"-20 threaded post
- Includes two 1.25" eyepieces (25mm and 10mm focal lengths), EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming, 90 degree mirror diagonal for comfortable night sky viewing, and more!
FAQs
If you are looking for a telescope, you may be wondering what the best option is for you. There are many telescopes on the market, and the prices vary greatly. If you are looking for a quality telescope that is affordable, you may want to consider one of the best telescopes under 300.
1. What are the different types of telescopes?
There are three main types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors, and compound telescopes. Refractors use a lens to gather light and reflectors use a mirror. Compound telescopes use both a lens and a mirror.
2. What are the advantages of a telescope under $300?
Telescopes under 300 tend to be more affordable than more expensive telescopes. They also tend to be smaller and easier to use.
3. What should I consider when choosing a telescope?
When choosing a telescope, you should consider the size of the telescope, the type of telescope, and the features of the telescope. You should also consider what you will be using the telescope for.
4. What are the most popular telescopes under $300?
The most popular telescopes under 300 include the Celestron NexStar 6 SE Telescope, the Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Telescope, and the Meade Instruments LX90-ACM Telescope.
5. What are the most important features to consider when choosing a telescope?
The most important features to consider when choosing a telescope are the size of the telescope, the type of telescope, and the features of the telescope.
