Here’s an overview of the Best Telescopes For that we’ll explore today:
Telescopes for beginners represent a critical first step into observational astronomy. A solid starter instrument can ignite a lifelong interest by delivering crisp lunar details, pleasing planetary views, and a gateway to fainter deep-sky targets as skills grow. In this review, I test and compare five 70–80 mm aperture refractors and small reflector-based kits that sit in the $56–$97 range, balancing portability, ease of use, optical quality, and feature sets like smartphone adapters and wireless remotes. My methodology combines objective measurements (aperture, focal length, magnification options, and mount type) with real-world usability testing (assembly time, stability, handling, and image clarity across lunar, planetary, and bright deep-sky targets). Each product is evaluated on setup simplicity, optics performance, accessories, and value for families, students, and casual stargazers.
1. Gskyer Telescope
- Brand: Gskyer
- Manufacturer: Gskyer
Overview: This premium-option Gskyer model features a 70 mm aperture and a 400 mm focal length (f/5.7), with fully coated optics and an AZ-style alt-azimuth mount. It ships with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, a 5×24 finder, a smartphone adapter, and a wireless remote, plus an adjustable aluminum tripod and a carry bag. The kit is designed for portability and beginner-friendly operation, with a strong emphasis on imaging capability via smartphone integration.
Performance-wise, the 70 mm aperture yields bright enough views of the Moon and bright planets, while the 3x Barlow expands potential magnification, though the highest usable magnification will still be constrained by the 400 mm focal length and atmospheric conditions. The inclusion of a reflex finder and a wireless remote simplifies object acquisition and image capture, making it suitable for family stargazing and introductory astrophotography. Consider its weight (about 5.7 lb) and the stability of the aluminum tripod when fully extended, as longer sessions may benefit from a sturdier setup or additional counterweights.
Pros
- Solid build with aluminum tripod and included carry bag for travel
- Smartphone adapter and wireless remote enable easy imaging
- 3x Barlow lens increases versatility of magnification
- Good optical quality for a 70 mm refractor with full coatings
- Relatively compact and beginner-friendly setup
Cons
- AZ mount provides basic tracking but not true equatorial tracking for long-exposure imaging
- Limited highest practical magnification due to short focal length
- May require careful collimation and alignment for sharpness at higher mags
2. Telescope for Adults
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: HEXEUM’s AZ80600 uses an 80 mm aperture with a 600 mm focal length (f/7.5) in an easy-to-use alt-azimuth mount. It includes two eyepieces (25 mm and 10 mm), a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, a smartphone adapter, wireless remote, and a carrying bag. The kit emphasizes easy setup and portability, with no-tools assembly and a focus on crisp optics via fully multi-coated coatings.
Performance-wise, the 80 mm aperture allows more light collection than smaller models, improving lunar and planetary contrast and enabling brighter views of larger clusters and some brighter DSOs under dark skies. The longer focal length helps with higher magnification options when combined with the Barlow and eyepieces, though image stability hinges on tripod rigidity. The no-tools setup is a clear user-experience win for beginners, while lifetime maintenance adds long-term value. Weight around 6.2 lb keeps it portable, but buyers should assess whether the included tripod offers adequate stiffness at maximum altitude.
Pros
- Larger 80 mm aperture improves light gathering
- No-tools setup and quick assembly
- Included 3x Barlow expands magnification range
- Warranty/maintenance support promises long-term service
- Carrying bag facilitates travel
Cons
- AZ mount limits precise tracking for extended observing or imaging
- Focal length leads to moderate exit pupil at higher magnifications
- As with many entry kits, optical alignment and mount stability can impact edge sharpness
3. Telescope for Adults
- Brand: ToyerBee
- Manufacturer: ToyerBee
Overview: ToyerBee offers a 70 mm aperture refractor with a compact 300 mm focal length (f/4.3), 15X–150X magnification range via two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow, plus a smartphone adapter and wireless remote. It targets portability and value, with an emphasis on quick setup and kid-friendly usability. The kit is compact enough to be used as a travel scope for family outings.
Performance-wise, the shorter focal length enables larger image scales at lower magnifications, improving initial lunar and planet views for beginners. However, the f/4.3 implies a wider field, which helps find objects quickly but can introduce more optical aberrations at higher magnifications if the optics or mount aren’t perfectly aligned. The included wireless remote is convenient for capturing phone images without touch-induced shake, but expect the higher-end magnifications to require steady hands or a steadier mount for sharp targets.
Pros
- Very portable and lightweight
- Wide magnification range with Barlow lens
- Phone adapter and wireless remote enable easy imaging
- Clear value proposition for beginners and younger users
- No-tool assembly in most cases
Cons
- Short 300 mm focal length limits must be paired with good seeing
- Aperture only 70 mm limits faint-object capability
- Build quality and balance may be less rigid at higher extensions
4. Telescope
- Brand: GWYNEXAC
- Manufacturer: GWYNEXAC
Overview: GWYNEXAC’s 70 mm, 400 mm refractor emphasizes improved optics with FMC coatings and a robust accessory kit that includes three eyepieces (K20, K12, H6), a 3x Barlow, a 5×24 finder, a Moon filter, and a dedicated backpack. The enlarged 400 mm focal length offers slightly higher magnification potential and better image brightness than the most compact 70 mm options, while still keeping the system portable and beginner-friendly.
Performance-wise, FMC coatings on the glass lenses deliver higher transmission and reduced glare, with a finder that aids star-hopping for quick target acquisition. The longer 400 mm tube provides improved lunar detail and more comfortable planetary views when paired with appropriate eyepieces and the Barlow. The backpack and included Moon filter contribute to daytime usability and extended observing sessions, though the overall footprint remains compact. Weight around 3.5 lb keeps it highly portable, but stability at higher elevations still depends on tripod rigidity.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated optics for higher light transmission
- Comprehensive accessory kit with three eyepieces and Moon filter
- Sturdy, extended tripod with good height range
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Backpack adds convenient storage
Cons
- Still an entry-level mount; long-exposure imaging not feasible
- Some users may prefer an equatorial mount for astrophotography
- Higher magnification requires careful focusing and stability
5. Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: HEXEUM’s 80 mm, 600 mm model mirrors the AZ80600 design with similar accessories and layout to the other HEXEUM kit, including two eyepieces (25 mm, 10 mm), a 3x Barlow, 5×24 finder, smartphone adapter, wireless remote, and a carrying bag. It emphasizes a balance of larger aperture and portability, delivering brighter views and more flexible magnification than smaller 70 mm options.
Performance-wise, the 80 mm aperture improves light gathering and contrast, with a 600 mm focal length enabling higher practical magnifications when used with the Barlow and longer focal-length eyepieces. The no-tools setup remains a strong usability point for beginners, while the included accessories support lively star-hopping and imaging exploration. The heavier weight (around 6.15 lb) can impact transport and stability, especially on flimsy tripods, so ensure the tripod is solid and the setup is well balanced for comfortable, longer sessions.
Pros
- Notable 80 mm aperture for brighter views
- Comprehensive accessory set with Barlow and multiple eyepieces
- Phone adapter and wireless remote simplify imaging
- No-tools assembly supports quick setup
- Carry bag and portability
Cons
- AZ mount lacks precise tracking for long-exposure work
- Heavier than some competing 70 mm kits
- Optical performance depends on tripod quality and collimation
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about telescopes fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
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Final thoughts here.