Best Budget Telescopes Under $200 (2024 Guide)

Telescopes can be used for a variety of purposes, including measuring distances and identifying objects in the night sky. They are also useful for studying galaxies and stars. Telescopes can help astronomers and enthusiasts learn more about the universe and its contents. In this article, we listed the best budget telescopes under $200.

Check out Information about Astonomy

Overview:

Telescope BrandFeatures you will loveUser FeedbackPrice to ExpectHow we Rate this Product
Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope3x Barlow Lens, 1000m focal length, 127mm apertureVery goodMedium4 / 5
Meade Instruments 209004 Infinity 80 AZ Refractor Telescope80mm aperture, Altazimuth mount with panhandle &slow motion controls, low, medium & high magnification eyepiecesExcellentMedium5 / 5
Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope70x magnification, single fork arm Altazimuth Mount, Red Dot Starpointer FinderscopeVery goodLow4 / 5
Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope100x magnification, easy setup, includes 2 eyepiecesExcellentHigh5 / 5
Orion 09798 StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope, Metallic GreenFast f/4 optics with short focal lens, wide field reflector, general-purpose astronomical telescopeExcellentHigh5 / 5

Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope

Celestron 127EQ

Celestron PowerSeeker telescopes are an incredible way for aspiring space experts to discover the wonders of the Universe. The PowerSeeker arrangement is meant to provide the first-time through telescope customer with the best combination of value, worth, components, and force.

Novice stargazing is an excellent family activity that can be enjoyed all year, and Celestron’s PowerSeekers are an excellent choice for families looking for an inexpensive and outstanding telescope that can provide many hours of enjoyment to both children and adults.

PowerSeekers are quick and easy to set up – not standing for the inexperienced. Assembly does not need the use of any tools.

PROS

  • The most powerful reflector telescope
  • Affordable
  • Good for teenagers and adults
  • Come with Barlow lenses and eyepieces

CONS

  • Not good for beginners
  • You have to keep adjusting it

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope

If you’re looking for a dual-purpose telescope suitable for both physical and divine examination, the AstroMaster Series is for you. Each AstroMaster model is designed to provide accurate viewpoints of the surroundings and sky. The AstroMaster Series produces stunning, crisp images of the Moon and planets.

With any of these sophisticated devices, it is not difficult to observe Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings. We recommend the larger aperture and light assembling capacity of Newtonian reflectors for views of brighter deep space things like systems and nebulae.

PROS

  • Easy to set up
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Excellent image results
  • Produce very bright and vivid images

CONS

  • You have to find the target again and again after a little sliding
  • Not stable on grass or uneven places

Meade Instruments 209004 Infinity 80 AZ Refractor Telescope (Blue)

Meade Instruments – Infinity 70mm Aperture Portable

The Meade Infinity 80 Altazimuth Refractor Telescope comes with everything you need to glimpse the night sky for the first time. The 80mm (3.2′′) Refracting Telescope produces vivid and detailed images that are perfect for surveying both terrestrial and celestial topics.

Emphasizes precision Altazimuth mount with modest movement controlling pole for tracking divine things as they travel over the night sky. It comes with three eyepieces that provide low, medium, and strong amplification for reviewing a wide range of articles (Moon, planets, or area). With around 10,000 celestial protests, reward Autostar Suite Astronomy planetarium DVD (Windows PC just). The warranty period is one year.

PROS

  • Show clear and crisp image
  • Amazing wild-field telescope
  • Easy to setup
  • Beginners telescope
  • Giftable

CONS

  • Mount is not good enough
  • The finder is too close to the telescope

Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope

Tasco

With its great degrees and perspective discoverers, Bushnell comes out on top. Bushnell is trusted across the globe, and whether you’re an avid hunter, military, or leisure customer, Bushnell will meet the bill.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Good for kids to discover the universe
  • Easy to assemble

CONS

  • A little unstable

Orion 09798 StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope, Metallic Green

Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Our compact, performance-packed Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector telescope is a favorite of both novice and expert stargazers. It combines the well-known Orion StarBlast 4.5-Inch wide-field (f/4.0) spherical reflector optics with our durable EQ-1 central following mount and versatile stature tripod. The short middle length of the 4.5-inch gap reflector telescope gives up a generous chunk of sky in the eyepiece, making it easier for beginners to locate wonderful stuff to focus on.

Because we’ve updated the telescope eyepieces to incorporate two from the Orion Expanse arrangement – a 15mm and 6mm – with a vast 66-degree clear field of perspective, this tripod-mounted variant of the StarBlast 4.5 reflector offers a significantly more purported wide-field survey experience than its tabletop partner. Everything from the Moon to Messier objects seems stunningly crisp and richly intriguing via this little reflector telescope. The accompanying 15mm Expanse telescopic eyepiece provides 30x force amplification and the 6mm Expanse eyepiece increases force amplification to 75x.

The 15mm is an excellent eyepiece to begin observing sessions with since it provides a large viewing window of the night sky. When you’ve found anything you want to look at closer closely, change out the 15mm Expanse for the 6mm eyepiece and get an entirely more effective viewpoint. The StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope comes with an Orion EZ Finder II reflex sight that allows you to accurately orient it anywhere in the night sky.

The EZ Finder II makes a little red dab on a review window, so just move the telescope until the red dab disappears for the region of the sky you want to observe through the telescope. Anyone in the group may star hop around the sky with the EZ Finder II reflex sight!

PROS

  • Can see planets with this
  • Made especially for the beginners
  • Good quality at an affordable price
  • Easy to carry by a single person
  • Slow motion controls

CONS

  • Installation may take time and you need to watch the video for properly adjust it
  • Tripod is not good enough

Best Telescope Buying Guide:

Astronomy is a fascinating subject. The number of cosmic objects seen via a telescope will astound you. There is a wide variety of telescopes available on the market today, and deciding which one is ideal for you may be difficult. This is why most buyers choose the incorrect one for their purposes, but this article may assist.

This shopping guide will give you all of the necessary information for your quest. You can stop fantasizing about owning your own telescope since this post will help you make it a reality. You will learn about the fundamental kinds, significant characteristics, accessories to consider, and trade-offs. Continue reading.

  • Knowing the Basics

It is critical to understand what is essential to you. You must decide what items to observe, as well as how dark the sky is and how experienced you are. You’ll also want to know how much money you’re willing to spend and how much storage space you have at home. Another thing to consider is the telescope’s weight and mobility. Do you intend to carry it with you everywhere you go? Once you’ve answered these crucial questions, you’ll have a better idea of what you want and where to obtain it.

The next stage is to understand how these telescopes function. Knowing the fundamentals can help you tailor your shopping list to your specific requirements and desires. The following are the crucial elements to keep in mind:

  • Aperture

The aperture of a telescope is its most essential feature. It refers to the size of the lens or mirror. The aperture size affects the unit’s light-gathering capabilities as well as the clarity of the pictures that show on the lens. In general, the larger the aperture, the better. Knowing the proper aperture can let you view the night sky better.

  • Magnification

You may be shocked to learn that the aperture of the telescope does not dictate its magnification capability. Depending on the eyepiece you select, all telescopes may provide a virtually limitless magnification range. The degree of information seen through the lens depends on the magnification employed, which is why you must pick the best one for you.

If your telescope spreads too much light, a dim thing will become too faint to see, and a brilliant item will become blurry. Observers often employ low magnification while seeing dim objects like nebulae and galaxies, and medium-high magnification when watching brilliant objects such as planets.

  • Focal Length

Every scope has a focal length. It is the distance between the lens and the picture. The focal length of the scope is often shown on the front or rear of the instrument. Depending on the kind and aperture of the scope, the value will vary between 400 and 3,000 millimeters. Eyepieces are also available with different focal lengths. The magnification of the scope may be calculated by dividing the focal length of the unit by the focal length of the eyepiece.

  • Bigger is Not Always Better

Observers who seek more light may often use a bigger aperture. This will allow people to view faint objects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters more clearly. Meanwhile, deep sky objects are often observed at a considerably lower magnification than planets. Furthermore, for astrophotographers, a higher aperture will often result in shorter exposure periods.

When it comes to telescopes, portability is a concern. A large amateur scope will need a permanent observatory or supportive friends ready to assist you in lifting and assembling/disassembling it. Because there is a trade-off between performance and convenience, larger is not necessarily better. If you desire a larger aperture, you will most likely be limited to a certain location since it is too heavy for regular travel.

Keep an eye out for the weight of the scope, which is generally listed on the product label. If you do not intend to establish a permanent observatory, you should opt for a portable scope. Purchase a device that you can transport back and forth so that the watching experience does not get too tiring.

  • Telescope Types

Now that you know what characteristics to look for, it’s time to check at the many varieties of telescopes available.

  • Refractors

The most popular kind of scope is a refractor scope, which is a long tube with a large lens on the front and an eyepiece on the rear. The objective lens, which is in front, focuses light to create a picture. The eyepiece is a little magnifying glass through which you may examine the items. Planetary and lunar astronomers who desire sharp views frequently select high-end refractors. Refractors are still the most costly variety, regardless of aperture.

  • Reflectors

A mirror is used by reflectors to collect light. If you need a greater aperture, this one could be for you. Reflectors of high quality may generate crisp pictures at a fraction of the cost of a refractor of the same aperture. Even with the best care, the open tube tends to gather dirt and dust. This implies that reflector scopes must be cleaned on a regular basis in order to function properly. The mirrors’ aluminized surfaces may also need recoating every one or two decades.

  • Catadioptric or Compound

Compound or catadioptric scopes are small in size. This design, also known as the Schmidt-Cassegrain scope, features a compact tube with a big aperture and a long focus. It is the appropriate option for observers who want to be portable. The tubes are also tightly sealed to keep dust and grime out. Many versions of this kind have sophisticated features such as automated pointing.

Final Thoughts

You now have all of the information you need to pick the finest telescope for you. The ideal scope is one that you will use often and can provide you with the highest-quality photographs. Take your time while selecting from the several telescopes on the market. It’s also a good idea to read as many product reviews as you can to help you narrow down your selections and get the best telescope model for your requirements.

Telescopes can be used for a variety of purposes, including measuring distances and identifying objects in the night sky. They are also useful for studying galaxies and stars. Telescopes can help astronomers and enthusiasts learn more about the universe and its contents. In this article, we listed the best budget telescopes under $200.

Check out Information about Astonomy

Overview:

Telescope BrandFeatures you will loveUser FeedbackPrice to ExpectHow we Rate this Product
Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope3x Barlow Lens, 1000m focal length, 127mm apertureVery goodMedium4 / 5
Meade Instruments 209004 Infinity 80 AZ Refractor Telescope80mm aperture, Altazimuth mount with panhandle &slow motion controls, low, medium & high magnification eyepiecesExcellentMedium5 / 5
Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope70x magnification, single fork arm Altazimuth Mount, Red Dot Starpointer FinderscopeVery goodLow4 / 5
Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope100x magnification, easy setup, includes 2 eyepiecesExcellentHigh5 / 5
Orion 09798 StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope, Metallic GreenFast f/4 optics with short focal lens, wide field reflector, general-purpose astronomical telescopeExcellentHigh5 / 5

Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope

Celestron 127EQ

Celestron PowerSeeker telescopes are an incredible way for aspiring space experts to discover the wonders of the Universe. The PowerSeeker arrangement is meant to provide the first-time through telescope customer with the best combination of value, worth, components, and force.

Novice stargazing is an excellent family activity that can be enjoyed all year, and Celestron’s PowerSeekers are an excellent choice for families looking for an inexpensive and outstanding telescope that can provide many hours of enjoyment to both children and adults.

PowerSeekers are quick and easy to set up – not standing for the inexperienced. Assembly does not need the use of any tools.

PROS

  • The most powerful reflector telescope
  • Affordable
  • Good for teenagers and adults
  • Come with Barlow lenses and eyepieces

CONS

  • Not good for beginners
  • You have to keep adjusting it

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope

If you’re looking for a dual-purpose telescope suitable for both physical and divine examination, the AstroMaster Series is for you. Each AstroMaster model is designed to provide accurate viewpoints of the surroundings and sky. The AstroMaster Series produces stunning, crisp images of the Moon and planets.

With any of these sophisticated devices, it is not difficult to observe Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings. We recommend the larger aperture and light assembling capacity of Newtonian reflectors for views of brighter deep space things like systems and nebulae.

PROS

  • Easy to set up
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Excellent image results
  • Produce very bright and vivid images

CONS

  • You have to find the target again and again after a little sliding
  • Not stable on grass or uneven places

Meade Instruments 209004 Infinity 80 AZ Refractor Telescope (Blue)

Meade Instruments – Infinity 70mm Aperture Portable

The Meade Infinity 80 Altazimuth Refractor Telescope comes with everything you need to glimpse the night sky for the first time. The 80mm (3.2′′) Refracting Telescope produces vivid and detailed images that are perfect for surveying both terrestrial and celestial topics.

Emphasizes precision Altazimuth mount with modest movement controlling pole for tracking divine things as they travel over the night sky. It comes with three eyepieces that provide low, medium, and strong amplification for reviewing a wide range of articles (Moon, planets, or area). With around 10,000 celestial protests, reward Autostar Suite Astronomy planetarium DVD (Windows PC just). The warranty period is one year.

PROS

  • Show clear and crisp image
  • Amazing wild-field telescope
  • Easy to setup
  • Beginners telescope
  • Giftable

CONS

  • Mount is not good enough
  • The finder is too close to the telescope

Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope

Tasco

With its great degrees and perspective discoverers, Bushnell comes out on top. Bushnell is trusted across the globe, and whether you’re an avid hunter, military, or leisure customer, Bushnell will meet the bill.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Good for kids to discover the universe
  • Easy to assemble

CONS

  • A little unstable

Orion 09798 StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope, Metallic Green

Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Our compact, performance-packed Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector telescope is a favorite of both novice and expert stargazers. It combines the well-known Orion StarBlast 4.5-Inch wide-field (f/4.0) spherical reflector optics with our durable EQ-1 central following mount and versatile stature tripod. The short middle length of the 4.5-inch gap reflector telescope gives up a generous chunk of sky in the eyepiece, making it easier for beginners to locate wonderful stuff to focus on.

Because we’ve updated the telescope eyepieces to incorporate two from the Orion Expanse arrangement – a 15mm and 6mm – with a vast 66-degree clear field of perspective, this tripod-mounted variant of the StarBlast 4.5 reflector offers a significantly more purported wide-field survey experience than its tabletop partner. Everything from the Moon to Messier objects seems stunningly crisp and richly intriguing via this little reflector telescope. The accompanying 15mm Expanse telescopic eyepiece provides 30x force amplification and the 6mm Expanse eyepiece increases force amplification to 75x.

The 15mm is an excellent eyepiece to begin observing sessions with since it provides a large viewing window of the night sky. When you’ve found anything you want to look at closer closely, change out the 15mm Expanse for the 6mm eyepiece and get an entirely more effective viewpoint. The StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope comes with an Orion EZ Finder II reflex sight that allows you to accurately orient it anywhere in the night sky.

The EZ Finder II makes a little red dab on a review window, so just move the telescope until the red dab disappears for the region of the sky you want to observe through the telescope. Anyone in the group may star hop around the sky with the EZ Finder II reflex sight!

PROS

  • Can see planets with this
  • Made especially for the beginners
  • Good quality at an affordable price
  • Easy to carry by a single person
  • Slow motion controls

CONS

  • Installation may take time and you need to watch the video for properly adjust it
  • Tripod is not good enough

Best Telescope Buying Guide:

Astronomy is a fascinating subject. The number of cosmic objects seen via a telescope will astound you. There is a wide variety of telescopes available on the market today, and deciding which one is ideal for you may be difficult. This is why most buyers choose the incorrect one for their purposes, but this article may assist.

This shopping guide will give you all of the necessary information for your quest. You can stop fantasizing about owning your own telescope since this post will help you make it a reality. You will learn about the fundamental kinds, significant characteristics, accessories to consider, and trade-offs. Continue reading.

  • Knowing the Basics

It is critical to understand what is essential to you. You must decide what items to observe, as well as how dark the sky is and how experienced you are. You’ll also want to know how much money you’re willing to spend and how much storage space you have at home. Another thing to consider is the telescope’s weight and mobility. Do you intend to carry it with you everywhere you go? Once you’ve answered these crucial questions, you’ll have a better idea of what you want and where to obtain it.

The next stage is to understand how these telescopes function. Knowing the fundamentals can help you tailor your shopping list to your specific requirements and desires. The following are the crucial elements to keep in mind:

  • Aperture

The aperture of a telescope is its most essential feature. It refers to the size of the lens or mirror. The aperture size affects the unit’s light-gathering capabilities as well as the clarity of the pictures that show on the lens. In general, the larger the aperture, the better. Knowing the proper aperture can let you view the night sky better.

  • Magnification

You may be shocked to learn that the aperture of the telescope does not dictate its magnification capability. Depending on the eyepiece you select, all telescopes may provide a virtually limitless magnification range. The degree of information seen through the lens depends on the magnification employed, which is why you must pick the best one for you.

If your telescope spreads too much light, a dim thing will become too faint to see, and a brilliant item will become blurry. Observers often employ low magnification while seeing dim objects like nebulae and galaxies, and medium-high magnification when watching brilliant objects such as planets.

  • Focal Length

Every scope has a focal length. It is the distance between the lens and the picture. The focal length of the scope is often shown on the front or rear of the instrument. Depending on the kind and aperture of the scope, the value will vary between 400 and 3,000 millimeters. Eyepieces are also available with different focal lengths. The magnification of the scope may be calculated by dividing the focal length of the unit by the focal length of the eyepiece.

  • Bigger is Not Always Better

Observers who seek more light may often use a bigger aperture. This will allow people to view faint objects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters more clearly. Meanwhile, deep sky objects are often observed at a considerably lower magnification than planets. Furthermore, for astrophotographers, a higher aperture will often result in shorter exposure periods.

When it comes to telescopes, portability is a concern. A large amateur scope will need a permanent observatory or supportive friends ready to assist you in lifting and assembling/disassembling it. Because there is a trade-off between performance and convenience, larger is not necessarily better. If you desire a larger aperture, you will most likely be limited to a certain location since it is too heavy for regular travel.

Keep an eye out for the weight of the scope, which is generally listed on the product label. If you do not intend to establish a permanent observatory, you should opt for a portable scope. Purchase a device that you can transport back and forth so that the watching experience does not get too tiring.

  • Telescope Types

Now that you know what characteristics to look for, it’s time to check at the many varieties of telescopes available.

  • Refractors

The most popular kind of scope is a refractor scope, which is a long tube with a large lens on the front and an eyepiece on the rear. The objective lens, which is in front, focuses light to create a picture. The eyepiece is a little magnifying glass through which you may examine the items. Planetary and lunar astronomers who desire sharp views frequently select high-end refractors. Refractors are still the most costly variety, regardless of aperture.

  • Reflectors

A mirror is used by reflectors to collect light. If you need a greater aperture, this one could be for you. Reflectors of high quality may generate crisp pictures at a fraction of the cost of a refractor of the same aperture. Even with the best care, the open tube tends to gather dirt and dust. This implies that reflector scopes must be cleaned on a regular basis in order to function properly. The mirrors’ aluminized surfaces may also need recoating every one or two decades.

  • Catadioptric or Compound

Compound or catadioptric scopes are small in size. This design, also known as the Schmidt-Cassegrain scope, features a compact tube with a big aperture and a long focus. It is the appropriate option for observers who want to be portable. The tubes are also tightly sealed to keep dust and grime out. Many versions of this kind have sophisticated features such as automated pointing.

Final Thoughts

You now have all of the information you need to pick the finest telescope for you. The ideal scope is one that you will use often and can provide you with the highest-quality photographs. Take your time while selecting from the several telescopes on the market. It’s also a good idea to read as many product reviews as you can to help you narrow down your selections and get the best telescope model for your requirements.

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