Here’s an overview of the Best Astronomical Telescopes that we’ll explore today:
Astronomical telescopes designed for beginners are a gateway to the night sky, balancing affordability, ease of use, and the potential for meaningful visual experiences. For new stargazers, choosing the right instrument can determine how quickly curiosity turns into consistent observing sessions. This review covers five entry-level refractor kits spanning brands AuFCrow, HEXEUM, and Gskyer, with prices ranging from $32.65 to $96.99. Our testing methodology emphasizes real-world setup, ease of use, optical clarity, and value; we evaluate assembly simplicity, stability of the tripod, eyepiece quality, and practical observing outcomes (Moon details, bright planets, and wider-field star fields). Each product is analyzed for who it’s best suited to, from absolute beginners to families seeking an approachable learning platform.
1. 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: This HEXEUM-branded variant (AZ80600) is a compact 80mm aperture refractor with a 600mm focal length and an Altazimuth mount. It ships with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow, a reflex finder, a phone adapter, a wireless remote, and a carry bag. The kit emphasizes portability and an all-in-one experience for families and casual observers, with a stated lifetime maintenance promise. At $94.99, it sits at the premium end of the budget group and targets users who want an out-of-the-box package with imaging capability via a phone adapter.
Performance-wise, the 80mm objective collects a respectable amount of light for lunar detail and bright planetary features, with magnification options up to 180x when using the 3x Barlow lens. The review notes strong multi-coated optics for improved brightness and contrast, and the included wireless remote can simplify casual astrophotography or educational demos. The portability is a standout: the lighter weight and included carrying bag make spontaneous field trips feasible. However, the scope’s 600mm focal length and f/6.7 design limit high-magnification stability on small mounts, and the aluminum tripod, while adjustable, can feel imprecise for long observing sessions.
Pros
- 80mm aperture provides good light gathering for its price
- Two eyepieces plus 3x Barlow offer wide range of magnifications (up to 180x with Barlow)
- Phone adapter enables basic astrophotography and easy object sharing
- Lightweight, portable with carrying bag
- No-tools setup and lifetime maintenance promise
Cons
- High-magnification stability can be challenging on a small Altazimuth mount
- Entry-level build quality may show occasional flex under full Barlow magnification
- Warranty and service response is vendor-dependent; setup relies on supplied accessories
2. Gskyer Telescope
- Brand: Gskyer
- Manufacturer: Gskyer
Overview: This Gskyer refractor features a 70mm objective, 400mm focal length, and an AZ mount. It ships with two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow, a reflex finder, a phone adapter, a wireless remote, and a tripod with a carry bag. At $96.99, it is positioned as a travel-friendly option with a focus on portability and ease of use for beginners who want quick deployment and basic astrophotography capabilities via smartphone.
Performance-wise, the 70mm aperture collects sufficient light for Moon features and bright planets, with coatings intended to improve transmission and color fidelity. The 400mm focal length yields comfortable afocal magnifications when paired with the eyepieces, and the 3x Barlow expands the range to higher power for lunar details or double-star observations. The wireless remote and phone adapter simplify capturing images, though image quality will be limited by the small sensor in most smartphones. The overall experience is user-friendly, but build quality and stabilization depend on the tripod and mount; for extended sessions, a sturdier tripod improves the observing experience.
Pros
- Portable 70mm/400mm optics with travel-friendly bag
- Two eyepieces plus 3x Barlow for flexible magnification
- Wireless remote and phone adapter enable easy smartphone astrophotography
- Solid beginner-friendly learning curve with simple alignment
- Reasonable value for a complete entry-level kit
Cons
- Aperture smaller than some competitors, limiting deep-sky performance
- Tripod and mount may feel wobbly at higher magnifications
- Focusing and collimation basics require careful setup for best results
3. Telescope for Kids Adults 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescopes High Magnification Astronomical Telescope for Beginner
- Brand: AuFCrow
- Manufacturer: AuFCrow
Overview: AuFCrow’s 80mm, 600mm focal-length refractor (Model 80600) is a budget-focused kit with two eyepieces (10mm and 20mm), a 3x Barlow, a reflex finder, a smartphone compatibility, a retractable tripod, and a portable design. The listed price of $32.65 makes it the budget option in this comparison, appealing to families shopping for a first telescope without a significant upfront investment.
Performance-wise, the 80mm aperture offers bright enough views to resolve lunar features and some planet detail, especially at lower magnifications (30x and 60x with the included eyepieces). The 3x Barlow extends reach to about 90x–180x per eyepiece, though image brightness and stability degrade at higher magnification on light-weight mounts. The scope’s portability is a clear strength, with a lightweight design and phone integration facilitating quick captures. The major caveat is mixed user reviews and variable build quality for the budget segment, which can translate to inconsistent alignment and mount rigidity.
Pros
- Extremely affordable entry point
- 80mm aperture provides solid light gathering for the price
- Phone adapter enables quick capturing and sharing
- Low overall weight supports easy transport
- Two eyepieces plus 3x Barlow offer flexible magnification range
Cons
- Budget-grade build may lack stability at higher magnifications
- Some user reports indicate variable quality and durability
- Accessory quality (tripod, finder) may be basic
4. Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm – for Kids
- Brand: HEXEUM
- Manufacturer: HEXEUM
Overview: HEXEUM’s 70mm aperture, 500mm focal-length refractor (AZ50070) sits in the mid-range of the budget segment. It includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow, a reflex finderscope, a diagonal mirror option, a phone adapter, a carrying bag, and a wireless remote, with an attractive price point of $61.74. The 70mm aperture and f/7.1 focal ratio are tuned for comfortable planetary viewing and daylight use, making it a versatile family instrument.
Performance-wise, the 500mm focal length yields gentle magnifications well-suited for the Moon and larger planetary features, with the Barlow expanding reach when desired. The diagonal mirror improves viewing comfort for seated observers, and the included phone adapter enables astrophotography basics. The stability and ease of use are enhanced by a larger tripod and better overall ergonomics compared with ultra-budget kits. However, as with most entry-level refractors, chromatic aberration may be noticeable around bright objects, and higher magnifications demand a steadier setup.
Pros
- Good value with a solid 70mm aperture
- Diagonal mirror for comfortable viewing angles
- Wireless remote and phone adapter support simple imaging
- Sturdy-feeling tripod for improved stability
- Versatile kit for both solar system and daytime use
Cons
- Chromatic aberration can be noticeable on bright objects
- Higher magnifications require careful alignment and stable setup
- May require minor adjustments for optimal collimation
5. Telescope for Kids
- Brand: AuFCrow
- Manufacturer: AuFCrow
Overview: AuFCrow’s 80mm refractor (Model 80600-upgrade) is a lighter variant of the 80600, claiming a similar aperture and focal length with a focus on a more compact, travel-friendly profile. It emphasizes a lighter weight (listed at 2.5 pounds in the specs) and a revised build for easier transport. The kit includes a phone adapter, a tripod, and a Barlow lens, with a price of $38.65, positioning it as a budget upgrade for families seeking a portable setup.
Performance-wise, the upgrade aims to deliver 30x–60x with the included eyepieces and up to 180x with the 3x Barlow. The reduced weight can improve portability, but it may come at the cost of stiffness in the tripod and overall mount rigidity, impacting high-magnification views. The inclusion of a phone adapter and carrying case remains appealing for on-the-go observation. Given the 80mm aperture, the scope remains capable of Moon details and some brighter deep-sky targets under dark skies, but expect more effort to achieve stable, sharp images at higher magnifications.
Pros
- Very affordable with practical 80mm aperture
- Lightweight design enhances portability
- Includes phone adapter and carrying case
- 3x Barlow expands magnification range
- Simple, beginner-friendly setup
Cons
- Lower rigidity due to light-weight build
- Quality control concerns at budget price
- Maximum practical high-magnification performance limited by mount stability
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about astronomical telescopess to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: The best choice depends on your priorities.
If you value portability and price, Product 2 or Product 4 from AuFCrow offer compelling entry points with imaging capability via a phone adapter. If optics quality and ease of use are more important, HEXEUM’s 70mm (Product 3) and 80mm (Product 0) lines provide stronger performance and a more stable observing experience.
For travelers or those who want a compact kit with modern imaging options, the Gskyer 70mm (Product 1) delivers a balanced, well-supported beginner package. Regardless of the model, pair any starter scope with a simple sky atlas and a sturdy, stable tripod to maximize learning and observing sessions..