7 Best Tabletop Telescopes For Beginners | 2024 Top Picks

Are you a beginner interested in exploring the wonders of the night sky? A tabletop telescope is an ideal way to start your journey, allowing you to easily observe some spectacular celestial sights. With so many different styles and models available on the market today, it can be tough to know which one is right for you, that’s why we’ve compiled this list of our top picks for the best tabletop telescopes for beginners.

From computerized mounts with impressive tracking systems to simple manual scopes that offer hassle-free viewing experiences at great value prices, read on to find out what these amazing devices have to offer and pick up some helpful advice about how best to choose one for yourself.

List of Top 7 Best Tabletop telescopes for Beginners

Here is a list of the 7 best tabletop telescopes for beginners along with brief explanations of their features.

Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope – Portable Refractor Telescope

The Celestron – 70mm Travel Scope is the perfect portable telescope for anyone looking for superior optics and power. This scope comes complete with a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope

With its large 70mm objective lens, you’ll be able to enjoy bright, detailed views of celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day. Plus, our telescope for astronomy beginners comes equipped with two high-quality eyepieces that provide low- and high-power views.

Specifications:

  • Brand: Celestron
  • Model: 21035
  • Objective lens diameter: 70 Millimeters
  • Focus Type: Manual Focus
  • Weight: 3.3 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 18″D x 7″W x 14″H
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  • Superior optics and power.
  • Bright, detailed views of celestial objects.
  • Low and high-power views.
  • Enjoy beautiful views of the night sky.
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  • No cellphone connection.
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Celestron – 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope

If you’re looking for a telescope that is both easy to use and capable of finding objects automatically in the night sky, look no further than the Celestron 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope. With its SkyAlign technology, all you have to do is center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the telescope will orient itself to the night sky.Celestron - 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope

Plus, with its automatic computer tracking, you can locate over 40,000 celestial objects with just the touch of a button. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the Celestron 80LCM is perfect for anyone looking for a telescope that is both easy and fun to use.

Specs:

  • Brand: Celestron
  • Model: 22051
  • Objective lens diameter: 80 Millimeters
  • Mount: Altazimuth Mount
  • Weight: 14.11 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 39″D x 15″W x 11″H
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  • Easily find objects in the night sky.
  • Automatically tracks objects for you.
  • Be able to explore the universe at your own pace.
  • Experience the joy of discovering new things about space.
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  • Limited Viewing Capacity.
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Sarblue Maksutov- Table Top Telescope

If you’re looking for an amazing beginner telescope that provides clear, crisp views of the universe, look no further than the Sarblue Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope. This tabletop telescope is extremely easy to use. There is no need to align it, so you can start enjoying the wonders of the sky right away.Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope 60 with Dobsonian Mount

It is perfect for anyone who wants to view distant celestial objects and vivid terrestrial targets. Additionally, the included 20mm eyepiece provides 37.5X power, making this small telescope remarkably powerful. 

Specs:

  • Brand: Sarblue
  • Objective lens diameter: 60 Millimeters
  • Mount: Altazimuth Mount
  • Weight: 4.11 pounds
  • Focus type: Manual Focus
  • Optical Tube Length: 200 Millimeters
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  • Sharper and clearer views than other beginner telescopes.
  • Easier to use, no alignment needed.
  • Vibration-free viewing.
  • Finderscope makes aiming and tracking targets easy.
  • Small but powerful telescope for its size.
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  • Its tabletop design makes the telescope easy to use, but it also limits its portability.
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Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Kit

Looking for an easy-to-use tabletop reflector telescope to introduce you to the wonders of the night sky? Look no further than the Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Kit. The big 102mm (4″) primary mirror collects enough light to view the Moon, Saturn, bright star clusters, and nebulas in wondrous detail.Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Kit

The included 25mm Kellner and 10mm Plossl eyepieces deliver 26x and 64x magnifying power, respectively. And for even more power, use the included 3x Barlow lens to triple the magnification. With all these features, the Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Kit is a great way to get started in astronomy.

Specs:

  • Brand: Orion
  • Eye Piece Lens: Barlow
  • Lens Coating: Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
  • Focus Type: Manual Focus
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  • Easily view the Moon, Saturn, bright star clusters, and nebulas in wondrous detail.
  • Comes with quality eyepieces that deliver magnifying power.
  • Also includes a red dot LED finder scope and Orion’s MoonMap 260.
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  • Tabletop Reflector Telescope Kit requires manual tracking to keep objects in view, which may be challenging for beginners.
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Orion 10012 Skyscanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope

If you’re looking for an ideal entry-level reflector telescope that sports big optics, hassle-free operation, and grab-and-go portability, look no further than the Orion 10012 Skyscanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope. Its ample 100mm (3.9″) parabolic primary mirror boasts optics that drink in a faint light to reveal lunar craters, planets, and deep-space nebulas in sharp detail. The included 20mm (for 20x power) and 10mm (for 40x power) 4-element eyepieces provide a variety of magnifications to explore the night sky.Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope

The EZ Finder II aiming device also aids in finding celestial objects, while the glare-reducing Moon filter helps make observing our closest neighbor more pleasant. And don’t forget the included Orion MoonMap 260 – a detailed map of the moon’s features that will help you plan your lunar explorations. Weighing just 5.3 lbs fully assembled, and standing 16″ tall when aimed at the zenith, the Orion 10012 Skyscanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope is a great scope for anyone looking for an affordable foray into astronomy.

Specs:

  • Brand: Orion
  • Optical Tube Length: 15.7 Inches
  • Objective lens diameter: 100 Millimeters
  • Mount: Altazimuth Mount
  • Weight: 6.2 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.5″D x 9.5″W x 14″H
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  • See faint objects in great detail.
  • Easily maneuver and point the telescope.
  • Weighs just 5.3 lbs.
  • Ideal for beginners.
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  • Not suitable for advanced users.
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Celestron – PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope – Manual Alt-Azimuth Telescope for Beginners

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope is perfect for beginner astronomers. With a yoke mount and a slow-motion altitude rod, it’s easy to navigate the sky and adjust the telescope to your desired position. It’s also compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.Celestron - PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope

Plus, this telescope comes with a variety of accessories, including 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm) and a 3x Barlow. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope is perfect for observing the night sky.

Specs:

  • Brand: Celestron
  • Model: 21087
  • Eye Piece Lens: Barlow
  • Objective lens diameter: 80 Millimeters
  • Weight: 10 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 40″D x 19″ W x 55″H
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  • Easily find celestial objects with the help of the PowerSeeker’s point-and-aim navigation.
  • Enjoy clear, crisp images with this telescope’s coated glass optics.
  • Get up and running quickly with the included accessories.
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  • Some of the components of this telescope are made of plastic, which may make them less durable over time.
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Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope – Reflector Telescope for Beginners

Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian reflector telescope is the perfect choice for beginners. With a large 130mm aperture, this telescope 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.

The AstroMaster 130EQ is easy to set up and use, with no tools required. It features a manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. The included accessories are 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope.

Specs:

  • Brand: Celestron
  • Model: 31045
  • Objective lens diameter: 130 Millimeters
  • Mount: Equatorial Mount
  • Weight: 26.5 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 35″D x 19″ W x 12″H
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  • View planets, stars, and more in stunning detail.
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Great for beginners.
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  • Heavy.
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You can check reviews of telescopes here

Buying Guide for Best Tabletop Telescopes for Beginners

Are you a beginner in astronomy and looking for the best tabletop telescopes? If the answer is “Yes,” then this buying guide is perfect for you. Tabletop telescopes are compact, portable, and easy to use, making them an excellent choice for astronomers who are just starting. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the features and factors to consider when buying the best tabletop telescopes for beginners.

Size and Portability:
One of the key factors to consider when buying a tabletop telescope is its size and portability. With limited space and storage options, a compact and lightweight telescope is ideal for beginners. It is recommended to choose a telescope that can be easily transported from one location to another without much hassle.

Aperture:
The aperture of the telescope is another critical factor to keep in mind. The aperture determines the telescope’s light-collecting ability and enhances the image you see. A larger aperture provides a brighter and more detailed image of the stars and planets. For beginners, a telescope with an aperture between 70mm to 90mm is ideal.

Magnification:
Magnification plays an essential role in the telescope’s viewing experience. The magnification is determined by the eyepieces that come with the telescope, and in most cases, the telescope itself should come with at least two eyepieces. A magnification of 20x-50x is suitable for most tabletop telescopes for beginners.

Optical Quality:
The optical quality of the telescope determines the clarity and sharpness of the image. Look out for tabletop telescopes with high-quality optical components such as coated glass lenses, which reduce the reflection and ensure crisp and clear images.

Budget:
The price range for tabletop telescopes varies considerably, and as a beginner, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive telescopes. A tabletop telescope for beginners should cost you between $100 to $200.

Conclusion:
A tabletop telescope is an excellent choice for beginners as it provides a comfortable way to learn about the universe. Before buying a telescope, conduct extensive research to get the best value for your money while keeping in mind the factors mentioned above. Understanding the unique features of tabletop telescopes can help you make the right choice that will lead you to enjoy your journey through the universe. Happy stargazing.

FAQs

What should I look for in a tabletop telescope for beginners?
Look for a telescope with a high-quality optical system, such as a Newtonian, Dobsonian, or Cassegrain design. The aperture size (diameter of the mirror or lens) is also important, as it determines how much light the telescope can gather and how much detail you can see in your subjects.

How much should I budget for a good tabletop telescope for beginners?
Prices can vary, but a decent tabletop telescope for beginners typically costs between $100-$400. Be sure to factor in any additional accessories you may need or want, such as eyepieces or a tripod.

What objects can I observe with a tabletop telescope?
With a tabletop telescope, beginners can observe the moon, planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, star clusters and nebulae, and even some bright galaxies. It’s important to note that light pollution can affect your viewing experience, so try to observe from a darker location if possible.

Do I need any prior experience to use a tabletop telescope for beginners?
No prior experience is necessary, but it’s important to read the instruction manual and get familiar with the telescope’s setup and controls. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to get the hang of it practice makes perfect.

Can I take photos with a tabletop telescope for beginners?
Yes, with the right equipment and technique, you can take photos through your tabletop telescope. However, astrophotography can be a complex and expensive hobby in itself, so it’s recommended that beginners focus on observing and getting comfortable with their telescope first.

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