Picking a first telescope comes down to three decisions: how much aperture you need, which optical design fits how you'll use it, and what fits your budget. This guide walks through all three so you can shop with confidence instead of guessing.
Start with aperture, not magnification
Aperture is the diameter of a telescope's main lens or mirror, and it's the single most important spec. A bigger aperture gathers more light, which is what actually makes the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects look brighter and sharper. Magnification comes from the eyepiece you use, not the telescope itself, so don't judge a scope by how many "times" it claims to magnify.
| Aperture | What you'll see well | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 70–80mm | Moon craters, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's four largest moons, bright star clusters | National Geographic 70mm AZ Refractor |
| 100–127mm | Sharper planetary detail, cloud bands on Jupiter, brighter deep-sky targets | Explore Scientific AR127 Doublet Refractor |
| 150mm+ | Fine planetary detail and noticeably brighter nebulae and galaxies | Explore Scientific 10-Inch Dobsonian |
Our lineup runs from 70mm grab-and-go refractors up to a 254mm (10-inch) Dobsonian, so there's headroom to grow into a bigger aperture later without switching brands.
Which optical design fits how you'll use it?
Refractor
Uses a glass lens at the front to bend light. Sealed tube needs almost no maintenance, and delivers sharp, high-contrast views right out of the box.
- Best for: Moon, planets, low-maintenance ownership
- Trade-off: smaller aperture per dollar
Reflector / Dobsonian
Uses a curved mirror instead of a lens, which gets you a much larger aperture for the same price. Dobsonians sit on a simple rocker base you move by hand.
- Best for: deep-sky objects, most aperture per dollar
- Trade-off: occasional mirror alignment (collimation)
Mak-Cassegrain
Folds a long focal length into a short, compact tube using a mirror-and-lens combination. Great planetary and lunar detail in a portable package.
- Best for: portability with strong planetary detail
- Trade-off: narrower field of view for wide deep-sky views
UNSURE?
When in doubt, buy the largest aperture you'll comfortably carry and set up
The telescope you actually use beats the one that sits in a closet because it's too bulky. If you're torn between two sizes, picture yourself setting it up on a Tuesday night after work, that's the honest test. Call (855) 501-0541 or contact us and we'll help you match a scope to your sky and your routine.
Shop by budget
Every telescope we carry ships free, from grab-and-go refractors to flagship apochromatic triplets.
Entry
Grab-and-go refractors and small reflectors, built for first-timers and kids getting their first look at the Moon and planets.
Shop EntryMid-Range
Bigger apertures and Mak-Cassegrain optical tubes for buyers ready to see more detail on planets and brighter deep-sky targets.
Shop Mid-RangePremium
Large-aperture Dobsonians and apochromatic triplet refractors for buyers who want the sharpest, brightest views this catalog offers.
Shop PremiumDon't forget the two things that go with it
Quick Answers
The questions we hear most from first-time buyers.
What's the single most important spec on a telescope?
Aperture, the diameter of the main lens or mirror, is the single most important spec. It controls how much light the scope gathers, which determines how bright and detailed everything looks. Ignore magnification claims; that comes from the eyepiece, and any telescope can be paired with a high-power eyepiece to produce a big but blurry number.
Should I buy a refractor or a reflector for my first telescope?
If you want a low-maintenance scope focused on the Moon and planets, a refractor is the easiest to own. If you want the biggest aperture for your budget and don't mind occasional mirror alignment, a Dobsonian reflector gets you more light-gathering power per dollar.
Can I see Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moons with an entry-level telescope?
Yes. Even a 70mm refractor will show Saturn's rings as a distinct shape and Jupiter's four largest moons as points of light on a clear night away from heavy light pollution.
Do I need a computerized Go-To mount as a beginner?
No. Manual alt-azimuth mounts are simpler, lighter, and a good way to learn the sky by star-hopping. Go-To and tracking mounts find and follow objects automatically, which some beginners prefer, but they add cost and complexity.
What comes included when I buy a telescope here?
Each product page lists exactly what ships with it, typically the optical tube, a mount or tripod, and one or two starter eyepieces. Check the included-items list on the product page, or contact us to confirm before ordering.
Still not sure which telescope is right for you?