Introduction: Affordable Stargazing for New Explorers
Astronomy is one of the most inspiring hobbies you can start—especially with the right equipment. For beginners just stepping into the world of stargazing, a telescope under $300 can offer surprising performance without breaking the bank.
Whether you're a student, a curious parent, or someone who’s always dreamed of seeing the Moon's craters or Jupiter's moons up close, these entry-level telescopes offer the perfect balance of price and performance.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
Ring Beholds a Delicate Flower
NASA Spitzer Space Telescope finds a delicate flower in the Ring Nebula, as shown in this image. The outer shell of this planetary nebula looks surprisingly similar to the delicate petals of a camellia blossom.
Weighing in on the Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell nebula, also known as Messier 27, pumps out infrared light in this image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae are now known to be the remains of stars that once looked a lot like our sun.
NASA's Hubble Captures the Beating Heart of the Crab Nebula
Peering deep into the core of the Crab Nebula, this close-up image reveals the beating heart of one of the most historic and intensively studied remnants of a supernova, an exploding star. The inner region sends out clock-like pulses of radiation and tsunamis of charged particles embedded in magnetic fields. The neutron star at the very center of the Crab Nebula has about the same mass as the sun but compressed into an incredibly dense sphere that is only a few miles across. Spinning 30 times a second, the neutron star shoots out detectable beams of energy that make it look like it's pulsating. The NASA Hubble Space Telescope snapshot is centered on the region around the neutron star (the rightmost of the two bright stars near the center of this image) and the expanding, tattered, filamentary debris surrounding it. Hubble's sharp view captures the intricate details of glowing gas, shown in red, that forms a swirling medley of cavities and filaments. Inside this shell is a ghostly blue glow that is radiation given off by electrons spiraling at nearly the speed of light in the powerful magnetic field around the crushed stellar core. The neutron star is a showcase for extreme physical processes and unimaginable cosmic violence. Bright wisps are moving outward from the neutron star at half the speed of light to form an expanding ring. It is thought that these wisps originate from a shock wave that turns the high-speed wind from the neutron star into extremely energetic particles. When this "heartbeat" radiation signature was first discovered in 1968, astronomers realized they had discovered a new type of astronomical object. Now astronomers know it's the archetype of a class of supernova remnants called pulsars - or rapidly spinning neutron stars. These interstellar "lighthouse beacons" are invaluable for doing observational experiments on a variety of astronomical phenomena, including measuring gravity waves. Observations of the Crab supernova were recorded by Chinese astronomers in 1054 A.D. The nebula, bright enough to be visible in amateur telescopes, is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. Credits: NASA and ESA, Acknowledgment: J. Hester (ASU) and M. Weisskopf (NASA/MSFC) NASA image use policy.NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on TwitterLike us on FacebookFind us on Instagram
Every Rose has a Thorn
This infrared image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope shows the Rosette nebula, a pretty star-forming region more than 5,000 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros.
ARC-2010-ACD10-0054-011
Nebula Containerized Server at the NASA Ames Research Center.
Nebulae: Not as Close as They Appear
This image from NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, shows three different nebulae located in the constellation of Perseus. NGC 1491 is seen on the right side of the image, SH 2-209 is on the left side and BFS 34 lies in between.
This guide showcases the best budget telescopes for beginners, each carefully selected for quality optics, ease of use, and value. We'll also cover how to choose the right one based on your needs and answer common questions about beginner telescopes.
You May Also Like
Top 5 Budget Telescopes for Beginners
1. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
A classic choice for beginner astronomers.
Type: Refractor
Aperture: 70mm
Mount: Altazimuth
Best for: Moon, planets, terrestrial viewing
Why it stands out: Lightweight, tool-free setup, and great for both sky and land views.
🌟 Perfect for families or kids who want a portable, easy-to-use telescope.
2. Gskyer AZ70400 Telescope
An Amazon best-seller—and for good reason.
Type: Refractor
Aperture: 70mm
Mount: Altazimuth
Includes: Wireless remote + smartphone adapter
Why it stands out: Offers exceptional accessories for astrophotography beginners.
📱 Ideal for beginners who want to try capturing the moon with a smartphone.
3. Zhumell Z100 Portable Reflector Telescope
A tabletop Newtonian reflector with impressive optics.
Type: Reflector
Aperture: 100mm
Mount: Tabletop Dobsonian
Best for: Deep sky objects (DSOs), star clusters, brighter nebulae
Why it stands out: High aperture-to-price ratio, great light gathering.
🔭 A powerful choice if you have a backyard or balcony setup.
4. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ
A budget-friendly Newtonian reflector with equatorial mount.
Type: Reflector
Aperture: 127mm
Mount: Equatorial
Best for: Lunar, planetary, and brighter deep-sky views
Why it stands out: Big mirror, manual tracking practice, and serious optics.
🌀 Great for those interested in learning real sky-tracking techniques.
5. Orion GoScope III 70mm Travel Telescope Kit
Designed with portability in mind.
Type: Refractor
Aperture: 70mm
Mount: Tripod
Includes: Backpack, tripod, and moon map
Why it stands out: Compact and ready for weekend trips or camping nights.
🎒 Best for beginners who want to travel light and observe on the go.
Start Your Stargazing Journey Today
You don't need to spend thousands to enjoy the night sky. The telescopes listed above strike the perfect balance between affordability and performance for beginners. Whether you're watching the craters of the Moon or spotting Jupiter's stripes, there’s a telescope under $300 ready to unlock the cosmos.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Beginner Telescope Under $300
✅ Aperture is King
The most important factor in any telescope is aperture. Look for at least 70mm in refractors or 100mm in reflectors for good planetary and lunar views.
✅ Type of Telescope
Refractors: Easier to maintain, good for moon and planets.
Reflectors: More aperture per dollar, better for deep sky, but need collimation.
Compound/Catadioptric: Rare under $300, but occasionally available used.
✅ Mount Type
Altazimuth: Simple, like a camera tripod—great for beginners.
Equatorial: Better for following stars but has a steeper learning curve.
✅ Portability and Accessories
If you want to stargaze on trips, choose lightweight models or kits with backpacks. Extras like smartphone adapters can also make the experience more fun and shareable.
✅ Avoid Overpromising Brands
Be cautious of brands promising to “see galaxies in HD” at $50. Stick to trusted names like Celestron, Orion, Zhumell, and Gskyer for dependable quality and optical clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $300 telescope good enough for stargazing?Yes, a telescope under $300 can provide clear views of the moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and even some star clusters and nebulae, especially under dark skies.
Can beginners use telescopes without prior experience?Absolutely. Most entry-level telescopes are designed with beginners in mind, featuring simple mounts and easy assembly instructions.
What can I see with a 70mm telescope?A 70mm telescope allows you to see the moon's craters in detail, Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and bright star clusters like the Pleiades.
Are telescopes under $300 suitable for kids?Yes, many affordable telescopes are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for kids who are just starting to explore the night sky.