Equipment & Library

Beginner Telescopes for Visual Use under $500

One of the most common words you'll hear when it comes to visual astronomy is "Dobsonian." This is the classic telescope you've probably seen if you ever attended a star party. These are a type of reflecting telescope, which means they function using mirrors to reflect and focus the light into the eyepiece.

Generally, Dobsonian telescopes are less expensive than refracting telescopes due to mirrors being less expensive to manufacture than lenses, which is why they are often recommended to beginners that are not ready to spend large amounts of money on their first telescope. The Sky-Watcher 6" Traditional Dobsonian Telescope is a good starter telescope.

Dobsonians are not the only beginner-friendly telescope design. For example, Celestron's NexStar SE series of telescopes are a type called Schmidt-Cassegrain, and are a great option for beginners that want a telescope with GoTo capability, or the ability to point at, and track an object as it moves across the sky due to Earth's rotation. Also, small Refractors on an equatorial mount are another choice like the Explore Scientific FirstLight AR80mm f/11 Refractor Telescope.

Both Woodland Hills Camera & Telescope and AgenaAstro carry a wide assortment of high quality telescopes at affordable prices.

No matter what beginner telescope you choose for visual astronomy, set up and use is designed to be easy for beginning astronomers. Simply set the telescope, which can be a less than 10-minute process, attach your eyepiece, and start exploring our wonderful universe!