When it comes to finding the best telescope for under 300 dollars, there are plenty of options. There are several alternative brands that produce telescopes at low prices, but many of them use the same suppliers as the more expensive brands. While they should be able to locate bright objects in the night sky, they may struggle to view fainter objects.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the Zhumell Z114.
Best Telescope For Under $300 Reviews
Meade Polaris 114EQ
- Aperture: 127mm(5. 0"). focal length: 1000mm. Focal Ratio: f/7. 9. Rack-and-pinion Focuser, setting...
- Large, stable German equatorial mount with slow motion controls makes tracking celestial objects smooth...
- Low (26mm), medium (9mm), and high (6. 3mm) magnification eyepieces give you variety for any viewing...
- Red dot viewfinder helps you point your scope at objects you want to observe & accessory tray stores...
- Includes astronomical software and instructional DVD
Meade has introduced the initiation series of Newtonian and reflecting telescopes. The Meade Polaris 114EQ, with a German equatorial mount, 114mm aperture, and 1000mm focal length, is a great first telescope for astronomy enthusiasts. This telescope is an ideal entry-level telescope for deep-sky observation.
This telescope comes with three eyepieces for low, medium, and high magnification, allowing you to view a wide variety of objects. It also includes a 2x Barlow lens, which doubles the magnification of an object. This telescope is also capable of viewing objects up to six miles away.
The Meade Polaris 127mm EQ Reflector Telescope is an excellent value for the money. With its 127mm primary mirror, it can easily view deep-sky objects, such as globular clusters and nebulae. The telescope also comes with Planetarium software, three eyepieces, and a Barlow lens.
Another feature that makes the Meade Polaris 127mm telescope unique is its equatorial mount, which is German-designed. It also comes with a tripod, which makes it a versatile option. Despite its versatility, the Meade EQ8 weighs 26 pounds when fully assembled. Although it is lightweight, it still has limitations when it comes to supporting a large optical tube.
You can also take a look at our best telescope for amateurs guide.
The Meade Polaris 127mm German Equatorial Reflector Telescope comes with everything you need to see the night sky. Its primary mirror is 127mm (5 inches) in diameter and comes with an equatorial mount with slow-motion controls for stability. Its 3 eyepieces deliver bright and detailed images.
Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ
- EASY TO SET UP AND USE: This is a great telescope for kids and adults to use together; It features a...
- All coated glass optics for clear, crisp images
- Erect image optics, ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
- Quick and easy no-tool setup with permanently mounted StarPointer; Permanently mounted StarPointer
If you are looking for a telescope that is suited for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, you should look no further than the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ.
Its large aperture of 130mm, f/5 focal length, and 345x light-gathering power make it the ideal choice for both planetary and deep sky observing. What’s more, this telescope comes with SkyX First Light Edition Astronomy Software, which comes with a 10,000-object database.
Another important feature of a high-quality telescope is its eyepiece. The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ comes with a 20mm erecting Kellner ocular, which is similar to the Kellner eyepiece used in the Celestron PowerSeeker telescope.
Its apparent field of view is 30 degrees, which makes it suitable for planetary viewing as well as terrestrial observation. Another feature of this telescope is its ability to rotate its optical tube to adjust the position of the eyepiece. However, this feature is not ideal since it may cause the telescope to lose balance and skew the pointing.
Another good option is the Meade Lightbridge Mini 130. This is a solid telescope that comes with a tripod and Equatorial Mount. Although not the most powerful telescope, it’s still a good option for beginners. The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ is a good option if you’re looking for a telescope for under $300. Its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length give it decent power.
The AstroMaster 130 EQ comes with two eyepieces, 20mm (33x) and 10mm (65x). It also comes with a tripod and deluxe accessory tray. A DVD database with over 10k objects is also included. These are very helpful for viewing the moon and planets, but for more detailed viewing, you will need to invest in more powerful eyepieces or even a Barlow lens.
This scope is built with a sturdy and stable mount and includes slow-motion controls and manual slow-motion controls. It has two axes for easy tracking and features an automatic guide star mode for use with astrophotography. It is also very portable and cost-effective, so it’s a good choice for those on a budget.
Celestron Inspire 70AZ
- Easiest setup of any entry level scope. With the folding accessory tray you just pop the tripod legs...
- Bold new design - The main telescope lens cap comes with a fully integrated smartphone adapter built-in,...
- Red LED flashlight - Stowed in the center of the mount head, the flashlight can be used to gently...
- Focus micrometer - Allows quick return to a specific focus point for specific targets (bird nests,...
If you’re in the market for a new telescope but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, you can get a Celestron Inspire 70AZ telescope for less than $300. This lightweight telescope comes with a tripod that’s easy to set up.
First, you’ll need to open the legs and turn the accessory tray lock knob. After that, you’ll need to attach the telescope’s optical tube to the base, which can be done with a quick-release dovetail mount.
The Inspire 70AZ is one of the lightest telescopes in the Inspire series, making it easy to transport and store. It is also loaded with features you’ll rarely find in entry-level telescopes. These include fully coated glass optics, an altazimuth mount that’s solid, an integrated smartphone adapter, a built-in red LED flashlight, and a focus micrometer.
If you’re new to astronomy, this telescope is the perfect choice for the beginner. It comes with two eyepieces – twenty and four mm for 35 and 175 times magnification, respectively. It also comes with a finderscope, an aluminum tripod, and Celestron’s starry night software. If you’re looking for a good telescope for under 300 dollars, Celestron has a great selection.
Among the telescopes under $300, you can find reflectors, refractors, and catadioptrics. The prices of these telescopes are reasonable for beginners. Be aware, however, that the market for telescopes and lenses has been volatile over the past couple of years due to supply chain issues. Because of this, prices may vary since the last update.
If you’re looking for a refractor telescope for under 300 dollars, consider Celestron’s Inspire 100AZ telescope. It features a high magnification. While this telescope doesn’t have an incredibly large aperture, it does have a good f/7.87 focal ratio and a high magnification ratio.
This telescope is ideal for beginners and is easy to set up. It also comes with an adjustable tripod for ease of use. Even better, this telescope comes with two eyepieces that will improve your night sky images. However, this telescope isn’t ideal for viewing stars and the moon.
Orion SkyQuest XT6
- Perhaps the best beginner Dobsonian reflector telescope you can buy - big 6" aperture at an amazing price
- A beginner may use a 60mm telescope for a few months or years before deciding they need to upgrade to a...
- Simple navigation and no need to polar align makes this Dobsonian reflector telescope extremely ease to...
- The 6" diameter f/8 parabolic mirror is fantastic for Moon and planetary views, and also has enough light...
- The stable Dobsonian base provides a vibration free image even when viewing at a high powers, and...
If you’re looking for a great telescope for under $300, you’ve come to the right place. This model from Orion has everything you need for beautiful views. The XT6 telescope has a Dobsonian mount with plastic altitude bearings and a spring tensioning system.
This means you’ll spend less time adjusting the telescope, and you won’t have to worry about the scope swinging around while you’re looking through the eyepiece. It also comes with a collimation cap and a collimation guide.
The Orion SkyQuest XT6 is an entry-level telescope with 90-mm optics and a fully coated primary mirror. It weighs only 15 pounds and is easy to set up. Its parabolic mirror is 6 inches in diameter, making it ideal for deep sky viewing.
For a beginner’s telescope, a six-inch or eight-inch Dobsonian reflector is a good choice. An 80mm telescope on a good mount is also an excellent option. A beginner’s telescope should cost less than $300, and it should have a good mount, 1.25″ eyepieces, a Barlow lens, and a single-power reflex finderscope.
If you’re an amateur astronomer, an Orion SkyQuest XT6 is a good choice for under $300. It is a mid-sized Dobsonian reflector that will teach you a lot and keep you busy for years to come.
Orion SkyQuest XT6 is a great entry-level Dobsonian telescope that will open up the night sky for the whole family. It is easy to use and has an excellent light grasp. Its portability is another plus. Buying one of these will make you a better astronomer and will put you in the upper ranks of amateur astronomers.
Orion SkyQuest XT6 is a popular choice for beginners and advanced astronomers alike. This telescope is easy to use, despite its small size and relatively small aperture. Its OTA is almost four feet in length and weighs over thirty pounds, which is why it’s easy to carry it in your car or take it with you on a short walk.
Although the Orion SkyQuest XT6 has been very popular, it is still possible to find a cheaper model in this price range. Several other models are available, and some of them are even made by the same manufacturer.
Some of these have different features or are completely redesigned. Some of these even offer metal focusers. Regardless of what you choose, make sure it’s equipped with the best features for your needs.
OYS 80mm Telescope
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced astronomer, there are a number of reasons to invest in an inexpensive telescope. These telescopes are made for easy aiming, allowing for slow motion control and minimizing spherical aberration. As a result, they’re perfect for those who want to get started but don’t have the budget for a high-end telescope.
Another reason to invest in a cheap telescope is that it will come with a sturdy tripod and two eyepieces. While the price may be low, it’s important to consider the quality of the materials. While cheaper telescopes might not be the best quality, they should be able to locate faint stars and bright objects in the night sky.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive telescope with a large aperture, consider the Celestron 450mm reflector telescope. It’s a great choice for star parties and camping trips. At just over thirteen pounds, it’s easy to take with you, and its large aperture is perfect for viewing the night sky.
The telescope comes with a travel backpack and full-height tripod, as well as a wireless remote. This means you can use your smartphone to control it with a remote control or camera.
If you’re looking for a telescope under 300 dollars, consider a reflector telescope. These telescopes use a German equatorial mount, which is an ideal choice for observing the night sky. In addition to this, a large aperture allows you to view objects in a wider field.
Another good telescope for under 300 dollars is the Celestron AstroMaster 90EQ Refractor Telescope. This telescope is powerful and relatively portable and comes with two eyepieces and a Barlow lens. It also comes with software that helps you get started with stargazing.
One of the biggest challenges with a new telescope is finding the perfect focus. While the image might seem fine at first, it will become increasingly out of focus and become larger and more blurred. In extreme cases, it can even show bits of the telescope itself.
Orion Starmax 90
- This grab-and-go TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope provides powerful views of the Moon and bright...
- Weighing just 6.5 lbs. assembled, this compact telescope and base can be taken just about anywhere to...
- 90mm aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope gathers enough light for beautiful views of brighter deep...
- Nifty tabletop base provides a stable viewing foundation you can set on any sturdy table, or even attach...
- Includes two 1.25" eyepieces (25mm and 10mm focal lengths), EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming, 90...
The Orion StarMax 90 tabletop telescope is an ultra-compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope that offers large views despite its small size. It is ideal for the novice astronomer and makes a portable and elegant first telescope. You can also get an Orion StarMax 90 mobile adapter to take pictures and record the stars and planets.
The Orion Starmax 90 is a good choice if you’re looking for a high-end telescope that’s not too expensive. This apochromatic telescope features an 11:1 dual-speed Crawford focuser and a 1.25” eyepiece adaptor. It also has a steel tripod for added stability.
If you don’t want to spend more than $300 on a telescope, consider the Celestron Inspire 80AZ. This telescope is portable and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its low price tag makes it ideal for travel and other outdoor activities.
The Orion StarMax 90’s accessories are mediocre. It comes with a Kellner eyepiece and a red dot finder, but it’s probably best to upgrade these when you can. Despite the average-quality accessories, the optics of this telescope are outstanding. It provides incredibly clear images of the Moon and planets.
The Orion StarMax 90 is a great telescope for beginners who want to explore the night sky. Its 1250mm focal length makes it the perfect telescope for observing the planetary system in great detail.
Using the right eyepieces, you can see the cloud bands of Jupiter and the Cassini division in Saturn’s rings. The StarMax 90’s lens also offers high magnification, making it a good choice for observing small objects.
Another Orion telescope on our list is the AstroView 90EQ Refractor. At a price of less than $300, this reflector is an excellent choice for beginners. Its aperture is about four and a half inches. It also has an equatorial mount, which is another key feature for beginners.
Another great feature of this telescope is its smartphone adaptor. It lets you take pictures of Jupiter or the moon, which will be perfect for posting to social media. The integrated camera also allows you to edit and upload pictures.
Zhumell Z114
- Industry standard 1.25” focuser, compatible with many different accessories
- Changing magnifications is easier than ever with included 17mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Easy to use red dot finder makes aiming the Z114 a breeze for any level of user
If you’re looking for a telescope that will let you see the stars, the Z114 is a great choice. It comes with a red dot finder, which can be easily lined up with the telescope’s eyepiece. It also has a large field of view, even at low power.
This makes it easy to find deep-sky objects by simply sweeping the eyepiece. However, there are a few things you should look out for before buying this telescope.
Despite its relatively low price, the Zhumell Z114 is a quality telescope with solid optics and accessories. While it doesn’t have the power of some 10 or 12-inch models, it’s a great telescope for beginners. It is portable, offers good value optics for the price, and is a great option for beginner astronomers who are just getting started.
The mount on the Z114 is a single-armed tabletop “Dobsonian” design. The clamshell attachment allows the tube to be rotated and slid, making it easier to position the finder and eyepiece. It can also be mounted on a full-sized mount or tripod. If you decide to mount the telescope on a tripod, make sure to purchase tube rings and a Vixen-style dovetail.
As an entry-level reflector telescope, the Zhumell Z114 has many high-end features. Its 114mm parabolic primary mirror removes spherical aberration and offers brighter views of faint objects. It also comes with two fully coated eyepieces.
The Zhumell Z114 is one of the best telescopes for under 300 dollars. Its size makes it easy for beginners to set up and comes with a carrying case. However, it won’t be very useful for much more than viewing the moon. It also lacks motion controls and a large aperture, so it will probably be best for beginners.
Another good telescope under $300 is the Meade Lightbridge Mini 114. This model has the same power as the Z114, but has a smaller aperture. The 450mm focal length and f/3.95 focal ratio make it a decent choice, but it’s not the best telescope for under 300 dollars.
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