Are you a budding astronomer, curious to learn more about the universe and its stars? Or perhaps you are just looking for an affordable way to try out stargazing as your new hobby. No matter what your motivation may be, it’s possible to get a quality telescope without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will look at the best telescopes under $100 so that even if you’re on a budget, you can still explore other galaxies and have fun with astronomy.
List of 7 Best Telescopes under $100
Here’s a list of the 7 best telescopes under $100 along with a brief explanation of each.
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MaxUSee 70mm Telescope
Discover the wonders of the universe with the MaxUSee 70mm Telescope. This telescope is designed with portability and ease of use in mind so that both kids and adults can enjoy it. The wide range of magnification options, from 16X to 200X, makes this telescope ideal for beginners who are just getting started exploring the night sky.
The 70mm objective lens provides bright, clear images for viewing stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. The telescope also comes with 4 interchangeable eyepieces – H6mm, H12.5mm, H20mm, and K25mm – so you can choose a perfect viewing situation for your needs.
Additionally, the 400mm focal length refractor telescope includes a durable table-top tripod for easy setup and a 3X Barlow lens, 1.5X erecting eyepiece, and moon mirror to help enhance your viewing experience. You’ll be able to explore the stars anytime you want with this portable travel telescope that is quick to set up.
Specifications
| Brand | MaxUSee |
| Model Name | F400X70 |
| Eye Piece Lens | Kellner |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 70 Millimeters |
| Product Dimensions | 18.9″D x 9.9″W x 19.7″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Adapter |
| Finderscope | Straight-Through |
| Item Weight | 2 Kilograms |
| Focal Length | 400 millimeters |
Celestron – 80mm Travel Scope – Portable Refractor Telescope
The Celestron 80mm Travel Scope is a perfect blend of performance and portability. Featuring superior optics, this refractor telescope is equipped with fully-coated glass elements and an 80mm objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views than the smaller 50mm model.
Its powerful eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) enable low- and high-power viewing of celestial objects at night, as well as land-based objects during the day. To make sure you can enjoy your observations wherever you go, this portable telescope comes complete with a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to safely store everything in one convenient place.
Plus, download Celestial Elements free software for planning stargazing sessions or exploring the universe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, the Celestron 80mm Travel Scope will help you explore space like never before.
Specifications
| Brand | Celestron |
| Model Name | Travel Scope 80 Portable Telescope with Smartphone Adapter |
| Eye Piece Lens | Barlow |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 80 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 22.5″D x 12.7″W x 5.6″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope
The Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope is the perfect grab-and-go telescope for beginning stargazers, families on the go, and daytime birders. This lightweight, aluminum tripod telescope comes with a rugged specially designed backpack that holds the 70mm telescope, tripod, and all accessories including two anti-reflection coated 1.25″ Kellner telescope eyepieces for 20-power and 44-power views right out of the box as well as a 5×24 finder scope and Orion MoonMap 260 to help you learn about the cool lunar features you see.
The convenient adjustable tripod can be adjusted to hold the telescope from 17.75″ up to a 43.5″ maximum height to give you clear views of magnificent stars at night and wildlife, scenery, birds, and bright planets during the day all at 400mm focal length (f/5.7).
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Model Name | Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope |
| Eye Piece Lens | Kellner |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 70 Millimeters |
| Product Dimensions | 49″D x 27″W x 49″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 3.5 Pounds |
ACTBOT 70mm Telescope
The ACTBOT 70mm Telescope is perfect for those who want to get started in stargazing or even experienced astronomers. It features a fully multi-coated prism that delivers greater brightness and clarity of the night sky, providing you with stunning images.
Plus, it comes with two eyepieces (10X, 25X) and a 3X Barlow lens that allows it to achieve magnifications from 28X to 210X. Setting up won’t cause any trouble either our telescope can be installed without additional tools in just 5 minutes.
Additionally, its full-size stainless steel adjustable tripod ensures stability and durability during use and can meet any height and angle requirements. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for an upgrade, the ACTBOT 70mm Telescope will provide you with an excellent viewing experience.
Specifications
| Brand | ACTBOT |
| Model Name | Focal Length Refractor |
| Eye Piece Lens | Barlow |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 700 Millimeters |
| Product Dimensions | 32″D x 12″W x 6.5″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Introducing the Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm Altazimuth Reflector Telescope. It’s perfect for any amateur astronomer or family looking to explore the night sky. This beginner-friendly telescope is lightweight, easy to set up, and has an incredibly affordable price tag. The 76mm aperture reflector telescope gives you a large enough view of the sky so you can make out details on the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and even some brighter nebulas.
The stable Altazimuth mount and tripod provide smooth motion in both altitudes (up/down) and azimuth (left/right) axes which makes it easier to track what you’re looking at. And with two 1.25″ Kellner eyepieces included that provide 28x and 70x magnifications respectively, you’ll be able to see things like never before.
Other accessories include a red-dot reflex sight, 1.25″ rack, pinion focuser, MoonMap 260, and everything you need to get started. With this telescope as your guide, you’ll be exploring galaxies far away with ease.
Specifications
| Brand | Orion |
| Model Name | Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm Altazimuth Reflector Telescope |
| Eye Piece Lens | Kellner |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 76 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 55″D x 33″W x 55″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 7 Pounds |
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture
The Gskyer Telescope is perfect for amateur astronomers needing to explore the night sky! This 70 mm aperture telescope has a focal length of 400mm (f/5.7) and will bring you clear and detailed images of celestial objects like stars, the moon, and so much more.
The fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings provides vibrant images that are brighter than ever before. Plus, its design protects the eyes during extended viewing sessions.
With two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, you can triple your magnifying power for even better views. Make sure to check out Gskyer’s Telescope for all your amateur astronomy needs.
Specifications
| Brand | Gskyer |
| Model Name | Astronomical Refracting |
| Eye Piece Lens | Barlow |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 70 Millimeters |
| Telescope Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 24.8″D x 4.92″W x 8.46″H |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Power Source | Adapter |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
| Item Weight | 2.6 Kilograms |
Honslis 500mm Telescope
Introducing the Honslis 500mm Telescope, a revolutionary telescope with an upgraded 70MM large-diameter objective that can capture up to 2 million light-years of extraneous nebulae and has a larger and clearer imaging range than other ordinary telescopes.
Using multi-layer high transmittance coating, it offers high light transmission, less image loss, and results in observed objects being visible day and night. Ideal for kids aged 8 to 12, this telescope is perfect for youths looking to explore their curiosity in astronomy.
The package comes with two interchangeable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens which triples the magnification of each eyepiece up to 150x. Offering the sharpest images and views of the starry sky, observe all the majestic details from near or far away galaxies with ease. Get yours now and start your journey into space today.
Specifications
| Brand | Honslis | |
| Eye Piece Lens | Telescope | |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 70.1 Millimeters | |
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| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Buying Guide for Best Telescopes under $100
In this buying guide, we’ll show you the best telescopes under $100 that deliver excellent performance and value for the price.
Magnification and Aperture
If you’re just starting, a telescope with a magnification of 75x to 100x is reasonable for viewing planets and moon craters. However, keep in mind that the highest magnification you see advertised on a telescope isn’t always the most suitable option. A telescope with an aperture of 50mm to 60mm will deliver decent magnification power as you watch the celestial bodies.
Refractor, Reflector, or Dobsonian Telescopes
A refractor telescope uses lenses to view the night sky. Refractors are long and slender, which makes them easier to use in light-polluted urban areas.
Reflectors, on the other hand, use mirrors to create an image, making them an excellent choice for viewing deep-space objects. Reflectors generally offer greater aperture size for a limited budget, which is essential for stargazing at night.
Dobsonian telescopes are a popular choice among astronomy enthusiasts. They are easy to use and affordable, and the large aperture size ensures optimal viewing.
Portability
If you plan to travel with your telescope or use it outdoors, think about its size and weight. Compact telescopes are perfect for carrying to a remote site, while larger models are ideal for backyard viewing.
Accessories
Accessories are crucial for any telescope. A sturdy mount and tripod are vital to keeping the telescope steady, while eyepieces with different magnifications can enhance your viewing experience. Additionally, a finder scope can help you locate celestial objects easily, while a Barlow lens can double your magnification power.
Budget
While there are many telescopes available under $100, don’t expect to get a telescope that can rival professional models. Although they may lack some features that expensive telescopes offer, these budget telescopes can still deliver great views of the moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.
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Conclusion:
Finding a quality telescope that won’t empty your bank account is an exciting venture. Remember that buying a telescope is a long-term investment, so do your research and choose a reliable telescope that suits your needs. Consider magnification and aperture, the type of telescope, portability, accessories, and your budget. With these factors in mind, you’ll be on your way to stargazing in no time.
FAQs
What are the main types of telescopes available under $100?
The most common types are refractors, reflectors, and catadioptric telescopes. Refractors use lenses to bend and focus light, reflectors use mirrors to reflect and focus light, and catadioptrics uses a combination of lenses and mirrors to correct aberrations and compact the optical path. Refractors are usually better for lunar and planetary views, whereas reflectors are better for deep-sky objects. Catadioptrics can offer a compromise between both but may be more complex and expensive.
How much magnification can I expect from a telescope under $100?
Magnification depends on both the focal length of the telescope and the eyepiece used. Typically, a 50mm refractor may provide up to 100x magnification, a 76mm reflector may provide up to 150x magnification, and a 90mm catadioptric may provide up to 180x magnification. However, magnification alone does not guarantee good image quality or steadiness and may vary depending on the atmospheric conditions and the user’s experience.
How portable and easy are to set up our telescopes under $100?
Portability and ease of use depend on the size, weight, and design of the telescope. Some telescopes may come with lightweight tripods or tabletop mounts, which can be easy to carry and assemble. Other telescopes may have heavier equatorial mounts, which require more time and skills to align with the polar axis of the Earth and track celestial objects accurately. Some telescopes may also have more fragile optics or mechanics that require careful handling and maintenance.
What accessories should I consider when buying a telescope under $100?
Basic accessories that can enhance your observing experience include a quality eyepiece or a set of eyepieces with different focal lengths, a red LED flashlight to preserve night vision, and a star chart or a smartphone app to help you navigate the sky. Some telescopes may also offer bonus accessories such as moon filters, Barlow lenses, or finderscopes, which may or may not be necessary or useful depending on your preferences and goals.
What are the limitations of telescopes under $100 and what should I expect from them?
Telescopes under $100 are usually entry-level instruments intended for beginners or casual observers. They may have smaller apertures, lower-quality optics, and simpler designs than more expensive telescopes. As a result, they may have limitations in terms of image brightness, resolution, contrast, and color fidelity. They may also be more prone to aberrations such as chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, or coma. However, that does not mean you cannot enjoy or learn astronomy with a telescope under $100. With proper expectations, care, and effort, you can still explore the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies and discover the wonders of the universe.