7 Best Telescope Under $100

If you’re starting with stargazing or looking for a telescope for kids, a telescope under $100 might be a good choice. The best telescope under $100 can help you explore the night sky and learn about astronomy without breaking the bank.

Finding the best telescope under $100 can be challenging, as many options are available in this price range. Many telescopes in this price range may have poor optics or flimsy construction, making it difficult to find a high-quality option.

That’s where we come in. We’ve reviewed many telescopes under $100 to help you find the best option for your needs. Our reviews consider factors such as optical quality, ease of use, and overall value for the price.

Top 7 Telescopes Under $100

Gskyer Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope

Gskyer Telescope 70mm Travel Telescope is a top choice among the Best Telescopes Under $100 for several compelling reasons.

Its 70mm aperture ensures excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing you to observe celestial objects with impressive clarity. Secondly, it features a stable and easy-to-use altazimuth mount, making it ideal for beginners.

Additionally, the telescope comes with multiple eyepieces, providing a versatile range of magnification options, suiting both lunar and planetary observation and even some deep-sky objects.

This telescope is well-suited for novice stargazers and families who want an affordable, quality telescope for celestial exploration. Its user-friendly features and clear optics make it a solid choice for those looking to dive into astronomy without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• 70mm aperture for clear views
• Stable altazimuth mount for easy tracking
• Multiple eyepieces for versatile observations
• Affordable price
• Compact and portable

Cons:

• Limited deep-sky capabilities
• Plastic components may lack durability

Celestron 70mm Portable Refractor Telescope

The Celestron 70mm Portable Travel Scope earns its spot as one of the Best Telescopes Under $100 due to its excellent features.

It boasts a 70mm refractor with fully coated glass optics, delivering crisp and bright images. Furthermore, this telescope is lightweight and highly portable, perfect for on-the-go astronomy enthusiasts. It includes a convenient smartphone adapter, allowing you to easily capture and share your celestial observations.

This telescope is an excellent choice for budding astronomers, travelers, and nature lovers who want a compact, affordable, and user-friendly instrument for observing the cosmos.

Pros:

• 70mm refractor with fully coated optics
• Lightweight and portable design
• Smartphone adapter for astrophotography
• Great value for money
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Limited for deep-space objects
• Tripod stability could be improved

Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope

Orion’s GoScope III 70mm Travel Telescope stands out among the Best Telescopes Under $100 with its versatile performance.

It features a 70mm aperture and a tabletop mount, making it a highly portable option for terrestrial and astronomical observations. The included accessories, such as a 45-degree diagonal and moon filter, enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, this telescope is excellent for introducing beginners to stargazing.

The Orion GoScope III is perfect for beginners, families, and those seeking a grab-and-go telescope for celestial and terrestrial viewing.

Pros:

• 70mm aperture for clear views
• Compact tabletop mount for stability
• Included accessories for enhanced experience
• Versatile for both day and night use
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Limited deep-sky capabilities
• A smaller tripod might be less stable

Orion Observer 70mm II AZ Refractor

The Orion Observer 70mm II AZ Refractor earns its place as one of the Best Telescopes Under $100 due to its affordability without compromising quality.

A 70mm aperture offers clear and bright views of the night sky. Its AZ mount provides smooth and simple navigation, making it suitable for beginners. Additionally, it’s a versatile instrument for both astronomical and terrestrial observations.

This telescope is a fantastic choice for entry-level astronomers, families, and travelers who seek an economical and user-friendly telescope for exploring the universe.

Pros:

• Affordable and budget-friendly
• 70mm aperture for clear observations
• AZ mount for easy tracking
• Versatile for various uses
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Limited deep-sky capabilities
• Plastic components may affect durability

Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm Altazimuth Reflector Telescope

The Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is renowned as one of the Best Telescopes Under $100 for several reasons.

It features a 76mm aperture, providing crisp, detailed views of celestial objects. Its Altazimuth mount allows for smooth navigation and tracking of the night sky. Moreover, it’s user-friendly, making it perfect for beginners and families.

This telescope is an excellent choice for newcomers to astronomy and those looking for an affordable, quality telescope for stargazing adventures.

Pros:

• 76mm aperture for clear views
• Easy-to-use Altazimuth mount
• Great for beginners and families
• Affordable price
• Compact and portable

Cons:

• Limited for deep-space objects
• Tripod stability could be improved

MaxUSee 70mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod & Finder Scope

The MaxUSee 70mm Refractor Telescope stands out as one of the Best Telescopes Under $100 due to its solid performance and features.

With a 70mm aperture, it delivers bright and clear views of celestial wonders. The telescope includes a smartphone adapter for astrophotography, expanding its capabilities. It’s an ideal choice for budding astronomers and nature enthusiasts.

This telescope is perfect for beginners and those interested in capturing the beauty of the night sky through astrophotography.

Pros:

• 70mm aperture for clear views
• Smartphone adapter for astrophotography
• Suitable for beginners
• Great value for money
• Portable design

Cons:

• Limited deep-sky capabilities
• Tripod could be more stable

Celestron 80mm Portable Refractor Telescope

The Celestron 80mm Travel Scope is an exceptional Best Telescope Under $100 for various reasons.

With an 80mm aperture, it offers high-quality, sharp views of celestial objects. Its compact and portable design makes it an excellent travel companion for stargazing adventures. It’s easy to set up and use, making it suitable for beginners.

This telescope is perfect for travelers, nature enthusiasts, and beginners seeking a portable and reliable telescope for astronomical exploration.

Pros:

• 80mm aperture for clear and detailed views
• Portable and travel-friendly design
• Easy setup and use
• Great for beginners
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Limited deep-sky capabilities
• Tripod stability could be improved

How To Choose The Best Telescope under $100

Choosing a telescope under $100 can be a great way to introduce yourself or your child to the exciting world of stargazing without breaking the bank. But with so many options available, it can be not easy to know where to start. Here are some key considerations when looking for the best telescope under $100.

1. Aperture

The aperture, or the diameter of the telescope’s primary lens or mirror, is the most important factor in determining the telescope’s light-gathering ability and overall performance. Look for a telescope with an aperture of at least 50mm for decent views of the moon and brighter objects.

2. Focal Length

The focal length of a telescope is the distance from the primary lens or mirror to the point where the image comes into focus. A longer focal length means higher magnification but a narrower field of view. Look for a telescope with a focal length of at least 600mm for decent magnification.

3. Mount

The mount is part of the telescope that holds it steady and allows you to aim it at different objects. Look for a telescope with a sturdy, adjustable mount that is easy to use.

4. Eyepieces

The eyepiece is part of the telescope that you look through. Look for a telescope with at least two eyepieces, one with a low magnification (e.g., 25mm) and one with a higher magnification (e.g., 10mm).

5. Accessories

Some telescopes come with accessories like finderscopes, which help you locate objects in the sky, and Barlow lenses, which increase magnification. Look for a telescope with useful accessories to enhance your stargazing experience.

6. Portability

Consider the size and weight of the telescope, especially if you plan to take it on camping trips or other outdoor adventures. Look for a telescope that is lightweight and easy to transport.

7. Reviews

Read reviews from other users to get a sense of the telescope’s performance and ease of use. Look for telescopes with positive reviews and ratings.

8. Brand Reputation

Choose a telescope from a reputable brand with a history of making quality products. This will increase the likelihood that you will receive good customer service and have access to replacement parts if needed.

When choosing the best telescope under $100, consider factors like aperture, focal length, mount, eyepieces, accessories, portability, reviews, and brand reputation. By considering these factors, you can find a telescope that will provide hours of enjoyment and wonder as you explore the night sky.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telescopes under $100

If you’re interested in astronomy but don’t want to spend much money, a telescope under $100 might be a good option for you. However, you might have some questions before making a purchase. This article’ll answer some common questions about telescopes under $100.

1. Can I see planets with a telescope under $100?

Yes, you can! While more expensive telescopes will provide better views, a telescope under $100 can still allow you to see planets like Jupiter and Saturn.

2. Are refractor or reflector telescopes better for under $100?

Reflectors are typically a better option under $100 as they provide better light-gathering capabilities. However, some decent refractors are also available in this price range.

3. Can I take pictures with a telescope for under $100?

Taking pictures with a telescope under $100 is possible, but the results may not be great. To get better-quality images, you may need to invest in additional equipment.

4. How powerful of a telescope can I get for under $100?

Telescopes under $100 typically have a maximum magnification of around 100x. While this isn’t as powerful as more expensive telescopes, it’s still enough to observe many celestial objects.

5. What accessories should I consider purchasing with a telescope under $100?

A few accessories include a tripod, a star chart or planisphere, and additional eyepieces.

6. Can I also use a telescope under $100 for terrestrial viewing?

Yes, you can! Telescopes under $100 can be used for both astronomical and terrestrial viewing.

7. How difficult is setting up and using a telescope under $100?

Most telescopes under $100 are simple to set up and use, even for beginners.

8. What types of celestial objects can I see with a telescope under $100?

With a telescope under $100, you can observe the moon, planets, star clusters, and some nebulae.

Overall, while a telescope under $100 may have limitations, it can still provide an enjoyable and affordable way to explore the night sky.