Best Telescopes Under $300 in 2024
Here at High Point Scientific, we strive to connect you with the telescope that will fit your specific needs and provide you memories for many years to come. Amateur astronomy can get expensive, and our wallets are not always as big as our dreams of exploring the night sky. But why let that stop you from navigating the stars? Our Gear Experts have created a list of telescopes specifically for those who wish to drive into the night sky without breaking the bank. Here is a list of the best telescopes under $300 and why the telescope enthusiasts at High Point love them.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114 -
Experience guided stargazing without the hefty price tag of a computerized mount with the StarSense Explorer series from Celestron! Simply download the StarSense Explorer app, place your smartphone in the dock, and follow the directions to point your telescope at your favorite targets! The LT 114 model is a Newtonian reflector with 4.5” optics - offering 260x the light gathering power of the human eye. You’ll be able to see hundreds of celestial objects like planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies with ease. Not sure what to hunt for in the night sky? The app has a catalog with hundreds of objects, and a ‘Tonight’s Best’ list so you’re always getting great views. Our team highly recommends this telescope for beginners and families who want to experience the night sky together - hassle-free.
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Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80 -
Like the LT 114 listed above, the LT 80 works in conjunction with your smartphone for a Go-To-like experience at a fraction of the cost. This model is a refractor, with fully-coated optics for increased light transmission for incredible views of planets, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Slow motion controls make adjusting your telescope effortless and the durable, full-size metal tripod gets high marks for stability. This scope comes complete with two eyepieces, a 2x Barlow lens, a 90-degree erect image diagonal (for day- or nighttime viewing), a red dot finder and an accessories tray.
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Sky-Watcher Heritage 130 Tabletop Dobsonian -
Crafted in honor of those who have contributed to astronomy, such as Newton, Galileo, Kepler, and plenty more, this Heritage 130 Dobsonian gives you the power to discover the cosmos! Sitting on a Dobsonian base, this 650 mm focal length Newtonian is easy to use and effortless to set up. The 130 mm aperture collects a copious amount of light for bright views of nebulae, star clusters, the planets, and plenty more. With a collapsible design and carry handle, you can easily pack this telescope away for camping trips or star parties. Sky-Watcher has you set up for success as this Dobsonian comes standard with a 25 mm eyepiece, a 10 mm eyepiece, and a red dot finder.
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Sky-Watcher Heritage 150 Tabletop Dobsonian -
With just a smidge over the $300 mark, this Sky-Watcher Heritage 150 Dobsonian earns our place for honorable mention! Compared to the Sky-Watcher 130 mm Tabletop Dobsonian, this 150 mm telescope offers 44% more light gathering power. This means brighter, more detailed views on a plethora of celestial objects. The Dobsonian base is crafted with Teflon bearings to produce smooth, stable slews, and includes rubber feet to reduce vibration. Weighing just 15.5 lbs and equipped with a collapsible design, you have the perfect on-the-go system!
SHOP NOWClick the arrow above to see MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style citations.
MLA:
High Point Scientific Team. "Best Telescopes Under $300," AstronomyHub, High Point Scientific, 15 Oct. 2024, https://www.highpointscientific.com/astronomy-hub/post/best-telescopes-and-accessories/best-telescopes-under-300.
APA:
High Point Scientific Team. (2024, October 15). Best telescopes under $300. High Point Scientific. https://www.highpointscientific.com/astronomy-hub/post/best-telescopes-and-accessories/best-telescopes-under-300
Chicago Manual of Style:
Bibliography:
High Point Scientific Team. "Best Telescopes Under $300," AstronomyHub (blog), High Point Scientific, October 15, 2024. https://www.highpointscientific.com/astronomy-hub/post/best-telescopes-and-accessories/best-telescopes-under-300.
Footnote:
High Point Scientific Team, "Best Telescopes Under $300," AstronomyHub, High Point Scientific, October 15, 2024, https://www.highpointscientific.com/astronomy-hub/post/best-telescopes-and-accessories/best-telescopes-under-300.
This Article was Originally Posted on October 01, 2021
