Best Telescopes Under $500

The Celestron DX 130AZ, the largest telescope in Celestron’s DX series of telescopes, is an absolutely fantastic choice for widefield observing while also being able to see beautiful detail on the Jupiter, the Orion Nebula, and plenty more. A Newtonian telescope, this telescope has a primary mirror diameter of 5.12” and a focal length of 650mm for a focal ratio of f/5. The biggest upside to this telescope? Its ability to point to and observe any object in the night sky with the included StarSense Explorer smartphone docking station. Simply connect your smartphone to the telescope mount and your telescope will locate nearly anything in the night sky with the free StarSense Explorer app!

Also included are two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a StarPointer Red Dot Finder, and a tripod accessory tray. The telescope features a focuser that can use both 1.25” and 2” eyepieces should you wish to expand your observing experience. We recommend an eyepiece like the Apertura 26mm SWA 2” eyepiece. You may also wish to consider the optional essential bundle package for an additional $50.00 that will include a cleaning kit for your optics and a handy red light.

Built with a quality-crafted parabolic mirror, the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope produces big, bright views of the night sky! While many similar reflector telescopes on the market utilize spherically formed mirrors, this SpaceProbe 130ST features a diffraction-limited parabolic mirror like those found in larger, observatory-grade reflectors. This gives way to far better sharpness across the field and less distortion near the edges of the frame, something both beginners and advanced observers are sure to appreciate! The sizable, 130mm (5.1") aperture soaks in the light for stunning sights, and 650 mm focal length is wonderful for framing up popular targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and the Pleiades Open Star Cluster. For seamless navigation across the night sky, the included equatorial mount features slow-motion hand controls. This design makes it easy to center and track your target with smooth, fluid motion, helping you make the most out of your stargazing sessions. The “ST” in this scope’s name stands for “short tube”, offering exceptional light gathering power within a smaller, more compact body. If you’re looking for outstanding quality, look no further than this Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope!

If you’re eager for vivid views of the Moon, the planets, and bright deep-space objects, the Orion Observer 90mm Equatorial Refractor is an excellent choice! As a classic doublet refractor, this low-maintenance telescope does not require collimation like typical reflectors do, offering use right out of the box. Also, its compact form makes maneuvering across the night sky a breeze. When coupled with the slow-motion hand controls on the included German equatorial mount, you have yourself a system perfect for astro-enthusiasts of any age! The fully-coated front objective is 90mm (3.5") in size, collecting ample light on various celestial objects. This doublet has a focal length of 900 mm, and a focal ratio of f/10 for tack-sharp stars and striking detail within your eyepieces. Two Plössl eyepieces, a right-angle star diagonal, and a sturdy, aluminum tripod come included within this package to get you out and observing in no time. The 25 mm eyepiece provides 36x magnification, a perfect power for observing vast objects like the Pleiades Open Star Cluster. Swap in the 10 mm eyepiece for magnification nearly three times higher than the 25 mm eyepiece, making it perfect for viewing small, bright objects like distant galaxies or our neighboring planets!

Looking for a handy telescope for your astronomy excursions? The Orion StarBlast 102 mm Travel Refractor is the perfect choice! The durable, yet lightweight body of this refractor and tripod makes it ideal for observers on the move. Setup is quick and easy, and the included travel bag and accessory pouch provide effortless transport to dark skies. With 102 mm (4”) of aperture and 600 mm focal length, be witness to beautiful views of the Moon's surface, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and loads of deep-sky nebulae and star clusters. Within this package you’ll find essentials like 25 mm and 10 mm 1.25" Plossl eyepieces, a 90-degree correct-image diagonal, and a snap-in red dot finder. Two eyepieces open the doors to various viewing opportunities, and the red dot finder makes object locating a breeze! The handy right-angle diagonal alleviates neck strain when gazing at the stars, a must for long observing sessions. This diagonal also unlocks the ability for vivid terrestrial scenes thanks to its correct-image design, offering beautiful sights of distant landscapes and local wildlife. A free copy of the Orion Moon Map 260 is also included for a comprehensive guide on the sea of landmarks strewn across our natural satellite. With features like these, this Orion StarBlast 102mm is a choice scope for passionate astronomers on the go!

Taking the power of a Dobsonian telescope and turning it into a highly convenient grab-and-go system, the Apertura Library Telescope delivers big views without the bulk! Perfect for beginners in search of their first scope, casual backyard observers, or avid astronomers looking for a travel solution, this telescope is a well-rounded pick for just about anyone. Its small, compact form is designed to be set up atop any table or raised platform. This means there’s no back-breaking bases nor awkwardly large optical tubes to lug around, its 11 lb. build can be assembled without breaking a sweat! Elevate your camping trips with stunning views of the cosmos, and be ready for any upcoming star parties thanks to its portable profile. The OTA and Dobsonian mount break down into two highly manageable parts for your travel convenience. Though compact, don’t let its small footprint fool you. This 465 mm focal length Newtonian telescope is of top-notch quality. Marvel at the sight of Saturn’s rings, the intricate details on the lunar surface, and even the stunning glow that is the Orion Nebula!

As the “little brother” of the highly popular Apertura AD8, this Apertura AD6 delivers outstanding views within a highly compact, travel-friendly form! The diffraction-limited 6” primary mirror is finished with an aluminum and silicon-dioxide coating for an astounding 93% reflectivity. The result? Bright, bold sights within your eyepiece. Be witness to the intricate details on the rocky lunar surface, reveal the beauty of Saturn and its rings, and resolve the Trapezium Cluster within the Orion Nebula, even under light polluted skies! Providing a stable mount for this premium 6” Newtonian is the quality-crafted Dobsonian base. Setup upon arrival is a breeze, and movement is smooth and intuitive. Apertura includes a host of accessories to get you started, such as two eyepieces, a 6x30 finderscope, and a 2” to 1.25” threaded adapter. With everything you need to enjoy crisp views right out of the box, Apertura has you set up for success!

Occupying about only half the cubic area of the DWARF 3, this next-gen DwarfLab smart telescope takes their compact design philosophy one step further, redefining what it means to be portable! This tiny telescope weighs in at an unbelievable 1.85 lbs. making it the smallest smart telescope on the market today. Effortlessly tuck this little system in a backpack or even in your pocket for stunning imagery no matter where you go. Though miniature in size, the DWARF Mini is nothing short of powerful, housing two high quality sensors and a wide selection of image and video modes. Capture beautiful deep space scenes, take stunning timelapses, and create breathtaking star trails, all with one system. Both beginners and advanced imagers are sure to be impressed by the outstanding level of details resolved within the captured frames. With the DWARF Mini, you have yourself the perfect tag along for your astro adventures!