Backyard Stargazing Gear

Best Mid-range Stargazing Gear (~$200–500)

The best backyard astronomy gear in the ~$200–500 range, across telescopes and binoculars.

Telescopes·Mid-range

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

The most-recommended 'first real telescope' — enough aperture to show deep-sky, at an entry price.

Telescopes·Mid-range

Sky-Watcher Classic 6" Dobsonian

The most aperture-per-dollar in astronomy, on a mount even a beginner can't get wrong.