Best Telescopes for Backyard Stargazing
The telescopes we'd actually recommend, ranked by who they're for — not by who pays the most.
Telescopes·Premium
Celestron NexStar 4SE
A computerized GoTo scope that finds 40,000+ objects for you — the classic first 'serious' telescope.
Telescopes·Mid-range
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ
The most-recommended 'first real telescope' — enough aperture to show deep-sky, at an entry price.
Telescopes·Budget
Gskyer 70mm AZ Travel Refractor
The perennial Amazon #1 — the gift telescope that actually works for kids and first-nighters.
Telescopes·Flagship
Celestron NexStar 8SE
The 'orange tube' — 8 inches of computerized aperture, the scope most enthusiasts end up keeping.
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.
Telescopes·Budget
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ
One of Amazon's best-selling telescopes — with caveats worth knowing before you buy.
Telescopes·Premium
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80ED Refractor
The classic 'first astrophotography refractor' — ED glass that punches far above 80mm.