best telescope under 5000

The Best Telescope Under 500: 5 Budget-Friendly Telescopes for Stellar Stargazing

Introduction

Stargazing is an incredible hobby that allows you to explore the wonders of the universe from the comfort of your own backyard. However, with countless telescope options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one without breaking the bank. Fear not, fellow stargazers! We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 budget-friendly telescopes under 500 that will take your celestial observations to new heights.

Factors to Consider

Before diving into our list, let’s explore some key factors to consider when choosing a telescope.

Aperture

Aperture is arguably the most important factor when selecting a telescope. The aperture, or the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror, determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture means more light, which translates to brighter, more detailed images.

Focal Length

Focal length is the distance between the telescope’s main lens or mirror and the point where light converges to form an image. Longer focal lengths provide higher magnification, but at the expense of a smaller field of view. Shorter focal lengths offer a wider field of view, making them ideal for observing larger objects like nebulae and star clusters.

Mount Type

The mount is crucial for providing stability and ease of use. There are two main types of mounts: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts are simple to use and perfect for beginners, while equatorial mounts are better suited for more advanced users interested in astrophotography.

Top 5 Budget-Friendly Telescopes

Now that we’ve covered some essential factors to consider, let’s dive into our top 5 budget-friendly telescopes under 500.

1. Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

Features

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is an excellent beginner-friendly telescope with a 130mm aperture and a 650mm focal length. Its equatorial mount allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects, while the built-in StarPointer finderscope helps locate targets with ease.

       Pros & Cons

          Pros:

  • Large aperture for its price range
  • Equatorial mount for better tracking
  • Easy to assemble and use

          Cons:

  • May require additional accessories for astrophotography
  • Slightly heavier compared to other options

2. Orion SkyScanner 100mm

Features

The Orion SkyScanner 100mm is a compact and portable tabletop telescope with a 100mm aperture and a 400mm focal length. Its parabolic mirror ensures sharp, detailed images, and its altazimuth mount makes it simple to use for beginners.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Affordable option for beginners
  • Parabolic mirror for better image quality

Cons:

  • Limited to low-to-medium magnifications
  • Tabletop design may require a stable surface for optimal use

3. Hexium 80mm Telescope

Features

The Hexium 80mm telescope is a refractor telescope with an 80mm aperture and a 500mm focal length. It features a sturdy altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls, making it easy to track celestial objects across the sky. The telescope comes with two eyepieces (10mm and 20mm) for different magnification options and a 3x Barlow lens for enhanced viewing capabilities. A built-in finderscope allows for quick and easy target acquisition.

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use, making it perfect for beginners
  • Decent aperture size for its price range, providing bright and clear images
  • Comes with multiple eyepieces and a Barlow lens for versatile magnification options
  • Sturdy altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls for smooth tracking

Cons

  • Limited to low-to-medium magnifications, which may restrict some observations
  • May require a more stable tripod for optimal performance
  • Not ideal for advanced astrophotography, as additional accessories might be needed

4. SkyWatcher Heritage 130P

Features

The SkyWatcher Heritage 130P is a collapsible Dobsonian telescope with a 130mm aperture and a 650mm focal length. Its unique design offers a large aperture at an affordable price, while the Dobsonian mount ensures smooth and stable observations.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Large aperture for its price range
  • Collapsible design for easy transport and storage
  • Stable Dobsonian mount

Cons:

  • Bulkier than other options
  • May require additional accessories for higher magnification

5. Gskyer 90mm

Features

The Gskyer 90mm is a refractor telescope with a 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length. It features an altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls and comes with a smartphone adapter for capturing stunning images of the night sky.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Smartphone adapter included for astrophotography
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Decent aperture for its price range

Cons:

  • Limited to low-to-medium magnifications
  • Heavier than other refractor options

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best telescope under 500 largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. The five telescopes listed above are all excellent budget-friendly options, each offering unique features and catering to different levels of experience. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your stargazing journey and explore the cosmos.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use these telescopes for astrophotography?

A1: While some of these telescopes come with accessories like smartphone adapters for basic astrophotography, you may need to invest in additional equipment, like a camera adapter or a more advanced mount, for higher quality images.

Q2: Are these telescopes suitable for beginners?

A2: Yes, all of the telescopes listed here are beginner-friendly, featuring user-friendly designs and easy-to-use mounts.

Q3: Can I observe planets with these telescopes?

A3: Yes, you can observe planets with these telescopes, although the level of detail and magnification will vary depending on the specific model and its features.

Q4: What accessories should I consider purchasing with my telescope?

A4: Additional eyepieces for different magnifications, a Barlow lens, a sturdier tripoda finderscope, and a moon filter are some accessories that can enhance your stargazing experience. It’s also a good idea to invest in a carrying case or protective cover to protect your telescope from dust and damage.

Q5: How do I maintain my telescope?

A5: To maintain your telescope, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use, and use a protective cover to keep dust and moisture away. Clean the optical components using a soft, lint-free cloth or a specialized cleaning solution designed for lenses and mirrors. Avoid touching the optical surfaces with your fingers, as oils and dirt can cause damage. Regularly check the mount and tripod for any loose parts, and tighten them as necessary to ensure stable observations.

Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope - Reflector Telescope for Beginners - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software Package

$349.95
$299.00
Amazon.com
as of March 24, 2024 7:30 pm

Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope (Burgundy)

$149.99
Amazon.com
as of March 24, 2024 7:30 pm

Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian 5-inch Aperture Telescope – Innovative Collapsible Design – Easy to Use, Perfect for Beginners, Black/White (S11705)

$282.75
Amazon.com
as of March 24, 2024 7:30 pm

Gskyer Telescope, Telescopes for Adults, 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope,Telescope for Kids,Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope

$319.99
$219.69
Amazon.com
as of March 24, 2024 7:30 pm

Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm - Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope Fully Multi-coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag. Easy Set Up

$199.99
$149.99
Amazon.com
as of March 24, 2024 7:30 pm

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