Top 10 Best telescopes under 500 available for you
Angelina Jolie Mar 29, 2023 7:16 PM
Never before has stargazing been so enjoyable. You will appreciate our suggestions for the Best telescope under 500 available right now.
Overview:
No matter the cost, a good telescope is an excellent telescope. It can be challenging to sort through all the many brand names, types of telescopes, and whether or not you're getting excellent value for your money if you're just beginning started in astronomy and have a limited budget.
Discover our top picks for the best computerized telescope under 500 for astrophotography if you want to be able to capture images of the night sky. Read our fantastic advice on how to pick your first best reflector telescope under 500 for assistance with this, or browse our selection of the Best telescope under 500.
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Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choosing type of telescope
Refractor
The closest thing to a standard camera barlow lens you'll find are refractor. In the same way that a barlow lens would direct light to the sensor, they direct light through the optical tube assembly to the eyepiece. They are frequently among the tiniest telescopes, and you may get some quite affordable models that employ this arrangement. But they come in a wide range of different quality levels, just like camera lenses.
Reflector
As the name implies, the optical tube assembly of these telescopes uses mirrors to reflect light through it, producing the magnification. They have a sizable primary mirror that takes care of the majority of the reflection. Since they are easier to produce, this kind often offers a good performance to cost ratio. The term "dobsian" may refer to a particular kind of reflector that utilizes a different mount than a standard reflector.
Aperture
The telescope's aperture is the most crucial component to take into account, and it should be carefully selected. Images will be clearer and brighter the larger the aperture, which will also increase the magnification. The aperture is crucial because it makes it possible to detect fainter things; astronomical objects are frequently too faint and dark, rather than being too small, which is a problem. Purchase a more sophisticated telescope with a greater aperture if you intend to observe fainter objects, like passing comets.
Stand
To keep your telescope stable and make it easier for you to point and move it, it is crucial to have a solid telescope stand. Keep in mind that the stars are constantly moving across the deep sky objects and that they rise in the East and set in the West. Therefore, it is required to make modest adjustments to the location of the best goto telescope under 500 in order to maintain an object in view for more than a few minutes.
- Best for Overall: Skywatcher Evostar-90 Refractor Telescope
- Best for Stability: Celestron - NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope
- Best for Vision: Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ
- Best for Accessories: Gskyer 130EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope
- Best for Optics: Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope
- Best for Mount: Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope
- Best for Adults: Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes
- Best for Movement: Celestron - AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope
- Best for Appearance: Skywatcher Evostar-90 EQ-2 Refractor Telescope
- Best for Value: Orion 10022 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
#1. Skywatcher Evostar-90 Refractor Telescope
Important specifications
- Brand : Sky Watcher
- Product Dimensions : 40.16 x 16.93 x 9.45 inches
- Item Weight : 0.367 ounces
- Color : Sliver
Product’s highlight
The Skywatcher Evostar-90 Refractor Telescope epitomizes Skywatcher's family of Skywatcher telescopes' well-deserved reputation for excellent optics, simple construction, and a bevy of features. TheSkywatcher Evostar-90 Refractor Telescope offers a tour mode, which is a great feature if you can't decide which objects to observe or want to discover galaxies star clusters you've never seen before. In this mode, the red dot finder will direct you to carefully selected targets, whether in a specific constellation or across the sky.
What We Like
- High-quality build
- Easy to set up and align
- Collapsible for easier transport
What We Consider
- Needs extra support in windy conditions
- Tripod is a little shaky
#2. Celestron - NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope
Important specifications
- Brand : Celestron
- Product Dimensions : 40 x 19 x 11 inches
- Item Weight : 11.99 pounds
- Style : 90 SLT Maksutov, 127 SLT Maksutov
Product’s highlight
Celestron travel scope has partnered with telescope manufacturers SVBONY to produce a lightweight, portable refractor best telescope under $500 that is ideal for both novice users and seasoned observers of the moon and sun. The ideal focal length mm for these types of observations, however solar observers must employ the proper filters to safeguard their eyes. As this best refractor telescope under 500 weighs only 11.9 pounds, carrying it to deep sky objects is simple. However, because of the short focal length mm, don't expect to be able to zoom in on very many star clusters.
What We Like
- Crisp views with no defects
- Easy to set up
- High-quality design
What We Consider
- Tabletop style less useful for observing on location
#3. Celestron – StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ
Important specifications
- Brand : Celestron
- Product Dimensions : 38.98 x 16.93 x 8.98 inches
- Item Weight : 14.08 pounds
Product’s highlight
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ is a fantastic red dot finder for novices, but intermediate skywatchers can also benefit from it. Celestron's StarSense technology, which makes it simple to align the telescope, adjust focal ratio and allow the onboard GoTo system to determine which direction the instrument is facing, is included in this reflector. The only requirements for using the technology are for the skywatcher to download the StarSense app, capture a smartphone image through the eyepiece, and let the program determine which stars are in the telescope's field of vision in order to determine the astronomer's orientation.
What We Like
- Very user friendly
- Simple altitude-azimuth mount
- Excellent clarity and contrast
What We Consider
- Isn't very portable
#4. Gskyer 130EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope
Important specifications
- Brand : Gskyer
- Product Dimensions : 33.7 x 9.3 x 18.4 inches
- Item Weight : 30.1 pounds
Product’s highlight
The Gskyer 130EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope’s optical system is among the greatest we've ever had the pleasure of using to observe the night sky. This top-notch equipment delivers sights of a wide variety of celestial objectives with exceptional clarity and contrast, with no interference or optical flaws in the field of vision and focal ratio adjustment. The single-fork arm of the Gskyer 130EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope, which enables the observer to slew from one target to another, is the instrument's pride. We wholeheartedly recommend this product to experienced skywatchers with respectable budgets if you're searching for an exhaustive high-definition tour of the cosmos.
What We Like
- Good value for the money
- Lightweight design
- Clear solar system views
What We Consider
- Aluminum tripod not the sturdiest
- Heavy
#5. Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope
Important specifications
- Style : 130EQ Newtonian, Telescope + Barlow Lens, 130EQ Newtonian w Motor
- Brand : Celestron
- Product Dimensions : 35 x 19 x 12 inches
- Item Weight : 26.5 pounds
Product’s highlight
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope’s optics held up reasonably well when used for observation in a galaxies star clusters that included a hint of light pollution. With no obvious optical distortion or flaws, the Saturnian rings, the moon's rough surface, and the atmospheric bands of Jupiter showed out exceptionally well. The majority of the targets in the database are visible via this light hog, but you'll need focal length mm adjustment and additional sirius plossl eyepieces to get the most out of the optical system.
What We Like
- Useful focal length mm for sun and moon
- Lightweight and portable
- Well optical quality
What We Consider
- Can't observe all targets in database
#6. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope
Important specifications
- Size : Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope, Inspire 80AZ Refractor Telescope
- Brand : Celestron
- Product Dimensions : 38 x 33 x 52 inches
- Item Weight : 20 pounds
- Color : Blue
Product’s highlight
For a hassle-free tour of the cosmos, more and more telescopes are utilizing computerized mounts. One such best computerized telescope under $500 and mount combo is celestron travel scope. The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope uses a few high-resolution digital encoders to help skywatchers find and recognize objects in the night sky. When moving between very low magnitude stars, the reflex sight finderscope performed fairly well. This reflector scope gives a wide field of view rather than a longer focal length since it has a fast focal ratio.
What We Like
- Intuitive to use and assemble
- Very good overall build
- Sharp, high-contrast views
What We Consider
- Some may require additional eyepieces
#7. Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes
Important specifications
- Brand : SOLOMARK
- Package Dimensions : 27.5 x 17.25 x 13.5 inches
- Item Weight : 33.4 pounds
Product’s highlight
It is ideal for anyone looking for a tool that enables a skywatcher to experiment with seeing the solar system and deep sky objects. Before adopting the Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes, skywatchers should be competent in operating an equatorial mount, the slow-motion controls, and polar alignment. Once they are, this reflector functions as a trusty tool for observation, made much more so if the observer frequently collides the mirrors. After achieving this, the optical system provides stunning heavenly spectacles. Despite that, this best 500 telescope is still a good pick with fast focal ratio.
What We Like
- Excellent value package
- Decent optics, with collimation
- Very good overall build
What We Consider
- Sirius plossl eyepieces not best quality
#8. Celestron - AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope
Important specifications
- Style : 76EQ Newtonian, 114EQ Newtonian
- Brand : Celestron
- Product Dimensions : 11.02 x 32.28 x 16.73 inches
- Item Weight : 19.8 pounds
Product’s highlight
You probably won't want to spend a lot of time setting up your best 500 dollar telescope as a newbie astronomer. It's much more likely that you'll prefer to use that valuable time to take in the night sky. The Celestron - AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope excels at being quick and easy to assemble and calibrate, making it the ideal beginner's best telescopes under 500 that tracks approximately hundreds of celestial objects with fast focal ratio by starry night astronomy software. For astrophotographers, the Stellina is a superior option for a telescope. It enables precise tracking, has a built-in light pollution filter, and responds well to variations in weather.
What We Like
- Extremely portable
- Great for astrophotography
- Very easy to use
What We Consider
- Not as appealing to traditionalists
#9. Skywatcher Evostar-90 EQ-2 Refractor Telescope
Important specifications
- Brand : Sky Watcher
- Product Dimensions : 44.88 x 17.32 x 9.45 inches
- Item Weight : 0.529 ounces
- Color : Black
Product’s highlight
The Skywatcher Evostar-90 EQ-2 Refractor Telescope has the wonderful feature of allowing you to study up on the literature provided by the starry night astronomy software for each target you observe. We discovered that the Skywatcher Evostar-90 EQ-2 Refractor Telescope is a reliable piece of equipment as we slew from one target to another. You will have a great viewing experience because the aperture is a good size and the optics are of the usual high quality seen in Celestron goods. This means that it makes a great vision for a beginner's best $500 telescope to track hundreds of celestial objects, especially when you take into account how simple it is to use and how affordable it is.
What We Like
- Simple to set up and align
- Good intro to astrophotography
- Suggests targets to observe
What We Consider
- Lacks computerized mount
#10. Orion 10022 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Important specifications
- Brand : Orion
- Product Dimensions : 19.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches
- Item Weight ; 6.5 pounds
Product’s highlight
Skywatchers must utilize a stable table to assure consistent observations of the night sky because the Orion 10022 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope uses a robust desktop mount that swings along the axes of altitude and azimuth. This best telescope for under 500 is ideal for those who are new to observing the sky because it comes already built and permits you to follow celestial objects in the sky, allowing you to get started stargazing right away. Because of its quick focal ratio, this reflector scope provides a wide field of view rather than a long focal length.
What We Like
- Compact and easy to use
- Sharp solar system views
- Assembled out of the box
What We Consider
- Lacks slow-motion controls
Hopefully, you found this post to be informative and helpful. I sincerely hope that we were able to assist you in selecting the Best telescope under 500 available. There are many telescopes available today, making the decision of which one to buy rather difficult.
