Which Telescope Should I Buy?
Which Telescope Should I Buy? A Beginner's Guide
If you're asking "which telescope should I buy?" — you're in the right place. Choosing your first telescope can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. The truth is, the best telescope for you depends on a few simple factors: what you want to observe, your budget, where you'll be using it, and how much setup complexity you're comfortable with.
Use our free quiz below to get a personalised recommendation in under 60 seconds. We'll match you with the right type of beginner telescope — whether that's a refractor, Dobsonian, travel telescope or a complete beginner kit.
Find Your Perfect First Telescope
5 quick questions · 60 seconds · Personalised result
Common Questions About Buying Your First Telescope
Which telescope should I buy as a complete beginner?
For most beginners, a refractor telescope is the easiest starting point — no maintenance, sharp views of the moon and planets, and simple to set up. If your budget allows and you want to explore deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, a Dobsonian reflector offers the most power for your money. Take the quiz above for a personalised recommendation based on your specific needs.
What's the best beginner telescope under $200?
Under $200, look for a refractor with at least 70mm aperture or a Newtonian reflector with at least 114mm aperture. Both will give you excellent views of the moon and planets. Avoid department store telescopes that advertise high magnification — aperture (lens size) matters far more than magnification for a good experience. Browse our beginner telescope collection for handpicked options in every budget.
Which telescope is best for seeing planets?
Refractor telescopes and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes deliver the sharpest, highest-contrast views of planets. You'll be able to see Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands and moons, and the craters on the Moon in stunning detail. For planetary viewing, aperture of 70mm–150mm is plenty for a beginner.
What telescope should I buy for deep sky objects?
For galaxies, nebulae and star clusters, you want as much aperture (lens/mirror size) as possible. A Dobsonian reflector gives you the most aperture per dollar and is highly recommended for deep sky beginners. The larger the mirror, the more light it gathers, and the more detail you'll see in faint objects. A dark sky location will also make a huge difference.
Is a cheap telescope worth buying?
Very cheap telescopes (under $50) often do more harm than good — poor optics, wobbly mounts and frustrating setup can put beginners off astronomy entirely. We recommend spending at least $100–$150 for a telescope that will give you a genuinely rewarding experience. Check out our guide to best beginner telescopes for trusted options at every price point.
