When you are a beginner astronomer or fascinated about night sky beauty then this article is for you. Discovering the amazing close view of stars, galaxies or planet is indeed such a delightful feeling. But as a newcomer, you might get confused which telescope you should buy. Consequently, the list of the best telescope under 200 dollars will help you in your way.
Because before becoming an expert astronomer, of course, you can’t want to invest a big amount on telescope right? Besides, without basic knowledge investing on an expensive telescope is not a wise decision. So we are here to assist you by creating a list of finest telescope under budget. Scroll down to see which one met your expectation level.
Our Pick 5 Best Telescope Under 200 Dollars and Their Specifics Review
We have researched for a long day in order to find the best telescope under 200 dollars that remain in the market. As we don’t want to select merely economical rather decided to pick those who are not only inexpensive but at the same time able to provide the quality image. So we have picked the greatest 5 among so many options. Again for your fruitful purchase adds additional information that helps you to gain basic knowledge about the telescope. Let’s see every telescope specifics description.
Quick Comparison Table
Product Name
Size
Weight
Aperture
Focal Length
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm
Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5
Celestron 21035 70mm Travel
Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
The first telescope we have caught from an award-winning brand namely Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope which gain an excellent reputation in the telescope manufacturer world. The particular model is from power seeker series that can be regarded as the best telescope under 200 for gazing wild night sky. Let’s start elaborate from the key feature.
Celestron power seeker series is basically designed for beginner to an intermediate astronomer or for those who love to watch stars, moon, galaxies or other planets. The brand beautifully designs it in an aluminum steel stand with the function of computerized. Means you don’t need any basic knowledge for setup your telescope.
Moreover German Equatorial mounts technology along with 127mm (5 inches) aperture able to give enough clear view of your desired object. Likewise, the 1000mm focal length that further coated with glass optical stuff ensures brightness and transparency of the image.
The 3x Barlow lens, on the other hand, allows you to magnify your object amid 150x to 140x. In addition, the two different eyepieces of 20 mm and 4 mm offer you to glimpse large range of divine phenomenon.
The particular model is actually for those who are beginner or curious about night sky but not want to invest in a cheap product. In a word for those who look for a high-quality telescope but in budget-friendly price.Bottom Line
Meade Instruments Infinity 90 mm AZ Refractor Telescope
Another best telescope under 200 we have taken from Meade Instruments. Like our previous device, this one also provides excellent feature and functionality. Meade Refractor Telescope gains bountiful good feedback for its superb viewing quality.
At the point of design, the telescope is handsomely constructed with blue color paint and stainless steel in a two-stage frame. Although fit well with entry-level astronomer but having much advance quality than other telescopes in the same price range.
In the case of technology the model having a red dot feature which allows a user to fix their object and view it accordingly. Moreover, come in 2x Barlow lens with 90mm (3.5 inches) aperture and the focal length of 600mm that provide a bright and clear image. In fact the 3 different low-26 mm, medium-9mm and high-6.3 mm magnifying eyepiece help you discover verity sort of heavenly body on the sky.
The most noticeable feature of the telescope is it mounts with panhandle feature that can be adjusted in a slow motion for capturing object whether day or night sky. Behind everything, the company includes a didactic DVD to guide you in your exploration.
When you want to select your each object on the sky and wish to see each of them separate then the selected model will suit your taste. As the pointed red dot feature make is entirely different from other telescopes on the list.Bottom Line
Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope (Teal)
We try to make a variation on our every pick of a telescope. With said, the next model we are going to present before you is from another famous brand known as ORION. It is slightly different in feature and component.
When you looking telescope for kids to present them on the special occasion then this stable and well assemble telescope is a great choice for you. Orion 10015 starblast is utterly designed for entry-level to an intermediate astronomer. It is a pre-assembled device which can be used without any basic knowledge about the telescope.
However, the 4.5 inches aperture provides exceptional sight of the moon, Jupiter, star, planet, galaxies, nebulas, comets, and many other divine aspects. Besides, the aperture is coated with parabolic optic and having fast f/4 focal ration which works for creating a bright and clean image view.
Once more, the company provides some additional gift like EZ finder, two 1.25 inches kellner, 17mm, and 6mm eyepiece, astronomy software, eyepiece rack, and dust cover and so on. This list of including device again makes it super desirable for every aged people.
Orion starblast 4.5 inches telescope will be a great gift for your near one or for your dearest kids. The telescope offers such an amazing thing with the device like astronomy cd, collimation cap, EZ finder and some more. It is really worth to consider.Bottom Line
Celestron 21035 70mm Travel Scope
We again back with the honored brand Celestron but this time with other unique and different telescope. Yet, the selected model is one of the most inexpensive telescopes on our list. Although less in price but that does not mean less in quality. Better have a look.
The Celestron 21035 70mm Travel Scope especially designs for those who are looking for a probable device. It became an absolute choice for curious people who want to discover distinctive night sky while layout for travel. The telescope is best suited with entry-level astronomer or fancy to be an astronomer.
In term of viewing experience it capable of proving excellent image like the other telescope on our list. The model obtains 72mm aperture and 400 mm focal length that further furnish with a lightweight frame and optic glass. All this setting is enough to show you a luminous and shiny image of your yearning substance.
In addition, the company includes two extra 20mm and 10 mm eyepiece that again make it valuable. Once more, the travel bag that comes with the telescope helps you to carry the device whatever you want.
Do you want to see the stunning and surprising view of the sky while out of your home on vacation? Then undoubtedly choice this telescope as it is best for traveling and also low in price. Besides the included travel bag allow you to carry it easily.
Bottom Line
Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope (Burgundy)
The last product on our list is again from ORION, the celebrated telescope brand like Celestron. We take this particular telescope for them because it can be regarded as one of the best telescopes for viewing planets.
Similar with our previous four models ORION 10012 Skyscanner also design for a beginner, family or intermediate person. While the tabletop telescope looks small in size but in reality large enough to view you’re noticed object like the moon, star, planet or other things.
Apart from size, the lens of the telescope is made from 100 parabolic mirror optic and 400 mm focal length. Therefore the f/4.0 focal ration and 200 x magnifications feature finely give the user close and graceful picture of the chosen phenomenon.
On the other hand, like most of the telescope that remains on our list, this one also hands over two extra eyepieces. The size of the eyepiece is 1.25 inches: 20mm and 10 mm. Moreover, the company includes a stray night astronomy software and EZ device in order to give something conductive.
If you want to avoid plastic material for your telescope and looking for the original piece but low in price then can check out the mention one. Moreover, offer some extra gift which much appealing in such a low price range.
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Telescope Under $200 (Telescope Buying Guide)
As in the beginning, we have assured you that we will not describe each product detail rather tell you some additional information. Consequently, we are there to show you some essential fact to consider before the final decision. Apart from that, if your budget is abode 200 and fewer than 500 then you can check our other excellent list of the telescope. Now have a look at the considerable fact.
Types of telescope
Before layout for your shopping find out which type of telescope you want to buy. If you are a beginner then you should go for something easy type. Because we have no basic knowledge about the device you are want to own. So it is wise to consider something quick, easy, no setup requires telescope.
Aperture size
The second thing you have to think about before buying a telescope is its aperture size. This is a core feature of a telescope that provides you either clean or unclean image of every object. Although there have numerous good quality aperture remain. But in case of under 200 telescopes the 10mm to 1000mm aperture is able to provide an enough clear, bright and fair image.
Magnification Capacity
Another important fact about the telescope is the magnification capacity of the device. Without any magnification extent, a telescope becomes a futile machine. By the way, in case of a newcomer and under 200 telescopes the 50x to 200 x magnifications is more than enough for viewing any planets, moon, galaxies, stars and many other things.
Mount
When you are going to buy your first telescope then find out the mount type of the telescope is foremost informant aspect. There is mainly three type of mount available and they are- Altazimuth, Dobsonain, and Equatorial among for them finding out your one is important.
Portability
Basically, most of the people want to take budget friendly telescope so that they can carry it outdoor.it case of the telescope you selected to buy check out the device offer you portability option or not. But if you need a telescope just for home use then you can ignore this feature.
How to Use a Telescope?
Before you lose yourself in the overwhelming joy of viewing the sparkly stars, faint yet mesmerizing deep-sky objects, star clusters, galaxies and planets, milky way, and a lot more, let’s gather a deep knowledge of the basic parts and uses of your telescope. There are a few factors you need to consider to get the most out of your telescope.
Selecting the Right Telescope:
Select the right type of telescope for viewing the types of objects you want to observe. There are 3 basic types of telescope and each has its different purpose and style.
Go for the reflector type if you are just starting out. They provide quite good visibility. But these aren’t great for viewing terrestrial objects.
For a sharp and vibrant image of the planets and moon, you can choose refractor type. They are also travel friendly. But it is still not easy to view the deep sky objects with refractors.
But both the reflector and refractor types are good for viewing objects that are near such as the moon, planets as they have higher power and great contrast and resolution features.
And lastly comes the catadioptric telescopes. They combine the features of both the refractor and reflector types. So, you already know that they are a lot more efficient and versatile. They are way more travel friendly. But the cost may be a bummer for people on a budget.
Well, now you know how to choose the telescope type that is right for you. Let’s dive into the telescope accessories and mountings so that you can start assembling your telescope.
There are actually quite a few accessories related to your telescope. But the first and most important is the eyepiece. And you definitely need a clear idea about your eyepiece to able to enjoy your astronomic journey.
Know Your Eyepiece:
The eyepiece is defined in terms of their focal length which indirectly tells you about the power and magnification capability of your telescope.
- Start with the lowest power eyepiece and increase gradually for a better view.
- Now, adjust your eye level to the eyepiece and look through it.
- Don’t get too close to avoid seeing a black ring around your field of vision.
- Adjust the focus nob both left and right to focus on your desired objects. This way you will get a clearer and bright image of the objects.
- After these steps, change the eyepiece into one with a higher power. And do all the step s again.
- Keep in mind that higher power doesn’t always mean the eyepiece is better than the lower power one, especially depending on the objects, you want to gaze. On the contrary, low power eyepiece which is around 25-175 power range is great to provide an optimal viewing experience.
Note that all the objects in the sky are in motion. So, you might have to refocus your eyepiece again and again. Well, proper mountings can come in handy in this case.
Finder-Scope:
This little piece is attached to the side of your telescope. You can get more out of this piece than the scope when it comes to viewing the sky itself.
Mountings Matter:
As we mentioned before, you need to have the right mountings to cope up with the motion of the sky objects. There are basically two types of mountings. Equatorial and altazimuth.
- Altazimuth mountings are mainly responsible for moving the telescope lengthwise and sidewise. The mechanism is really simple and beginner-friendly.
- Equatorial mountings are kind of hard to the mountain as they move along the celestial North to South and East to West. The polar axis needs to be aligned properly.
Mountings can help you to keep up with the moving objects and get a clear ad vibrant image each time.
Useful Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Make sure to balance your tripod accurately and set the telescope on it.
- Be comfortable while viewing the distance sky objects. Bring a chair and comfortable cloths.
- Choose the right place for viewing.
- Learn the sky, planets, moon, and deep-sky objects. Decide what you want to observe. Also, look for the weather forecast.
- Bring all your mounts and accessories and assemble them properly. Have a clear idea of what kind of telescope you will need. And also calculate the power, resolution, magnification ability you will need for the viewing.
- Another thing you need most is patience. You need to be extremely patient to experience the distant sky at its best.
- Now sit back and enjoy the mesmerizing mystery of the sky.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the telescope
- Reader question: What are the brands make the best telescope for viewing planets?
Answer: Our mention each brand is great in telescope manufacture world. By the way, some noteworthy telescope brands are- Celestron, Orion, Skywatcher, Meade and etc.
- Reader question: What is the different between reflector and refractor?
Answer: Well, a reflector is general mirror telescope and refractor telescope uses lenses instead of the mirror. It is the main difference that lies between the two features.
- Reader question: Is good telescope are always expensive?
Answer: The product price is mainly depending on the product quality so yes finest telescope is somehow expensive. But you can, of course, get a good telescope with your budget between 50 to 200 dollars.
- Reader question: How can I clean a telescope lens?
Answer: Cleaning your telescopes lens is curial and need caution. You can do it with compressed gas, alcoholic pad or with a dry but soft cloth. Of course, read the instruction before clean that given by the company with their particular telescopes.
Final Words
In the end, we can say that we have included top 5 best telescopes under 200 on our list. Every telescope we have present before you is undoubtedly a worthy candidate to consider for purchasing. We can assure you that if you take any telescope from the above mention device you will not disappoint and can enjoy your sky viewing prominently.
