Best Small Telescopes: Top Picks for Stargazers

Small telescopes are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers who seek portability, affordability, and ease of use. Despite their compact size, these telescopes can deliver stunning views of celestial objects, making them a popular choice among stargazers. In this article, we'll explore the capabilities of small telescopes, the different types available, and recommend the top 10 small telescopes currently available online.

Capabilities of Small Telescopes

Small telescopes are perfect for amateur astronomers and those new to the hobby. Here are some key capabilities:

1. Portability: Small telescopes are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for stargazing on the go.

2. Ease of Use: These telescopes are simple to set up and operate, making them perfect for beginners.

3. Affordability: Small telescopes are generally more affordable than larger models, providing excellent value for money.

4. Versatility: They are capable of observing a variety of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, star clusters, and some brighter deep-sky objects.

Types of Small Telescopes

There are several types of small telescopes to choose from, each with its own advantages:

1. Refractor Telescopes: These telescopes use lenses to gather light and form an image. They are known for their sharp, high-contrast views and are typically low-maintenance.

2. Reflector Telescopes: Using mirrors instead of lenses, reflector telescopes are often more affordable for larger apertures and are excellent for deep-sky viewing.

3. Compound Telescopes: Also known as catadioptric telescopes, these combine lenses and mirrors to offer compact, versatile designs that are great for both planetary and deep-sky observations.

Top 10 Small Telescopes to Buy

Here are the top 20 small telescopes available on Amazon, all with ratings over 4.5 stars:

1. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

   • Type: Refractor

   • Features: Fully-coated glass optics, lightweight frame, custom backpack, and 2 eyepieces (20mm and 10mm).

   • Best For: Travel and beginners.

2. Orion StarBlast 90mm Altazimuth Travel Refractor Telescope Kit

   • Type: Refractor

   • Features: 90mm aperture, altazimuth mount, and comprehensive kit including a carry case, moon map, and smartphone adapter.

   • Best For: Portable and comprehensive starter kit.

3. Gskyer 80mm AZ Space Astronomical Refractor Telescope

   • Type: Refractor

   • Features: 80mm aperture, adjustable tripod, multiple eyepieces, and smartphone adapter.

   • Best For: Versatile and affordable beginner's telescope.

4. Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope

   • Type: Compound

   • Features: 4-inch aperture, fully computerized mount, and SkyAlign technology.

   • Best For: Automated and user-friendly experience.

5. Orion SkyScanner BL135mm Dobsonian Reflector

   • Type: Reflector

   • Features: 135mm aperture, tabletop design, and easy-to-use.

   • Best For: Deep-sky viewing.

6. Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope

   • Type: Reflector

   • Features: 127mm aperture, equatorial mount, and multiple eyepieces.

   • Best For: High magnification and planetary observations.

7. Sky-Watcher Heritage 150P Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope

   • Type: Reflector

   • Features: 150mm aperture, portable design, and easy-to-use.

   • Best For: Compact and travel-friendly.

8. Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope

   • Type: Refractor

   • Features: 70mm aperture, compact design, and backpack for travel.

   • Best For: Budget-friendly and portable.

9. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope

   • Type: Refractor

   • Features: 100mm aperture, innovative design with smartphone adapter and LED flashlight.

   • Best For: Innovative and user-friendly features.

10. Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ Telescope

    • Type: Refractor

    • Features: 90mm aperture, altazimuth mount, and StarPointer finderscope.

    • Best For: Beginners looking for a high-quality refractor.

Small telescopes offer a fantastic entry point into the world of astronomy. Their portability, ease of use, and affordability make them perfect for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. The recommended top 10 small telescopes available online provide excellent quality and performance, ensuring an enjoyable stargazing experience. Whether you're looking for a travel-friendly telescope or a comprehensive starter kit, there's a small telescope here for you.