BEST TELESCOPE UNDER 500 PORTABLE

On the other hand, these telescopes are still transportable and affordable for the average enthusiast – so it’s a telescope that will get a lot of use. On one hand, this is large enough to provide stunningly detailed images of objects within the solar system, while also enabling you to get glimpses of deep-sky targets that are much harder to see with smaller telescopes. Many would say that 6″ to 8″ aperture is the “sweet spot” for an amateur telescope. Our Take on the Best Dobsonian Telescope (Top 8 Recommendations for 2022) | Part One – Up to 8″

BEST TELESCOPE UNDER 500 PORTABLE

And some of these are still reasonably portable with a collapsible truss tube design, so you can take them with you camping or to a dark-sky location. At higher price points you can get a 10 inch or 12 inch (or even larger) telescope that will bring the universe to life before your eyes. With a Dobsonian, you’ll spend more of your time learning your way around the night sky and viewing the dazzling sights, instead of fiddling with your telescope.Īlso – another important thing to say up front – Dobsonian telescopes are not just for beginners. Portability is typically good because the telescope easily separates from the mount and goes into your vehicle. The base sits on the ground and you don’t need to bother with various knobs and slow-motion controls to point the telescope where you want to look. Second, Dobsonian telescopes are super easy to use. (Like the Orion nebula, Pleiades star cluster, Andromeda galaxy, and other deep sky objects.)

But not only that, with a larger aperture you’ll start to be able to see fainter, more distant objects in the night sky. You’ll be able to get wonderful views of the moon, Saturn’s rings, and the bands of Jupiter (plus its moons). A larger aperture means more light collection ability. As a beginner, you can get a 6 inch or 8 inch Dobsonian telescope for under $500 (or so). If you’re looking for a first telescope, we would strongly recommend you at least consider starting with a Dobsonian.įirst, Dobsonian telescopes are famously affordable. This post represents the author’s opinion, based on research and experience, of the “best” or “top” telescopes in this category the opinions of others may vary.) Why Your First Telescope Should Be a Dobsonian ( Before we begin, please note that product pricing, price categories and availability are accurate as of the date of this post, but are subject to change. Celestron SkyMaster 20×80 Review: Bigger and Better.Celestron FirstScope Review: The Little Scope That Can.Celestron Travel Scope 70 Review: Skip the Accessories.

Best telescope under 500