7 Best Telescopes Under $200 (2026); Reviews
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Here in this “Best Telescope Under $200” article we’ve rounded up 7 of the best telescopes of various types, specifications, and budget perfectly suited for someone looking for a budget, affordable telescope model. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as an elaborate buying guide to help you pick out the one that suits you the most.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Telescope Under $200
Since there are so many options available in the market today, we did a survey among fellow astronomy enthusiasts, and consulted our in-house experts and came up with 11 popular choices for good telescopes under 200.
We then took a look at the entire popular telescope market, we combed through the details and customer reviews for dozens of scopes and chose the best affordable telescopes.
We’ve also included a telescope buying guide. If you want to learn more about telescopes before you buy, or just want to make sure you’re getting good value for your money, be sure to have a look at it.
1. Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ
- PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. This 127mm Newtonian Reflector offers enough light gathering ability to see planets, the Moon's craters, distant stars, the Orion Nebula, and more.
- MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: With its slow-motion altitude rod, the German Equatorial mount allows you to navigate the sky with ease. Find celestial objects quickly and follow them smoothly & accurately as they appear to drift across the night sky.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the PowerSeeker is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take it to your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with 2 quality eyepieces (20mm and 4mm) plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ offers a large 127 mm (5″) aperture and an equatorial mount at a price point that’s hard to beat in the budget telescope category. That aperture size means it can gather a fair amount of light, giving beginners the chance to see the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s bands and moons, Saturn’s rings, and some brighter deep-sky objects under reasonably dark skies. The included German equatorial mount and slow-motion controls also introduce new stargazers to the kind of mount used for tracking celestial motion, which is a useful astronomy skill.
Many owners note that assembly is fairly straightforward and the tripod is surprisingly sturdy for the price, making it a decent starter option if you just want a basic view of the night sky without spending much.
However, there are significant compromises you should be aware of with this telescope.
The optics and accessories included are widely considered to be on the lower end of quality: the eyepieces and Barlow lens are cheap and often produce soft, blurry images, especially at higher powers, and some users find the included finderscope difficult to use. The equatorial mount, while educational, is light and can be unstable with this size of optical tube, making smooth tracking and aiming harder than with more robust setups.
Additionally, the optical design has been criticized by experienced observers for not delivering the sharpest views possible, and many recommend upgrading eyepieces or other components to get better performance.
The PowerSeeker 127EQ feels like a true beginner’s scope: it gets you out under the stars and lets you see real astronomical targets without a big investment, but it also comes with frustrations that can make stargazing feel harder than it needs to be.
Some users suggest that if you’re very serious about observing, there are better telescopes even slightly above this price range, or alternatives within a similar budget that offer simpler mounts and better optics. That said, if you’re new, curious, and want the experience of using a larger telescope without spending a lot, the 127EQ can be a worthwhile tool to learn the basics before upgrading later.
2. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ stands out in the budget telescope category mainly because of its smartphone-enhanced StarSense Explorer system, which helps beginners find objects in the night sky with much more ease than most basic scopes. Using your phone’s camera and sensors, the StarSense app guides you where to point the telescope — almost like a GPS for stars and planets — which is a big plus if you’re new to astronomy and feel intimidated by star charts or manual starhopping.
This feature, paired with a 114 mm (4.5″) aperture Newtonian reflector design, means you can enjoy views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and brighter deep-sky objects from your backyard without getting lost in the sky.
That said, the telescope comes with some notable compromises in optical and mechanical quality. Reviews consistently point out that the optics — especially for a reflector in this price range — aren’t the sharpest, with some glare, chromatic aberration, and edge softness visible at higher magnifications, and that the basic mount and tripod lack the stability and fine-control knobs found on more expensive models.
These limitations mean the scope isn’t ideal if you want crisp views of very faint deep-sky targets like nebulae or galaxies; its strength lies more in observing the Moon and major planets, where it can deliver enjoyable enough detail for a beginner. Space
Overall, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is best seen as an entry-level, beginner-friendly telescope that eases the learning curve with its app guidance while still offering real telescope views at an affordable price. If your goal is to get started with astronomy without spending much, and you value the interactive star-finding experience, it’s a worthwhile pick under $200 — especially as a first scope or a gift.
However, if you later find yourself wanting sharper optics or smoother tracking and aiming, you may eventually want to upgrade to a model with better mounts and optics.
Related
3. HUGERSTAR 90 mm telescope
- Superior Optics: The 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length (f/8.89) telescope for adults provides clear, bright views. Fully multi-coated lenses with high-light transmission create stunning images, perfect for exploring stars, the moon, and beyond
- Optimum Magnification (32X-240X): The refractor telescope comes with two replaceable eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3X Barlow lens triples the magnification of each eyepiece. With 5x24 finder scope makes locating objects easy
- Adjustable Tripod: The astronomical telescope includes a sturdy stainless steel tripod adjustable from 28.7 to 46.4 inches, suitable for users of different heights. Comes with an accessory tray for eyepieces and a carry bag for easy travel and storage
- Phone Adapter & Moon Filter: Includes a phone adapter for capturing and sharing photos with your smartphone – great for family fun or travel. The moon filter reduces glare and reveals more lunar detail for clearer, more comfortable moon observation
- Satisfaction: HUGERSTAR telescope offers quick, no-tool assembly, 90% of users complete setup in under 10 minutes. Clear instructions make it beginner-friendly. Perfect for exploring the cosmos at night and nature’s beauty by day, adding fun to every view
The HUGERSTAR 90 mm telescope impresses right away for a beginner scope with a relatively large 90 mm aperture and 800 mm focal length, which helps gather a solid amount of light and can deliver bright, engaging views of the Moon, star clusters, and brighter planets for a backyard astronomer. It comes as a complete package — with two eyepieces (10 mm and 25 mm), a 3× Barlow lens (increasing magnification), a straight-through finderscope, and an adjustable alt-azimuth mount on a stainless-steel tripod.
These features make it straightforward for someone new to assemble and start observing the sky with minimal fuss. It also includes extras like a phone adapter and moon filter, letting users capture lunar detail through a smartphone and reduce glare when viewing the Moon.
That said, there are trade-offs that come with this price point and beginner focus. The telescope uses basic Kellner eyepieces and a simple alt-azimuth mount, which means optical sharpness and tracking stability aren’t on par with more advanced scopes; at higher magnification, the view can get less crisp and the mount may feel a bit shaky.
According to discussions from telescope hobbyists, scopes in this class, including this 90 mm refractor, can produce pleasing views of broad targets but won’t match the contrast or detail professional or intermediate instruments deliver — and the mount limits smooth follow-through as celestial objects move across the sky.
Overall, for under or around $200, the HUGERSTAR telescope is a good introduction to amateur astronomy: it gives you real views of the night sky, useful accessories, and the chance to grow your interest without a big initial investment. If you’re buying your first telescope or want something that’s easy to transport and use with family, it’s a solid choice at this price level.
Just temper expectations — if sharp planetary detail or deep-sky observing is your long-term goal, you may eventually want to upgrade to a telescope with better optics and a sturdier mount as you progress.
4. Celestron – AstroMaster 70AZ
- POWERFUL TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: The AstroMaster 70AZ is the perfect entry-level telescope for adults and kids eager to explore the night sky. You get bright, clear views and simple, intuitive operation.
- HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: Enjoy crisp, detailed views through the fully coated 70mm (2.8") achromatic refractor — perfect for observing the Moon, planets, bright star clusters, and even terrestrial landmarks.
- VERSATILE DAY & NIGHT USE: Designed for both astronomical and land-based viewing, the AstroMaster 70AZ lets you explore the stars at night and enjoy daytime views of wildlife or distant landmarks.
- EASY-TO-USE ALT-AZIMUTH MOUNT: Smoothly navigate the sky with a manual alt-azimuth mount and easy-to-use panhandle, which lets you point the telescope up, down, and side to side with precision.
- QUICK SETUP: With just a few key parts to assemble, you can go from box to backyard in minutes—no tools required. The sturdy, adjustable tripod provides stable, comfortable viewing tailored to your height, perfect for adults or kids, standing or seated.
The AstroMaster 70AZ is a classic entry-level 70 mm aperture refractor telescope that’s designed to be easy to set up and use for first-time stargazers and curious beginners. Its 900 mm focal length and fully coated optics help deliver bright, reasonably detailed views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and many bright star clusters and double stars — which is about as much as a small-aperture scope can realistically show from your backyard.
With simple alt-azimuth controls and a lightweight mount, you can start exploring the sky with minimal fuss, and the included 20 mm and 10 mm eyepieces provide a basic range of magnifications for both wider and closer looks at celestial objects.
That said, there are a few limitations worth knowing before you buy. Because the mount uses a basic pan-handle alt-azimuth design with no fine slow-motion adjustments, it can feel a little imprecise when tracking objects, especially at higher magnifications, and you’ll often need to nudge the telescope manually to keep things in view. While some owners appreciate that it’s lightweight and easy to move around, others note that the balance and stability could be better — especially if you want smoother tracking of planets or want to use additional accessories.
And with a 70 mm aperture, it simply doesn’t gather enough light for very faint deep-sky objects like distant nebulae and galaxies, so its best use is really lunar and planetary observing.
Overall, the AstroMaster 70AZ represents a solid starter telescope for beginners who want a no-nonsense, affordable, and ready-to-use scope to dip their toes into amateur astronomy.
It’s especially appealing if you’re buying your first telescope, want something that’s quick to assemble and start using, or you’re introducing kids to the night sky. Just keep your expectations in check: this isn’t a beginner’s telescope that will replace more advanced gear later, but it does what it promises for the price — showing you real celestial sights like lunar craters and the major planets with a respectable level of clarity for its class.
5. UncleHu 150EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope
- 150mm Large-Aperture Newtonian Reflector — Bright, Detailed Views: This 150mm Newtonian reflector with a 650mm focal length gathers ample light to deliver sharp, high-contrast views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and families looking for a capable first telescope, while also offering performance that meets the needs of users seeking an upgrade. The sleek, modern design adds a refined touch to any observing setup.
- Equatorial Mount for Accurate Tracking — Fine RA/DEC Control: The equatorial (EQ) mount aligns with Earth’s rotation, enabling smoother and more intuitive tracking of celestial objects. The latitude adjustment screw helps you fine-tune the viewing angle, while dual slow-motion control cables allow precise Right Ascension and Declination adjustments to keep your target centered throughout your observation.
- Stable Stainless Steel Tripod with Counterweight: The reinforced stainless steel tripod provides rigid, low-vibration support with an adjustable height range of 48.4–66.2 in (123–168 cm) for users of all ages. The counterweight balances the telescope tube for steadier, clearer views. The accessory tray keeps your accessories organized and within easy reach.
- Portable Carrying Bag — Safe Storage & Travel-Ready Design: The padded carrying bag protects all components while keeping everything neatly organized for worry-free storage. Easy to carry, it’s great for backyard observing, camping trips, school events, and dark-sky adventures. Enjoy astronomy anywhere with a setup that travels as easily as you do.
- Complete Accessory Kit — Easy Setup & Versatile STEM Learning: This telescope includes a detailed printed manual and requires no tools for quick assembly. 25mm and 10mm eyepieces plus a 2× Barlow lens for 26×–130× magnification, allowing easy switching between wide-field views and detailed close-ups. (Notice: This telescope may include one of two eyepiece sets; both versions are fully tested and deliver the same optical performance.) The 5×24 finder scope helps you locate and center targets quickly, the moon filter reduces glare for improved lunar contrast, and the phone adapter lets you capture and share memorable moments. Everything you need to begin exploring the night sky is included.
The Kson 150EQ Reflector Telescope-style 150 mm Newtonian reflector design that the UncleHu 150EQ shares (large 150 mm aperture and ~650 mm focal length) gives it a significant light-gathering advantage over smaller beginner scopes. A larger aperture means more detail and brighter views of the Moon, Jupiter’s cloud bands and Galilean moons, Saturn’s rings, and many brighter deep-sky objects such as star clusters and nebulae.
The included equatorial (EQ) mount with dual slow-motion control cables and adjustable tripod is designed to help beginners track objects smoothly as the Earth rotates — a feature many inexpensive alt-azimuth mounts lack.
Its accessories — eyepieces (typically 25 mm and 10 mm), a 2× Barlow lens, a 5×24 finderscope, a phone adapter, and a moon filter — round out a fairly complete starter kit.
Despite these strengths, there are practical trade-offs to consider. At this price bracket (often above the typical $200 beginner range), some entry-level astronomers find the equatorial mount and tripod a bit tricky to set up and balance, especially if you’re new to astronomy or haven’t used EQ mounts before.
While the optics are decent for this aperture size, reports on similar reflectors suggest that included eyepieces and accessories may be basic and that achieving sharp views — especially at higher magnifications — often benefits from upgrading eyepieces or investing in a sturdier mount down the line. The overall experience will still be much better than toy-grade telescopes, but not quite on par with premium enthusiast gear.
In summary, the UncleHu 150EQ (comparable to offerings like the Kson 150EQ reflector) bridges the gap between simple beginner scopes and more advanced amateur setups by giving you serious aperture with an equatorial tracking mount.
If your goal is to see more detail in planets and deep-sky objects and learn basic astrophotography or tracking techniques, this is a capable choice — though it exceeds the $200 budget most beginners target and demands a bit of learning to use the EQ mount effectively. For pure value under $200, smaller refractors or tabletop reflectors are easier to recommend first, but if you can stretch the budget a bit and want a more powerful first scope, this model offers a noticeable step up in performance and versatility
6. SARBLUE Mak70
- 【Might Mak】Mak-cass design brings several benefits which distinguishes the telescope from others. Foremost, it largely reduces aberrations and renders crisp and clear views. Plus its quality fully multi-coated optical components, high precision, high reflectivity of the coating and not easy to oxidize. Make terrestrial objects look more vivid and vibrant, and celestial objects magnificent.
- 【Compact & Powerful】Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design allows 1000mm focal length folded in 210mm length tube. 70mm aperture allows the greater the amount of light entering the telescope and the higher the resolution. It's a camping telescope, easy to pack the compact and lightweight telescope in any backpack and take it for travel.
- 【Micro Tripod Design】In pursuit of a more precise and comfortable calibration experience, Sarblue equipped the MAK70 with a micro-movement tripod. The perfect combination of quick motion and slow motion can make you regret not having it sooner.
- 【Adjustable Tripod】The tripod can be adjusted from 23inch to 56inch. It can support most available telescope tubes, as well as most DSLR cameras which it with a dovetail. You can attach the telescope to a field tripod with a 3/8" or 1/4"-20 threaded post.
- 【Accessories】This telescope comes with 20mm quality eyepiece which brings 50X magnification, 10mm photographic eyepiece which brings 100X magnification. A universal phone mount with 1.5X Barlow Lens to attach your phone and do simple astrophotography. 5X24 finderscope with adjustable angle and position.Aluminum alloy integrated telescope tube brings more stronger texture.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain Mak70 is a compact catadioptric telescope with a 70 mm aperture and long ~1000 mm focal length, making it physically shorter than many refractors or reflectors with similar focal lengths.
This folded optical design is characteristic of Maksutov-Cassegrains, which use a corrector lens and mirrors to provide relatively sharp, high-contrast views of the Moon and planets — even with smaller apertures — and require very little collimation compared to many reflectors.
Its compact form factor also makes it easy to transport and set up, which is ideal for users who want a portable scope to take to darker skies or use from a balcony or backyard.
In practical terms, this type of telescope shines when observing lunar craters, planetary detail on Jupiter and Saturn, and brighter double stars, where the long focal ratio helps deliver higher magnification with modest eyepieces. Maksutov-Cassegrains are naturally contrasty and generally perform better on small targets than many equally inexpensive refractors or reflectors of similar size.
However, because of the small 70 mm aperture and inherently narrower field of view, objects like nebulae and galaxies will appear small and dim — not ideal for deep-sky hunting — and the eyepieces and mount provided at this price are often basic, meaning you may want to upgrade accessories later to get the most from the optics.
Overall, the Mak70 is a good beginner’s scope if your main interest is observing the Moon and planets with a compact, easy-to-carry telescope. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain design delivers cleaner, crisp views at moderate to high magnifications than many straight-refractors under a similar budget, and the lightweight build makes setup and transport convenient.
Just keep in mind the typical trade-offs: modest light-gathering for faint objects and the likelihood that better eyepieces or a steadier mount will significantly improve your viewing experience over time.
7. HETEKAN 90 mm Refractor Telescope
- Telescope for Adults High Powered: Love exploring the night sky? HETEKAN telescope for adults, kids, and beginners wanting to observe the Moon and planets up close. Its design simplifies viewing, revealing lunar features and celestial details
- 90 MM Large Aperture: This 90 mm aperture telescope offers excellent light-gathering capability for brighter, more impressive images. Fully multi-coated optical glass lenses minimize light reflection, delivering stunning imagery while protecting your eyes
- Magnification 36X-450X: This telescope for adults features 3 eyepieces (25 mm/10 mm/6 mm) and a 3x Barlow lens, offering 36X-450X magnification with a 900 mm focal length. It includes a 5x24 finder scope, phone adapter, and a stargazing mount
- Adjustable Tripod: telescope astronomical features a sturdy tripod. It offers 360 degrees horizontal and 180 degrees vertical movement for versatile viewing angles. The height adjusts from 29 to 46 inches, accommodating users of various heights
- Easy to Setup and Service Support: This telescope sparks interest in astronomy, allowing users to explore the unknown. we provide a detailed guide for easy setup and operation, helping beginners start their stargazing journey with confidence
The HETEKAN 90 mm refractor telescope packs a 90 mm aperture and 900 mm focal length into a relatively affordable astronomy kit that’s geared toward beginners and casual stargazers.
With this size aperture, it collects significantly more light than very small beginner scopes, which helps produce brighter, clearer views of the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings under decent sky conditions. The optical system uses multi-coated glass lenses designed to enhance light transmission and reduce glare, giving you more satisfying views than bare plastic optics often found on very cheap telescopes.
It also comes with multiple eyepieces (typically 25 mm, 10 mm, and 6 mm) plus a 3× Barlow lens, offering a broad 36×–450× magnification range for exploring a range of targets and framing objects at different scales. It includes a finder scope, adjustable stainless-steel tripod, and phone adapter so you can try imaging the Moon or planets — all of which make setup and use friendly for first-time users.
For all its strengths, you should be aware of some limitations typical of inexpensive beginner telescopes. While the optics are better than toy-grade scopes, the mount stability and tracking are basic; Simple alt-azimuth tripods without fine-motion controls mean you’ll be manually nudging to keep objects centered as the Earth’s rotation carries them across the sky.
At very high magnifications near 400× or above, views can become soft or blurry, which is normal for small-aperture refractors and the inexpensive eyepieces included — meaning the upper end of the claimed magnification range is more theoretical than practical. Still, for lunar and planetary observing at moderate powers, it performs respectably for its class.
Overall, this HETEKAN 90 mm telescope is a solid beginner choice under ~$200 for someone who wants a capable first scope that’s easy to set up and start using.
It delivers bright views of the Moon and planets, a versatile set of accessories, and the potential for simple smartphone imaging — making it particularly appealing if you’re new to stargazing or introducing astronomy to kids or friends.
Just remember that as you progress and want sharper views or smoother tracking, upgrading eyepieces or the mount will be worthwhile steps down the road.
Best Telescope Under $200 - Buying Guide
While a telescope can be one of your most important belongings when you find the right model, it can be a source of unending frustration for you when you end up with the wrong model. We don’t want you to be an unhappy buyer, so consider the factors below before choosing a telescope.
Features To Consider While Choosing A Good Budget Telescope
Types of Telescopes
There are three types of telescopes and each one has their strong and weak points. They are categorized by the abilities to gather light and the way they go about it.
Refractor scopes are better than every other type at viewing through light pollution. Also, they are ideal for planetary and lunar observations.
Reflector scopes, on the other hand, are perfect for deep-sky observation and don’t perform excellently with light pollution. These scopes require regular alignment and adjustment if used regularly.
Compound scopes utilize a mix of reflector and refractor elements. They’re great for general observation of the sky, and they perform well even in areas with light pollution. However, such models are of high-end scopes, and therefore were not included in the list.
Aperture
The aperture is also known as the objective of the telescope. The aperture of the telescope needs to be large and adjustable.
A larger aperture will gather a lot of light and show a much brighter view of the celestial objects. The adjustable feature allows you to change the aperture opening enabling you to shift focus by compromising the brightness of the view.
The larger size of the aperture addresses this issue and allows more light to enter, allowing more exposure and a brighter view.
The different types of telescopes feature apertures that brighten and magnify view in their way. Each with their pros and cons, of course.
Focal Ratio
Focal ratio is the focal length divided by the objective diameter. A long focal ratio implies higher magnification and narrower field of view with a given eyepiece, which is great for observing the moon and planets and double stars.
For such objects, a focal ratio of f/10 or more is ideal. But if you want to see wide views of star clusters, galaxies, and the Milky Way through your best telescope for home use then a lower focal ratio is better. You get less magnification, but you see more of the sky. Wide field telescopes have a focal ratio of f/7 or less.
Focal Length
The focal length of a telescope has a direct influence on the amount of magnification. Basically, what this means is that the longer the scope’s focal length, the higher its magnification. Do not assume that the tube length of the scope is its focal length.
Complex scopes, despite having short tubes, usually deliver a sharp and clear image. This means that longer focal length is achievable through the proper combination of lenses and mirrors.
Magnification
Some modern telescopes feature improved magnification. This range of magnification can be achieved by merely changing the eyepiece. All this is achievable only if the telescope features a large aperture. When more light enters the lens, there are more chances of achieving a more blatant and magnified view.
A smaller aperture will also allow you to magnify the image, but it will not be a sharp and clear image but somewhat blurry and unfocused. The magnification range of telescopes varies. Telescopes that feature around the 50x magnification feature are great at looking at the celestial bodies itself.
You will be able to visualize the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. Higher magnification is a must if you’re looking to the intricacies of Mars or crusts and marks of Venus. Around 150x should be best to view all the details.
Eyepieces
Eyepieces determine the magnification and field of view of a telescope. Different eyepieces are used to view different objects.
Some objects, such as nebulae and star clusters, appear quite large and are best viewed at low magnifications (which give a wider field of view), whereas planets appear very small and are normally viewed with high-magnification eyepieces.
Most telescopes come supplied with one or two eyepieces. Ideally, you’d like to have a set that spans a range of magnifications.
You can expect to spend anywhere from $40 to $200 on a good eyepiece.
A Barlow lens is also worth considering: it multiplies each eyepiece’s power by two or three times, effectively doubling your eyepiece collection.
Mounts
Many telescopes include a mount when purchased. Mounts are important because they can determine how steady you keep the telescope as well as keeping it secured while viewing. There are numerous different types of mounts.
Watch for mounts that are specifically intended for telescopes. These types of mounts are built to accommodate the weight and unique balance required for a telescope.There are some mounts that can be programmed using your geographical location and time of year to find constellations and celestial bodies for you.
These mounts are more expensive but can greatly help you find the objects for which you are looking. Beware of telescopes that can attach to a camera mount. While the telescope may be able to attach to it, the camera mount is more likely to tip over, consequently damaging the telescope. If you decide to use a camera mount, be sure the attachment feature is securely fastened.
Extra Features
The length of a telescope determines the field of view. The shorter the focal length, the wider this field will be, which is essential for deep-sky viewing. Longer tubes create longer focal lengths, showing you a narrower patch of sky for those seeking smaller objects, such as planets or the surface of the Moon.
The warranty is also an extra to check out. Though a decent telescope should last for years, there could be issues you are not prepared for. The better and more extended the warranty, the more piece of mind you’ll have when using it.
An accessory tray is handy to hold your extras within reach. Instructional DVDs, star maps, and other astrological guides make it easy to find what you’re looking for or show you things you may not even know you want to see.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ stands out as the best telescope under $200 because it combines a relatively large 127 mm aperture, real astronomical capability (Moon, planets, bright deep-sky objects), and an equatorial mount that helps beginners learn proper tracking — all at a very accessible price point. While budget-friendly, it delivers more serious observing potential than most competitors in this price range, making it the top pick for new stargazers who want the most value and performance for their money.
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