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Where to buy telescopes
Browse budget basics to high-tech star-gazing kits and everything in between.
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Whether you’re a newbie to the stargazing game or a seasoned pro, there’s a perfect telescope out there for you. We tracked down some of the top retailers
for telescopes, which offer everything from kits designed especially for kids to high-end pieces with plenty of bells and whistles.
Top picks
Telescope for Kids Beginners Adults
Amazon
Orion Observer 80ST 80mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
Amazon
Celestron - Ambassador 80 AZ Brass Telescope
Best Buy
Top sites to buy telescopes
Amazon: Shop a variety of telescopes — from kid-friendly designs to portable travel kits.
Encourage a love of astronomy early with Amazon's wide selection of kids telescopes, many of which feature detailed instruction guides and high-quality optics. Adults can get in on the fun too, thanks to light, easy-to-assemble designs perfect for beginners.
Encourage a love of astronomy early with Amazon's wide selection of kids telescopes, many of which feature detailed instruction guides and high-quality optics. Adults can get in on the fun too, thanks to light, easy-to-assemble designs perfect for beginners.
Best Buy: Discover everything from extensive stargazing kits to sophisticated statement telescopes.
Astronomy junkies will appreciate Best Buy's telescope and microscope set, which includes a handy star map to help chart the night sky. Other options include a sleek vintage brass design and a telescope with handy slow-motion controls.
Astronomy junkies will appreciate Best Buy's telescope and microscope set, which includes a handy star map to help chart the night sky. Other options include a sleek vintage brass design and a telescope with handy slow-motion controls.
Newegg: Use these telescopes for all your stargazing, hunting and bird watching needs.
Newegg's telescope offerings include an ultra-compact, HD monocular telescope that's perfect for all your outdoor observational needs – from spotting the Big Dipper to tracking down your favorite colorful bird.
Newegg's telescope offerings include an ultra-compact, HD monocular telescope that's perfect for all your outdoor observational needs – from spotting the Big Dipper to tracking down your favorite colorful bird.
Walmart: Shop select telescopes for under $50.
Shopping on a budget? Check out Walmart's selection of wallet-friendly options, from a lightweight aluminum design to a National Geographic telescope with a smart phone adapter.
Shopping on a budget? Check out Walmart's selection of wallet-friendly options, from a lightweight aluminum design to a National Geographic telescope with a smart phone adapter.
Target: The perfect selection for beginning stargazers.
Your kids will be psyched to get into astronomy thanks to Target's cute, colorful telescope selection featuring extra-large eyepieces and a spyglass that magnifies 30 times.
Your kids will be psyched to get into astronomy thanks to Target's cute, colorful telescope selection featuring extra-large eyepieces and a spyglass that magnifies 30 times.
What type of telescope is best for me?
If you’re lost in a maze of confusing jargon while shopping for telescopes, here’s a breakdown of the three most common types:
- Refractor telescope: Similar to binoculars, light passes through the front lens and into the eyepiece lens, allowing you to magnify the object you’re observing. These telescopes tend to be lightweight and user-friendly, with limited maintenance required.
- Reflecting telescope: If you’re looking for a cheaper option, reflecting telescopes can be the way to go and – bonus points – you’ll get a wider, sharper view through the mirrors. Downside: more maintenance is required because dust and dirt can gather easily.
- Catadioptric telescope: Perfect for beginners, this design incorporates mirrors and lenses so it’s essentially a refractor and a reflecting telescope in one. You’ll get a detailed view of the sky, and the portable design is ideal for travel.
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