If you have spent some time observing the sky with your naked eyes and a pair of binoculars, you may be ready to move on up to telescopes. As in most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. If you are looking for better telescopes to start out with, one which might carry you from a beginner to intermediate stargazer, check out these beginner's telescopes ranging from $300 to $500.
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1. Zhumell 10 Inch Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
Zhumell
A high quality telescope for the price, this could be the one you'll want to start with. Great optics and a simple mount.
2. Bushnell Goto 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Compact w/RVO
Bushnell
While better known for their binoculars, the Bushnell company also makes a great telescope. With its "go to" feature, this telescope will be a great way to start your star gazing.
3. Vixen VMC95L Modified Cassegrain Telescope with Mini-Porta Mount
Vixen
The Vixen VMC95L, is a 95 mm (3.7 inch) aperture modified Cassegrain f/11 optical tube assembly. The VMC95L features a curved vane Secondary Mirror Spider to reduce diffraction effects. Like its larger cousins the VMC110L, VMC200L and VMC260L, this scope features a meniscus lens just ahead of the Secondary Mirror. Paired with the NEW Mini-Porta Mount with slow motion controls, this is the ultimate grab and go package.
4. Celestron NexStar 130 SLT
Celestron
What a great combination, an entry level telescope aith "go to" capability. Along with the quality optics from the Celestron name, you'll find this to be a great value.
5. Meade DS-2130LNT Reflector Telescope with LNT AutoAlign Technology
Meade
The "go to" capability of this scope will easily allow you to view over 1400 celestial objects.
6. Galileo Tri Centric 1100 x 135 Newtonian
Galileo
With its advanced new altitude azimuth mount and top quality optics, this may be one of the best telescopes to come out in years. Check it out for yourself.
7. iOptron SmartStar E N114 GoTo Reflector Telescope
iOptron
Introducing the SmartStar E-N114 Newtonian telescope system. Designed with the latest technology the 114 mm mirror is crafted with aluminum coated mirrors and exacting alignment. The precision design virtually eliminates chromatic aberration for a crisp image without a rainbow halo. You’ll be able to view planets, star clusters and nebulae up close. With the SmartStar E-N114 you’ll also be able to take dramatic astro-photographs. Two eye pieces come standard to allow for flexibility in viewing either a wider field or a single focused object.
