10 Best Telescopes For Beginners 2025 in the UK

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a beginner-friendly telescope that stands out thanks to its large 8-inch aperture. This means it can gather plenty of light, allowing you to see planets and deep-sky objects with good clarity. Its focal length of 2000mm provides strong magnification potential, which is great for detailed views but may require some patience to focus manually. The built-in GoTo mount is a big help for newcomers—it automatically finds and tracks over 40,000 stars and planets, so you don't have to be an expert to explore the night sky. The mount uses an altazimuth design, which is easier to operate for beginners compared to more complex mounts.

Portability is decent; it breaks down into parts and comes with a sturdy steel tripod, but at about 11 kilograms, it’s not the lightest option for carrying long distances. The setup is simplified by SkyAlign technology, helping you get started quickly without complicated calibration. Bonus software included offers an interactive way to learn the sky. On the downside, the manual focus might feel tricky at first, and the battery-powered system means you’ll need to keep spare batteries handy if you plan extended sessions. Also, while the telescope is compact for its aperture, beginners seeking ultra-lightweight gear for travel might find it a bit heavy.

This telescope provides a solid balance between power and ease of use, making it a strong pick for those ready to dive deeper into astronomy with some guidance.

The EACONN 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope is designed for astronomy enthusiasts who are starting their journey in stargazing. One of its standout features is the 80mm aperture, which is capable of capturing ample light to provide bright and clear images of celestial objects. The fully coated optics also help reduce light reflection, making it easier for beginners to see clearer images. This telescope offers versatility with its 600mm focal length and comes with two eyepieces, providing 30x to 66x magnification, making it suitable for observing the moon and planets.

Portability is a key advantage of this product. It comes with a backpack, making it easy to transport for outdoor adventures. The included adjustable tripod and easy-to-follow setup guide make it accessible for beginners who may be unfamiliar with assembling telescopes. However, while the weight is manageable at 840 grams, the package weight is heavier at 3.09 kilograms, which might be a consideration for some when traveling.

The rough adjustment and positioning gimbal assist in smoothly adjusting the telescope to desired positions, an advantage for those new to astronomy. Moreover, it includes a mobile phone adapter, which can enhance the viewing experience by allowing users to capture and share images. Nevertheless, the reliance on a manual winding power source means that it lacks some of the conveniences of more advanced models, such as motorized tracking.

As a beginner's telescope, it provides the necessary tools to spark interest in astronomy, but experienced users might find the fixed focus limiting. Despite some minor drawbacks, like the heavier package weight and manual operation, this telescope is an excellent gift for kids and beginners, providing various opportunities for family fun both at home and on-the-go.

The Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope is a great choice for beginners, thanks to its user-friendly features and solid performance. With a 100mm aperture, it gathers ample light for clear and bright images, making it suitable for viewing the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. The telescope’s focal length of 660mm provides decent magnification, especially when paired with the included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces. This makes it versatile for various types of celestial observations.

The Altazimuth mount with a panning handle allows smooth and easy manual tracking of objects in the sky, which is perfect for beginners who are just learning how to navigate the night sky. The included smartphone adapter is a nice touch, enabling users to capture photos of their observations easily. Simple, no-tool assembly ensures you can set up and start observing quickly.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The manual focus and Altazimuth mount, while easy to use, do not offer the precision of more advanced equipment. The telescope is relatively lightweight and portable, but the tripod can feel a bit flimsy, particularly on uneven surfaces. Additionally, it requires a battery for the LED flashlight and finderscope, which means keeping spare batteries handy is necessary. The Celestron 22403 Inspire 100AZ provides a good balance of ease-of-use, performance, and useful features, making it a solid option for newbies looking to explore the night sky.