The cosmos is closer than you might think. You don’t need a fortune to start exploring it, either. A capable telescope under 500 can unlock stunning views of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and distant star clusters. It’s a gateway to a nightly show that’s been playing for billions of years, and your ticket is surprisingly affordable.
But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? We’ve tested the leading models to cut through the noise. This guide will show you which scopes deliver the best views for your budget, so you can start your stargazing journey without any headaches—or breaking the bank.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Telescope Under 500
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
HETEKAN Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture…
|
9.8 |
Read Review |
 |
Dianfan Telescope for Kids & Adults, 80mm Aperture 500mm…
|
9.6 |
Read Review |
 |
Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm – for Kids & Adults…
|
9.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Hawkko Telescope for Adults & Kids Beginners, 80mm Aperture…
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Telescope for Kids & Adults – 70mm Aperture 500mm…
|
9.1 |
Read Review |
 |
HUGERSTAR Telescope for Adults & Kids, 80mm Aperture 500mm…
|
8.9 |
Read Review |
 |
MEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids, 80mm Aperture 500mm…
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Hawkko Telescope for Adults & Kids – 80mm Aperture…
|
8.5 |
Read Review |
 |
cbeyook Telescope for Beginners & Kids: 70mm / 500mm…
|
8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 9 Telescope Under 500
HETEKAN Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 1000mm Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Beginners, Magnification 500X, with Three Eyepieces, Phone Adapter & Carrying Bag
The HETEKAN Telescope for Adults High Powered is a 90mm aperture refractor designed to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly operation and serious astronomical performance. Its core strength lies in its optical system. The 90mm objective lens is notably large for an entry-level scope, gathering significantly more light than smaller 70mm or 80mm models. This means the images you see of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects will be brighter and have better contrast.
The fully multi-coated optics further enhance veiw quality by reducing internal glare and improving light transmission, resulting in clearer, more detailed observations whether your looking at celestial bodies or terrestrial landscapes. Versatility in magnification is a key feature. With the included 25mm, 10mm, and 6mm eyepieces, combined with the 3X Barlow lens, you have a practical range from a wide-field 40x up to 500x for closer inspection.
This allows you to comfortably frame the entire lunar disc or zoom in on the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands of Jupiter when atmospheric conditions are stable. It’s important to know that the highest magnification isn’t always the best, as it can dim the image, but having the option gives you flexibility for different targets. Setup and stability are often hurdles for newcomers, which this telescope adresses directly.
Dianfan Telescope for Kids & Adults, 80mm Aperture 500mm Astronomical Professional Telescope for Adults High Powered, Portable Travel Telescopes for Beginners with Tripod & Adapter, Stickers, Backpack
The Dianfan 80×500 Telescope is a versatile instrument designed to make astronomy and terrestrial observation accessible and enjoyable. With its 80mm aperture and 500mm focal length, it gathers a significant amount of light, which is crucial for viewing celestial objects with clarity.
The fully multi-coated optics enhance this by ensuring bright, high-contrast images, whether your looking at the craters of the Moon or birds in your backyard.
This telescope offers a flexible range of magnification to suit different viewing conditions. It comes with two eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens, allowing you to zoom in from 20x up to 150x power.
The higher magnifications are perfect for detailed lunar observation, letting you see the Moon’s intricate surface features in impressive detail. It’s a capable tool that provides a genuine high-powered experience for adults while remaining approachable for younger users.
We know starting out can be daunting, so the Dianfan telescope prioritizes ease of use. Its designed for quick setup, typically taking around 15 minutes from box to first light.
Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm – for Kids & Adults Astronomical Refracting Telescopes AZ Mount Fully Multi-Coated Optics, with Diagonal Mirror Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Remote Black
The Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm is designed to be a user-friendly gateway to astronomy for both younger enthusiasts and adults starting there journey. Its core strength lies in its optical system, which balances power with simplicity to offer clear, engaging views of celestial objects.
Starting with the 70mm objective lens, this telescope gathers a significant amount of light, making images of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects appear bright and detailed.
The fully multi-coated optics are a key feature, as they reduce internal glare and increase light transmission. This means you get a sharper, higher-contrast view compared to telescopes with untreated lenses, which really helps when you’re looking at something like the craters on the moon or the rings of Saturn. The 500mm focal length provides a good balance for wide-field viewing and planetary observation.
You have several options for magnification right out of the box.
The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces give you different levels of detail, and the 3x Barlow lens effectively triples the power of each one. This flexibility lets you choose the right view for the target, whether its a wide look at the full moon or a closer inspection of Jupiter’s cloud bands.
Hawkko Telescope for Adults & Kids Beginners, 80mm Aperture 500mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, (20X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescope Kit with Decorate Stickers, Backpack, Phone Adapter-BlackBlue
The Hawkko Telescope for Adults & Kids Beginners, 80mm Aperture 500mm, is designed to make astronomy accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Its a complete kit that gets you from the box to observing in just a few minutes, perfect for families or anyone starting there journey into stargazing.
At the heart of this telescope is its 80mm aperture objective lens. This fully multi-coated lens gathers significantly more light than smaller models, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
You’ll get sharp, detailed views of the Moon’s craters at night and can also use it during the day for wildlife or scenic viewing. The optical tube is a refractor design, known for its reliability and low maintenance, so you can focus on observing instead of adjusting.
Magnification is flexible to suit different targets. You begin with the included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, providing 20X and 50X power respectively.
When you want a closer look, the 3X Barlow lens triples the power of each eyepiece, allowing for magnifications up to 150X. This range lets you enjoy wide star fields or zoom in on lunar details, offering a versatile observing experience right out of the box.
This kit emphasizes portability and ease. The telescope and all its components, including the tripod, fit neatly into the included carrying backpack. This makes it simple to take on camping trips or to a darker sky location.
Telescope for Kids & Adults – 70mm Aperture 500mm AZ Mount Fully Multi-Coated Optics Astronomical refracting Portable Telescopes, with Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Remote Control White
The Telescope for Kids & Adults – 70mm Aperture 500mm AZ Mount is designed to make your first steps into astronomy straightforward and rewarding. This isn’t just a toy; it’s a real refractor telescope built with fully multi-coated optics. That coating is crucial—it reduces internal glare and increases light transmission, which means you get brighter, clearer views of the night sky while protecting your eyes during long observations. At its heart is a 70mm aperture.
That’s the size of the main lens, and it’s the key to how much detail you can see. Paired with a 500mm focal length, this setup gathers enough light to bring celestial objects into sharp focus. You’ll be able to observe the moon’s craters in great detail, see the rings of Saturn, the bands of Jupiter and its major moons, and even distant star clusters. The optical quality here provides a genuine astronomical experience for both curious kids and adults starting out.
For magnification, the telescope is quipped with two eyepieces: a 25mm for wider, lower-power views and a 10mm for closer inspection. The included 3x Barlow lens effectively triples the power of each eyepiece, giving you a range of options to suit different targets. Finding those objects is made simpler with the 5×24 finderscope, a small side-scope that helps you navigate the sky and zero in on what you want to see. We understand that setup and portability are important for beginners.
HUGERSTAR Telescope for Adults & Kids, 80mm Aperture 500mm (20X-150X) Professional Refractor Telescope for Astronomy Beginners, Portable Travel Telescopes with Tripod Phone Adapter, Stickers, Backpack
The HUGERSTAR Telescope for Adults & Kids is an 80mm aperture refractor designed to make astronomy accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With its 500mm focal length, this instrument gathers plenty of light to deliver bright, wide, and clear views of celestial objects. The fully multi-coated glass lenses are a key feature, working to enhance image brightness and clarity while also providing protection for your eyes during extended viewing sessions.
Whether your observing the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, or distant star clusters, the optical performance is tailored for satisfying exploration from your backyard, balcony, or a dark campsite. This telescope is built for versatility, offering a usefull magnification range from 20X to 150X. It comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) and a 3X Barlow lens to achieve these powers.
This flexibility makes it perfect for both day and night use; you can observe wildlife and landscapes in the afternoon, then turn it towards the planets after sunset. The included aluminum tripod is adjustable and provides a stable base, which is essential for getting a steady image, especially at higher magnifications. A 5×24 finder scope helps you quickly locate your targets, and the 45° diagonal mirror ensures you get comfortable, upright views when looking at terrestrial objects.
MEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids, 80mm Aperture 500mm Portable Refractor Telescope for Astronomy Beginners, Professional Travel Astronomical Telescopes with Tripod, Stickers, Phone Adapter, Backpack
The MEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids is a versatile refractor telescope designed to make astronomy accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the family. With its 80mm large aperture and 500mm focal length, it gathers plenty of light to deliver sharp, bright images of celestial objects. The fully multi-coated optics are a key feature, working to enhance image clarity and reduce glare for more comfortable viewing.
This setup is excellent for your first looks at the Moon’s detailed craters or the rings of Saturn, and it doubles as a powerful tool for daytime nature observation. You get a flexible range of magnification options right out of the box. The telescope includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) along with a 3X Barlow lens, allowing you to zoom from 20X up to 150X power.
A 5×24 finderscope makes it much simpler to locate objects in the night sky, and the 45-degree diagonal mirror ensures a comfortable viewing angle, providing upright images that are perfect for looking at landscapes or birds. It’s a straightforward system that grows with you as you learn. Portability and ease of use are central to this kit. The adjustable aluminum tripod extends from about 17 to 44 inches, providing a stable platform for both kids and adults.
Hawkko Telescope for Adults & Kids – 80mm Aperture 500mm Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, (20X-150X) Portable Refractor Telescope Kit for Beginners with Decorate Stickers, AZ Tripod, Phone Adapter
The Hawkko Telescope for Adults & Kids – 80mm Aperture 500mm is designed to make astronomy accessible and engaging for everyone. With its straightforward setup and versatile performance, it serves as a practical entry point into observing the world above and around you.
This telescope centers around its 80mm aperture objective lens, which is fully multi-coated for improved light transmission.
This means it pulls in significantly more light than smaller models, resulting in brighter and clearer images. You can expect detailed views of the Moon’s surface, and it performs equally well for daytime use, like watching distant landscapes or wildlife.
The optical tube is a 500mm focal length refractor, known for its reliability and low-maintenance design, making it a solid choice for beginners who want quality without complication.
You have flexible control over your view with the included eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens. The combination allows you to switch magnifications from a wide 20x up to a more powerful 150x. Starting with the lower power makes it easier to locate objects, and then you can zoom in for a closer look.
cbeyook Telescope for Beginners & Kids: 70mm / 500mm Refractor (150X HD), Portable Travel Scope, Best Astronomy Gifts for Adults w/Wireless Remote, Carrying Bag. Easy Set Up
The cbeyook Telescope for Beginners & Kids is designed to make your first steps in astronomy straightforward and rewarding. This 70mm / 500mm refractor scope is a capable and portable instrument that balances power with simplicity, so you can spend less time figuring it out and more time looking up.
Its core is the 70mm aperture objective lens. This fully coated glass gathers significantly more light than smaller scopes, resulting in brighter, higher-contrast views.
The 500mm focal length provides a sharper, more stable image compared to shorter models, which is especially noticable when viewing the Moon’s craters or the rings of Saturn. The optics are designed to protect your eyes while delivering those breathtaking celestial sights.
You get a full magnification kit right in the box. With the included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, you start at 20X and 50X power.
The 3X Barlow lens triples these, extending your range up to 150X for closer inspection of planetary details. A diagonal mirror makes for comfortable viewing angles, and the 5×24 finderscope is a crucial helper for beginners to point the telescope in the right direction. It takes the guesswork out of locating objects.
Setup is intentionally tool-free and quick, often taking just a few minutes.
Telescope Under 500 Buying Guide
Begin your astronomical journey with an accessible instrument. You don’t need to spend a fortune to see teh rings of Saturn or the craters on the Moon. A quality telescope under 500 offers a fantastic gateway to the cosmos, balancing performance with value. This guide will help you navigate the key features so you can make a confident choice.
Aperture: Your Light Collector
This is the most important spec. Aperture is the diameter of the main lens or mirror, measured in millimeters. A larger aperture gathers more light, meaning you see brighter, clearer, and more detailed images. For under $500, look for at least a 70mm refractor or a 130mm reflector. More light means more to see, from faint nebulae to distant galaxies.
Mount Stability: The Steady Foundation
A wobbly mount ruins the experience. An unstable telescope makes objects jiggle and are hard to track. There are two main types: alt-azimuth (simple up-down, left-right) and equatorial (tracks the sky’s rotation). For beginners, a sturdy alt-azimuth mount is often the best choice—it’s intuitive and leaves more budget for the optics themself.
Portability & Setup
Will you use it in your backyard or take it to dark-sky sites? A bulky telescope that’s difficult to assemble might end up staying in the closet. Consider the weight and how long it takes to set up. A compact design that you can manage yourself means you’ll use it more often, which is the whole point!
Expectations & Accessories
What do you hope to see? Planets, the Moon, and bright star clusters are excellent targets for this budget. Deep-sky objects will appear as faint smudges, not Hubble-like images. Check what eyepieces are included; a couple of different magnifications offer versatility. A finderscope is also crucial for locating those celestial objects in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Telescope Under 500
What can I realistically see with a telescope in this price range?
You can see a lot! Expect clear views of teh Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings. You can also spot bright star clusters and nebulas, like the Orion Nebula. Planets will appear as small disks, not like Hubble images, but the view is still incredible.
What type of telescope is best for a beginner under $500?
A Dobsonian reflector is often the best choice. It gives you the most aperture (light-gathering power) for your money. This means brighter, clearer views of planets and deep-space objects. They are simple to use and very stable.
Is it complicated to set up and use?
Most models are designed for beginners. A simple Dobsonian might just need you to place the tube on its base and insert an eyepiece. Computerized “GoTo” models have more steps for alignment, but the instructions walk you through it. Don’t worry, it gets easier fast.
Do I need any extra accessories right away?
The telescope usually comes with what you need to start. A better eyepiece or a Moon filter can be nice upgrades later. The most important accessory is a good star chart or astronomy app to help you find your way around the night sky.
Can I use it for looking at things on Earth?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Astronomical telescopes often invert or mirror the image, which is fine for space but confusing for landscapes. Special erecting prisms are needed for a correct view, and it’s generally not what these scopes are made for.
Where is the best place to use my new telescope?
Anywhere dark! Your backyard is a perfect starting point. Just try to get away from bright porch lights and street lamps. For the best views, a trip to a darker site outside the city makes a huge different. Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20 minutes.
Wrapping Things Up
Starting your stargazing journey is possible with a modest budget and a bit of curiosity. The right tool can show you the moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, or a distant star cluster. It’s about making the cosmos feel a little closer and a lot more personal. Remember, the best telescope is the one you’ll actually use often.
We hope this guide helps you see that a capable telescope under 500 is a fantastic starting point. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get clear, rewarding views. Just take your time, learn the skies, and enjoy the process. Clear nights are waiting for you.