Top 10 Best Telescope Under 200 of 2023
Rafael Alvarado Mar 31, 2023 2:06 AM
Telescopes have come a long way since their inception. In 1609, Galileo Galilei invented the first fully functional telescope, which paved the way for space exploration and astronomy. Today, telescopes are more portable and accessible than ever before, thanks to technological advancements. Telescopes, which are also known as refracting telescopes, transform light from distant objects into images with a magnification.
In the TLT Lab, we test kitchen gadgets like food slicers, blenders, coffee makers, and mixers. Our engineers also test home appliances like air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and more. When it comes to telescopes, we have reviewed both amateur and professional models over the years. Our testing includes how quickly the telescope can focus light, how precisely it focuses light, and how easy it is to use.
These are some of the best telescope under 200 to buy in 2023 according to our top picks, popular product ratings, and best-selling models online.
How We Pick & Test
- Specs: We look for telescopes with apertures that are larger than 70 mm and focal lengths greater than 500 mm for wide-field views.
- Ease of use: We spend plenty of time practicing with our contenders’ eyepieces, and we use tripods whenever possible.
- Field testing: We set up each of our contenders on one of our reviewers’ backyard decks or rooftops, and we repeatedly stargazed and observed the moon.
- Reader feedback: We conducted a reader poll and also took reader comments into consideration to come up with our criteria.
And the winers:
- Best Overall Telescope: Celestron - 80mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope -
- Best Value Telescope: Telescope 70mm Aperture 500mm - for Kids & Adults Astronomical
- Best Saving Product: Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope
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- The optical aperture: The optical aperture is the diameter of the main light-gathering lens. The bigger the aperture, the more light enters the telescope, which makes it easier to see fainter objects.
- The eyepiece: Eyepieces come in different magnifications, and allow you to view different ranges of an object's surface.
- The mount: Telescopes come with two main mounts: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts have moving parts, which can cause vibrations and tracking errors. Equatorial mounts move an object around, allowing the viewer to pan and scan.
- The field of view (FOV): The larger the FOV, the wider your field of view.
- The weight: A heavy telescope can be difficult to handle, and if a telescope is too heavy, you’ll be less likely to bring it along.
FAQ 1: What is the Best Beginner Telescope under $200?
Answer: The Celestron Inspire 70AZ Refractor Telescope is a great beginner telescope for anyone looking to get into astronomy without breaking the bank. It features a 70mm aperture with fully coated glass optics, resulting in bright and clear images of planets, galaxies, and star clusters in the night sky. The refractor design also makes it easy to set up and transport, making it perfect for those just starting out. With its price tag under $200 and versatile features, this telescope is an excellent option for any budding astronomer.
FAQ 2: What accessories do I need to get started with my telescope?
Answer: To get the most out of your new telescope you’ll need a few additional accessories. These can include an eyepiece kit containing multiple different sizes of eyepieces and a Barlow lens for increased magnification; a red dot finder scope to help locate celestial objects; Collimation tools to ensure your optics remain correctly aligned; as well as dust caps and dew shields for protecting your optics during periods of non use. A mount or tripod will also be necessary for stable viewing, although some telescopes come with these included.
FAQ 3: How often should I clean my telescope’s optics?
Answer: Cleaning your telescope’s optics should be done periodically to ensure optimal performance though not too often as excessive cleaning can cause more harm than good! Generally speaking, if your lenses become visibly dusty or smudged then they can be gently wiped using a lens cloth specially designed for cleaning optical surfaces such as those found on telescopes. If they have been exposed to humidity or rainwater then use an optical cleaning solution such as methanol on a soft lint free cloth instead. In any case, always avoid scrubbing too hard or using harsh chemicals as this could damage the surface coating on your lenses.
If you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or even if you’re just looking for a gift for a camper, I highly recommend checking out what telescopes under $200 have to offer. They’re great for beginners and will provide hours of entertainment. If you’re looking to invest in something a little more advanced, check out my top-rated telescopes that are on the market right now. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you in the comments below!
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