For more information on telescopes at this price point, check out our article on the best telescopes under 100 dollars here. Buying a telescope for under $100 can be risky business. A lot of the telescopes at this price point lack the features that make higher-end telescopes effective and pleasant to use. Best Telescope for the Money in 2018 1. Celestron Advanced VX Schmidt- Cassegrain Telescope. Celestron Regal M2 Spotting Scope. Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope. Celestron SkyProdigy 130 Telescope. Meade StarNavigator Refractor Telescope. Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope.
Q: How do I pick a great spot to use my telescope?
A: When viewing objects at night, you’ll want to move away from light pollution areas (like the city). Find an open field that’s free of trees, cell towers, and telephone poles.
You’ll also want to stay away from objects that radiate heat at night. For example, a cement parking lot absorbs heat from the sun all day and releases it at night. This could interfere with your viewing capabilities.
Q: How can I find objects to see?
A: The night sky is huge, making it tough to find particular objects without some help. Smartphone apps are available that can help you pinpoint common objects in the night sky, including planets.
Some telescope models can also be connected to a computer. For example, the Orion SpaceProbe — our Best of the Best winner — has excellent software available to use with it. You’ll use a software package to properly align the telescope, finding the exact object you want.
Q: I don’t see details in my telescope like the kind you see in space photos. Is my telescope broken?
A: Almost certainly not. Portable telescopes aimed at amateur astronomers simply cannot match the tremendous quality you’ll find with huge, fixed-location telescopes. Using your own telescope can be a lot of fun, but you do have to temper your expectations a bit. Colors will be duller in the telescope than they are in NASA photographs, and the magnification will be much lower.
Q: What’s the best way to get started with a telescope?
A: If you prefer the trial-and-error method of learning a new hobby, pick a telescope and get started! If you’d rather have a bit of guidance, seek out a local amateur astronomy club. Members there would probably be willing to share their experiences and advice on purchasing a telescope with you. Or, if you have an observatory in the area (like a local university) you might find some great informational programs there for amateur astronomers.