Updated for 2026. Choosing your first telescope means understanding three essential things: how much light it gathers (aperture), how stable the mount is, and what you actually want to observe (Moon, planets or deep-sky objects). In this practical guide, you’ll find clear explanations, real-world examples and realistic budget ranges to avoid common beginner mistakes.
If you want to explore ready-to-use models, start with the Complete Telescopes collection.
1️⃣ First decision: What do you want to observe?
- Moon and planets?
- Galaxies, nebulae and star clusters?
- A simple, quick setup instrument?
Your answer will strongly influence the best telescope type for you.
2️⃣ Telescope types: Which design should you choose?
🔭 Refractor Telescopes
Refractors use lenses. They are easy to use and require very little maintenance.
- Pros: No collimation needed, simple operation.
- Cons: Larger apertures can be more expensive.
- Best for: Moon and planetary observation.
Explore available models in the Achromatic Telescopes section.
🔭 Newtonian Reflectors
Newton telescopes use mirrors and offer larger apertures at a lower cost — ideal for deep-sky observation.
- Pros: Excellent light gathering for the price.
- Cons: Require periodic collimation.
Discover models in the Newton Telescope collection.
🔭 Catadioptric Telescopes
Compact and versatile — combining lenses and mirrors in one system.
Learn more about Maksutov and Schmidt-Cassegrain designs.
3️⃣ Aperture: The Most Important Specification
Aperture determines how much light your telescope collects. It is far more important than the advertised magnification.
- 70–100 mm: Good start for Moon and planets.
- 114–130 mm: Excellent beginner balance.
- 150 mm and above: More detail and fainter objects visible.
More aperture means more detail — but also more size and weight.
4️⃣ Mount: Stability Matters
A great optical tube on an unstable mount leads to frustration. The mount is a critical part of the observing experience.
Explore different options in the Astronomical Mounts section.
Alt-azimuth Mount
- ✔ Easy to use
- ✔ Ideal for visual observation
Equatorial Mount
- ✔ Precise tracking
- ✔ Essential for astrophotography
- ✖ Requires setup and alignment
5️⃣ Essential Accessories
Eyepieces
Eyepieces determine real magnification and viewing quality. Fewer high-quality eyepieces are better than many low-quality ones.
Browse available models in the Telescope Eyepieces collection.
Finder Scope
Helps you quickly locate celestial objects.
Moon Filter
Reduces glare and improves comfort when observing the Moon.
6️⃣ Realistic Budget in 2026
- Under €200: Basic instruments mainly for Moon and planets.
- €200–€500: Best value range for serious beginners.
- Above €500: Larger apertures and more stable mounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best telescope for beginners?
A 130 mm Newtonian reflector or a 90 mm refractor offers an excellent balance between performance and ease of use.
Is magnification more important than aperture?
No. Aperture is more important because it gathers more light and reveals more real detail.
Do I need an equatorial mount to start?
Not necessarily. For visual observation, a stable alt-azimuth mount is usually sufficient. An equatorial mount becomes important for astrophotography.
Need Personal Advice?
Tell us:
- 🔭 What you want to observe
- 🚗 Whether portability matters
- 💰 Your approximate budget
We’ll help you choose the right telescope without overspending or undersizing.
👉 Start here: Complete Telescopes