Are you looking to explore the night sky but don’t want to break the bank? Telescopes can be expensive, but plenty of great options are available if you’re on a budget.
In this article, we’ll review the best telescope under 300. From refractors to reflectors, determine which telescope will fit your needs and your wallet without sacrificing quality or features.

With our reviews and advice that follows, you’ll be ready to start stargazing in no time. Read on to learn more about which telescope is right for you.
10 Best Telescope Under 300 Comparison in 2024
Product Name | Brand | Product Dimensions | Objective Lens Diameter | Item Weight | Price |
Telescope 90mm Aperture 900mm | Koolpte | 16.7"D x 39.7"W x 8.7"H | 90 Millimeters | 19.99 pounds | |
Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector | SOLOMARK | 39.37 x 7.87 x 59.06 inches | 130 Millimeters | 32.9 pounds | |
Celestron - AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope | Celestron | 35"D x 19"W x 12"H | 130 Millimeters | 26.5 Pounds | |
Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope | Orion | 24"D x 24"W x 51"H | 130 Millimeters | 24.2 Pounds | |
Telescope, Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope | Gskyer | 33.7"D x 9.3"W x 18.4"H | 130 Millimeters | 30.10 lbs | |
Celestron - AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope | Celestron | 32.28"D x 11.02"W x 16.73"H | 114 Millimeters | 9 Kilograms | |
Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope (Teal) | Orion | 23.5"D x 18.5"W x 25"H | 114 Millimeters | 13 Pounds | |
Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope | Zhumell | 18.5"D x 13.5"W x 16.25"H | 114 Millimeters | 9.9 Pounds | |
ESSENWI 114EQ Reflector Telescope for Adult Astronomy Beginners | ESSENWI | 36.42"D x 15.55"W x 8.46"H | 25 Millimeters | 27.2 pounds | |
Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope MAX Kit | Orion | 25.6 x 18.5 x 18 inches | 114 Millimeters | 19.16 Pounds |
10 Best Telescope Under 300 Reviews
You want to look at this comprehensive guide to the ten best telescopes under 300. We’ve researched and tested various models and can confidently say that these are the top choices on the market today.
From entry-level designs to more advanced features, we’ve got something for everyone. Read on to find out which Telescope is suitable for your stargazing needs.
#1. Koolpte, Telescope 90mm Aperture 900mm
Explore the universe’s wonders with this high-performance Telescope 90mm Aperture 900mm.
This Telescope features a powerful 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length refracting design, providing excellent optical performance for profound space observation.
Its sturdy and durable Vertisteel Altazimuth Mount is designed with a Free-Stop non-polar shaft – Follow-up and stop mechanism, providing smooth movements and accurate positioning.
It comes with a Digital eyepiece, a phone adapter, and a wireless remote for easy sharing of your discoveries on your phone without touching the Telescope.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this Telescope is suitable for learning and researching astronomy.
Travel and outdoor activities are made possible by its lightweight and portable design, which makes it simple to carry and set up in various locations.
Discover everything the cosmos offers with this Telescope with a 90mm Aperture, 900mm – Precision Adjustment Vertisteel AZ Mount Base, Magnification 45-450x, Wireless Remote, and Phone Adapter.
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#2. SOLOMARK, Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector
It is introducing the Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescopes for Adults, an ideal professional telescope for astronomy enthusiasts.
With a large aperture of 130mm, this Telescope provides high resolution and excellent light-collecting ability to ensure you can observe brighter and more detailed planets.
It features a sturdy and lightweight carbon fiber frame with sophisticated technology for superior optics performance.
This Telescope also includes a German Equatorial mount with dials and fine-tuned control cables so that you can quickly move it into the ideal position and use a knob to secure it.
The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod, combined with its stable structure, offers precise positioning and fast-tracking of celestial bodies, allowing you to enjoy the fantastic process of manually tracking the Moon and planets smoothly and accurately.
You’ll also get all the accessories needed to start your astronomical journey immediately.
Two excellent eyepieces, a 1.5X erecting Barlow lens, a 13% transmission moon filter, and a smartphone adapter are all included in this package so you can record images or videos of your discoveries.
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#3. Celestron – AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope
Explore the wonders of the night sky with the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope.
This reflector telescope for beginners is perfect for backyard stargazing and features fully-coated glass optics for clear, crisp images.
The adjustable-height tripod is easy to set up and use, and you won’t need any tools – just point and look.
Enjoy views of the Moon, planets, galaxies, and more with this Telescope’s manual German Equatorial mount.
With its erect image optics, it’s perfect for both terrestrial and astronomical use. Plus, a permanently mounted StarPointer helps you find celestial objects quickly.
As a bonus, you’ll receive a complimentary software package with over 10,000 astronomical objects to explore.
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#4. Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope
It introduces the Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope, a 5.1″ aperture reflector telescope that provides fantastic views of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters in stunning clarity.
Its compact optical tube design allows easy portability, while its fast f/5 focal ratio ensures wide-field performance.
With a weight of only 28 lbs, the SpaceProbe 130ST EQ is a multipurpose telescope that the whole family will appreciate and easily transport.
The package includes two 1.25″ Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a smartphone camera adapter, DeepMap 600, MoonMap 260, a collimation cap, and more.
Using the robust equatorial mount and movable tripod, one can manually track celestial objects in slow motion as they appear to move across the night sky.
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#5. Telescope, Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector
Explore the night sky like never before with the Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope.
With its 5.1-inch aperture, all-glass optical components, and high transmission coatings, this Telescope is ideal for observing brighter galaxies, nebulas, star clusters, and other celestial bodies. It also allows for improved image brightness and clarity.
The 24-inch long optical tube design, fast f/5 focal ratio, and toothless focusing base make it easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
It also comes with three eyepieces, a 3X Barlow lens, a finderscope, an adjustable tripod, and a Bluetooth-compatible wireless remote control to pair with your Android or iOS device.
You can be assured of its quality and reliability with a 1-year warranty and lifetime maintenance from the manufacturer.
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#6. Celestron – AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope
You are introducing the Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope, a powerful and user-friendly reflector telescope for beginner astronomers.
This Telescope features fully-coated glass optics and an adjustable-height tripod for comfortable viewing.
Plus, you’ll receive two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and a StarPointer red dot finderscope for easy night sky navigation.
With its 114mm aperture, the AstroMaster 114EQ can gather enough light to view distant planets, galaxies, and other wonders of the cosmos.
You can even download one of the top-rated astronomy software programs with your purchase. Setting up your Telescope is quick and easy – no tools required.
So don’t wait any longer to explore the universe. Get your Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Newtonian Telescope today.
Plus, when you buy from Celestron, you get a 2-year US Warranty and unlimited support from our US-based experts.
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#7. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
Experience the night sky like never before with the Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope (Teal).
This compact and versatile Telescope is ideal for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts looking to explore the stars.
The 4.5″ aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio make it easy to find celestial objects in the night sky, including nebulas, star clusters, planets, and even the Moon.
The low-profile swivel base comes pre-assembled and provides smooth altazimuth motion, allowing you to target and track celestial objects easily.
It only weighs 10.9 lbs when fully assembled and stands 21″ tall when pointed towards the zenith.
To get started right away, this Telescope also includes 20mm (22.5x power) and 10mm (for 45x power) 4-element eyepieces, an EZ Finder II aiming device, an eyepiece rack, a glare-reducing Moon filter, and Orion’s MoonMap 260.
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#8. Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Look no further than the Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope for a telescope that will take your stargazing experiences to the next level.
This Telescope is designed with portability and convenience, which is perfect for astronomers of any skill level.
With its industry standard 1.25″ focuser, compatible with many different accessories, you can easily customize your telescope experience.
Changing magnifications is easier than ever with the included 17mm and 10mm eyepieces, while the easy-to-use red dot finder makes aiming the Z114 a breeze for any user.
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#9. ESSENWI 114EQ Reflector Telescope
The ESSENWI 114EQ Reflector Telescope for Adult Astronomy Beginners is a powerful and user-friendly telescope that provides an unforgettable viewing experience.
This Telescope features fully-coated glass optics for clear and crisp images and a manual equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod and cross-knob tightening to help you quickly find targets.
It also comes with three eyepieces (6mm, 10mm, and 25mm) and a 3x Barlow lens for magnifications ranging from 36x to 450x – perfect for versatile viewing options.
This package includes many accessories like a finder scope, moon filter, adjustable steel tripod, phone adapter, and more to help you find objects quickly and record and share them with family and friends.
With our team of experts providing 24/7 customer support, you can always get assistance on installation or planet-finding questions.
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#10. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope MAX Kit is the perfect Telescope for astronomy enthusiasts of all levels.
Its large 4.5″ aperture and quick f/4 focal ratio let you observe wide-field celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters and solar system objects, such as the planets and moons, in brilliant, vivid images.
You can quickly move this fully loaded kit from the box to your backyard thanks to its pre-assembled shipping.
The MAX Kit includes two 4-element 1.25″ telescope eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming, eyepiece rack, Star Target Planisphere, Barlow Lens, Observer’s Guide, and RedBeam flashlight — everything you need to explore the night sky.
Plus, at just 10.9 lbs fully assembled and standing 21″ tall when aimed at the zenith, this compact Telescope is easy to transport, so you can take it anywhere to observe the wonders of space.
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Overview of Telescopes Under 300
Refractors and reflectors are the two main types of telescopes. Refractors use lenses to gather light, while reflectors use mirrors.
When choosing a telescope, it’s crucial to consider your needs, as both varieties have benefits and drawbacks.
Refractors are generally more compact and lightweight, making them ideal for beginners or those who want to take their telescope on the go. They also tend to be less expensive than reflectors.
When different light colors are focused at different points, it can cause chromatic aberration, affecting them.
Reflectors provide better image quality and are less prone to chromatic aberration than refractors but are heavier and more extensive. They also tend to be more affordable than refractors.
When shopping for a telescope under 300, you’ll likely find a mix of refractor and reflector models.
We’ve rounded up the best of both types to help you find the perfect telescope for your needs and budget.
Choosing the Best Telescope Under 300
When choosing the best telescope under 300, there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about what type of telescope you need.
Refractors are great for beginners or those who want a more portable telescope. Conversely, reflectors provide higher-quality images and are less likely to cause chromatic aberration.
Next, consider the aperture size. The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s primary lens or mirror, and it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The image will be brighter and more precise the more significant the aperture.
Finally, think about the features you need. Some telescopes come with additional features, such as motorized tracking or computerized object location, which can make stargazing easier and more enjoyable.
How to Use and Care for Your Telescope
Once you’ve chosen the best telescope under 300 for your needs, you must learn how to properly use and care for it.
Read the instruction manual that is included with your telescope first. This will help you understand how to set up and use your telescope correctly.
Keeping your telescope clean and free of dust and debris is also essential. This will help ensure that your images are clear and sharp.
Finally, store your telescope in a safe place when not in use. This will help protect it from damage and ensure it lasts for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best telescope under 300?
A: The best telescope under 300 will depend on your needs and budget. Generally, refractors are more compact and lightweight, while reflectors offer better image quality and are less prone to chromatic aberration.
Q: How do I use and care for my telescope?
A: Start by reading the instruction manual that comes with your telescope. This will help you understand how to set up and use your telescope correctly. It’s also essential to keep your telescope clean and free of dust and debris and store it safely when not in use.
Conclusion
Finding the best telescope under 300 doesn’t have to be complicated. With our reviews and advice, you’ll be able to find the perfect telescope for your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a refractor or a reflector, you’ll be ready to start stargazing soon.