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7 Top Notch Telescopes for Under $300

Gazing up at the stars seems to be a universal human experience. For as long as records have been kept, people have been fascinated by the heavens and the twinkling objects that dwell there. Those objects have been used for inspiration, navigation, increasing understanding of Earth's place in the universe, and fortune-telling throughout history. Amazingly, the planets and stars in the sky above us are as remarkable today as they were thousands of years ago. 

Thankfully, getting a good look at the stars above these days is as easy as investing in a good telescope. While you could pay thousands for a telescope, there are several excellent options that cost less than $300. Read on to learn more about affordable and fantastic telescopes for the stargazer in your life — which might be yourself. 

Affordable Telescopes from AmScope 

There is a perfect telescope for everyone, based on their own sky-gazing needs and skill level.

Best Telescopes for Beginners and Kids

1. AMSCOPE-KIDS 350X 700x60mm Telescope (SKU TLS-60700) 

This is a great, reasonably priced starter telescope. Designed for kids as young as 8, it is lightweight and comes with a sturdy 45.5-inch adjustable tripod. It magnifies from 35X to 350X, allowing for clear views of the stars and planets above. It also features an azimuth-control dial and an altitude adjustment knob on the tripod to make it easy to fine-tune the positioning. This telescope is a simple, effective, and affordable way to introduce a youngster or beginner to the stars. 

Included in the package: 

  • One 700mmx60mm telescope 
  • One tripod 
  • Two eyepieces: 6mm, 20mm 
  • One 3X Barlow Lens 
  • One right-angle adapter 
  • One lens cover 

2. IQCrew 35X-525X 70mm f/10 Refractor Telescope with 2-Section Altazimuth Tripod (SKU TLS-T70700)

This is a great telescope for children or adults who want to gaze deeper into space. It is a 70mm refractor telescope and allows enough light to enter to easily view the moon and brighter planets like Saturn and Mars. It comes with three eyepieces, providing 35X, 70X, and 175X magnification. This is strong enough for terrestrial viewing or casual stargazing.

To get a better view of the more distant reaches of space and see three times as far, add the included Barlow lens to any of the eyepieces. The 45-inch tripod is lightweight, adjustable, and features a quick-release mount for a fast and easy setup. 

Included in the package: 

  • One telescope 
  • One lens cover 
  • Three eyepieces (4mm, 10mm, 20mm) 
  • One Barlow lens 
  • One diagonal mirror attachment 
  • One red-dot finder 
  • One moon filter 
  • One tripod with an altazimuth mount 
  • One accessory tray 

Best Telescopes for Intermediate Level Skygazers

3. AmScope Refractor EQ Telescope with Equatorial Mount, 70mm Aperture (SKU TLS-MEQ 70900) 

Easy enough for beginners but powerful enough for more experienced stargazers, this telescope weighs only 21 pounds. Setup is a snap, making it the perfect accessory for your next adventure either on the road or in your backyard. It comes with three eyepieces and a 2X Barlow lens, giving it a range of magnification from 21X to 254X. The equatorial mounts have been aligned with the polar axis, allowing you to follow a particular object for hours as it journeys across the heavens. 

Included in package: 

  • One telescope 
  • Lens cover 
  • Three eyepieces 
  • 2X Barlow lens 
  • Red dot finder 
  • Full height stainless steel tripod 
  • Counterweight  
  • Two slow-motion control cables 

5. AmScope Refractor EQ Telescope with Equatorial Mount, 80mm Aperture (SKU TLS-MEQ 80900)

This is an upgraded version of the MEQ 70900 refractor telescope. It features everything offered in that telescope with greater magnification. It is a great choice for experienced stargazers or those interested in studying the movement of the planets and other objects in space. 

Included in the package:

  • One telescope 
  • Lens cover 
  • Three eyepieces 
  • 2X Barlow lens 
  • Red dot finder 
  • Full height stainless steel tripod 
  • Counterweight  
  • Two slow-motion control cables 

Best Telescopes for Travel and Trips

4. AMSCOPE-KIDS 15-150X 300x70mm Compact Telescope (SKU TLS-S70300)

A part of the AmScope-Kids series, this compact and lightweight telescope is good for anyone who wants an inexpensive, lightweight, portable, but still fully functional telescope. Its two eyepieces provide 15X and 50X magnification, which can be tripled by adding the included Barlow lens. 

Included in the package: 

  • One 300mm telescope 
  • One tripod 
  • Two eyepieces: 6mm, 20mm 
  • One 3X Barlow lens 
  • One finderscope 
  • One right-angle adapter 

6. AmScope Refractor EQ Telescope with Equatorial Mount, 60mm Aperture (SKU TLS-MEQ 60800)

Another refractor telescope from AmScope’s EQ Telescope series, this version features a smaller aperture and a lower price than the other two listed. Other than that, the features are the same as the others — so its lightweight and portable design makes it ideal for travel and trips. 

Included in the package: 

  • One telescope 
  • Lens cover 
  • Three eyepieces 
  • 2X Barlow lens 
  • Red dot finder 
  • Full height stainless steel tripod 
  • Counterweight  
  • Two slow-motion control cables 

7. IQCREW 35X-350X 76mm Reflector Telescope (SKU TSL-C76700)

This reflector telescope has a 76mm aperture that allows enough light to see details like the craters on the moon, nebulae, or nearby galaxies. Its three eyepieces and 2X Barlow lens allow for clear viewing whether you are studying the landscape around you or the heavens above. Magnification ranges from 35X to 350X, and the tripod has an altazimuth (2-axis) mount for maximum rotation both vertically and horizontally. 

 Included in package: 

  • One telescope 
  • Lens cover 
  • Three eyepieces 
  • 2X Barlow lens 
  • Red dot finder 
  • Full height stainless steel tripod 
  • Counterweight  
  • Two slow-motion control cables 

Other Popular Telescopes

AmScope Reflector EQ Telescope with Equatorial Mount (SKU TLS_PEQ_1271000)

Part of AmScope's Reflector EQ Series, this telescope meets the needs of almost everyone who has an interest in astronomy. This 13lb scope comes with a full-height tripod, a 2X Barlow lens, and three eyepieces. It provides a magnification range of 31X to 254X, allowing for terrestrial and skyward viewing.

Included in package:

  • One telescope 
  • Lens cover 
  • Three eyepieces 
  • 2X Barlow lens 
  • Red dot finder 
  • Full height stainless steel tripod 
  • Counterweight  
  • Two slow-motion control cables

How to Buy a Telescope 

Buying the right telescope is no different than any other purchase. First, decide who will be using it and for what purpose. For instance, telescopes for kids may have fewer features but are easier to use. Telescopes for more experienced stargazers may need to be more powerful or allow for more complex configurations. Knowing who will be using the telescope should give you some idea of the features you should be looking for. Next, contact a reputable telescope retailer, like AmScope, to discuss your options. 

AmScope has many exceptional and affordable telescopes to buy. Contact us today to get more information about our telescopes or advice about finding the right type to meet your needs.