Are you having a hard time seeing clear images of distant stars, clusters, galaxies, as well as nebulae? In today’s day and age, you can now overcome this kind of issue. Having the right and best stargazing equipment is very important simply because these devices will show you how beautiful and wonderful galaxies, nebulae, and distant stars are.
But, choosing the right one can be a daunting task especially for beginners due to a wide variety of options. However, if you are looking for a stargazing equipment we are here to help you out.
In this article, we will look at the best stargazing equipment for beginners. Not only that, we will also provide some relevant information regarding stargazing.
So, let’s get started.
The Best Stargazing Equipment for Beginners
This pair of binoculars from Celestron will not just offer you a superior sight of the play stage, but it will surely offer you an incredible and clear view of the sky. In fact, the optical capabilities of this star gazing equipment will allow you to see the moons nearby Jupiter, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies with ease.
On the other hand, its optics are coated multiple times for clearer and sharper views, however, its optics are not completely multi-coated. In other words, that only single surface of its lenses has been multi-coated.
When it comes to its design, this pair of binoculars is constructed with a defensive rubber covering for an awesome grip. In addition, the stippling that is located on its footings is comfortable and very nice. This pair of binoculars, on the other hand, are easy to keep as well as to hold even though you are wearing a pair of gloves or you have moist hands.
Lastly, the Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 comes with a tripod adapter which makes observing or seeing distant objects easier. Not only that, this tripod adapter is capable of giving great support and comfort.
- Inexpensive
- Ideal for terrestrial use
- Equipped with multi-coated optics
- This pair of binocular is extremely versatile
- Light in weight
- Comes with a Tripod Adapter
- Have an issue regarding center focusing
- Quality Control
The Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope is specifically designed and constructed for ambitious astronomers. As a matter of fact, it is considered as one of the most well-known telescopes.
Either way, this telescope from Celestron is a Newtonian reflector telescope. It means, the Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope utilizes mirrors to collect light and to reflect images for viewing.
On the other hand, this telescope comes in a very good size that is suitable for beginners. Actually, this stargazing equipment lets you to view and see the moon in an outstanding perspective as well as star clusters, nebulas, and brighter planets.
In addition, its optical gears are fully coated and made from glass for more definition and refinement. When it comes to design, the Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope looks like a professional telescope and available in many refractor styles.
- Ideal for beginners
- Easy to assemble
- Offers quality and clear images
- Provides a superb balance between price, portability, and power
- Equipped with high-quality optics
- Lightweight
- Durable
- It eyepieces need to be upgraded
- This telescope is quite fragile, so as a result, it requires more care
Aside from having high-quality binoculars or telescopes you also need a comfortable seat while viewing objects that are beyond the Earth’s horizon. For this reason, the Starbound Astronomy Viewing Chair from Company Seven can be a great help. As a matter of fact, this heavy-duty and sturdy viewing chair is specifically designed and built for sky discovering.
On the other hand, the Company Seven StarBound Astronomy Viewing chair offers relief to strained back and tired feet.
Furthermore, the padded seat of this stargazing equipment is made from high-quality and sturdy materials that will not fall off over time in cold or heat. Not only that, it is also equipped with a heavily plated steel frame and it can be adjusted from 9 inches to 32 inches so that you will be able to see both terrestrial and celestial objects with ease.
Either way, the Company Seven StarBound Astronomy Viewing Chair can be folded for ease of transport and storage.
- Completely portable
- Comfortable
- Made from sturdy and high-quality materials
- Adjustable
- Easy to assemble
- Has a strong built
- Convenient
- A bit expensive
- Its back is a bit high
This telescope from Emarth is specifically designed for both beginners and kids who want to see and spot terrestrial and celestial objects. As a matter of fact, this 70 mm telescope and travel scope are can offer you clear planetary and lunar images.
On the other hand, this refractor telescope comes with fully coated optical components to improve the crispness and clarity of views. In addition, this stargazing equipment is ideal for stargazers who are always on the go.
However, even though it is designed for beginners and kids, the Emarth Telescope is equipped with super clear and high-quality eyepieces. Both eyepieces will surely offer you a wide viewing feed as well as allows you to view distant objects in various viewing options.
When it comes to performance, there is no doubt that this telescope from one of the most popular brands is one of the best. It provides a good focus and equipped with a pan grip for easy pointing.
The Emarth 70mm telescope, on the other hand, is very easy and simple to set up and it doesn’t need any tool. This telescope is complemented by an aluminum tabletop tripod that can be adjusted. Not only that, it also sports a mounting design that is capable of giving excellent stability when you’re viewing.
Nevertheless, the Emarth 70mm telescope comes with accessories such as a tripod, mount, eyepieces, and travel backpack.
- Lightweight and compact design
- Affordable price
- Easy to assemble and use
- Offers amazing performance
- Allows you to see the image clearly
- Durable
- It will take quite extended time for children to focus
The Orion GoScope III 70mm Refractor is a complete telescope kit that is specifically designed for on the go stargazers. On the other hand, this telescope is perfect for beautiful long-distance viewing, nature study, and daytime birding. But apart from that, the Orion GoScope III will bring you away from the Earth’s perspective especially after the end of the day for casual moon watching and nighttime stargazing.
In addition, this telescope kit comes with a lot of accessories that every stargazer wills surely love and enjoy. And as the name implies, this telescope is constructed with a 70mm aperture lens system so that every user will be able to see distant objects clearly.
Furthermore, the Orion GoScope III is very easy and simple to use, in fact, you can assemble it in just a few seconds. Either way, this stargazing equipment comes with an aluminum tripod that is retractable for easy and smooth pointing of the telescope.
On the other hand, it also sports a correct image prism as well as comes with a 9mm and 20mm Kellner eyepiece for two various magnification options. Apart from that, this telescope kit from Orion is equipped 5 by 24 finder scope.
Nonetheless, this complete telescope kit can identify hundreds of impressive and fascinating lunar as well as craters features especially when you use the Orion’s MoonMap 260 that is included in the kit.
- Ideal for on the go and beginner stargazers
- Comes with a tripod that is highly adjustable
- Comes with extra accessories including the Orion Star Target, MoonMap 260, Orion Telescope Observer’s Guidebook.
- Very affordable
- Easy to setup
- Easy to bring anywhere
- Not suitable for children 12 and below
- This stargazing equipment can’t see DSO or Deep Space Objects
Things you need To Know Before buying a Stargazing Equipment for Beginners
Ease of Use
When looking for a stargazing equipment whether it is a pair of binoculars or telescopes it is very important that you should consider its ease of use. Since you’re just only a beginner make sure to opt for an equipment that you can set up with ease and use as well.
Portability
Next to the ease of use is the equipment’s portability. The smaller stargazing equipment you have that easier you can bring it wherever you go. On the other hand, a portable stargazing equipment is far more appealing than the big ones.
Mount
This third thing to consider when buying a stargazing equipment is very important for giving a good view. Even though you have the best and most expensive telescope in the world but it is attached to an unsteady mount you will surely have the most annoying viewing experience.
Nevertheless, make sure to opt for a mount that provides a sturdy support. Though the majority of stargazing equipment especially telescopes comes with a mount or tripod.
Aperture for Telescopes
A telescope is considered as one of the most common and popular stargazing equipment for both beginners and professionals. And one of the most important characteristics of the telescope is the aperture.
Telescopes with bigger or higher aperture allow you to see finer details as well as fainter objects compared to smaller ones. However, a telescope with a lower aperture can also show you plenty of objects clearly especially if you’re living far from a city light.
Telescope Magnification
A good magnification and higher aperture can be a great combination. But, even though you have a good magnification but you your telescope don’t have a high aperture the goodness of your magnification will become useless. And the same goes through for your telescope’s aperture.
Power
Make sure to opt for a stargazing equipment that can offer enough power. So that you will be able to enjoy the deep sky view without worrying about your device from running out of power.
Extra Accessories
Before making a purchase make sure to check if your chosen stargazing equipment comes with extra accessories such as a flashlight, star charts, carrying cases, batteries, star maps, smartphone app, and more.
What is the Difference between Telescopes and Binoculars?
As you can see on the list we have mentioned three types of stargazing equipment the telescopes, binoculars, and viewing chair. However, as a beginner perhaps you’re are confused which is better is it telescopes or binoculars. To give you some idea, in this content we will be differentiating this two-stargazing equipment. So, are you ready?
Binoculars
As the name implies, binoculars come with two viewfinders. When it comes to size, this stargazing equipment is more portable and smaller which makes it perfects for animal watchers, travelers, and bushwalkers. On the other hand, some binoculars are ideal for observing at brighter or larger astronomical objects. Nonetheless, binoculars can be a great option for beginners who don’t want to spend too much for a stargazing equipment.
Telescopes
Unlike binoculars that have two viewfinders, telescopes only equipped with one viewfinder. Telescopes, on the other hand, allows you to look at galaxies and stars clearly and with ease. In addition, telescopes are larger and sturdier compared to binoculars.
In addition, telescopes can view long distant objects clearly even though its lens has a single view. Either way, most professional stargazers opt for telescopes than binoculars.
Final Thoughts:
Stargazing lets us become more aware of the sight and positions of the dark sky. With the best and right stargazing equipment, we can now make these things possible.
Either way, all the stargazing equipment that we have listed and reviewed in this article are all great options. However, if you are passionate and serious about viewing objects that beyond the Earth’s horizon, you will realize how important and useful this stargazing equipment is.
Nonetheless, if you want to have the best stargazing experience, start it by choosing one from this list of stargazing equipment for beginners.
My name is Eugene Thornhill. I'm an outdoor enthusiast who loves nothing more than being one with nature. I've lived in numerous outdoor homes and even constructed my own. Living off-grid is something I'm very familiar with, more so than living in the city. For many years I've dealt with the many problems of living off-grid. It's time to pass on my knowledge through Cabinguides.