Starting your journey into astronomy can be thrilling, and finding the ideal telescope as a beginner is a part of that.
Reflector telescopes are a favourite among newcomers. They are typically more affordable than their refracting counterparts while boasting larger apertures. This means you get more for your money when it comes to viewing the moon, planets and deep sky objects.
Here’s a photo of my first reflector!
In this post, I’ll take you through some of the best reflector telescopes for beginners. We’ll examine three specific models that balance ease of use and the ability to impress with clear views of the night sky.
At A Glance : The Best Reflector Telescopes For Beginners In 2024
If you’re in a hurry, here are three of the best reflector telescopes for beginners. You can read more of why they are so highly rated later in the article.
| Image | Name | Telescope Type | Aperture | Focal Length | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Celestron 31042 Astromaster 114EQ Telescope | Reflector | 4.48″ (114mm) | 1000mm, (f/8.7) | 9.0 kg | Current Price |
 | Orion Observer 134mm Telescope | Reflector | 5.28″ (134mm) | 650mm (f/4,9) | 8.8 kg | Current Price |
 | Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ Telescope | Reflector | 4.48 “(114mm) | 900mm, (f/7.9) | 8.6kg | Current Price |
Choosing Your first Reflector Telescope: Things To Bear In Mind
When it comes to telescopes, the aperture size important. The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s primary mirror, and a larger aperture means more light can be gathered, giving clearer and more detailed views of the cosmos.
As a novice, you’ll want a telescope with an ample aperture to excite you with bright, clear images, yet not so complex or cumbersome that it becomes a barrier to frequent use.
Focal length also plays a pivotal role, and here’s why.
It’s the distance between the telescope’s primary mirror and the point where the light rays come together to form an image. A longer focal length gives higher magnification but potentially a narrower field of view.
The best reflector telescopes for beginners should strike a balance between magnification and field of view.
A stable and user-friendly mount is another feature you cannot ignore. You’ll encounter two main types: altitude-azimuth (alt-az) and equatorial.
Alt-az mounts are intuitive and straightforward, ideal for beginners who want simplicity in tracking objects across the sky.
Equatorial mounts are more complex, catering to those interested in long exposure astrophotography or who anticipate a deep dive into stargazing.
An important thing to bear in mind with reflector telescopes is that although they have advantages over refractor telescopes they do require more maintenance. You can discover three top refractor telescopes for beginners here
Another more obvious thing to consider is how much you want to spend on your telescope! Your budget is as personal as your interest in astronomy.
It’s tempting to opt for the least expensive model when starting out. However, investing in a telescope with better build quality and a good support system is invaluable in the long run.
Look for reviews, warranty information, and the manufacturer’s reputation to guide your purchase.
Reflector Telescopes For Beginners – Top Picks
Celestron 31042 Astromaster 114EQ Telescope
Orion Observer 134mm Telescope
Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ Telescope
Celestron Astromaster 114EQ Telescope
Celestron Astromaster Specifications
| Model Name / Number : | Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114EQ Telescope |
| Telescope Type : | Newtonian Reflector |
| Type Of Mount : | Equatorial |
| Aperture : | 4.48″ (114mm) |
| Focal Length : | 1000mm (f/8.7) |
| Eyepieces Included : | 20mm and 10mm |
| Eyepiece Magnification : | 50x (20mm) and 100x (10mm) |
| Weight : | 9.00 kg |
| Price : | Check The Latest Price |
| Rating : | 9.7 / 10 |
The Astromaster from Celestron is a smart choice for enthusiastic beginners and seasoned amateurs alike looking to expand their sky-watching experience.
The balance between capability and simplicity is enough to excite an experienced user but doesn’t overwhelm someone newer to the hobby.
Construction
Many customer reviews of the Astromaster 114EQ state that they like the quality of the telescope. The build quality is good, the tripod is ok and the legs are sturdy.
The Astromaster 114EQ telescope mount comes equipped with two slow-motion control knobs. These allow you to make precise adjustments, This greatly enhances your ability to track and observe objects in the night sky.
Overall, most reviewers are more than satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.
Optics
Optically the Astromaster 114EQ performs well. With its 114mm aperture, it gathers ample light to bring either the Moon and Planets or distant stars and nebulae into bright, sharp focus.
The fully coated primary mirror gives images that are crisp, and the included eyepieces allowed for a variety of magnifications.
Accessories
The Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ telescope comes with a range of accessories to enhance your stargazing experience.
You’ll receive two eyepieces-a 20mm eyepiece and a 10mm eyepiece. These provide different magnifications for both low-powered and high-powered views.
A red-dot finderscope is included to help you locate celestial objects quickly and accurately.
Access to download Celestron’s Starry Night Software is free and included. A premier astronomy package, it provides resources and knowledge about the night sky, celestial objects, and planning observing sessions.
Limitations
Certainly this telescope is not without limitations. The stability of the tripod could be improved and the setup, while straightforward, has a learning curve that might challenge the patience of beginners.
Although the Astromaster 114EQ holds collimation well, regular collimation adjustments are necessary for optimal performance. You can read more about collimation in the article Telescope Accessories – for better observing
These limitations are not deal breakers and can be viewed as common trade-offs at this price point.
Final Thoughts
if you’re starting your voyage into the cosmos or are looking to gift a telescope to an aspiring astronomer, the AstroMaster 114EQ is a worthy investment. It blends decent quality, ease of use, and an attractive price, making it a solid purchase decision.
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Orion Observer – 134mm Telescope
Orion Observer Specifications
| Model Name / Number : | Orion Observer 134mm Telescope |
| Telescope Type : | Parabolic Reflector |
| Type Of Mount : | Equatorial |
| Aperture : | 5.28″ (134mm) |
| Focal Length : | 650mm (f/4.9) |
| Eyepieces Included : | 25mm and 10mm |
| Eyepiece Magnification : | 26x (25mm) and 65x (10mm) |
| Weight : | 8.84 kg |
| Price : | Check The Latest Price |
| Rating : | 9.8 / 10 |
There’s a myriad of astronomical objects this capable telescope can reveal with bright, sharp images of the lunar surface, Saturn’s rings, Jupiters belts and many deep-sky objects such as nebulae, star clusters and galaxies.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner at stargazing, or have a family eager to view the wonders of the night sky, the highly rated Orion Observer 134mm reflector telescope is an excellent choice.
Construction
Assembling this telescope is a breeze, even for newbies. The parts fit together intuitively, and the instruction manual is clear and concise.
The telescope itself is supported on an EQ3 class equatorial mount with adjustable aluminum tripod. and roomy accessory tray.
The construction feels reliable, meaning it won’t wobble around at the slightest touch. This is a huge plus when you’re trying to focus on those distant stars or planets.
Despite its solid build, the Orion Observer 134mm is surprisingly portable. It’s not feather-light by any means, but it balances heft and mobility well. You won’t break a sweat transporting it to your favorite stargazing spot.
Optics
The Orion Observer 134mm Telescope boasts impressive optics for its category. With a 134mm aperture and superior parabolic mirror, this telescope ensures a significant amount of light gathering.
This translates to brighter and more detailed celestial observations. It’s particularly effective for observing the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and brighter deep-sky objects.
Another high point is the telescope’s magnification capabilities. Paired with the right eyepieces, you can achieve various magnification levels, allowing versatility in what you can observe.
Accessories
Included with the Orion Observer 134mm are several handy accessories. It comes with two eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm, which offer different magnification options.
An accessory tray is included that easily fits on the tripod to keep your bits and bobs while observing
There’s also a cross-hair finder scope that helps with locating objects, and dual slow-motion cables that let you track objects manually, to keep them centred in the eyepiece’s field of view.
Limitations
Despite its solid build, the 134mm aperture has a limit to how much detail it can reveal. While it’s suitable for observing the moon and closer planets, viewing distant celestial objects like nebulae or distant galaxies can be a challenge.
The 134mm diameter is decent, but it’s not in the same league as larger telescopes. A bigger aperture gathers more light, which directly translates to better visibility of faint objects.
Accessory compatibility is another area where you might find limitations. The telescope does come with basic accessories, but finding additional, compatible upgrades can be tricky.
Final Thoughts
Comparing the Orion Observer 134mm to other models in the same price bracket, it holds its own exceptionally well.
Its combination of aperture, optical quality, and versatility makes it a strong contender, offering a compelling balance of performance and value.
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Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ
Celestron Powerseeker Specifications
| Model Name / Number : | Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ Telescope |
| Telescope Type : | Reflector |
| Type Of Mount : | Equatorial |
| Aperture : | 5.28″ (134mm) |
| Focal Length : | 650mm (f/4.9) |
| Eyepieces Included : | 25mm and 10mm |
| Eyepiece Magnification : | 26x (25mm) and 65x (10mm) |
| Weight : | 8.84 kg |
| Price : | Check The Latest Price |
| Rating : | 9.8 / 10 |
Celestron has been a trusted name in the world of telescopes, known for making quality products accessible to both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers.
The 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ model is a great example of what they bring to the table: a blend of performance, affordability, and user-friendly features.
Construction
The Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ is constructed from materials that balance durability and weight.
The main tube and mount are primarily made from aluminium, providing a sturdy yet lightweight structure that’s easy to handle. The aluminium tripod features adjustable legs, allowing for a stable setup on various surfaces.
Setting up the telescope is straightforward, even for those new to astronomy. The assembly process is intuitive, with clear instructions that help you piece everything together quickly.
One of the highlights of this package is the equatorial mount. Unlike simpler altazimuth mounts, the equatorial mount is designed for tracking celestial objects with greater accuracy.
It offers smoother motions and better alignment with the movement of the sky. This feature is particularly beneficial for those interested in longer observation sessions or astrophotography.
Optics
The Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ stands out with its optical capabilities, especially given its price point. The telescope features a 114mm aperture, which captures a generous amount of light.
This means you get brighter and clearer images, even when observing faint celestial objects. The quality of the optics is evident in the crispness and detail visible through the eyepiece.
The quality of the optics is evident in the crispness and detail visible through the eyepiece. The telescope includes two eyepieces—a 20mm and a 4mm—allowing for varied magnifications.
The 20mm eyepiece provides a broader view, excellent for scanning the night sky and getting an overall sense of your surroundings.
The 4mm eyepiece, on the other hand, offers higher magnification, perfect for zooming in on specific features like lunar craters or the rings of Saturn.
Accessories
The Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ comes with a well-rounded set of accessories that enhance its usability.
The package includes a sturdy finderscope that helps in locating celestial objects, crucial for those starting their astronomy journey.
Paired with this is the included tripod, which is both adjustable and stable, providing a solid base for your observations.
As well as the two eyepieces, a great addition to the accessories list is the inclusion of a Barlow lens. This accessory effectively triples the magnification of the eyepieces, giving you even more flexibility in your observations.
Limitations
There are a few limitations associated with beginner telescopes and the Powerseeker 114EQ is no different in that respect.
The equatorial mount, while designed for accurate tracking, can be tricky for beginners. Setting it up involves aligning with the Earth’s axis, which can be a bit of a puzzle if you’re not familiar.
The finder scope can also be a bit fiddly – aligning it correctly is crucial but can prove tricky for beginners. Also the included tripod, while entirely functional, may test your patience with a slight wobble here and there.
Patience in setup and fine-tuning is a virtue with the PowerSeeker 114EQ. It’s not a deal-breaker but setting expectations is important.
Final Thoughts
The Powerseeker 114EQ has a clean, professional look. The black and silver colour scheme gives it a sleek appearance, making it a visually appealing addition to any setup. The compact design not only looks good but also makes storage and transportation easier.
Overall, the Celestron 21045 Powerseeker 114EQ offers a user-friendly package with enough accessories to keep both beginners and intermediate users satisfied. It’s designed to be versatile and upgradable, making it a great starting point for budding astronomers who want a balance between performance and value.
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