This Black Friday presents an accessible opportunity for newcomers to explore astronomy without breaking the bank. Several quality beginner telescopes are available for under $250, making stargazing an easy and affordable hobby. These telescopes are also an ideal gift for anyone curious about the night sky, or a step up from basic astronomy binoculars.
These models prioritize simplicity, offering straightforward setups and controls so you can quickly enjoy observing celestial objects. The upcoming full supermoon on December 4th will be an excellent target, along with Jupiter’s moons and the myriad of other wonders visible with even modest equipment.
Here’s a breakdown of current deals, categorized by price and capability:
Affordable Entry-Level Options
- Celestron Astromaster 70AZ: Now $137.95 (31% off). A reliable refractor ideal for bright objects like the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. It’s lightweight and easy to use, but less suited for faint deep-sky objects.
- Celestron Powerseeker 60AZ: Now $76 (24% off). An incredibly simple, portable telescope perfect for casual stargazing. Offers good views of planets and brighter deep-sky objects under favorable conditions.
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ: Now $186.85 (25% off). This refractor pairs with a smartphone app, guiding you to visible objects with on-screen prompts. Ideal for beginners who want immediate results.
Mid-Range Reflectors for Enhanced Views
- Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ: Now $242.79 (26% off). A Newtonian reflector providing brighter, more detailed lunar views. It can also reveal some deep-sky objects, though the equatorial mount might require some learning.
- Celestron Powerseeker 114EQ: Now $147.99 (26% off). A budget-friendly reflector offering improved performance over smaller scopes. The EQ mount takes practice but rewards you with stability.
- Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ: Now $183.99 (20% off). This telescope requires some maintenance (collimation) but delivers a noticeable performance increase. A great step up for those willing to tinker.
Premium Beginner Models
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114AZ: Now $182.39 (30% off). A reflector with the StarSense app for easy navigation. Offers better deep-sky views than the 80AZ model, but may require occasional collimation.
- Celestron Travel Scope 70mm: Now $75.98 (37% off). A portable refractor with a backpack included, making it ideal for family trips and casual stargazing.
Accessories and Beyond
- Celestron Accessory Kit: Now $178.49 (26% off). Upgrading eyepieces can significantly improve image quality. This kit offers a set of Plossl eyepieces and filters.
- DWARFLAB Dwarf 3: Now $494.10 (discounted from $549). While over the $250 limit, this portable smart telescope allows for easy astrophotography with your smartphone.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday offers a fantastic opportunity to enter the world of astronomy affordably. The telescopes listed above provide varying levels of capability, but all make stargazing accessible to beginners. Whether you’re looking for a simple grab-and-go scope or a more capable reflector, these deals offer excellent value.
