9 Best Celestron Telescopes Under $500 (November 2026)

The best Celestron telescopes under 500 dollars include the Gskyer Telescope for travel with phone accessories, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon for simple Moon and planet viewing, and the MEEZAA Telescope for a larger refractor on a budget.

On this page (5 sections)

1. Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars fits your observing plans?
2. How we compared these affordable Celestron models
3. The best Celestron telescopes under 500, dollars ranked
4. How should you choose among Celestron telescopes under 500 dollars?
5. Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars should you buy?

The best Celestron telescope under 500 dollars for most beginners is the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ, because its smartphone guidance helps you find celestial targets with a 114mm reflector. For simple Moon and planet viewing, choose the AstroMaster 70AZ; for a larger mirror and equatorial controls, compare the PowerSeeker 127EQ and AstroMaster 130EQ.

This roundup compares the Celestron models in the supplied product set with budget alternatives, because the right choice depends on more than the brand name. We checked the stated aperture, optical design, mount, included accessories, and target finding features.

If you are still weighing what is the best telescope brand, keep your main observing goals in view. You can also read whether Celestron is a good brand before deciding how much the manufacturer matters to your choice.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for travel with phone accessories

   Gskyer Telescope

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for simple Moon and planet viewing

   Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a larger refractor on a budget

   MEEZAA Telescope

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered

   Best for a portable 80mm refractor
   Check it
5. 5

   Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone

   Best for phone guided target finding
   Check it
6. 6

   Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope for Home

   Best for a 127mm reflector and equatorial mount
   Check it
7. 7

   Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners

   Best for a 130mm beginner reflector
   Check it
8. 8

   Celestron 8-24mm Zoom Telescope Eyepiece with Fully

   Best for changing magnification
   Check it
9. 9

   EACONN Telescopes for Adults Astronomy

   Best for an 80mm travel refractor
   Check it

Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars fits your observing plans?

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the most beginner friendly Celestron pick here if you want phone guided target finding. The AstroMaster 70AZ is simpler for casual lunar and planetary viewing, while the 127EQ and 130EQ offer larger reflectors on equatorial mounts.

We included the three Celestron telescopes in the product set and put them in context with several non-Celestron options. The comparison is based on the specs and features, not hands on testing or current prices.

Our score weighs specs and features against what someone shopping for the best Celestron telescope under 500 dollars is likely to need. Confirm the current price and included accessories before buying, since prices and bundles can change.

How we compared these affordable Celestron models

A telescope's aperture, mount, and finder approach shape the observing experience more than a high magnification claim. We focused on those details, along with what comes in the box and whether the telescope supports daytime use.

For a wider brand comparison, see Celestron vs Meade telescopes. If you want to compare more models from the same brand, our guide to the best Celestron telescope covers choices beyond this budget focused selection.

The best Celestron telescopes under 500, dollars ranked

These picks solve different beginner needs, from app assisted target finding to straightforward manual pointing. Since the provided prices can vary, check the current price to confirm each model fits your budget.

1

Gskyer Telescope: Best for travel with phone accessories

9.7/10Our score

• 70mm aperture
• 400mm focal length
• Altazimuth mount
• Phone adapter and wireless camera remote

A compact refractor with a carry bag, phone adapter, and wireless remote. It is a non-Celestron option for buyers comparing what the budget can offer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Carry bag included
• Phone adapter and wireless remote
• Daytime and celestial viewing

Cons

• Not a Celestron telescope
• Shorter focal length than the Celestron refractors here

The Gskyer Telescope is a non-Celestron alternative for buyers who want a compact refractor with phone accessories. Its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length make it the shortest focal length telescope in this group.

A carry bag, smartphone adapter, and wireless camera remote are included. The altazimuth mount keeps pointing simple, and the refractor can also be used for terrestrial viewing.

This pick is useful as a budget comparison point when you are set on Celestron but want to see what a portable accessory bundle looks like. It does not offer StarSense sky guidance, and its 70mm aperture is smaller than the reflectors here.

Choose it for travel and basic lunar viewing with phone accessories in the kit. For a Celestron model with simple manual controls, the AstroMaster 70AZ is the closer match.

2

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon: Best for simple Moon and planet viewing

9.7/10Our score

• 70mm achromatic refractor
• 900mm focal length
• Manual altazimuth mount
• 20mm and 10mm eyepieces

The manual altazimuth mount and 70mm refractor make this a straightforward pick for Moon, planet, and daytime viewing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Simple manual pointing
• Two eyepieces included
• Suitable for land based viewing

Cons

• Smaller aperture than the reflector options
• No phone guided sky navigation

The AstroMaster 70AZ is the simplest Celestron choice for the Moon and planets. Its 70mm achromatic refractor, 900mm focal length, and manual altazimuth mount favor easy setup and direct pointing.

Celestron includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, an erect image diagonal, and a StarPointer red dot finder. The refractor also supports daytime viewing of wildlife and distant landmarks, giving it more use than a night only telescope.

This model makes sense if you want an intuitive mount without an app or equatorial alignment. Its 70mm aperture is more modest than the reflectors, so choose it for ease of use instead of the largest aperture.

The included details describe a two year US warranty and US based technical support. If you are considering a small tabletop option for a child or a limited space, read our Celestron FirstScope tabletop telescope review.

3

MEEZAA Telescope: Best for a larger refractor on a budget

9.6/10Our score

• 90mm aperture
• 800mm focal length
• Altazimuth mount
• Phone adapter and carry bag

This non-Celestron refractor offers a 90mm aperture, two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, and a phone adapter for buyers weighing alternatives.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest refractor aperture in this group
• Phone adapter included
• Carry bag included

Cons

• Not a Celestron telescope
• Manual altazimuth mount

The MEEZAA Telescope is a non-Celestron alternative with a 90mm refractor aperture. It includes 10mm and 25mm eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter, and a carry bag.

Its 800mm focal length and altazimuth mount make it a portable refractor option for beginners. The supplied description also gives a claimed magnification range, but magnification alone does not show how much detail a telescope can reveal.

Compare its larger aperture with the AstroMaster 70AZ if you are open to another brand. It has no phone based sky navigation, so you will need to locate targets with its finder and mount.

Choose it if a refractor, larger aperture, and included phone adapter matter more than staying with Celestron. If phone guided target finding matters most, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the Celestron pick to consider.

4

CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for a portable 80mm refractor

9.5/10Our score

• 80mm aperture
• 600mm focal length
• Adjustable altazimuth tripod
• Backpack, phone adapter, and Moon filter

A portable non-Celestron option with a backpack, phone adapter, and Moon filter. Its 80mm aperture sits between the 70mm and 90mm refractors.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Backpack included
• Phone adapter and Moon filter
• Tripod adjusts from 17.7 to 52 in

Cons

• Not a Celestron telescope
• No phone guided target finding

The CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered is a portable non-Celestron 80mm refractor. The kit includes a backpack, phone adapter, Moon filter, and an adjustable aluminum tripod.

Its 600mm focal length and altazimuth mount suit beginners who want a portable setup for backyard or travel use. Two eyepieces are included, and the details give 30x and 66x magnification for them.

This is a useful comparison for buyers who want an 80mm refractor but are not committed to Celestron. It does not include a guided astronomy app, so target finding depends on the finder scope and your own sky map.

Choose it when portability and a phone adapter are priorities. For a Celestron with a larger aperture and app help, move up to the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ.

5

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone: Best for phone guided target finding

9.5/10Our score

• 114mm Newtonian reflector
• 1000mm focal length
• StarSense Explorer app guidance
• Manual altazimuth mount

Phone based sky guidance helps beginners find targets, while the 114mm reflector is suited to the Moon, planets, and brighter deep sky objects.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Phone guided target finding
• 114mm aperture
• Two eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens

Cons

• Requires a compatible smartphone for app guidance
• Manual mount

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the best Celestron choice for phone guided target finding. Dock a compatible smartphone, open the app, and follow its on screen arrows to locate objects.

Its 114mm Newtonian reflector has a 1000mm focal length and high reflectivity coatings. Celestron includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, a 2x Barlow lens, and a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment.

The app creates a list of targets for your time and location, including planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The Celestron details say it works with most modern smartphones and specify Android 12 or later and iOS 18 or newer, including iPhone XR and later.

This is a strong fit if finding objects is your main beginner hurdle. It is also a reflector rather than a refractor, so compare the design differences in our guide to Schmidt Cassegrain telescope vs Newtonian.

6

Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope for Home: Best for a 127mm reflector and equatorial mount

9.4/10Our score

• 127mm Newtonian reflector
• 1000mm focal length
• Manual German equatorial mount
• 20mm and 4mm eyepieces

The PowerSeeker pairs a 127mm reflector with a manual German equatorial mount and slow motion controls for tracking objects across the sky.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest stated aperture among the Celestron picks here
• Slow motion controls
• Three times Barlow lens included

Cons

• Equatorial mount has a learning curve
• Heavier than the 70AZ

The PowerSeeker 127EQ is a Celestron reflector for buyers who want a German equatorial mount. Its 127mm Newtonian design and 1000mm focal length pair with slow motion altitude controls for following objects as they drift across the sky.

Celestron includes 20mm and 4mm eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, and astronomy software. The aperture is larger than the 114mm StarSense model, but the mount takes more setup and practice than an altazimuth design.

Choose the PowerSeeker if you are willing to learn how an equatorial mount works and want a 127mm mirror. If you want phone guided target location and a simpler mount, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is easier to approach.

7

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners: Best for a 130mm beginner reflector

9.3/10Our score

• 130mm Newtonian reflector
• 650mm focal length
• German equatorial mount
• 20mm and 10mm eyepieces

The AstroMaster 130EQ combines a 130mm reflector with slow motion controls and two eyepieces for Moon, planet, and brighter deep sky observing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 130mm aperture
• Slow motion controls on both axes
• Two eyepieces included

Cons

• Equatorial mount takes practice
• 17 lb fully assembled

The AstroMaster 130EQ is a 130mm Celestron reflector for beginners ready for an equatorial mount. Its 650mm focal length, German equatorial mount, and two slow motion control knobs support manual aiming and tracking.

Included accessories are a 20mm eyepiece with a built in erect image corrector, a 10mm eyepiece, and a StarPointer red dot finder. Celestron describes it for Moon, planet, and deep sky viewing, and gives its fully assembled weight as 17 lb.

This pick suits you if aperture matters and you are comfortable learning the mount. It is heavier than the 70AZ, and its equatorial controls involve more adjustment than an altazimuth mount.

8

Celestron 8-24mm Zoom Telescope Eyepiece with Fully: Best for changing magnification

9.2/10Our score

• 8–24mm zoom range
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Fits 1.25 in eyepiece holders
• Accepts 1.25 in filters

This accessory fits compatible telescopes and lets you change focal length without swapping between several fixed eyepieces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Variable focal length
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Works with compatible 1.25 in holders

Cons

• Eyepiece only, not a telescope
• Compatibility depends on a 1.25 in holder

The Celestron 8-24mm Zoom Telescope Eyepiece is an accessory, not a telescope. It fits telescope or spotting scope holders that accept standard 1.25 in eyepieces and lets you choose a focal length from 8mm to 24mm.

That range can reduce how often you switch between fixed eyepieces while observing. It is compatible with telescopes that accept the standard barrel size, so check your focuser before choosing it.

This is relevant if you already own a compatible Celestron telescope and want to adjust magnification more easily. It does not replace the telescope itself or help locate targets.

9

EACONN Telescopes for Adults Astronomy: Best for an 80mm travel refractor

9.1/10Our score

• 80mm aperture
• 600mm focal length
• Adjustable altazimuth tripod
• Backpack and phone adapter

This non-Celestron refractor includes a backpack, phone adapter, and two eyepieces for portable astronomy and daytime viewing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 80mm aperture
• Backpack included
• Phone adapter included

Cons

• Not a Celestron telescope
• No phone guided target finding

The EACONN Telescopes for Adults Astronomy is a non-Celestron 80mm travel refractor with a 600mm focal length. It comes with a backpack, phone adapter, adjustable tripod, two eyepieces, and a 5x24 finder scope.

Its altazimuth mount uses a scale to help with altitude and azimuth positioning. That makes it a portable alternative for basic astronomy and daytime landscape viewing, though it does not offer app guided target finding.

Choose it if you want a compact accessory bundle and are open to another brand. If the Celestron name and phone based guidance are priorities, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the more relevant fit.

How should you choose among Celestron telescopes under 500 dollars?

Choose by mount and target finding first, then compare aperture and included accessories. The AstroMaster 70AZ is a straightforward refractor, while the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ adds phone guidance and the PowerSeeker or AstroMaster 130EQ use equatorial mounts.

Is the best Celestron telescope under 500 dollars a refractor or reflector?

A refractor is a good fit when simple setup and daytime viewing matter. The AstroMaster 70AZ is a 70mm refractor on an altazimuth mount, while the Celestron reflectors in this roundup offer apertures from 114mm to 130mm.

A reflector may be a better match if your main use is astronomy and you want a larger stated aperture. Compare the mount too, because the equatorial models need more setup than the altazimuth StarSense Explorer.

Do you want a phone app to help find targets?

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the Celestron pick here with phone guided target finding. Its app uses sky recognition to calculate the telescope's position and points you toward selected objects.

A phone adapter is different from an app guided finder. The AstroMaster 70AZ details do not specify a phone adapter, while several non-Celestron alternatives include one for phone photography.

Is an equatorial mount right for you?

An equatorial mount can help you follow the apparent motion of the sky with slow motion controls, but it needs more setup and practice than an altazimuth mount. The PowerSeeker 127EQ and AstroMaster 130EQ use this design.

Choose an altazimuth mount if you want to move the telescope up, down, and side to side with fewer steps. The AstroMaster 70AZ and StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ use manual altazimuth mounts.

Which Celestron telescope is best for planetary photos?

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ supports smartphone based sky guidance, but guidance is not the same as a phone camera attachment. For planetary imaging, compare the needs of the camera, mount, and tracking method in our guide to the best telescope for astrophotography of planets.

Phone adapters can help center a smartphone over an eyepiece, but they do not guarantee clear planetary images. See our guide to the best telescope with phone attachment if phone photography is a main reason for your purchase.

Which model should you choose for a first telescope?

Pick the AstroMaster 70AZ if you want simple manual pointing for the Moon and planets. Choose the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ if app guided finding would help you start observing faster.

The PowerSeeker 127EQ and AstroMaster 130EQ suit beginners who want a larger reflector and are ready to learn an equatorial mount. If you are unsure between models, use our broader best Celestron telescope guide to compare priorities.

Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars should you buy?

Choose the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ if phone guidance and a 114mm reflector fit your observing plans. Choose the AstroMaster 70AZ for simple Moon and planet viewing, or the AstroMaster 130EQ if you want a 130mm mirror and are ready to learn an equatorial mount.

If the Celestron name matters more than the mount style, compare the three Celestron models here by the target finding support and setup you will use. For the clearest first step, choose the option that makes you most likely to take the telescope outside and use it.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for travel with phone accessories

   Gskyer Telescope

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for simple Moon and planet viewing

   Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a larger refractor on a budget

   MEEZAA Telescope

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars is easiest for a beginner?

The AstroMaster 70AZ has a manual altazimuth mount with a panhandle, so you can point it up, down, and side to side without learning an equatorial setup. Choose the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ if smartphone guidance for finding targets would make your first observing sessions easier.

Is a refractor or reflector better under 500 dollars?

A refractor like the AstroMaster 70AZ has a sealed lens tube and supports daytime viewing as well as night use. A reflector like the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ or AstroMaster 130EQ offers a larger stated aperture in this group, which can suit buyers focused on astronomy.

Can these telescopes take pictures with a phone?

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ uses a smartphone dock for sky guidance. The AstroMaster 70AZ product details do not specify a phone adapter, so check compatibility before choosing it for phone photography.

Several non-Celestron alternatives here include phone adapters.

What can you see with a Celestron telescope under 500 dollars?

These models are suited to the Moon, planets, and selected brighter star clusters or deep sky objects, depending on the telescope and observing conditions. The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ includes app guidance for targets such as the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.

A dark location and steady air can help with faint targets.

Do you need an equatorial mount for a beginner telescope?

No. An altazimuth mount moves up, down, and side to side and is often simpler to learn.

An equatorial mount uses slow motion controls to follow objects as they appear to drift, but it takes more setup and practice.

Pick the mount that fits your patience and observing style.