5 Best Celestron Telescopes Under $500 (November 2026)

The best Celestron telescopes under 500 dollars include the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners for deep-sky beginners, the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope for Home for a compact reflector setup, and the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone for phone-guided sky tours.

On this page (5 sections)

1. Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars fits your observing plans?
2. Best Celestron telescopes under 500 dollars by use
3. What should you compare before choosing a Celestron telescope?
4. Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars should you choose?
5. The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ adds smartphone guidance to help locate targets, but its mount remains manual." - q: "Can I use the Celestron zoom eyepiece with these telescopes?" a: "The 8-24mm zoom eyepiece is designed for telescopes that accept standard 1.25 in astronomical eyepieces. Check your telescope's eyepiece holder size before choosing it, since compatibility depends on that fit."

The best Celestron telescope under 500 dollars for most beginners is the AstroMaster 130EQ, with a 130mm reflector, slow-motion controls and two eyepieces. For phone-guided target finding, choose the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ; for easier up-down and side-to-side pointing, consider the AstroMaster 70AZ.

This roundup compares Celestron models by optical design, mount and included accessories. Your best choice depends on whether you value aperture, simpler pointing, or help finding objects in the sky.

If you are still comparing brands, our guide to what is a good brand of telescope explains what to weigh before choosing a maker. You can also compare these picks with the best telescopes under 300 if your budget is lower.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for deep-sky beginners

   Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact reflector setup

   Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope for Home

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for phone-guided sky tours

   Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon

   Best for simple lunar viewing
   Check it
5. 5

   Celestron 8-24mm Zoom Telescope Eyepiece with Fully

   Best for changing magnification
   Check it

Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars fits your observing plans?

The AstroMaster 130EQ offers the largest listed aperture in this group, while the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ helps with target finding through a phone app. The right model depends on whether you prefer more aperture, guided aiming or a simpler manual mount.

We compared each telescope's listed optics, mount and included accessories against common beginner needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for.

Best Celestron telescopes under 500 dollars by use

These Celestron options cover reflector and refractor designs, manual mounts and app-assisted target finding. Start with the style of observing you plan to do most often.

1

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners: Best for deep-sky beginners

9.7/10Our score

• 130mm Newtonian reflector
• German equatorial mount with slow-motion controls
• 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
• StarPointer red dot finderscope

The 130mm reflector and slow-motion controls suit beginners who want one manual telescope for lunar, planetary and deep-sky observing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest listed reflector aperture here
• Slow-motion controls on both axes
• Includes two eyepieces and a red dot finder

Cons

• An equatorial mount takes learning to use comfortably
• Manual aiming and tracking

The AstroMaster 130EQ is the leading choice here for beginners who want a reflector for more than the Moon and planets. Its 130mm Newtonian mirror gathers more light than the smaller-aperture scopes in this Celestron group.

The German equatorial mount has slow-motion knobs for right ascension and declination, which help you make small manual adjustments as an object drifts. New users should expect to learn how the mount is aligned and moved before tracking feels natural.

Celestron includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces plus a StarPointer red dot finderscope. The telescope arrives with a few parts to assemble, and the setup does not require tools.

Choose it if deep-sky targets are part of your plan and you’re comfortable learning an equatorial mount. If your priority is less complicated pointing, the AstroMaster 70AZ uses an altazimuth mount.

2

Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope for Home: Best for a compact reflector setup

9.6/10Our score

• 127mm Newtonian reflector
• Manual German equatorial mount
• 20mm and 4mm eyepieces
• 3x Barlow lens

This reflector pairs a 127mm aperture with a German equatorial mount and a set of eyepieces plus a Barlow lens.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 127mm reflector aperture
• Slow-motion control for following targets
• Includes two eyepieces and a Barlow lens

Cons

• Equatorial mount has a learning curve
• Manual target finding

The PowerSeeker 127EQ suits home observing when you want a reflector and an equatorial mount with slow-motion control. Its 127mm Newtonian reflector is close in aperture to the AstroMaster 130EQ, with a different set of included eyepieces.

The package includes 20mm and 4mm eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens. A Barlow increases magnification, but very high magnification is not always useful: the view can become dimmer and harder to keep centered.

The German equatorial mount is manual, so you’ll point and track the telescope yourself. Its compact, lightweight design is intended to make it easier to carry between a backyard and another observing site.

Choose the PowerSeeker if you want its included eyepiece and Barlow combination. Compare it with our guide to the best Celestron telescope to buy for a broader look across the brand’s range.

3

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone: Best for phone-guided sky tours

9.3/10Our score

• 114mm Newtonian reflector
• StarSense phone-guided target finding
• Manual altazimuth mount
• 25mm and 10mm eyepieces

StarSense uses a docked smartphone and on-screen arrows to help locate targets, while the 114mm reflector keeps the telescope itself manual.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• App-guided target finding
• 114mm reflector
• Includes two eyepieces and a StarPointer

Cons

• Requires a compatible smartphone
• Manual mount still needs adjustment

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the clearest choice for a beginner who wants help locating targets. Dock a compatible smartphone, open the app and follow its on-screen arrows until the bullseye turns green.

Its 114mm Newtonian reflector pairs with a manual altazimuth mount and an altitude slow-motion adjustment. The app guides you to a target, but you still move the telescope by hand.

Celestron includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, a StarPointer and the phone dock. The app creates a list of objects based on your time and location, which can help you choose what to look for before starting.

Choose this model if learning the sky feels like the hardest part of getting started. It has less aperture than the AstroMaster 130EQ, but the phone guidance can make target selection more approachable.

4

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

9.3/10Our score

• 70mm achromatic refractor
• Manual altazimuth mount with panhandle
• 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
• StarPointer red dot finderscope

The refractor's straightforward altazimuth mount and two eyepieces make it a simple option for the Moon, planets and daytime landmarks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Easy up, down and side-to-side pointing
• Includes an erect image diagonal
• Suitable for daytime land viewing

Cons

• Smaller aperture than the reflector picks
• Manual pointing and tracking

The AstroMaster 70AZ is a practical pick for simple Moon and planet viewing with a mount that moves up, down and side to side. Its 70mm achromatic refractor also works for daytime views of distant landmarks and wildlife.

The manual altazimuth mount uses a panhandle to point the telescope. That familiar motion is easier to grasp than an equatorial mount, though you’ll still make regular adjustments to keep a target centered.

Celestron includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, an erect image diagonal and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. The two eyepieces offer different viewing scales without requiring extra accessories to get started.

Choose this model if straightforward controls matter more than aperture. For stargazing across different kinds of targets, see our guide to the best telescopes for stargazing.

5

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

9.1/10Our score

• 8mm to 24mm focal length range
• Fits standard 1.25 in eyepiece holders
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Threaded for 1.25 in filters

This zoom eyepiece works with telescopes that accept standard 1.25 in eyepieces, letting you adjust focal length without swapping fixed eyepieces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• One eyepiece covers a range of focal lengths
• Fits standard 1.25 in holders
• Can accept 1.25 in filters

Cons

• An accessory, not a telescope
• Compatibility depends on the telescope's eyepiece holder

The Celestron 8-24mm zoom eyepiece is an accessory for a telescope with a standard 1.25 in eyepiece holder, not a complete telescope. Its adjustable focal length lets you change magnification without swapping between several fixed eyepieces.

The zoom range is 8mm to 24mm, and the optics are fully multi-coated. Start with a longer focal length to find and center a target, then shorten it for a closer view when the conditions allow.

It can also accept 1.25 in filters. Confirm your telescope’s holder size before choosing this accessory, since it won’t fit every telescope.

Choose it if you already own a compatible telescope and want a flexible eyepiece. If lunar imaging is your goal, our guide to the best telescope for lunar photography discusses the setup decisions that matter for capturing the Moon.

What should you compare before choosing a Celestron telescope?

Aperture, mount style and target-finding tools matter more than a high magnification figure alone. Match those details to the targets you expect to observe and how much setup you’re ready to learn.

How much aperture do you need for a Celestron telescope under 500 dollars?

More aperture can gather more light, which can help when observing faint objects. Among these Celestron scopes, the 130mm AstroMaster and 127mm PowerSeeker are the largest listed reflectors, while the 70mm AstroMaster 70AZ is smaller and more straightforward to point.

Aperture alone does not guarantee a sharp view. Sky conditions, focus and steady handling all affect what you can see, so choose a telescope you’ll be comfortable setting up and using.

Should you choose an equatorial or altazimuth mount?

An altazimuth mount moves up-down and side-to-side, making it easier to understand at first. The AstroMaster 70AZ and StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ use this style, with the StarSense model adding app guidance and altitude slow motion.

An equatorial mount is designed to follow the sky’s apparent drift with movement along its axes, but setup and orientation take practice. The AstroMaster 130EQ and PowerSeeker 127EQ have manual German equatorial mounts.

Is smartphone guidance useful on a beginner telescope?

Smartphone guidance can help you locate targets if you want suggestions based on your time and location. The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ uses a phone dock and app arrows, while the other telescopes in this roundup rely on manual aiming.

App guidance does not remove the need to focus or adjust the telescope. Our how to focus a Celestron telescope guide covers the focusing step once you’ve found a target.

Does the included eyepiece set matter?

The eyepieces included with a telescope give you starting options without needing to select accessories first. The AstroMaster scopes include 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, while the PowerSeeker includes 20mm and 4mm eyepieces plus a Barlow lens.

A shorter focal length usually gives a higher magnification on the same telescope, but the image can be harder to keep steady and focused. Choose a useful range over the largest magnification number.

Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars should you choose?

Choose the AstroMaster 130EQ if you want the largest aperture in this roundup and are ready to learn an equatorial mount. Pick the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ for phone-guided target finding, or the AstroMaster 70AZ for simple manual pointing and daytime use.

The PowerSeeker 127EQ suits buyers who want its reflector and included Barlow, while the zoom eyepiece makes sense as an add-on for a compatible telescope. If the Moon is your main target, our best beginner solar telescope guide covers a separate kind of observing, with specialized safety needs.

faq:

• q: "Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars is best for beginners?" a: "The AstroMaster 130EQ is a strong fit if you want a large reflector and are willing to learn a German equatorial mount. For phone-guided target finding, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ uses an app with on-screen arrows.

The AstroMaster 70AZ has a simpler altazimuth mount for basic pointing."

• q: "Is a reflector or refractor better for stargazing?" a: "A reflector can offer more aperture in a given beginner setup, as shown by the 130mm AstroMaster 130EQ and 127mm PowerSeeker 127EQ. A refractor such as the 70mm AstroMaster 70AZ uses a simple altazimuth mount and can also serve for daytime land viewing."
• q: "Do I need a computerized mount to find planets?" a: "No. The AstroMaster 130EQ, PowerSeeker 127EQ and AstroMaster 70AZ all use manual mounts.

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ adds smartphone guidance to help locate targets, but its mount remains manual." - q: "Can I use the Celestron zoom eyepiece with these telescopes?" a: "The 8-24mm zoom eyepiece is designed for telescopes that accept standard 1.25 in astronomical eyepieces. Check your telescope's eyepiece holder size before choosing it, since compatibility depends on that fit."

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for deep-sky beginners

   Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact reflector setup

   Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope for Home

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for phone-guided sky tours

   Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Which Celestron telescope under 500 dollars is best for beginners?

The AstroMaster 130EQ is a strong fit if you want a large reflector and are willing to learn a German equatorial mount. For phone-guided target finding, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ uses an app with on-screen arrows.

The AstroMaster 70AZ has a simpler altazimuth mount for basic pointing.

Is a reflector or refractor better for stargazing?

A reflector can offer more aperture in a given beginner setup, as shown by the 130mm AstroMaster 130EQ and 127mm PowerSeeker 127EQ. A refractor such as the 70mm AstroMaster 70AZ uses a simple altazimuth mount and can also serve for daytime land viewing.

Do I need a computerized mount to find planets?

No. The AstroMaster 130EQ, PowerSeeker 127EQ and AstroMaster 70AZ all use manual mounts.

The StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ adds smartphone guidance to help locate targets, but its mount remains manual.

Can I use the Celestron zoom eyepiece with these telescopes?

The 8-24mm zoom eyepiece is designed for telescopes that accept standard 1.25 in astronomical eyepieces. Check your telescope's eyepiece holder size before choosing it, since compatibility depends on that fit.