9 Best Telescopes for Viewing the Moon (November 2026)
The best telescopes for viewing the Moon include the Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages for a child’s first Moon views, the Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope for travel and family use, and the Gskyer Telescope for phone-assisted lunar photos.
On this page (6 sections)
The best telescope to view the Moon for most beginners is the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ, with 70mm optics, two eyepieces and a simple alt-azimuth mount. For a larger aperture and an included Moon filter, consider the SVBONY SV520; for a child’s first scope, the Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope keeps the setup small and simple.
Lunar observing is a good way to learn how a telescope works. The Moon is bright and easy to find, while changing sunlight across its surface makes craters and ridges stand out differently through the month.
This roundup compares 9 telescopes by aperture, included eyepieces, mount, portability and lunar-use accessories. Our score weighs specs and features against what you need for a clear, manageable Moon-viewing setup.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a child’s first Moon viewsBlue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for travel and family useCelestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itSVBONY SV520 Telescope for Adults
Best for a larger aperture and Moon filter - 5
Check itCelestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon
Best for straightforward backyard viewing - 6
Best for a Moon filter and carrying bagCheck it - 7
Best for a portable family kitCheck it - 8
Check itCELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered
Best for an 80mm travel setup - 9
Check itSVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered
Best for advanced imaging plans
Which telescope is best for viewing the Moon?
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is the best all-around choice here for a beginner who wants a straightforward backyard setup. Its 70mm optics, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, red dot finder and full-height tripod cover the basics without a complicated mount.
The SVBONY SV520 and HUGERSTAR offer 90mm apertures and include Moon filters. They are stronger fits if you want more aperture and glare control in the kit, while the Blue Marble is designed for young observers using a tabletop tripod.
If your main goal is planets as well as lunar views, compare this roundup with our guide to the best telescope for planets. The mount, eyepieces and ability to track smoothly matter for both kinds of observing.
| Product | Best for | Objective lens | Included eyepieces | Mount | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages | a child’s first Moon views | 25mm | Low power and high power | Tabletop tripod with smooth mount system | 9.6 |
| Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope | travel and family use | 20mm and 10mm | Altazimuth | 9.6 | |
| Gskyer Telescope | phone-assisted lunar photos | Altazimuth | 9.5 | ||
| SVBONY SV520 Telescope for Adults | a larger aperture and Moon filter | K25 and PL10 | 9.5 | ||
| Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon | straightforward backyard viewing | Altazimuth with panhandle | 9.3 | ||
| HUGERSTAR Telescope | a Moon filter and carrying bag | 10mm and 25mm | 9.3 | ||
| Koolpte Telescope for Kids | a portable family kit | Altazimuth | 9.2 | ||
| CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered | an 80mm travel setup | 20mm and 9mm | 8.9 | ||
| SVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered | advanced imaging plans | 8.1 |
Best telescopes for viewing the Moon
These picks are ordered by their scores, with each scope matched to a distinct kind of lunar observing. The best choice for you depends on who will use it, where you plan to set it up and whether you value portability, a Moon filter or a larger aperture.
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages: Best for a child’s first Moon views
- Low- and high-power eyepieces
- Finder scope
- Tabletop tripod
- Smooth mount system
A child-focused lunar scope with a finder scope, two eyepieces and a tabletop tripod. Its smooth mount helps a new observer scan across the Moon.
Pros
- Finder scope helps locate the Moon
- Two eyepieces for low- and high-power views
- Tabletop tripod and learning guide included
Cons
- Designed for children
- Small 25mm objective lens
The Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope is the most child-focused option in this group. It comes with a finder scope, low- and high-power eyepieces, a tabletop tripod and a learning guide, which gives a new observer several useful pieces in one small setup.
The smooth mount system is made for scanning across the lunar surface. A child can begin with the low-power eyepiece to locate the Moon, then switch to the higher-power option for a closer view.
Its 25mm objective lens is smaller than the 70mm and 90mm apertures on the other beginner refractors here. That makes it best suited to an introductory experience with a child, rather than a general-purpose telescope for an adult seeking a larger setup.
Choose it for a child who wants a simple first look at lunar features. For a larger objective and a full-height tripod, compare the Celestron Travel Scope or AstroMaster instead.
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope: Best for travel and family use
- 70mm aperture
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Full-height tripod
- Backpack included
A portable 70mm refractor with two eyepieces, a finder scope and a full-height tripod. The included backpack gives the tube and accessories a place for travel and storage.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- Full-height tripod and backpack
- No-tool setup
Cons
- Portable setup may require more care to keep steady
- No Moon filter included
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 suits families who want to take a telescope beyond the backyard. Its 70mm aperture, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, finder scope and full-height tripod provide a useful beginner package, and the accessories fit in the included backpack.
The two eyepieces let you start with a wider view and change to a closer view of the lunar surface. The no-tool setup is designed to be quick, which helps when you want to observe during a trip or move between observing spots.
This telescope also works for daytime scenery, according to its design, so it can serve more than one purpose. The tradeoff is that it does not include a Moon filter, unlike several 90mm options in this roundup.
Pick it if portability and family use matter more than a Moon filter. If you want a simple beginner scope for planets too, see our guide to the best telescope for beginners to see planets.
Gskyer Telescope: Best for phone-assisted lunar photos
- 70mm aperture
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Finder scope
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
This 70mm refractor includes two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter and a wireless remote. The finder scope helps with locating the Moon before you look through the eyepiece.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- Finder scope with cross-hair lines
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
Cons
- No Moon filter included
- The included Barlow adds magnification but does not add optical detail
The Gskyer Telescope is a 70mm refractor with more included accessories for phone-assisted observing. It comes with two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a finder scope, a phone adapter and a wireless remote.
The finder scope helps you point the main telescope at the Moon. Once it is centered, the eyepieces provide different views, and the phone adapter can help you try simple lunar photos through the telescope.
A Barlow lens increases magnification, but higher magnification does not always reveal more detail. Start with the lower-power eyepiece, focus carefully and increase power only while the image remains sharp and steady.
Choose it if a phone adapter and remote are useful to you. If you mainly want visual observing and a more stable full-height setup, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a simpler alternative.
SVBONY SV520 Telescope for Adults: Best for a larger aperture and Moon filter
- 90mm aperture
- 800mm focal length
- Moon filter included
- Metal tripod and alt-azimuth mount
The 90mm aperture, two eyepieces and included Moon filter make this a well-equipped lunar setup. Its metal tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a full-height observing arrangement.
Pros
- Largest aperture among the first four picks
- Moon filter included
- 5x24 finderscope
Cons
- Larger setup than a tabletop telescope
- Phone holders add accessories to manage
The SVBONY SV520 is a strong pick if you want 90mm aperture and a Moon filter in one beginner kit. It includes K25 and PL10 eyepieces, a 5x24 finderscope, an alt-azimuth mount and a stainless steel tripod.
The included Moon filter is intended to reduce glare, which can make a bright lunar view more comfortable. The 90mm objective also gathers more light than the 70mm scopes in this roundup, while the 800mm focal length gives this setup a longer tube.
Its full-height tripod and metal construction make it a larger setup than a tabletop scope. The alt-azimuth mount moves horizontally and vertically, a familiar arrangement for beginners learning to point and follow the Moon.
Choose it for a larger aperture with a Moon filter included. Buyers deciding between this and other scopes for planetary detail can also read about a telescope that can see Neptune, where target visibility and aperture are part of the decision.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon: Best for straightforward backyard viewing
- 70mm fully coated optics
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- StarPointer red dot finderscope
- Full-height adjustable tripod
A 70mm refractor with a full-height tripod, two eyepieces and a red dot finder. Its manual alt-azimuth mount uses a panhandle to point the scope up, down and side to side.
Pros
- Simple manual mount
- Two eyepieces and finder included
- Full-height adjustable tripod
Cons
- No Moon filter included
- Less portable than a compact tabletop setup
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is the best straightforward backyard choice for most beginners. It combines a 70mm fully coated achromatic refractor with a manual alt-azimuth mount, panhandle, adjustable tripod and StarPointer red dot finder.
Its 20mm and 10mm eyepieces give you two starting views. Use the 20mm eyepiece to find and center the Moon, then try the 10mm for a closer look at craters and other surface features.
The full-height tripod can be adjusted for seated or standing observing. The mount’s up, down and side-to-side movement is easier to understand than a more complex tracking mount, though you will need to guide it yourself as the Moon moves across the sky.
Choose it if you want an easy manual setup with a full-height tripod. It does not include a Moon filter, so consider the SVBONY SV520 or HUGERSTAR if reducing glare is a priority.
HUGERSTAR Telescope: Best for a Moon filter and carrying bag
- 90mm aperture
- 800mm focal length
- Moon filter and phone adapter
- Adjustable stainless steel tripod
This 90mm refractor includes a Moon filter, two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens and a carrying bag. Its stainless steel tripod adjusts from 28.7 to 46.4 inches.
Pros
- Moon filter included
- 90mm aperture
- Phone adapter and carrying bag
Cons
- No-tool assembly still requires setup and alignment
- No focal-length advantage over the SV520
The HUGERSTAR Telescope pairs a 90mm aperture with an included Moon filter, two eyepieces and a carrying bag. Its adjustable stainless steel tripod ranges from 28.7 to 46.4 inches, making the height adaptable for different observing positions.
A 25mm eyepiece gives a wider starting view, while the 10mm eyepiece provides a closer one. The 3x Barlow lens adds another magnification option, though the sharpest usable view depends on focus and steady conditions.
The phone adapter is useful if you want to try capturing an image through the eyepiece. For visual observing, get the Moon centered and focused before adding the Barlow lens, since extra magnification can make a shaky view harder to manage.
Choose it if a Moon filter and carrying bag are useful extras. The SVBONY SV520 is another 90mm choice with a Moon filter and a 5x24 finder.
Koolpte Telescope for Kids: Best for a portable family kit
- 70mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter and carrying case
This 70mm scope pairs two eyepieces with a 3x Barlow lens, phone adapter and wireless remote. Its carrying case and adjustable aluminum tripod suit family outings.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Carrying case included
Cons
- No Moon filter included
- The listed kit is aimed at beginners and children
The Koolpte Telescope suits a family looking for a portable 70mm kit. It includes a 500mm focal-length refractor, two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter, a wireless remote and a carrying case.
The 25mm eyepiece is a practical starting point for locating the Moon, while the 10mm offers a closer view. Its adjustable aluminum tripod and alt-azimuth mount let you point across the sky without using a motorized tracking system.
The phone adapter and remote add a way to experiment with taking lunar photos. There is no Moon filter in the included features, so this is a better fit when portability and family use matter more than glare reduction.
Choose it for a beginner-friendly kit with a case and phone accessories. If your wider goal includes planetary observing, our guide to the cost of a telescope to see planets explains which features tend to shape a telescope budget.
CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for an 80mm travel setup
- 80mm aperture
- 600mm focal length
- Moon filter included
- Backpack and phone adapter
An 80mm refractor with a Moon filter, two eyepieces and an adjustable tripod. A backpack holds the accessories for travel and storage.
Pros
- 80mm aperture
- Moon filter included
- Adjustable tripod and backpack
Cons
- No-tool setup still needs alignment
- The 9mm eyepiece gives a narrower view than the 20mm
The CELTICBIRD telescope offers an 80mm aperture, 600mm focal length and included Moon filter in a portable package. Its two eyepieces are 20mm and 9mm, and the kit includes an adjustable tripod, backpack and phone adapter.
The 20mm eyepiece gives you a wider view for finding and centering the Moon. Switch to the 9mm after focusing to get a closer view, then add the Moon filter if the bright surface is uncomfortable to observe.
The backpack helps keep the telescope accessories together, and the tripod adjusts from 17.7 to 52 inches. This is a useful middle ground between 70mm beginner scopes and the larger 90mm models in the roundup.
Choose it if you want an 80mm scope with a Moon filter and travel bag. Check that its eyepiece and tripod setup fits your observing space before choosing it for a child or a low chair.
SVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for advanced imaging plans
- 102mm aperture
- 714mm focal length
- S-FPL51 ED glass
- Dual-speed focuser and field rotator
This 102mm optical tube has ED glass, a dual-speed focuser and a field rotator. It suits buyers planning camera use, but a finder scope and mount are not included in the described kit.
Pros
- Largest aperture in this group
- ED glass reduces color fringing
- Dual-speed focuser
Cons
- No finder scope included
- Requires a suitable mount and observing accessories
The SVBONY SV503 is the largest aperture option here at 102mm, but it is an optical tube for buyers planning a more involved setup. Its S-FPL51 ED glass is designed to reduce color fringing, and the dual-speed focuser allows fine focus adjustments.
The tube also includes a 360-degree field rotator, which can help align a camera. Those features matter more if you expect to add imaging gear than if you simply want to look at the Moon through an eyepiece.
A finder scope is not included, and the described kit does not include a complete mount. Plan for those additional pieces before choosing it as a first telescope; the larger aperture alone does not make setup easier.
Choose it if camera alignment and fine focusing are priorities. For a basic visual Moon setup, the AstroMaster 70AZ or SV520 is more complete out of the box.
What matters most in a Moon-viewing telescope?
A stable mount and useful eyepieces matter as much as a telescope’s magnification claims. You need to find the Moon, focus the image and keep the view steady before extra magnification can help.
How much aperture helps you see lunar detail?
Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens, and a larger objective gathers more light. The 70mm beginner models can show lunar features, while the 90mm SV520 and HUGERSTAR and 102mm SV503 offer larger apertures.
For a first telescope, a larger aperture may also mean a larger tube and more gear to manage. Choose the scope you can set up steadily and use often, rather than picking by aperture alone.
Which eyepiece should you use first?
Begin with the eyepiece that gives the lower magnification and wider view. It is easier to find the Moon and focus when it takes up less of the view.
After centering the target, switch to a higher-power eyepiece if the image stays sharp. If the view becomes dim, soft or shaky, return to lower power and check the focus and mount.
Does a Moon filter improve the view?
A Moon filter can reduce glare and make observing a bright lunar surface more comfortable. The SVBONY SV520, HUGERSTAR and CELTICBIRD picks include one.
A filter is optional. You can begin without it, especially when using a lower-power eyepiece, then decide whether the bright view is uncomfortable.
Is a simple mount good enough?
A manual alt-azimuth mount is enough for visual lunar observing. It moves up and down and side to side, so you can point at the Moon and make small adjustments as it drifts.
The tabletop Blue Marble scope uses a smooth mounting system, while the full-height options here use adjustable tripods. A steady base makes focusing easier and helps keep crater detail from blurring.
How should you choose a Moon telescope?
Choose by the way you plan to observe, not by a headline magnification figure. The right setup is the one you can point, focus and keep steady.
- For a child’s first scope: The Blue Marble telescope includes a tabletop tripod, finder scope and learning guide.
- For a portable family kit: The Celestron Travel Scope 70 and Koolpte include carrying gear and beginner-friendly accessories.
- For a complete backyard refractor: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ has a full-height tripod, finder and two eyepieces.
- For an included Moon filter: Compare the SVBONY SV520, HUGERSTAR and CELTICBIRD.
- For a camera-focused setup: The SVBONY SV503 offers a dual-speed focuser and field rotator, but you will need a mount and finder.
If you want a wider view for locating star fields around the Moon, see our guide to the best telescope with a wide field of view. For daytime use as well as astronomy, our guide to the best refractor telescope for land viewing covers another reason to choose a refractor.
How can you get a clearer telescope view of the Moon?
Start at low power and focus before changing eyepieces. Set the tripod on firm ground, point the finder at the Moon, center it in the main scope and make small focus changes until the edge looks crisp.
The Moon changes appearance as sunlight falls across its surface from different angles. The line between lunar day and night, called the terminator, often shows crater shadows clearly because the Sun is low over that part of the Moon.
Let the telescope adjust to outdoor conditions before observing, and avoid touching the tube while focusing. If the Moon looks blurry at high power, use a lower-power eyepiece and wait for a steadier view rather than pushing magnification further.
Never look at the Sun through a telescope unless you have a proper solar filter designed to fit the front of the instrument. A Moon filter is not safe for solar viewing; see our separate guide to the best telescope for solar viewing for solar-specific equipment.
Which telescope should you choose for the Moon?
Choose the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ if you want a complete, easy-to-use backyard refractor, or the SVBONY SV520 if you prefer 90mm aperture and an included Moon filter. Pick the Blue Marble for a young beginner, and the SVBONY SV503 if you are planning to add camera gear.
If you also want to observe planets, compare the lunar setup with the best telescope to see Saturn’s rings. The right pick depends on whether you value a simple mount, portability, a larger objective or extras for imaging.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a child’s first Moon views
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for travel and family use
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What telescope is best for viewing the Moon?
A telescope with a stable mount, a useful low-power eyepiece and enough aperture to show lunar detail is a practical choice. The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ offers 70mm optics, two eyepieces and a full-height tripod.
Choose a larger-aperture scope if you want more light gathering and have room for a bigger setup.
What magnification do you need to see craters on the Moon?
You can see major lunar features at low magnification, and a higher-power eyepiece can bring smaller craters into view when the image stays sharp. Start with the lower-power eyepiece, center the Moon, then increase magnification gradually.
Atmospheric steadiness and careful focus affect how much detail remains clear.
Do you need a Moon filter?
A Moon filter is optional, but it can reduce glare and make a bright lunar view more comfortable. The SVBONY SV520, HUGERSTAR and CELTICBIRD picks include one.
A filter does not replace good focus or a steady mount, and you can begin observing the Moon without one.
Can a small telescope show Moon craters?
Yes. A small telescope can show large lunar features, and a stable mount makes it easier to focus and keep a crater in view.
The Blue Marble tabletop scope is designed for children, while the 70mm refractors here offer larger objectives for a broader beginner setup.
