Have you ever looked up at the night sky and dreamed of having a better understanding of what's up there? You are not alone — astronomy has been a popular hobby for many generations, which is why the telescope was invented. We urge you to consider getting a telescope of your own and having a closer look.
While the allure of the cosmos remains constant, the tools we use to explore it have advanced significantly. A telescope for beginners is more than just a device; it's a gateway to a universe of knowledge. To ensure a smooth journey, it's essential to choose a telescope that aligns with your skill level and aspirations. That's where we come in!
Table of contents:
- What telescope should I buy?
- Telescope specifications explained
- Understanding telescope magnification
- Telescope accessories: make the most of your view
What telescope should I buy?
While most telescopes look the same externally, on the inside they use one of a few different designs to project their image to you, the viewer. Whether you want a telescope for stargazing or one that can see galaxies, you need to understand the different types available. Here are the two main styles you will find.
Reflector Telescopes use a mirror-based design to collect light and provide you with a view of the sky. These telescopes are generally known for providing excellent value for money, and you can get a telescope with a very large aperture at a reasonable price. Reflector telescopes are spectacular for stargazing, viewing the moon, and other large and bright objects, but are not the best choice for deep-space viewing. They do provide an image that is upside down through their eyepiece, which takes a bit of time to get used to.
Refractor Telescopes are designed using a series of large lenses, which can be costly to make — meaning larger refractor telescopes tend to be more expensive. Refractor telescopes are sturdy and beginner-friendly, available in portable travel-friendly sizes, and they provide an image that is the right way up. If you want a telescope that can see galaxies, nebulae, and other deep space objects, refractor telescopes are the way to go; they can also be used with great success for land viewing.
Telescope Specifications Explained
With the main styles of telescopes out of the way, there is still a whole bunch of jargon to get your head around when choosing the best telescope for you.
Aperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror. It is directly responsible for the light-gathering abilities of the telescope, with a larger aperture resulting in a brighter and more detailed view.
Focal length refers to the distance at which rays of light converge to form a sharp and focused image. Focal length is directly related to magnification and field of view — a longer focal length results in higher magnification and a narrower field of view.
Focal ratio is calculated by dividing the focal length of a telescope by the aperture. This measurement indicates how well a telescope can gather light, with a faster focal ratio (smaller f-number) being better suited for astrophotography purposes.
Eyepieces are required to view the image being captured. The eyepiece alone does not decide the magnification of your view — rather, it works in conjunction with your telescope's focal length to determine magnification.
Exit pupil is how far back from the eyepiece you should view from for a clearer image. A high magnification will allow you to view from closer, while a low magnification has a larger exit pupil, with the difference between the two often being only millimetres.
Understanding Telescope Magnification
Working out the magnification of a telescope involves dividing the focal length by the eyepiece measurement. For example, a 1000mm focal length and a 10mm eyepiece would yield a 100x magnification (1000 ÷ 10 = 100).
While it may seem that we would always need a high magnification for astro viewing due to the physical distance between us and the sky, this is not the case. For viewing galaxies and similarly large subjects, you are best to use an eyepiece that provides a very wide field of view. Conversely, higher magnification is required to view individual planets and similar subjects. Here are some real-world examples:
- Stargazing telescopes: Lower magnifications (around 20x–40x) are best for wide-field views of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
- Telescope for planet viewing: Higher magnifications, starting at around 100x, are needed to see details on planets like Jupiter's bands and Saturn's rings.
- Telescope for moon viewing: A range of magnifications can be used, from lower for a full moon view to higher for close-ups of craters and surface features.
Telescope Accessories: Make the Most of Your View
As with any hobby, there are a range of accessories available that make the job easier or help you get better performance out of your equipment. Here are just a few to consider.
Barlow lens: This item sits between your eyepiece and telescope focuser and doubles the magnification. With this in your kit, you have twice as many magnifications at your disposal — although it must be mentioned that super-high magnifications often result in a poorer view.
Smartphone telescope adaptors: So your exciting night sky adventures are not just memories, consider purchasing a smartphone telescope adaptor such as the Vixen Smartphone Telescope Adaptor or the Celestron NexYZ Adaptor. These handy accessories simply attach to the eyepiece barrel of your telescope, so you can position your phone's camera directly over the eyepiece to capture images.
Camera mount: A telescope with a camera mount allows you to capture stunning celestial images and share your astronomical discoveries For tips on getting the most from your setup, our beginner's guide to astrophotography covers everything from Milky Way shots to capturing the Aurora Australis. with the world. The specific part you need to set up this kit is called a T Mount.
Browse our collection of telescopes today
We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on your first telescope. Be confident and happy with your first telescope, and as your passion for stargazing grows, you can always upgrade.
Don't forget: Binoculars for stargazing are a great way to start your astronomical journey Once you're set up and ready to observe, don't miss our guide to the Leonids meteor shower — one of the most exciting annual astronomical events to watch. — they're affordable, portable, and offer stunning views of the night sky.
Visit your local Ted's Camera Store or check out our photography blog for more expert advice and the latest gear.
If you plan to photograph these wide-field subjects, our long exposure astrophotography tips will help you capture stunning star and night sky images.
Your telescope is also ideal for safely observing solar events — see our solar eclipse photography and viewing guide for everything you need to know.
Best Beginner Telescope 2026: Our Top Picks
If you're searching for the best beginner telescope in 2026, the good news is there has never been a better time to start. Today's entry-level telescopes offer improved optics, easier setup, and smarter technology than ever before. For visual stargazers, a refractor or Dobsonian reflector remains a reliable choice. However, if you want guided, app-connected viewing from night one, a smart telescope is worth serious consideration. Our top picks for 2026 balance affordability, image quality, and ease of use — so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time exploring the night sky. Browse our full telescope range to find the right fit for your budget and goals.
Best Smart Telescope for Viewing Planets and Galaxies
A smart telescope is ideal if you want to see planets and galaxies without mastering manual star-hopping. Models like the Unistellar Evscope and Vaonis Stellina use built-in cameras, automatic alignment, and companion apps to locate and enhance objects in real time — making deep-sky targets like the Andromeda Galaxy or Saturn's rings accessible from your first session. When choosing the best smart telescope for planets and galaxies, consider sensor sensitivity, aperture size, and app compatibility with iOS and Android. These scopes are particularly popular in Australia's light-polluted suburban areas, where their digital stacking technology compensates for sky glow. Explore our smart telescope collection for current models and pricing.
Best Telescope for Adults: What to Consider
Choosing the best telescope for adults means prioritising stability, optical quality, and long-term usability over toy-like simplicity. Adults typically benefit from a larger aperture — 70mm or more — which gathers enough light to reveal lunar craters, planetary detail, and star clusters clearly. A sturdy mount is equally important; an equatorial or alt-azimuth mount with slow-motion controls makes tracking objects far more enjoyable over extended sessions. Adults interested in astrophotography should also consider a telescope with a camera adapter or T-ring compatibility. Unlike children's beginner scopes, adult-oriented telescopes are built to grow with your skills. Visit a Ted's Cameras store to compare models in person with guidance from our astronomy specialists.