Best Telescopes for Kids (5 Rules for Choosing a Telescope) 

NOTE: Do not look at the Sun through a telescope! You could seriously damage your eyes. (We're backed up a row of tall trees in the video, that's what Isaac was pointing at during filming).

Thanks for the bold explanation. Celestron is, Infact advertising their "Toy telescopes" as "Beginner's telescopes". Such a hobby killer.

I got the celestron 102 over the holidays and it was such a great gift. Seeing the moon, Jupiter and the rings of saturn have been a blast!

I use a simple Spaceprobe 130ST. Not too expensive, wide, decent aperture, and good views.

I have the Bresser 6' planetary dobson, it has a plastic finder but it isn't crap!

I have the SkyScanner 100, Celestron Omni AZ 102, and Learn to Stargaze for Kids of All Ages thanks to this channel. Your videos are very informative, educational, and most importantly, easy to understand. Keep up the great work! PS - I've even learned from this channel to take the Starsense Explorer Phone mount off of a SSE 114LT and installed it on an Orion XT8. I now consider this a dream setup for beginners, even my 11yr old was able to find deep sky objects fast and easy!

Nice to see you're already using some areas of the park!!

Thanks john, this is by far the best video on telescopes for kids ive seen. You dont mind saying what is junk either which is great. Bought a Explore Scientific 102 doublet refractor 600mm for my grand daughter but im keeping it. I will get her a Newtonian 6" instead from All Star Telescope. Think she would enjoy it more. Thanks for your help.

I use my Z-100 for solar viewing with a solar film. Only being 400mm focal length I found it works well for bright objects. The dust cover comes with a big hole I taped the solar film to it. Use a 20mm eyepiece at 20x magnification it shows sunspots quite well.

I wish I would have watched your video before I bought a “bird feeder” telescope 🔭 from Amazon… I was so excited to see the night sky at our lake house that I just bought the telescope with the best reviews on Amazon. Ugh, now I’m frustrated and can’t see anything. I’ll be sending it back and buying one of these 3 telescopes tomorrow!

I am 13 years old from Scotland and I have a celestron motorized telescope

This is phenomenal information. Thank you so much for posting this information for dads that have inquisitive kiddos!

Stability matters most with kiddos. My 5 and 7 year olds have an issue *touching* the scope while observing, and a Go-To keeps that object firmly in view. If mom or dad can learn how to align it properly. Cheaper option is a tabletop Dob.

I got myself a Orion sky scanner and it is so good

What an interesting video! Some years ago, I bought a Nikon 8x12 binocular for me and a kids type for my daughter. Hers it was a waste of money, because with plastic lenses, we could see better without then with. Now, that she is turning 7, I would like o to give a telescope for her, the choices on a budget are overwhelming and I know that a bad choice would be more discouraging for the hobby.

The scope I'm planning to get as my first one is the Startravel 102

This is a great introduction for astronomy for young people. Thanks for putting it together!

I wish I saw your video before buying the Starsense Explore 114LT :(

Made do with the Celestron travel scope you showed as the bad example for a long time lol. Not easy to use, but it worked well enough to pique my interest. Now I've upgraded to a StarSense DX130, which is infinitely easier to use. I will say that the little guy's small size is great to bring on campouts and can work decently well to blow people's minds now that I know what I'm doing.

The Omni 102 can be a real bargain when Costco puts it on sale for $160 USD. That said, at least my sample, and apparently several others have had problems with the slow motion control in altitude. I’ve tried many times to adjust the tension just so on mine and, well, unless the scope is perfectly balanced the slow motion won’t work. The dovetail supplied with the scope must be replaced with an 8 inch to have enough travel to balance the scope. And obtain a 1.5mm allen key to adjust out any slop in the focusing. Access is the two holes on top of the focusing mount. I would rate the included AZ mount as barely adequate (if that) for this scope. It’s better suited to a ST80 or other small, rich field refractor, also works with my Orion 90mm mak and the silly cheap 70mm mak from Spectrum Optical. Ok, rant over. John, you are providing a great service to the stargazing community with your videos. Thank you and keep up the fine work.

Hi John, we bought a telescope off amazon for Christmas 2022 and it seems to be pretty good for beginners, but the "camera tripod" is maddening!! I've been wanting to upgrade it but just don't know what kind would be best. Then I got to thinking maybe just invest in a whole new telescope altogether. Been looking at the table top Celestron Explorer 130mm dobsonion (with the star sense). I like the idea of a table top mount being a lot easier to move around for the kids, and the star sense app is pretty appealing. At this price point though, if I am to invest around $500 (CAD), is there something better out there? We are mostly interested in observing planets and I personally would like to be able to see some deep space nebulae. I don't want to fall into the Bird-Jones you warned about! Coincidentally, we purchased your kids stargazing book before I ever stumbled upon your youtube channel. Thank you for the great resources!

I have a nexstar 4 se My first telescope was a 60 az powerseeker i got at 10 years old and it is pretty good not close to the nexstar but decent .

Great video and books! How about this one for me and granddaughter? Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ?

I’ve been using the celestron astromaster 70az for a year, I wanna look for into deep space. I was thinking of buying the “skywatcher heritage 130p”

Hi there, I have just started watching your videos and can't be any happier with the high level content and easiness of understanding technical information. Question - if Celestron Omni is unavailable (and it is), which model currently offered by Celestron would replace it or even surpass it's qualities for a 9 YO kid? Thank you very much!

THANK YOU. THANK YOU THANK YOU

My first telescope is celestorn astroMaster 60mm even though it’s not 100mm but to me as 7 year old the moon looks fantastic and even though I can’t see the Jupiter colour bands I can see the moons and because I don’t have a dad because he died so I learned it by myself but it’s super easy to use just follow the light or use the red dot finder but because of my little brother it broke but hey if you got understanding kid it’s perfect and cheapest but hey that my opinion

Thank you so much for your videos and books. I have enjoyed 50 things to see on the moon. I have been keeping an eye for used telescopes and was able to find a Sky Watcher Star Travel 102 with an AZ3 mount with slow motion controls. Is this a good telesocope for a beginner? I also picked up a vintage Celestron C90 Mak that came with a photo tripod, but I am going to replace the photo tripod with a ALT AZ mount with slow motion controls. Would this setup be a decent setup for a beginner telescope. Thank you again.

I have a skywatcher explorer 150/750 with eq3

Great video, learned a lot. 😉

Hello! I’m 13 and have the Celestron StarSense 130dx! Does it pass?

Hi John After a visit to the observatory with the children, my interest, and that of the children, in stargazing was sparked. That's how I came across your channel. I think the videos you make are very clear and simple! I would like to buy a beginner's telescope for my 10 and 7 year old sons to look at the moon and the planets. But you can already hear me coming, of course I don't want to spend hundreds of euros on that right away. The prices here in Belgium have also increased enormously when I compare them with the prices of the telescopes that you discuss on your videos. That's why the 100mm versions are actually too expensive for what I would like to spend. I would like to hear your opinion on the following options: Celestron - AC 80/900 AZ Inspire (€319) Bresser - AC 80/640 Nano AZ (€189) Celestron - StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ (€299) Or do you have an even better proposal? Thank you in advance! Greetings Quinten

Hi, thanks for a great video. I want to buy the first telescope for my kids and me; I am a newbie at this, but as my son (5 years old) likes to speak about the planets, I want to buy smth, from what I understand, the best telescope (not too expensive) for beginners it's Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ or DX130. As it has an app that makes life easier. I couldn't get what is better for me. Or maybe just buy 102 AZ which is twice as cheap, but then you don't have an app that makes life much easier.

Recently got the Explore Scientific firstlight 102 refractor. So far so good 👍 wondering what types of accessories you'd recommend getting like filters, finder scopes (the red dot finder that came with it is very tinted and hard to see what you're aiming at through it) best phone mount, etc. Thanks from a big fan

Awesome video! Is the Celestron Star sense Explorer DX 100AZ a good contender for a 7 y/o first telescope? Thank you! I just purchased your book.

Is breser pegasus 130/650 eq suitable for 14 year olds?

Dave Trott is putting a link to this video in his "Unusual Toy Telescopes" videos!

New to stargazing/telescopes with 11 yr old son…your thoughts on Celestron Starsense DX 100 AZ with smartphone app?? Made the mistake of purchasing a GSKYER 70mm, a waste of money and lots of frustration, learned my lesson: RU-vid everything before you buy 😂 The telescope I’m asking about is in our budget with cool features. Please advise! Thank You!

Hi! Thank you SO much for the great video - I love your story and advice! We are looking at getting our 5 year old grandson a telescope. We found the Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope on Orion's website, but also noticed the Orion SkyScanner BL102mm TableTop Reflector Telescope, which is on sale and a little less expensive. I can't find, however, whether it meets the criteria for having a red dot or bullseye finder. We would really appreciate your thoughts on the BL 102mm! Thank you in advance! We will also be buying your book, which looks amazing!!!! :)

Great information- thank you. My soon to be 6 year old loves space and is asking for a telescope for his birthday. I see Costco has Celestron 90AZ-SR Refactor Telescope With Smartphone Adapter and Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ with Eyepiece Kit & Smartphone Adapter what are your thoughts?

Great video What about from these two from Costco Celestron 90AZ-SR Refactor Telescope With Smartphone Adapter Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope with Cleaning Kit

EQ 3 or Twilight Nano Mount? Thank you!

How about a Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5" SCT. I use this in my stargazing. But I was wondering if anyone else uses one and what you thought of it.

Im wondering if the skywatcher heritage 100p is any good? Was also thinking about the ursa major 102mm Tabletop Dobsonian. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks, !!!!

Get your kid a 16” astrograph on an EQ8-Rh mount, a ZWO2600MM, LRGB and Hubble filters, and PixInsight 👍

Thank you for the video, how is this one? Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ with Eyepiece Kit & Smartphone Adapter

Just been watching your videos as I have started to do extensive study on telescopes for our family. My son is wanting one for Christmas but also, my partner and I have been thinking about one for ourselves for a long time. Wondering if you know any family friendly scopes that are good for taking around. I have been considering the Celestron Starsense explorer DX5 (usually our grand gifts like that are for the family and he understands this) would this be suitable for a child? He is all science, space, Dinosaurs, bugs and reptiles and takes very good care of his fossils and pets. We would also be a beginner family for this sort of thing. Thank you so much in advanced!

What do you recommend since Orion has shut its doors? I have a four year old and I’d love something I could use with my homeschool group (so a range of younger kids.) I bought a Zhumell Z100 but it looks like it might have been discontinued so I’m returning it. The Explore Firstlight doesn’t have the best of reviews and seems a little cheapy. I was going to buy the Celestron Omni AZ 102 that you recommend but it has Bluetooth. I’d rather buy something without Bluetooth since I’m using it with little kids. Thanks!

Is buying a telescope from eBay a good idea

I got hawkko brand telescope is able to be use as planet looker

I remember when i was 12 i was watching the sky moon/jupiter through my powerseeker 60eq and all there was to see was moon and jupiter until i saw some kind of "star" until i looked at it and saw saturn for the first time at a extremely great angle i was jumping on how happy i was it looked really cool though it was really small i could still see the rings pretty well now my birthday is coming pretty soon and i dont really know what to ask for i thought of bresser pollux 150/1400 or something else. I can't really decide on what to buy my budget is till 370€ do you have some recommendations??

Gso 6 inch dobsonian is it good?

Hello! eager to buy your book, I have one question though. How well does it translate for the southern hemisphere? I'm from Chile and I assume your content is focused towards the NH. Thanks, gonna check out the rest of your videos. cheers.

Great video! My kids are super interested in planets right now! I am looking at options and think the starsense technology would make this easier and therefore help keep them interested! My question is, is there any starsense telescopes you would recommend in the sub $300 USD range?

Hi there, greetings from Germany. Just found this channel and saw this video. Well done! I would like to get my kids excited watching the stars with their "own" telescope. I know you said min. is 100mm, so hence I got the the question on entry level Dobson ones which are normally 76/300 or 76/350 at least over here. So you do not recommend these at all?

Just FYI… I just picked up the Celestron Omni 102 at Costco for $179 for those of you that may be interested.

Hello, where can I buy your book? Do you have a direct page?

Would a Skywatcher Heritage130P FlexTube Dobsonian Telescope be a good first telescope? Thanks!

Hi John, I am new to your channel. Thank you for your video, it has been very helpful! I am beginning my search for a telescope for my 7 year old son. Our entire family will likely end up using the telescope. I currently have a pair of Orion 10x50 binoculars and I recently acquired a quality camera tripod and a binoculars adapter. I am wondering what are some reflector or dobsonian telescopes you would recommend for a beginner to grow into? Would a 4", 6", or 8" aperture be the best "bang for the buck?" My son will have adult help and I already know the night sky fairly well as I have been observing constellations and some messier objects on and off for years. Also, I am wondering if a dobsonian tabletop mount can be mounted to a tripod and whether or not you would recommend this? Or would it be preferred to mount on a table, or the ground if larger? Thank you for your help, Van

Is the Celestron Astromaster 102mm refractor a good telescope for kids? Thanks in advance.

Celestine Omni AZ 102 / f6.5 refactor?

We have got a Clememtoni Nasa telescope, and so far i was not able how to use it

Any recommendation for my 4 yr old?

Great vid. thanks! Could these telescopes be used by a (just turned) 3 year old?

would you prefer a telescope with a go-to mount for an absolute beginner in astronomy?

So looking to get one for my 7yr old grandson and the Explore First 114mm Newtonian Twilight Nano is on sale. Would this be a good way to get them started?

How about the celestron starsense dobsonian 8. I don't mind the size

Celestron - StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope - Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More - 114mm Newtonian Reflector - iPhone/Android Compatible

Hi, my 6 year old daughter was given this terrible cheap “lunarscope tabletop telescope” and she has been so into it taking it outside all the time to try and look through it and Iv tried so hard to stay up at night and figure this thing out and Iv come to the conclusion that it’s just junk and frustrating. Please can you recommend a good scope that is user friendly and has great quality viewing of the moon and stars. I’d be happy to spend up to $300 my daughter would love this! Nick

Celestron Astromaster LT70 AZ?

I have a autistic son who’s is 9years old, we bought him a tabletop dob(70mm) for Christmas last year. He uses it every night even when it’s cloudy! Was thinking of upgrading and from what I’ve read, am thinking of a startravel 120 and putting it on a skywatcher az gti mount. Would this be a good pairing? Or possibly overkill, reason for goto is he has problems retaining info.

Explore One Aurora II Flat Black 114mm Slow Motion AZ Mount Telescope and ok one?

Thanks for all the Info! I was thinking to buy a refractor SkyWatcher Mercury 60/700 AZ2 as my first telescope (I'm on a budget and telescopes are quite expensive for my country's wages). I would have taken the Orion SkyScanner as I like it a lot, but it doesn't deliver here. Is the one I've chosen good or could you recommend something else on a budget?

Is celestron firstscope telescope good choice?

StarSense Explorer Smartphone Enabled LT 127 Telescope ?

I am confusing about Celestron Inspire 100AZ Celestron astromaster 102az Celestron NexStar 90SLT Advice me

Is this telescope the one you talked about in this video Explore Scientific 88-20114 Aurora Ii Flat Black 114Mm Slow Motion AZ Mount Telescope,

My nephew is 4 and wants a telescope. Do you think that 4 is too young for the telescopes that you recommend?

Is the Celestron Nexstar 4se good for 13 year olds?

Is the starsenes dx5 a good one

Hi! I found this: Celestron 114AZ-SR Smartphone Ready Reflector Telescope on sale $100 . Yes or no ? Thank you in advance 😊

I am buying 90mm lens for making my telescope is it ok or some more is needed and also suggest which telescope should I buy for viewing planet in some detail refractor or reflector. Please help me I am in great confusion coz mirror are cheaper than lenses.

Ready to take your kids stargazing experience to the next level? Check out 50 Things to See with a Telescope - Kids: www.amazon.com/50-Things-See-Telescope-Constellation/dp/0999034650

What about the celestron starsense explorer dob Please let me know thanks

Excellent video. 7:20 - So a 102 mm achromat like the Celestron Omni or the ES First Light 102/1000 mm deliver a better image quality than a 114 mm reflector ?

So…I’m down the rathole…I’m looking for a telescope for my 11 year old. I’m looking for something that’s good for the moon, Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. Assuming a $250 budget, and not looking for a hobby killer, what would you recommend. I think I’ve watched all of your videos at this point so I’m leaning towards the astromaster 70az but any ideas you might have would be much appreciated.

Share National Geographic 102 mm StarAPP Telescope and this National Geographic Star App 114 Reflector Telescope which one is better please I dont spend money just to see birds😁

Is your books translated to other languages Arabic especially 😊

What do you think about bresser aurora 114mm? My daughter wants a telescope for Xmas. She's 10 and been asking since 7.

What do you think about Celestron Cometron Firstscope for kids?

Do u know where the celestial Omni can be purchased? I don’t have a Costco membership. Thanks

What’s the scope that you say was “bird Jones’d”? Because I have the Celestron StarSense 130az and it looks similar to the one in your video lol

The Celestron 22065 Astro Master 102AZ Refractor?

what do you think of "Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ with Eyepiece Kit & Smartphone Adapter" at costco? Not finding "celestron 102"

GALAXY TRACKER 525 SMART TELESCOPE is that one ok for kids and adults? Thank you

Is a celestron dx 130az or 102az a good choice? Star sense seems cool but worried now about quality

Hello, I was wondering if the Explore FirstLight 114mm Newtonian Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-N114500TN meets your standards for a beginner? Looking for a telescope for my 10 year old. Thank you!

celestron powerseeker 127?

is the celestron powerseeker 80eq any good? if not, whats a telescope that is better but under $200?