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Whether you're a lover of the starry sky, an astronomy enthusiast, a novice or an expert, choosing your first instrument is often a difficult journey. How do you navigate the multitude of models? How do you find celestial objects without getting discouraged?
For beginners, telescopes are often a great starting point. While sometimes more complex than refractor telescopes, they offer superior observing power, ideal for exploring both planets and deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
Today we offer you a comparison of the best telescopes for beginners in 2025. Are these instruments true gateways to the stars, capable of making astronomy accessible to all, or are they simply attractive tools for marketing? Let's explore these telescopes together to find out.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 telescope under the stars: stunning optical performance
With a 130mm aperture and a 650mm focal length (f/5), the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope is considered a "fast" telescope. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for wide-field observations and efficient light gathering, thus providing bright and detailed views.
The Moon: a festival of details
Like any 130mm telescope worth its salt, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope excels at lunar observation. Craters, lunar maria, mountain ranges—everything appears with impressive clarity. The StarSense app makes navigating the lunar surface a breeze, allowing you to explore every corner with astonishing ease.
The planets: giants within reach
Planetary observation is also a strong point of this model:
- Jupiter : The gas giant's cloud bands are clearly visible, and its four Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) appear like small pearls following the giant. The StarSense app helps identify them, adding an educational dimension to the observation.
- Saturn : Saturn's iconic rings appear beautifully detached from the planet's body. It's always a breathtaking and memorable sight.
- Mars and Venus : The 130 mm diameter allows the phases of Venus and subtle variations on the surface of Mars to be perceived, provided that atmospheric conditions are favorable.
Deep Sky: Revelation through Intelligent Guidance
It's really on deep-sky objects that the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope stands out significantly compared to a "classic" 130mm beginner's telescope. The ability to precisely locate these objects transforms the experience:
- Orion Nebula (M42) : The app takes you there effortlessly. The nebula and stars of the Trapezium are clearly visible, providing an ethereal and detailed view.
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31) : Easy to find with the app, it appears as a diffuse but clearly identifiable spot. The satisfaction of pinpointing it yourself is immense and fully contributes to the immersion in the universe.
- Star clusters (globular like M13, or open like the Pleiades): These are a feast for the eyes. The app helps you "jump" from one cluster to another, and the 130mm reveals thousands of stars in M13, or the bright splendors of the Pleiades. It's the ability to quickly find these objects that makes the experience so rewarding and encouraging for beginners.
Advantages and Limitations of the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope
While the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope shines with its innovations, it is essential to know its limitations for optimal use and realistic expectations.
What it does and its major assets
- Ease of Use and Access : The StarSense Explorer system is a real boon for beginners. It eliminates the main barrier to entry into astronomy: the difficulty of locating celestial objects.
- Solid Optical Performance : With its 130mm aperture, this telescope offers detailed views of the Moon, planets, and many deep-sky objects, far beyond what you would expect from an entry-level instrument.
- Simple azimuth mount : Its ease of handling allows for quick and intuitive handling, without the complexities of polar alignment.
- Integrated pedagogy : The StarSense app is not only a guide, it is also an educational tool that allows you to identify objects and learn more about them.
What he will NOT do and his realistic limits
- The "Pro" Images : It's important to temper your expectations. As with any amateur telescope, don't expect to see the vibrant colors and incredible detail of photos published by NASA or professional observatories. What you see will be in shades of gray, and the wonder will come from the feat of seeing these objects with your own eyes, directly in the eyepiece.
- Advanced Astrophotography : The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope , even with the StarSense, is not designed for long-exposure deep-sky photography. Tracking is manual and does not compensate for Earth's rotation accurately enough to prevent star trails. For simple planetary or lunar photography with a smartphone, it is possible and even satisfactory, but for advanced deep-sky astrophotography, much more sophisticated and expensive equipment, including a motorized equatorial mount, would be required.
- Collimation : As a Newtonian telescope, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope requires occasional collimation (mirror alignment) for optimal performance. The app won't do this for you! It's a skill to learn, though it's relatively simple to achieve with the right tools and a little practice.
- Smartphone dependency : If your phone's battery dies, or if the app encounters a bug, the telescope loses its "StarSense" function. It can still be used manually with its red dot finder, but the magic of smart guiding is lost. Remember to bring an external battery for your extended observing sessions.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 telescope, a springboard to the cosmos
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope is in a league of its own. Its 130mm aperture makes it a great beginner's telescope, capable of revealing impressive details on the Moon and planets, and offering stunning views of many deep-sky objects. But it's the StarSense Explorer system that undeniably makes it the ideal beginner's telescope. It solves the biggest frustration for beginners: finding celestial objects.
If you're looking for a high-performance telescope that's relatively easy to assemble and, most importantly, one that takes you by the hand to explore the wonders of the night sky, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 Telescope is a wise investment. It minimizes the learning curve and maximizes observing time, which is crucial for maintaining and developing a budding passion for astronomy.
The 130EQ Newtonian Telescope
The 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is often touted as the ideal entry-level telescope for amateur astronomers. But beyond its promises, does this model really deliver? After many clear nights spent observing and handling it, here's my objective analysis to help you see more clearly under the starry sky.
Design, ergonomics and handling of the 130EQ Newton Telescope
Unboxing your new telescope is always an exciting moment. The 130EQ Newtonian Telescope , with its Polaris 130EQ Newtonian model, is no exception. The robust and well-finished 650 mm optical tube inspires confidence. Initial assembly is relatively simple, comparable to arranging flat-pack furniture, and typically takes about 30 minutes.
The equatorial mount (often an EQ2) is the main challenge for beginners. With its multiple axes and dials, it can seem intimidating at first, especially when it comes to polar alignment, which is crucial for effective star tracking. My first attempts were… memorable, requiring perseverance and some research. However, once the principle is understood and alignment mastered, this mount reveals its full power: a simple movement of the dial is enough to keep the celestial object in the field of view, transforming observation into pure pleasure. The initial effort is therefore largely rewarded and constitutes an essential training step for any budding astronomer.
Key Features of the SOLOMARK Polaris 130EQ Newtonian:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | SOLOMARK |
| Model name | Polaris 130EQ Newtonian |
| Optical tube length | 650 mm |
| Description of the ocular lens | Barlow |
| Lens diameter | 130 mm |
| Telescope Mounting | Equatorial mount |
| Product dimensions | 27.9 x 22.9 x 15.2 cm |
| Focus type | Manual |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
Optical Performance: What the 130EQ Telescope Reveals (and Its Limitations)
The heart of any telescope lies in its ability to capture light and reveal the wonders of the cosmos. With its 130mm objective lens diameter , the 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is an excellent compromise for beginners at an affordable price, offering sufficient aperture for varied observations.
The Moon: A life-size spectacle
The Moon is undoubtedly the preferred target for a first observation. With the 130EQ, the details are striking: craters, mountain ranges, and vast lunar maria appear with remarkable clarity, even with basic eyepieces. It's an immersive experience that gives the impression of flying over its surface, and you never tire of it.
The Planets: A Cosmic Ball Within Reach of Your Telescope
- Jupiter: The cloud bands are noticeable, although subtle, and the ballet of the four Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) is fascinating to follow from night to night.
- Saturn: The icon of the solar system! Its rings are clearly visible and distinct from the planet, making for a spectacular view. Don't expect to see Cassini's division in detail, but Saturn's iconic silhouette is a sure-fire moment.
- Mars and Venus: More difficult to observe. Mars can reveal dark areas during favorable oppositions, while Venus will show its phases. Views are more modest for these two planets with a 130 mm.
Deep Sky: Emotions from Far Away
This is where the 130EQ Newtonian Telescope pleasantly surprises. For its diameter and cost, it offers impressive views of many deep-sky objects:
- Orion Nebula (M42): A vaporous splendor where the nebula is distinct, and the stars of the Trapezium twinkle in its center. An ethereal and detailed vision.
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31): Visible as an elongated, diffuse patch. Admittedly, not the vibrant colors of Hubble's images, but the mere thought of observing another entire galaxy, millions of light-years away, is guaranteed to thrill.
- Hercules Cluster (M13): A true gem. Thousands of stars converge on the periphery, forming a breathtaking ball of luminous needles that is humbling.
- Open clusters like the Pleiades (M45) or Praesepe (M44) are also magnificent, offering vast fields of view studded with stars.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Review of the 130EQ
No instrument is perfect, and the 130EQ Newtonian telescope has its pros and cons, which are important to know before purchasing.
The major assets
- Excellent value for money: It offers a generous opening for its market segment, making it very versatile.
- Stunning views: Capable of revealing lunar, planetary, and some deep-sky object details with impressive clarity for its class.
- Ideal for beginners: Although it requires some initial training for the equatorial mount, it is very educational and introduces you to the basics of practical astronomy.
Limits to consider
- Collimation: As a Newtonian telescope, regular alignment of the mirrors (collimation) is necessary to ensure sharp images. This may seem complex at first, but quickly becomes routine with a little practice and the right tool.
- Included Eyepieces: The basic eyepieces, while functional to start with, are often of average quality. Investing in one or two additional, better-quality eyepieces (a wide-field deep-sky eyepiece, a good planetary eyepiece) literally transforms the observing experience.
- Mount Stability: The EQ2 mount is decent for the price, but it doesn't offer the stability of a high-end platform. At high magnification, slight vibrations can occur at the slightest touch, requiring patience and delicacy.
- Limitations for Very Distant Deep Sky or Advanced Astrophotography: It's crucial to temper expectations. The 130EQ won't perform miracles. Images of deep-sky objects will be mostly in shades of gray, with the beauty residing in the perception of a faint glow from very far away. Very faint galaxies or nebulae will remain beyond the reach of its aperture. Likewise, for advanced astrophotography requiring long exposures, the EQ2 mount won't be sufficient without precise motorized tracking and greater stability; it's designed primarily for visual observation and a few quick shots of the Moon or planets with a smartphone.
The ideal companion for a successful Celestial adventure
So, is 130EQ Newtonian Telescope YES , but with one important caveat.
This telescope is a great investment for anyone looking to get started with astronomy without breaking the bank. It offers incredible views for its price, is remarkably versatile, and will undoubtedly give you a taste of the cosmos.
However, don't think of it as a simple "plug-and-play" toy. It requires a minimum of personal investment to master the equatorial mount and collimation. This is precisely where part of its magic lies: by learning it, you acquire the fundamentals of practical astronomy. This 130EQ Newtonian Telescope is a real school.
If you're willing to put in the effort, the 130EQ will reward you with hours of wonder and open the door to a fascinating hobby. It was a memorable first telescope for many, and it will surely remain so for you.
MEEZAA 90mm Aperture 800 Telescope
The MEEZAA 90mm telescope is positioned as an ideal choice for both beginner astronomers and more experienced amateurs. With its large aperture, well-designed accessories, and ease of use, it seems to tick all the boxes for a first serious astronomy experience. But how does this instrument really perform in the field? Does it live up to its promises for lunar, planetary, and, to some extent, deep-sky observation? We tested it in real-life conditions to provide you with an objective, structured, and comprehensive review.
A neat design and well-thought-out ergonomics
Right out of the box, the MEEZAA 90mm with an aperture of 800 impresses with the perceived quality of its materials. Its optical tube, with its understated and elegant finish, inspires confidence. The stainless steel tripod, adjustable from 73 to 118 cm, offers good stability even on slightly uneven terrain. It is robust enough to support the assembly without excessive vibration.
Assembly is intuitive and requires no tools, which is a real plus for beginners. The instructions are clear, and the entire setup (eyepieces, finderscope, zenith mirror, Barlow lens, etc.) can be set up in minutes. The included carrying bag is also convenient for moving the whole thing without worrying about damaging it.
Optical performance of the MEEZAA 90 mm: a nice surprise
The heart of the telescope is of course its 800 mm focal length combined with a 90 mm aperture . This combination provides a good balance between field of view and magnification. The 90 mm diameter captures enough light to provide bright, sharp and contrasty images, particularly effective on the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, but also on certain deep sky objects (open clusters, bright nebulae).
The quality of the fully multi-coated optical glass lenses ensures good light transmission and limits chromatic aberrations. Images are generally well defined, especially at moderate magnification ranges.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) as well as a 3x Barlow lens , which provides a magnification range of 32x to 240x . In practice, magnifications around 120x to 160x offer the best optical performance, especially for observing lunar craters in detail or the rings of Saturn.
The 45° zenith mirror straightens images, making it comfortable to use for terrestrial observation as well. The 5x24 scope makes it easy to spot celestial objects, although it would have benefited from an illuminated reticle for greater comfort during nighttime observation.
Advantages of the 90mm MEEZAA telescope
Excellent aperture for a beginner's telescope : 90 mm allows good light capture, ideal for serious beginners in astronomy.
Flexible magnification range : from 32x to 240x, ideal for the Moon, planets and bright deep-sky objects.
Complete accessories : Barlow lens, zenith mirror, adjustable tripod, smartphone adapter, moon filter included.
Quick and easy assembly : perfect for beginners, even without prior experience.
Easy transport : storage bag included, relatively compact size.
Limits to consider
No equatorial mount : the tripod is azimuthal, simpler to use but less precise for tracking celestial objects at high magnification.
Optimistic theoretical maximum magnification : beyond 160x, sharpness begins to degrade depending on atmospheric conditions.
Basic finder scope : The 5x24 scope is functional, but a red dot would be more ergonomic for beginners.
What you can see with the Meezaa 90mm telescope
The Moon: a field of exploration rich in detail
The Moon is undoubtedly the most spectacular celestial object to observe with this telescope. Thanks to its 90 mm aperture , it captures enough light to reveal a wide variety of reliefs. Iconic craters such as Copernicus, Tycho or Clavius are visible in good detail. We can also distinguish the lunar maria , the mountain ranges and the terminator line (the area between shadow and light), which beautifully highlights the roughness of the lunar surface.
The image is clear and contrasty, especially when using the included moon filter , which limits glare. It is an excellent basis for starting astronomy and learning how to use the different eyepieces and settings.
The planets: clear views provided you stay reasonable
With the 3x Barlow lens theoretical magnification of 240x can be achieved , but the best results are obtained around 120x to 160x.
Jupiter : The main cloud bands are visible, and the four Galilean moons appear as small, aligned points of light. A moon's shadow can sometimes be seen on the planet during transits.
Saturn : The rings are well defined, and the separation between the rings and the planet itself is visible. The Cassini division can be seen under good atmospheric conditions.
Mars : During opposition periods, a polar ice cap and some surface nuances can be seen. Outside of these periods, the planet remains very small.
Venus : Visible in phase, like the Moon, but without surface details.
Mercury and Uranus : difficult to observe precisely. They appear as simple points of light.
Deep sky: some emblematic objects accessible
The MEEZAA 90mm telescope is not designed for diffuse deep-sky objects, but it still allows for some nice discoveries, especially under dark skies (low light pollution).
Orion Nebula (M42) : Easily spotted and bright, it offers a blurred but identifiable image. Its structure can be guessed at with moderate magnification.
Star clusters : The Pleiades (M45), the Hercules Cluster (M13), and the Wild Duck Cluster (M11) are visible with good rendering. Stars are well resolved, especially in open clusters.
Andromeda Galaxy (M31) : observable as an elongated spot, but without internal structure with this aperture diameter.
This type of telescope shows its limitations for galaxies, diffuse nebulae and very distant objects, but remains a good starting point for getting started.
Terrestrial observation: a versatile use
Thanks to its erecting zenith mirror , this telescope can also be used during the day, to observe landscapes, birds, or distant objects such as boats on the horizon. The rendering is clear, with good image sharpness, which makes it a telescope usable all year round, not just for nighttime observations.
Summary table of possible observations
| Object type | Visible details | Interest level |
|---|---|---|
| Moon | Craters, seas, mountains, terminator | Very high |
| Jupiter | Bands, moons, sometimes shadows of transits | Pupil |
| Saturn | Rings, sometimes Cassini division | Pupil |
| March | Color, polar cap in opposition | AVERAGE |
| Venus | Visible phases | AVERAGE |
| Star cluster | Pleiades, M13, M11 | AVERAGE |
| Bright nebulae | M42 (Orion), general observable structure | AVERAGE |
| Nearby galaxies | M31 (Andromeda), fuzzy spot | Low to medium |
| Earth observation | Distant details, wildlife, landscapes | Pupil |
Verdict: An excellent choice for beginners and advanced astronomy students
The MEEZAA Telescope succeeds in offering a powerful, accessible and versatile instrument. It is aimed at both curious children (from 8 years old) and adults eager to discover the wonders of the sky without investing in overly complex or expensive equipment.
It stands out for its optical quality, its well-designed ergonomics, and its wealth of accessories. Of course, it won't compete with mid-range or advanced deep-sky telescopes, but in its category, it offers one of the best possible experiences.
Who should I recommend it to?
For serious beginners who want a durable instrument to progress with
For families with children who are passionate about space
For amateurs wanting a second, more mobile telescope
Conclusion of our comparison
These three telescopes are primarily aimed at beginning amateur astronomers, but offer different experiences and capabilities:
Meezaa 90 mm: The Simple and Affordable Choice for Initiation
- Strengths: This is the most accessible model in terms of budget and ease of use. It is ideal for a first approach to astronomy, allowing you to clearly observe the Moon (craters, lunar seas) and the brightest planets (Jupiter, Saturn) with a level of detail sufficient for a beginner.
- Who is it for? This is the perfect telescope for those who want to "test" their interest in astronomy without a significant investment, or for young observers. Its limitations will quickly become apparent for deep sky or more detailed planetary observations.
130EQ Newtonian Telescope: The Versatile Compromise for Progression
- Strengths: This telescope offers an excellent balance between a respectable aperture diameter (130 mm), a solid design (Newtonian on an equatorial mount), and a reasonable price. It allows more detailed observations of the Moon and planets than the Meezaa, and begins to open the doors to the deep sky (nebulae, brighter galaxies, star clusters). Its equatorial mount, although requiring training, is essential for tracking the stars.
- Who is it for? It's suitable for motivated beginners who want an instrument that can grow with their skills. Those willing to invest a little time in learning the mount and celestial navigation will find it offers excellent value for money and great performance.
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130: Innovation for Maximum Ease
- Highlights: This is arguably the most revolutionary model for beginners thanks to its StarSense Explorer system. Using a smartphone, it guides the user to celestial objects with astonishing ease, making locating objects a fun task rather than a chore. Its 130mm optical performance is comparable to that of the 130EQ Newton.
- Who's it for? This is the ideal choice for those who want the best possible user experience right from the start, without the frustration of searching for stars. It's perfect for beginners who value simplicity and efficiency to get started observing right away. Its cost is generally higher, but justified by the technological innovation.
To put it simply:
- If you are on a very tight budget and want a simple telescope: The Meezaa 90mm .
- If you are looking for ultimate ease of use and a "turnkey" observing experience: Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 .
- If you are ready to learn the basics of astronomy for a versatile and evolving instrument: 130EQ Newtonian Telescope .
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