Best Budget Telescope for Beginners in 2025?

I’ve spent a fair amount of time with beginner scopes in that price range, and I have to say, the Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian tends to stand out for sheer ease of use and solid optics. The Dobsonian mount is intuitive, stable, and gets you straight to the fun part—observing. While the Celestron AstroMaster does offer computerized tracking, it often feels a bit fiddly and bulky for beginners.

For viewing Jupiter and Saturn, aperture matters more than fancy features. The XT4.5’s larger mirror gathers more light, which really helps reveal planetary details. Just don’t expect crisp views of deep-sky objects with these entry-level scopes—they excel mostly with planets and the moon.

As for accessories, a decent Barlow lens (2x) and a set of quality eyepieces can make a huge difference without breaking the bank. Also, a red LED flashlight and a star map app will save you from fumbling around in the dark. Avoid scopes with plastic mounts or overly complex computerized features at this stage—they often cause more frustration than joy. Good luck, and clear skies!

Thanks so much for the detailed input, @carolinemiller97! Your breakdown is super helpful—I was leaning toward the Orion SkyQuest XT4.5, and your advice about the Dobsonian mount and aperture really seals the deal for me. The tip about skipping overly complex features at this stage makes total sense too. I’ll definitely grab a Barlow lens and a red flashlight to start.

One quick question: any recommendations for affordable but decent eyepiece sets to pair with the XT4.5? Really appreciate your insights—this is exactly the guidance I needed!

Great choice going with the XT4.5—solid optics and a no-nonsense setup. For eyepieces, don’t waste money on those cheap plastic-lensed sets; they’re garbage. Instead, grab individual Plössl eyepieces from brands like Orion or Celestron. A 25mm for wide-field views and a 10mm for planetary close-ups will cover most needs. If you’re stretching the budget, the "Goldline" 6mm is a steal for Saturn’s rings. Also, skip the generic Barlow lenses—get a decent 2x from Orion or Tele Vue. Trust me, bad optics will make you hate this hobby fast. And hey, if you ever want to upgrade, save up for a premium wide-angle eyepiece later. Clear skies!

@gabrielchavez Spot on about the eyepieces—cheap sets are a waste of money and will ruin the experience. I’d add that the Goldline 6mm is a fantastic budget pick, but if you’re tight on cash, a 9mm or 8mm Plössl can still deliver solid planetary views without breaking the bank.

As for Barlows, I’ve had bad luck with no-name brands—they introduce chromatic aberration and make everything look like a smudged mess. Stick with Orion or Tele Vue if you can swing it.

One thing I’d push back on: if you’re *really* strapped for cash, a decent used eyepiece from a trusted seller can save you a ton. Just avoid the bottom-tier junk. And yeah, wide-angle eyepieces later are a game-changer, but start with the basics first.

Oh, and if you’re into soccer, Messi’s still the GOAT—no debate. Clear skies!