Best Telescopes Under £200 (Budget Picks for 2025)

Thinking of getting into stargazing but don’t want to spend a fortune? Great news — you absolutely can start exploring the night sky with a telescope under £200. Whether you’re buying for yourself, a curious teen, or just testing the waters, there are quality options that won’t let you down.

This guide covers the best budget telescopes available in 2025, what to expect at this price point, and how to choose the right one based on your needs. All recommendations are beginner-friendly, easy to set up, and perfect for first-time observers.

You might think £200 can’t get you much in the astronomy world — but that’s not true anymore. Entry-level gear has come a long way, and you can now get surprisingly powerful optics for less than the cost of a night out.

Here’s what a good budget telescope will offer:

✔️ Crisp views of the Moon and planets
✔️ Compact, lightweight design for portability
✔️ Easy setup (some don’t even need tools)
✔️ Low-maintenance optics
✔️ Compatibility with smartphone photography

Limitations? You won’t be imaging galaxies or nebulae in stunning detail — but you will be able to see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, craters on the Moon, and much more.

Top 5 Telescopes Under £200 in 2025

1. Celestron Astromaster 70AZ

Type: Refractor
Aperture: 70mm
Mount: Alt-azimuth
Best for: Lunar and planetary viewing

Beginner-friendly, lightweight, and quick to set up. Perfect for casual night viewing or terrestrial spotting.

2. Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P

Type: Reflector (Dobsonian)
Aperture: 100mm
Mount: Tabletop Dobsonian
Best for: Deep sky and bright planetary viewing

Ultra-portable and requires almost no setup. Ideal for beginners wanting more aperture without the bulk.

3. Orion SpaceProbe II 76mm

Type: Reflector
Aperture: 76mm
Mount: Equatorial
Best for: Beginners wanting more control

Great if you want to learn how to use an EQ mount. Offers better tracking once aligned properly.

4. Meade Infinity 90mm AZ

Type: Refractor
Aperture: 90mm
Mount: Alt-azimuth
Best for: Moon, planets, and backyard viewing

Step up in aperture from the 70mm class. Includes multiple eyepieces and red dot finder.

5. SVBONY SV25 60mm

Type: Refractor
Aperture: 60mm
Mount: Lightweight tripod
Best for: Kids, travel, and absolute beginners

Affordable and super portable. Includes smartphone adapter for basic astrophotography.

Buying Checklist

Type: Refractors = low-maintenance. Reflectors = more power per £.
Mount: Alt-az for simplicity. EQ for learning tracking.
Aperture: Aim for at least 70mm.
Portability: Will you move it around?
Accessories: Filters, adapters, and red flashlights help.

FAQs

Can I see Saturn’s rings?

Yes! Especially with 70mm+ scopes on clear nights using high-power eyepieces.

Used telescope or new?

Used is fine if it’s in good shape — check mirrors, lenses, and accessories.

What extras should I buy?

Red flashlight, Moon filter, journal, and star map app (like Stellarium).

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. These telescopes under £200 will show you the Moon, planets, and more — while building your confidence. You can always upgrade later!

Clear skies!

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