Looking for the best telescopes under £200? Great news — you absolutely can start exploring the night sky with a telescope at this price point. 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 2026, 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).
For current stock and pricing, Rother Valley Optics is a trusted UK astronomy retailer worth checking.
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!
These are genuinely the best telescopes under £200 I’ve found for UK beginners. The best telescopes under £200 prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to see Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons from your own garden.
Clear skies!
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Daniel is a self-taught astronomy hobbyist based in the north of England. He writes honest telescope guides, gear reviews, and stargazing advice — and remembers what it's like to not know a refractor from a reflector.