The Best Telescopes for Kids Aged 10 and Above

From the age of 10, children can start handling more advanced telescopes and expand their knowledge independently. Deep-sky celestial objects with low brightness will now be within reach! Additionally, equatorial mounts, which manually or automatically compensate for the sky’s rotation, become accessible at this stage.

For this reason, we primarily recommend telescopes for this age group, unlike our selection for younger children (6 years old), which focuses on astronomical refractors.

If all goes well, they may even want to invest in higher-quality eyepieces, complemented by a better Barlow lens. A Barlow lens is an optical accessory that multiplies the magnification of your eyepiece. Most telescopes come with a 2x Barlow lens, which doubles the magnification capacity of your eyepieces.

With a suitable telescope, a new world will open up for your child.

Our editorial team has selected the best telescopes for kids aged 10 and above, tailored to your budget and needs.

Best Value for Money – Omegon AC 90/1000 EQ-2

Description

The Omegon AC 90/1000 EQ-2 telescope is an excellent choice for beginner astronomy enthusiasts. Its high-quality finish and optics produce sharp images with minimal color fringing. It allows detailed observation of planets like Jupiter and Saturn, as well as deep-sky objects.

The aluminum tripod included with this model is relatively stable, and the telescope’s assembly and setup are straightforward. Once the EQ-2 equatorial mount is aligned, fine adjustments can be made using the control knobs, making it easier to track celestial objects.

For those interested in astrophotography, a DSLR camera or specialized planetary cameras can be attached using the appropriate adapter. However, for longer exposures, it is recommended to equip the EQ-2 mount with a motor for precise tracking.

The included red-dot finder is a great tool for quickly locating celestial objects. We recommend keeping spare batteries on hand, as the finder can drain power quickly if left on. While the provided eyepieces are of decent quality, investing in higher-quality eyepieces can further enhance the viewing experience.

Specifications for the Omegon AC 90/1000 EQ-2

• Brand: Omegon
• Weight: 10 kg
• Mount: Equatorial
• Eyepieces: 6.3 mm and 25 mm
• Additional Accessories: 2x Barlow Lens, Red-Dot Finder
• Observation Capabilities: Moon, Planets, and Deep-Sky Objects

The Best Telescope – Skywatcher 130/900 EQ2

Description

The Skywatcher 130/900 EQ2 telescope is a highly popular choice among astronomy enthusiasts. At Telescope For Kids, this telescope holds a special place in our hearts as it was our very first telescope, sparking our deep passion for astronomy!

This telescope is perfect for beginners looking to dive into astronomical observation. Its aperture ratio is one of the best on the market for telescopes, making it an economical choice for optimal image quality. With its EQ2 equatorial mount and 900mm focal length, this telescope allows you to observe the Moon and solar system planets with precision. It’s also possible to observe the Sun, but only with the proper solar filter to ensure safety.

The Skywatcher 130/900 is also compact and portable, making it convenient for travel. It is particularly suited for observing deep-sky objects such as distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. However, we must emphasize that observing these types of objects requires practice, patience, and perseverance. Additionally, it performs well for lunar and planetary observation and even serves as a great introduction to astrophotography.

In our opinion, this is the best telescope for kids in this age category. If you’re looking for a telescope for teenagers (14 years and older), we would recommend its bigger sibling: the Skywatcher 150/750 EQ3.

Specifications for the Skywatcher 130/900 EQ2

• Brand: Skywatcher
• Weight: 13 kg
• Mount: Equatorial
• Eyepieces: 2 eyepieces (10 mm, 20 mm)
• Additional Accessories: 2x Barlow Lens
• Observation Capabilities: Moon, Planets, and Deep-Sky Objects

A Budget-Friendly Telescope – Omegon N 114/900 EQ-1

Description

The Omegon N 114/900 EQ-1 telescope is an affordable option that delivers good performance for its price.

This telescope is equipped with a spherical mirror, which provides excellent image quality within its price range. It allows you to easily observe lunar craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings. Additionally, it offers the possibility to explore astrophotography with the appropriate camera adapters.

The included aluminum tripod is relatively stable and easy to store. The EQ-1 equatorial mount is suitable for beginners who want a more in-depth experience. It allows adjustments for polar altitude and geographic latitude, which may require some practice, but the overall assembly of the telescope is quick and straightforward.

The included finder scope is not of the highest quality, and its installation can be a bit tricky. However, it serves its purpose and helps locate celestial objects. Two eyepieces are included, providing satisfactory performance for this price range. The 2x Barlow lens increases magnification, saving you from investing in expensive eyepieces at the start.

Specifications for the Omegon N 114/900 EQ-1

• Brand: Omegon
• Weight: 12.5 kg
• Mount: Equatorial
• Eyepieces: 2 eyepieces (10 mm, 22 mm)
• Additional Accessories: Laser Finder + 2x Barlow Lens
• Observation Capabilities: Moon, Planets, and Deep-Sky Objects

The Perfect Beginner Telescope – Skywatcher 70/900 EQ-1

Description

The Skywatcher Newton 70/900 EQ-1 is an excellent choice for children who want to start exploring astronomy. With this telescope, you can observe planets, the Moon, and the brightest deep-sky objects. Naturally, given its price, you shouldn’t expect the same performance as a telescope like the Skywatcher 130/900 EQ2.

This is a refractor telescope, not a Newtonian reflector. This means the eyepiece is located at the lower end of the tube, making it accessible for smaller children without the need for a stool.

The equatorial mount makes it easy to track celestial objects without losing sight of them. Additionally, the refractor is less bulky than a reflector telescope, allowing for lower and more comfortable observation. Compared to the Omegon 114/900 EQ1, this telescope is easier to move and more practical to use, although it captures slightly less light.

With its 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, this telescope offers a maximum magnification of 90x. It can also be used with a 2x Barlow lens for additional magnification. The theoretical magnifications for the two eyepieces are as follows:

• 20mm: 45x, and with the Barlow, 90x
• 10mm: 90x, and with the Barlow, 180x

In terms of stability, this telescope is somewhat sensitive to handling, but with a bit of care, it performs well.

For those seeking more performance, there is also a 90/900 refractor version, which offers 65% more light compared to the 70mm version, providing greater observational possibilities.

Specifications for the Skywatcher 70/900 EQ-1

• Brand: Skywatcher
• Weight: 8 kg
• Mount: Equatorial
• Eyepieces: 2 eyepieces (10 mm & 25 mm)
• Additional Accessories: 2x Barlow Lens, 31.75mm Diagonal Mirror, 6×24 Finder Scope
• Observation Capabilities: Moon, Planets, and Bright Deep-Sky Objects

A Compact and High-Performance Telescope – Skywatcher 130/650 FlexTube Heritage Dobsonian

Description

The Skywatcher 130/650 Heritage FlexTube Dobsonian is a well-designed and easy-to-use telescope, thanks to its Dobsonian mount. Setup is simple and quick, although the telescope may wobble slightly when adjusting the focus. One of its advantages is the ability to retract the secondary mirror, making it compact and easy to store, perfect for taking it with you on trips!

However, the small size of the telescope can present some drawbacks, particularly when you need to kneel on the ground to observe if it’s not placed on a table or stool.

In terms of image quality, the optics of the Skywatcher 130/650 Heritage FlexTube Dobsonian are excellent. It allows you to observe many planetary details as well as some deep-sky objects, such as the Orion Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy. However, the plastic focuser is the telescope’s weakest component and can be a bit difficult to use.

The telescope comes with a red-dot finder, which is very helpful for locating celestial objects. It’s recommended to keep spare batteries on hand in case they run out. The included eyepieces (10 mm and 25 mm) are not of exceptional quality, so it’s advisable to consider purchasing higher-quality eyepieces.

In summary, the Skywatcher 130/650 Heritage FlexTube Dobsonian is a good choice for beginners. Its small size makes it convenient for storage and transport, but it requires a table or stool for comfortable observation. The optics provide good performance for its price, allowing you to observe deep-sky objects and planets with satisfaction. The red-dot finder is also a useful tool for locating celestial objects. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the included eyepieces is not optimal, and purchasing better eyepieces is recommended.

Specifications

• Brand: Skywatcher
• Weight: 4 kg
• Mount: Dobsonian
• Eyepieces: 2 eyepieces (10 mm & 25 mm)
• Additional Accessories: Red-dot finder scope
• Observation: Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects