· top picks · 11 min read
Top 20 100mm Telescopes for Beginners: Explore the Night Sky
A detailed comparison of the best 100mm telescopes available today, highlighting their key features, performance, and value as an entry-level astronomy tool.
Choosing the right telescope can transform your stargazing experience from great to unforgettable. This roundup showcases the best 100mm telescopes available today, comparing their key features to help you find the perfect instrument for your astronomy journey.
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Reviews
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ serves up decent views of the moon and larger celestial objects, making it a solid choice for astronomy newcomers. It’s got a decent tripod that’s a bit on the heavy side, and the built-in smartphone adapter and LED flashlight are cool extras for capturing what you see through the lens. The optics are pretty good for its price point, though you might want to upgrade to better eyepieces for planetary viewing.
Explore Scientific Ed80-fcd100 Series Telescope
Capture stunning views of the night sky with this versatile 80mm telescope, featuring premium Hoya FCD100 glass and fully multi-coated optics that eliminate chromatic aberrations for sharp, detailed images. It’s equally at home as a primary telescope, a powerful finderscope, or paired with an equatorial mount for astrophotography. The included 90° star diagonal keeps viewing comfortable while maintaining good light transmission.
Explore Scientific FL-N130600-IEXOS Telescope
The 130mm Newtonian telescope captures striking details of deep sky objects, while the iEXOS-100 mount’s eight-CPU tracking system ensures precise, smooth movement for both casual stargazing and astrophotography. The included red dot finder and app-controlled alignment make it a breeze to get started with celestial navigation.
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
A versatile telescope that effortlessly transitions from lunar exploration to deep-sky imaging, the ED102 delivers sharp, contrast-rich views through its premium HOYA FCD1 glass and EMD coatings.
Explore Scientific ED102-FCD100 Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
This lightweight carbon fiber telescope packs impressive optical performance into a portable package. The air-spaced triplet design and premium HOYA FCD100 glass deliver exceptional sharpness and color accuracy, making it a joy to use for both visual observing and astrophotography. The solid hexagonal focuser can handle heavy accessories while keeping your setup rock-solid at the eyepiece.
Meade Polaris 114mm German Equatorial Reflector Telescope
This polished Newtonian reflector comes with everything needed to explore the night sky, including a sturdy German Equatorial mount and three included eyepieces. The 114mm main mirror delivers impressive detail, while features like the 2x Barlow lens and built-in Setting Circles make it practical for both beginners and intermediate astronomers. The compact package includes a steel tripod and even straps in handy storage, plus a free astronomy DVD to help get you started.
Sky-Watcher StarTravel 102 AZ-GTe Refractor Telescope
When you’re serious about stargazing but not ready to commit to a massive telescope, this 102mm refractor hits the sweet spot between portability and power. The AZ-GTe mount makes it a breeze to point at your favorite celestial objects and track them as they move across the sky. Plus, the whole setup weighs just 11 pounds, so you can easily move it between observing locations or pack it for a road trip.
Explore Scientific AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor
This achromatic doublet refractor delivers sharp planetary views and detailed wide-field imagery through its 102mm aperture. The dual-speed Crayford focuser and 2” drawtube enable precise focusing and accessory compatibility. Whether you’re imaging the Moon or exploring star clusters, the Explore Scientific AR102 won’t disappoint.
Zhumell ZHUS001-1 Z100 Portable Reflector Telescope
A child-proofed 100mm reflector with an included 17mm and 10mm eyepiece that makes it easy to switch between different levels of magnification. This Dobsonian-style telescope features an altazimuth mount that allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects, while the included lithium-ion battery powers a red dot finder that makes aiming a breeze for both new and experienced stargazers. The compact design makes it perfect for family viewing or impromptu stargazing sessions in the backyard.
Explore Scientific ED127 APO
The lightweight carbon fiber tube glides smoothly through its Vixen mount, while the 102mm aperture captures plenty of light for detailed galaxy and nebula views. The included 99% reflective diagonal mirrors 90° for comfortable observing, and the sturdy build impressed both reviewers and earned high marks for portability.
Explore Scientific AR102 Air-Spaced Doublet Refractor Telescope
Pairing elegance with functionality, this portable refractor telescope lets you explore the heavens with crystal-clear views that dance free from chromatic distortions. The sturdy dual-speed focuser glides effortlessly through magnifications up to 140x, revealing lunar details and planetary features with remarkable sharpness. Whether you’re new to stargazing or a seasoned observer upgrading your setup, this telescope delivers outstanding value with every crisp, color-accurate view.
Explore Scientific Firstlight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with EQ3 Mount
This beginner-friendly telescope system pairs a 100mm Mak-Cassegrain with an Exos nano EQ mount, offering steady views through its 25mm Plossl eyepiece and 1400mm focal length. The included 90-degree diagonal and red-dot finder scope make it simple to set up, while the 1.25-inch focuser lets you swap in different accessories. Setup and use are straightforward enough for new stargazers, with the bonus of an adapter that lets you attach your smartphone for photo sharing.
Sky Watcher 100mm Esprit Ed Triplet APO Refractor
The Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED APO produces razor-sharp images with pristine color separation, thanks to its premium extra-low dispersion glass and advanced multicoatings. Its smooth dual-speed focuser keeps the scope rock-steady during long exposures, while the included field-flattener corrects for those pesky edge distortions. The whole package, protected in its rugged aluminum case, delivers stunning deep-sky views that make every setup hassle worthwhile.
Sky-Watcher Evolux 62ED Refractor Telescope
Weighing just over 10 pounds, the Sky-Watcher Evolux 62ED APO refractor telescope combines premium optics with thoughtful design elements like metal construction and dual-speed focuser. The high-transmission coatings and dew shield ensure exceptional image quality, while the compact aluminum case protects your investment during transport. Users praised its portability and build quality, making it an ideal choice for both visual observing and astrophotography.
Unistellar eVscope Equinox Digital Telescope
With its compact design, the Unistellar eQuinox lets you explore the universe from your backyard, revealing galaxies and nebulae in stunning detail. The telescope’s automated tracking keeps your view crisp as it slews between objects, while smart features like live light accumulation let you see more in fewer seconds. Packed into a backpack-friendly tube, it’s the ultimate portable window to the cosmos, perfect for stargazing with friends or starting a new astronomical journey.
Galaeyes Telescope100mm Aperture 900mm fl W-star finding System
This telescope has a cool metal design that’s 11 inches taller than regular tripods, so it really stands out when you’re stargazing. The 100mm lens lets in lots of light, making planets and moons look amazing in the night sky. It’s got an easy-to-use star-finding system that works with your phone app, so you can learn all about what you’re seeing in the heavens while you look.
Sky-Watcher ProED 100mm APO Refractor Telescope
This sleek 100mm apochromatic refractor from Sky-Watcher puts lesser telescopes to shame with its razor-sharp images and flawless color rendition, thanks to premium ED glass and advanced coatings that eliminate chromatic aberration completely. The dual-speed Crayford focuser makes fine-tuning easy, while the sturdy aluminum case and tube-ring mounting hardware ensure it’s a breeze to transport and set up at your favorite dark sky site.
Explore Scientific Essential Series 102mm f/7 Telescope
This well-regarded telescope packs impressive 102mm aperture into an accessible design that handles everything from casual viewing to astrophotography. Reviewers praise its sharp, color-free images and light weight, though a few note minor drawbacks like a slightly less-smooth focuser.
Sky-Watcher Evostar 100 APO Refractor Telescope
This Sky-Watcher refractor pulls off the impressive feat of being both highly capable and surprisingly portable. The ED glass really shows its worth in the way it handles color and contrast, making even bright sky objects pop with detail. The included diagonal and dual-speed focuser make it a joy to use for both casual viewing and astrophotography.
Explore Scientific Firstlight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount
The 100mm Mak-Cassegrain at the heart of this kit delivers a bright, well-corrected image through its 1400mm focal length. The included twilight nano mount keeps things simple yet responsive for tracking objects across the sky. With just a red dot finder and 25mm eyepiece for magnification, it’s a great starting point for anyone wanting to explore the night sky without overwhelming complexity.
Buyer’s Guide
A 100mm telescope represents a significant step up from entry-level models, offering improved resolving power and light-gathering capabilities. Understanding the key features and considerations will help you select a telescope that matches your observational goals and preferences.
Aperture and Light Gathering
The 100mm aperture provides better resolution and brighter images compared to smaller telescopes. This size is effective for both terrestrial observation and viewing faint celestial objects, though larger apertures are needed for very fine detailed views of deep-sky objects.
Magnification and Optics
Standard magnification ranges from 40x to 160x, ideal for both wide-field observing and detailed views of the Moon and planets. Consider a telescope with a high-quality optical system, such as Schmidt-Cassegrain or refractor designs, as they offer superior image quality and compactness.
Mount Stability
A stable mount is crucial for maintaining clear images, especially when viewing fainter objects. Equatorial mounts with motorized tracking provide the best stability and convenience for both casual observation and astrophotography.
Value and Upgrade Potential
Entry-level 100mm telescopes can be quite affordable, but higher-quality models offer better optical performance and construction. Consider a telescope with upgradeable components, as accessories like better finderscopes or photo adapters can enhance your viewing experience without major additional costs.
FAQ
What is a 100mm telescope?
A 100mm telescope, often referred to as a Newtonian reflector, features a primary mirror with a diameter of 100 millimeters (4 inches). This size strikes a balance between affordability and astronomical capabilities, making it popular among amateur astronomers.
The larger mirror diameter compared to smaller telescopes collects more light, allowing users to view fainter objects and observe details in planets and moons with greater clarity.
What objects can I see with a 100mm telescope?
A 100mm scope is ideal for viewing bright celestial objects such as the Moon, planets, star clusters, and the largest moons of Jupiter. You’ll be able to observe surface details on the Moon, cloud bands on Saturn, and perhaps even the Galilean moons of Jupiter under ideal conditions.
While it may not reveal as much detail as larger telescopes, a 100mm scope provides excellent views of the solar system’s major bodies and some deep sky objects like the Pleiades star cluster and the Orion Nebula.
What accessories are recommended for a 100mm telescope?
A basic finder scope and a solid tripod are essential accessories for a 100mm telescope. A finder scope helps locate objects in the night sky, while a stable tripod ensures your view remains steady during observations.
Binoviewers and red dot finders enhance the viewing experience by offering precise aiming without the need for direct viewing through the telescope. Barlow lenses increase magnification for detailed lunar and planetary views.
How important is the telescope’s optical quality?
Optical quality significantly impacts the viewing experience in a 100mm telescope. High-quality optics produce sharper images with reduced color fringing and aberrations, allowing you to see more detail and beauty in the night sky.
Look for telescopes with properly figured mirrors and lenses that minimize these optical issues. Premium optics justify the higher cost and provide noticeably better views than lower-quality alternatives.
What are the main drawbacks of a 100mm telescope?
The smaller diameter of the primary mirror limits the telescope’s light-gathering power compared to larger telescopes. This results in fainter object visibility and reduced resolution for very small, distant objects like many deep sky nebulae and galaxies.
Additionally, the portability of 100mm telescopes makes them less suitable for extended deep sky observing sessions, especially in challenging weather conditions or when setting up in different locations.
Are 100mm telescopes suitable for children?
100mm telescopes make excellent starter scopes for children due to their affordability and manageable size. The larger mirror diameter compared to smaller children’s scopes provides better light gathering and viewing capabilities.
However, proper supervision and guidance are essential when children use telescopes. The scope’s size and weight require careful handling, and children should be taught basic astronomy principles to enhance their viewing experience.
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