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10 Best Kids Telescopes 2025 in the UK

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#1

Winner

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,181
Portability
Mount Type
Portability
Assembling the telescope is quick and straightforward, making it easy to transport and use on trips.
Mount Type
The phone mount is a great addition, although the tripod could be sturdier.

The EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope seems well-suited for kids and beginner astronomers. With a large 80mm aperture, it captures ample light, delivering bright and clear images, making it ideal for observing celestial bodies. Its high transmission optics lens enhances light transmittance, reducing reflection, which is beneficial for clear sky viewing. The focal length of 600mm provides a good range for both near and distant objects, suitable for varied astronomical experiences.

One of its strengths is the altazimuth mount that allows for easy adjustment of altitude and azimuth. This feature can be particularly helpful for beginners, as it simplifies the process of aligning the telescope with objects in the sky. It includes two eyepieces offering 30x-66x magnifications, and a 5x24 finderscope to assist in locating objects, which enriches the user experience.

Portability is another highlight, as the telescope comes with an adjustable tripod and a carrying backpack. This makes it convenient to transport and use during trips, adding to the enjoyment of astronomy as a family activity. The telescope is easy to assemble, supported by clear instructions, making it accessible for those with little experience.

However, the manual focus might require some getting used to, especially for younger users, but it can also serve as a learning experience. Durability is assured with waterproof features, though it's not specifically highlighted, suggesting it might be robust for regular use.

In essence, if you're looking for a capable and portable telescope suitable for kids and beginners, the EACONN 80mm Refractor Telescope should make a promising choice, providing educational value and family fun in stargazing adventures.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,181
Portability
Mount Type
Portability
Assembling the telescope is quick and straightforward, making it easy to transport and use on trips.
Mount Type
The phone mount is a great addition, although the tripod could be sturdier.
#3

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Carrying Bag

Rating
9.7
Durability
Durability
Easy to assemble and great quality, offering excellent value for its price.

The SOLOMARK 80900 telescope features an 80mm aperture, which is excellent for capturing more light and providing clear, bright images of celestial objects. This is an advantage for kids and beginners, as it makes observing planets and other astronomical phenomena more rewarding. With a focal length of 900mm, this telescope offers decent magnification, coming with two eyepieces that allow for 45X and 90X magnification—suitable for getting a closer look at lunar craters and planets.

Its sturdy tripod with a Super Azimuth gimbal aids stability and ease of movement, which is ideal for young users who might find alignment challenging. The addition of clear altitude and azimuth scales further simplifies pointing and tracking, making this a user-friendly choice.

Portability is a major strength, as the telescope is compact and comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to transport. This feature is particularly beneficial for stargazing sessions in different locations. Furthermore, the telescope is straightforward to assemble, so kids and beginners shouldn't have any trouble setting it up.

However, while the telescope's focus type is fixed, which might limit the fine-tuning of images compared to telescopes with adjustable focus, its fully coated optics still promise good quality views. Durability seems to be well considered with an aluminum body, but it's essential to handle it with care, especially by younger users.

In conclusion, this telescope is a solid choice for kids and beginners looking to explore astronomy. It strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use, although the fixed focus might be a slight limitation for those looking for more detailed control.

Rating
9.7
Durability
Durability
Easy to assemble and great quality, offering excellent value for its price.

Buying Guide for the Best Kids Telescopes

Choosing a telescope for kids can be a fun and educational experience. The right telescope can spark a child's interest in astronomy and science, providing them with a tool to explore the night sky. When selecting a telescope for a child, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, durability, and the level of interest the child has in astronomy. A telescope that is too complex or fragile may discourage a young astronomer, while one that is too simple may not provide enough of a challenge or learning opportunity. Understanding the key specifications of telescopes can help you make an informed decision that aligns with the child's needs and interests.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens or mirror, and it is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The more light a telescope can collect, the better it can show faint objects in the sky. For kids, a smaller aperture (around 60mm to 80mm) is often sufficient for viewing the moon and planets. If the child is more interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, a larger aperture (100mm or more) might be more appropriate. Consider the child's level of interest and the types of celestial objects they are most excited to observe when choosing the aperture size.
Focal LengthThe focal length of a telescope is the distance from the lens or mirror to the point where the telescope forms an image. It affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon in detail. However, it also means a narrower field of view, which can make it harder to locate objects. For kids, a moderate focal length (around 400mm to 700mm) offers a good balance, allowing them to see a variety of objects without too much difficulty in finding them.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows it to move. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up and down and side to side, making them intuitive and easy for kids to use. Equatorial mounts are more complex and are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which can be useful for tracking objects but may be challenging for beginners. For most kids, an altazimuth mount is a better choice due to its simplicity and ease of use.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move and set up the telescope. A portable telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy for kids to carry and set up on their own. This is important if the child will be using the telescope in different locations or if storage space is limited. Look for telescopes that are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, and consider the child's ability to handle the telescope independently.
DurabilityDurability is important when choosing a telescope for kids, as it needs to withstand the occasional bump or drop. Telescopes made from sturdy materials and with solid construction are less likely to be damaged during use. Consider the age and responsibility level of the child when assessing durability. A more durable telescope can provide peace of mind and ensure that the telescope remains functional for a longer period.