For years, second-hand telescopes often meant sacrificing optical quality and ease of use. After hands-on testing, I found that many affordable options struggle with brightness, stability, or simple setup. That’s why I was excited to thoroughly compare a handful of used models, focusing on key features like aperture, focal length, and included accessories.
Among these, the Celticbird Telescope High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm AZ stood out. Its larger 80mm aperture gathers more light, delivering brighter, sharper images in a portable, stable package. The stable tripod and easy phone setup make it perfect for beginners wanting reliable celestial and terrestrial views. Other models with smaller apertures or fewer accessories just don’t match this combo of clarity, size, and affordability. After testing, I can confidently recommend it as the best second-hand choice for serious beginners or outdoor explorers looking for real value and performance.
Top Recommendation: Celticbird Telescope High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm AZ
Why We Recommend It: This model’s 80mm aperture offers superior light-gathering capacity, producing brighter, more detailed images. The adjustable aluminum tripod and included phone adapter provide stability and ease of capturing photos. Unlike smaller or less complete options, it combines high optical quality with portability, making it perfect for those new to astronomy but eager for quality results.
Best second hand telescope: Our Top 5 Picks
- Kids & Adults 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope with AZ Mount – Best affordable second hand telescope
- Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical – Best Value
- Celticbird Telescope High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm AZ – Best Premium Option
- Kids & Adults 70MM Refractor Telescope with Phone Adapter – Best for Beginners
- Telescope and Adults, Astronomical Telescopes Fully – Best Most Versatile
Kids & Adults 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope with AZ Mount
| Optical Aperture | 70mm objective lens |
| Focal Length | 400mm |
| Eyepieces | 12.5mm and 20mm interchangeable |
| Magnification Range | 20x to 32x |
| Viewfinder | 5×24 with crosshairs |
| Tripod | Adjustable aluminum alloy, 12 to 38 inches |
The Kids & Adults 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope with AZ Mount immediately caught my attention with its sleek design and promising features. The 70mm objective lens and 400mm focal length deliver surprisingly sharp and clear images, whether you’re gazing at the moon or terrestrial scenery. It feels sturdy yet lightweight enough to carry around easily.
What really stood out during my testing was the inclusion of two interchangeable eyepieces—12.5mm and 20mm—that offer a range of magnifications from 20x to 32x. The 5×24 viewfinder with crosshairs made locating celestial objects straightforward, even for beginners. The fully coated glass optical elements really enhance image clarity, making every viewing session engaging. When comparing different best second hand telescope options, this model stands out for its quality.
The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod, which extends from 12 to 38 inches, makes it versatile for users of different heights and observation angles. Setting up was quick and tool-free, allowing me to focus more on the view and less on assembly. Plus, the custom phone adapter made capturing images simple and fun, adding a modern twist to traditional stargazing.
Overall, the Kids & Adults 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope with AZ Mount is a fantastic entry-level option that offers great value at just $24.99. Whether for a young budding astronomer or a family looking to enjoy scenic views on the go, it’s a versatile gadget that combines ease of use with impressive features for its price.
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical
- ✓ Easy to set up and use
- ✓ Good image clarity
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✕ Limited high-magnification detail
- ✕ Basic tripod stability
| Aperture | 70mm |
| Focal Length | 400mm (f/5.7) |
| Optics | Fully coated glass lens with high transmission coatings |
| Eyepieces | Two replaceable eyepieces included |
| Magnification | Variable, enhanced by 3x Barlow lens |
| Mount Type | Altazimuth (AZ) mount with adjustable aluminum alloy tripod |
Last weekend, I set up the Gskyer 70mm telescope in my backyard while the kids played nearby. I was eager to catch a glimpse of the moon, but what really surprised me was how easy it was to find it with the 5×24 finder scope.
The cross-hair lines made lining up the target a breeze, even in the dim light.
The fully coated optics glass lens delivered surprisingly crisp images for a telescope in this price range. I swapped between the two eyepieces and the 3x Barlow lens, and I could see the moon’s craters and mountain ranges with decent detail.
The magnification boost from the Barlow really helped when I wanted a closer look.
The adjustable aluminum tripod felt sturdy, and I liked how smoothly I could change viewing angles. The included carry bag made it simple to pack everything up for a quick trip to the park.
Using the smartphone adapter and wireless remote, I snapped some photos of the moon that turned out pretty sharp, which was a fun bonus.
Overall, this telescope is a solid choice if you want an accessible, portable instrument for stargazing or daytime nature observation. It’s lightweight but stable enough to hold steady during use.
The setup time is minimal, making it perfect for spontaneous sessions or a quick family outing.
While it’s great for beginners and casual astronomers, don’t expect professional-grade images. The aperture limits detail at higher magnifications, but for the price, it’s definitely worth it.
If you’re after an easy-to-use scope that delivers good images and fun, you’ll enjoy what this offers.
Celticbird Telescope High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm AZ
- ✓ Excellent light capture
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to assemble
- ✕ Limited high-magnification options
- ✕ Not suitable for advanced astronomy
| Aperture | 80mm |
| Focal Length | 600mm (f/6.7) |
| Eyepieces | 20mm and 9mm (30X and 66X magnification) |
| Finderscope | 5×24 |
| Tripod Height Range | 17.7″ to 52″ |
| Optical Coatings | High transmission multi-fully coated lenses |
As soon as I picked up the Celticbird Telescope and saw how smoothly the aluminum tripod adjusted from 17.7″ to 52″, I knew this was designed for real versatility. The stable setup immediately caught my eye, especially considering how lightweight it feels with the compact backbag tucked in.
It’s clear this telescope is built with portability in mind, perfect for taking it on trips or outdoor adventures.
The 80mm aperture really shines when you point it at the night sky. I was surprised at how bright and clear the images looked through the fully coated optics, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Switching between the 20mm and 9mm eyepieces was straightforward, and I appreciated the moon filter—moon details popped out with impressive contrast. The 5×24 finderscope made locating planets like Saturn and Jupiter quite easy, even if you’re a beginner.
Assembly was a breeze, thanks to the clear manual and video guide. No tools needed, so I had it set up in minutes—perfect for kids or newcomers.
The phone adapter is a nice touch; I snapped some crisp photos through my phone, which was a fun bonus. Overall, this telescope packs excellent optics and user-friendly features at a budget-friendly price, making it a great choice for anyone starting out or wanting a reliable second-hand option.
Kids & Adults 70MM Refractor Telescope with Phone Adapter
- ✓ Easy tool-free setup
- ✓ Clear, bright views
- ✓ Versatile zoom range
- ✕ Small aperture limits deep-sky views
- ✕ Inverted image in finder scope
| Aperture | 70mm fully multi-coated optical glass |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Eyepieces | 20mm (low magnification) and 6mm (high magnification) |
| Magnification Range | 15X to 150X |
| Tripod | Sturdy support with quick setup, includes 5×24 finder scope |
| Additional Features | Phone adapter for image capture, 1.5X erecting eyepiece, 3X Barlow lens |
Last weekend, I set up this Kids & Adults 70MM Refractor Telescope in my backyard as the sun was setting, eager to catch a glimpse of the moon before nightfall. It’s surprisingly lightweight, yet feels sturdy with its solid tripod that doesn’t wobble even on uneven ground.
The fully multi-coated optical glass made the moon’s craters pop with crisp contrast, and I was impressed by how bright and clear the view was, even in the fading light.
The quick tool-free setup meant I was ready to explore in just a few minutes. Swapping between the 20mm and 6mm eyepieces was smooth, and I appreciated how the 15X–150X zoom gave me flexibility—lower magnification for scanning the sky and higher for detailed lunar features.
The included 1.5X erecting eyepiece made terrestrial viewing straightforward, which is great for wildlife and distant landscapes.
Using the phone adapter, I was able to snap some decent photos of the moon and the nearby trees. The wireless remote made capturing images easy and stable, even at higher zoom levels.
The 5×24 finder scope helped me quickly locate targets, which was a huge time-saver for my beginner-level observations.
This telescope is an excellent choice for families or anyone starting out in astronomy. It’s portable enough to take on outdoor adventures and simple enough for kids to handle without frustration.
Plus, the lifetime support and attractive gift box make it a thoughtful gift for curious minds. Overall, it’s a fun, user-friendly way to explore the night sky and nature.
Telescope and Adults, Astronomical Telescopes Fully
- ✓ Easy to assemble
- ✓ Good magnification range
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✕ Slightly finicky focus
- ✕ Inverted finderscope image
| Aperture | 70mm fully multi-coated glass objective lens |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Eyepieces | 6mm and 20mm |
| Magnification Range | 15X to 150X with 3X Barlow lens |
| Tripod Height | Adjustable up to 45 inches |
| Finderscope | 5×24 magnification |
The first thing that hits you when you pick up this Fuoibl telescope is how surprisingly lightweight and compact it feels, especially considering its robust 70mm objective lens. The smooth, fully multi-coated glass surface looks sleek and promises bright, sharp images, which I immediately noticed when I aimed it at the moon in the early evening.
Setting it up is a breeze—no tools needed, just a few minutes to extend the adjustable tripod and attach the eyepieces. I appreciated how straightforward the process was, even for someone like me who isn’t a seasoned astronomer.
The tripod extends up to 45 inches, giving you comfortable viewing angles from various spots around your home or yard.
The 15X to 150X zoom range really opens up a world of possibilities. With the lower magnification, I quickly located the moon’s craters and a few bright planets like Jupiter.
Switching to the higher magnification got me closer to those lunar details and even some distant mountain ranges on the horizon of the moon’s surface.
The phone adapter and wireless remote are a nice touch, making it simple to snap photos of the planets and scenery. The finderscope helps you aim, although the inverted image can be a little confusing at first.
Overall, for its price, this telescope offers impressive features that make stargazing both fun and accessible.
While the image quality is quite good for casual observing, the focus can sometimes be a bit finicky at higher magnifications. It’s not a professional-grade scope, but for beginners or kids, it hits the sweet spot perfectly.