Start the new year by exploring the cosmos with the best telescope deals at Best Buy. While the selection may be smaller, the telescope deals available are well worth considering, offering quality telescopes for every level of experience.
— More top deals: Telescopes on Amazon
— See the latest discounts: Telescopes at Walmart
— Not ready for a telescope? Read our best binoculars guide
This guide is regularly updated to keep you informed of the latest offers, whether you're an experienced astronomer upgrading your gear or a beginner searching for an affordable telescope under $500. You'll also find helpful buying advice to guide your decision, along with options suited for kids and those just starting out.
Scroll down to discover the top telescope deals at Best Buy and find the perfect addition to your stargazing setup!
Best telescope deals at Best Buy February 2025
Buying advice
Puzzled by the different types of telescopes on offer? We'll break it down for you. There are three basic types of telescopes: refractors, reflectors and catadioptrics. Refractors are great for highly magnified views of planets and moons, while reflectors offer better views of deep-sky objects, star clusters and galaxies. Catadioptric telescopes correct some of the visual problems found in these older styles – such as chromatic aberration.
Reflectors
Reflectors are usually either Newtonian or Dobsonian in design. Newtonian telescopes are good for a wide range of viewing targets and are often useful for astrophotography – however, they require a lot of maintenance and can be complicated to set up, whereas Dobsonians are more straightforward.
Refractors
This type of telescope is ideal for beginners, offering a straightforward assembly and a lower price point. They do, however, tend to suffer from chromatic aberration, where bright objects appear to have a kind of halo. This doesn't ruin the viewing experience, so don't let this put you off too much. If you're just starting out, a refractor is a good way of discovering if skywatching is for you.
Catadioptric
Catadioptric telescopes fall into two broad categories: Maksutov-Cassegrain and Schmidt-Cassegrain. Schmidt-Cassegrains traditionally have bigger apertures, while Maksutov-Cassegrains usually have small apertures. The Schmidt-Cassegrain is usually better for astrophotography and for broader views, while the Maksutov-Cassegrain is great for sharp views of planets and moons.
Both types often come with a computerized GoTo system, which can work out which way the telescope is pointing and automatically adjust it to align with chosen targets. However, they tend to be more expensive than both reflectors or refractors, so we'd recommend these for committed stargazers.
Choosing a telescope
We recommend taking two main things into consideration: personal budget and what you’d prefer to view in the night sky. If you’d prefer high-magnification views of planets and moons, go for either a refractor or a Maksutov-Cassegrain design.
For views of deep-sky objects, star clusters and galaxies, opt for a reflector or a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. If you need more detailed guidance, have a look through our piece on the best telescopes, which goes into more detail on all of the above.
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