Gskyer 70mm Telescope Review: Best Budget Pick for Beginners (2026)
The Quick Verdict: Should You Buy the Gskyer 70mm?
After testing the Gskyer 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope for over a month, here's the bottom line upfront: Yes, it's absolutely worth it for beginners. This telescope delivers surprisingly clear views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects at a price that won't break the bank.
I remember my first telescope purchase—I was overwhelmed by technical specs and expensive options. The Gskyer 70mm solves this by offering a complete package that works right out of the box. Within 20 minutes of unboxing, I was viewing Jupiter's moons, something I didn't expect from a sub-$200 telescope.
 |
| Credit: Amazon |
What You Actually Get (2026 Edition)
Gskyer hasn't changed their winning formula much, and that's a good thing. The 2026 package includes everything you need to start observing immediately:
- 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope: The main optical tube with a 70mm aperture (more on why this matters)
- Three Eyepieces: 10mm (66x), 25mm (26x), and a surprisingly decent 3x Barlow lens
- Altazimuth Mount: Smooth, easy-to-use mount that moves up/down and left/right
- Sturdy Aluminum Tripod: Height adjustable from about 3 to 5 feet
- Accessories Kit: Smartphone adapter, finderscope, and carrying bag
The smartphone adapter deserves special mention—it's not an afterthought. I've captured decent photos of the Moon with my phone using this setup. For beginners wanting to share their first views with friends, this is a game-changer.
Setup: How Easy Is It Really?
Here's where the Gskyer shines for absolute beginners. I timed myself: 17 minutes from box to first light. The instructions are visual and straightforward, though I'll share a few tricks the manual doesn't mention.
Pro Tips for Faster Setup:
- Attach the finderscope before mounting the optical tube—it's much easier
- Extend the tripod legs fully for stability, even if you're sitting
- Start with the 25mm eyepiece (lowest magnification) for finding objects
- Align your finderscope during the day on a distant object (like a telephone pole)
The altazimuth mount is intentionally simple. Unlike equatorial mounts that require polar alignment (a headache for beginners), this just moves naturally where you push it. Some advanced users complain about this, but for your first scope, simplicity wins.
The Big Question: What Can You Actually See?
This is what you're really here for. Based on my observations from a suburban backyard with moderate light pollution:
Moon Viewing: Absolutely Stunning
The Moon is where this telescope sings. Craters, mountain ranges, and the "terminator" line (where shadow meets light) appear with incredible detail. Using the 10mm eyepiece with the Barlow lens (giving you 198x magnification), you can see craterlets within larger craters.
Planets: Better Than Expected
Jupiter: You'll clearly see the four Galilean moons as tiny dots and the planet's two main cloud bands. The Great Red Spot is challenging but possible on nights with excellent seeing.
Saturn: The rings are unmistakable—that "whoa" moment every beginner deserves. You won't see Cassini's Division clearly, but the rings are obviously separate from the planet.
Mars: During opposition (when Mars is closest to Earth), you'll see it as a small red disk, possibly with some dark markings if the atmosphere is steady.
Deep Sky Objects: Realistic Expectations
A 70mm telescope won't show Hubble-like images, but from a dark sky location:
- Orion Nebula: A beautiful fuzzy patch with visible structure
- Pleiades: Fits beautifully in the field of view
- Andromeda Galaxy: A large, faint oval smudge (it's 2.5 million light-years away!)
- Binary Stars: Splits many double stars beautifully
The key is managing expectations. You're seeing these objects with your own eyes, not through a screen. That connection to the universe is priceless, even if the images aren't magazine-quality.
Honest Pros and Cons (After 40+ Hours of Testing)
What We Love ✅
- Unbeatable value: Complete package under $200
- Beginner-friendly: Actually usable right away
- Portable: Light enough to carry with one hand
- Smartphone compatible: Real astrophotography potential
- Durable construction: Survived multiple setup/teardown cycles
- Excellent customer support: Gskyer responds within 24 hours
Limitations to Know ❌
- 70mm aperture limit: Faint deep-sky objects remain faint
- Basic mount: No slow-motion controls for tracking
- Eyepieces are decent: But you'll want to upgrade eventually
- Not for advanced users: This is a beginner scope, period
- Some chromatic aberration: Purple fringing on very bright objects
Technical Specifications (2026 Model)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 70mm (2.75 inches) |
| Focal Length | 400mm (f/5.7) |
| Mount Type | Altazimuth with manual controls |
| Eyepieces Included | 10mm, 25mm, 3x Barlow lens |
| Highest Useful Magnification | 140x (theoretical), 120x (practical) |
| Finderscope | 5x24 with crosshair |
| Tripod | Aluminum, adjustable height |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) total |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty |
Who Should Buy the Gskyer 70mm Telescope?
Perfect For:
- First-time telescope buyers who want to test the waters without major investment
- Parents looking for an educational activity with kids (ages 10+)
- Casual stargazers who want something for moon viewing and occasional planet gazing
- Urban astronomers who need something portable for trips to darker skies
- Teachers needing a classroom telescope that's easy to set up
Not Ideal For:
- Advanced astronomers wanting detailed deep-sky views
- Serious astrophotographers (beyond basic Moon/planets)
- Perfectionists who'll be bothered by minor optical imperfections
- Those wanting automatic tracking (look at computerized models instead)
How It Compares to Other Beginner Telescopes (2026)
The Gskyer 70mm's main competition comes from:
Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ
Similar price, different approach. The PowerSeeker has an equatorial mount that's harder for beginners but better for tracking once learned. Optical quality is comparable, but Gskyer wins on ease of use.
Orion StarBlast 4.5
Better optics, higher price. The StarBlast's larger 4.5-inch aperture shows more, but it's bulkier and costs $100+ more. For pure "wow factor," Orion wins. For value and portability, Gskyer wins.
Meade Infinity 70mm
Nearly identical specs. These two are twins separated at birth. Choose based on which is on sale—they perform almost identically.
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Gskyer Experience
After months with this telescope, here are my insider tips:
1. The $30 Upgrade That Changes Everything
Buy a 6mm "Goldline" eyepiece (around $30). It gives you 66x magnification without the Barlow lens, providing much clearer planetary views than the 10mm + Barlow combo.
2. Master the Finderscope Alignment
This is the #1 frustration for beginners. Align it during daytime on something 500+ yards away. Spend 10 minutes getting it perfect, and your nighttime sessions will be 100% easier.
3. Understand "Seeing Conditions"
Some nights the stars twinkle violently—that's bad "seeing." Other nights they're steady—that's when you'll get your best planetary views. Check forecasts at ClearDarkSky.com.
4. Join the Community
Download free planetarium apps like Stellarium or SkySafari. They'll show you what's up tonight and help you find objects. Also consider joining a local astronomy club—most have free star parties!
Ready to Start Your Stargazing Journey?
If you're looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly telescope that actually works, the Gskyer 70mm is our top recommendation for 2026. It won't do everything, but it will give you those priceless "wow" moments that hook people on astronomy for life.
Final Verdict: Still the King of Beginner Telescopes in 2026
Five years ago, the Gskyer 70mm was a surprise hit in the beginner telescope market. In 2026, it's evolved into a reliable classic. While there are telescopes with better optics and more features, none match the Gskyer's combination of price, completeness, and genuine beginner-friendliness.
I've recommended this telescope to three friends starting their astronomy journeys. All of them successfully found Saturn's rings within their first week. That success rate speaks volumes.
The astronomy hobby has a steep dropout rate—many buy complicated telescopes, get frustrated, and quit. The Gskyer 70mm flips this script by getting you observing quickly, building confidence, and letting you decide if you want to invest more later.
Bottom line: For under $200, you get a complete, functional telescope system that delivers real views of the cosmos. If you're a beginner wanting to test the astronomy waters without drowning in complexity or cost, the Gskyer 70mm remains our top pick for 2026.
