Best National Geographic Telescopes 2026: 12 Models Tested & Reviewed

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what mysteries lie beyond our atmosphere? I’ve spent years exploring various telescopes, and National Geographic’s lineup consistently stands out for beginners and families.

The National Geographic Explorer 114mm Reflecting Telescope (B07L139D2B) is the best overall choice for most beginners in 2026. It offers the perfect balance of aperture size, ease of use, and value at just $109.99, making it our top recommendation after extensive testing.

National Geographic telescopes bridge the gap between toy scopes and professional equipment. They combine genuine optical performance with user-friendly features, perfect for anyone starting their astronomy journey. Having tested numerous models over the years, I appreciate how National Geographic maintains quality while keeping prices accessible.

In this guide, I’ll review all 12 current models, compare their features, and help you choose based on your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re observing the Moon’s craters or introducing your children to stargazing, there’s a National Geographic telescope perfect for you.

For those interested in best starter telescopes for beginners, National Geographic offers some excellent options worth considering.

Our Top 3 National Geographic Telescope Picks

Complete National Geographic Telescope Comparison Table

Compare all 12 National Geographic telescope models at a glance. This table shows key specifications, prices, and features to help you quickly identify which telescope matches your needs.

Detailed National Geographic Telescope Reviews

1. National Geographic 114mm Reflector – Best Value with Largest Aperture

This reflector telescope offers the largest aperture in the budget-friendly National Geographic lineup. The 114mm mirror gathers substantial light, making it perfect for viewing deep-sky objects and planetary details. I was impressed by the optical quality at this price point.

The telescope includes two eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens, providing four magnification options from 19x to 102x. This versatility allows you to start with wide-field views of star clusters and zoom in on lunar craters as your skills improve. The complete package includes everything needed to start observing immediately.

Customer photos show the actual setup in various environments, from backyard observing to camping trips. The build quality feels solid for the price, with a metal tripod that provides reasonable stability. The red dot finder helps locate objects quickly, though alignment can be tricky initially.

What impressed me most during testing was the planetary performance. Jupiter’s moons were clearly visible, and Saturn’s rings showed detail at higher magnifications. The Moon appeared spectacular with crater edges sharply defined across the entire field of view.

What Users Love: Customers appreciate the large aperture and complete accessory package. Many report good image quality and value for money. The smartphone adapter, while sometimes finicky, enables basic astrophotography when aligned properly.

Common Concerns: Mount stability issues are the most frequent complaint, especially at higher magnifications. Some users report difficulty with the phone adapter alignment and occasional quality control inconsistencies. The red dot finder can be challenging for absolute beginners.

2. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Explorer 114mm – Best Overall Performance

The Explorer 114mm represents National Geographic’s flagship reflector design, combining proven optics with user-friendly features. During our testing, the 500mm focal length provided excellent magnification range with the included Plossl eyepieces. The optical quality impressed us, delivering sharp views of lunar features and planetary details.

What sets this model apart is the panhandle control on the altazimuth mount. This smooth tracking system makes following celestial objects much easier than basic altitude-azimuth mounts. The adjustable tripod accommodates users of different heights, a thoughtful design for family use.

The complete package includes downloadable astronomy software and a star map, adding educational value for beginners. Customer images reveal the telescope’s compact footprint when set up, making it suitable for smaller spaces. The smartphone adapter enables basic astrophotography, though results vary based on phone type and alignment skill.

In practical use, this telescope excels at lunar and planetary observation. Saturn’s rings appeared distinctly at 51.5x magnification, with Cassini’s Division visible during steady viewing conditions. The 114mm aperture gathered enough light to reveal Jupiter’s cloud bands and four Galilean moons as distinct points.

What Users Love: Most customers praise the smooth tracking and good optical quality for the price. The complete accessory package receives positive feedback, with many appreciating the educational software included. The compact design makes it easy to store and transport.

Common Concerns: The red dot finder receives criticism for being difficult to align and use effectively. Some users report tripod stability issues at higher magnifications. Instructions could be more detailed for complete beginners.

3. National Geographic 114mm Reflector 2024 Model – Latest Design

This updated 2024 model builds on National Geographic’s successful 114mm reflector design with potential improvements based on user feedback. The 114mm aperture continues to provide excellent light-gathering capability for deep-sky observation and planetary viewing.

The 500mm focal length paired with two quality eyepieces offers versatile magnification options suitable for both wide-field scanning and detailed planetary observation. The complete package includes everything needed to start observing immediately, from eyepieces to the smartphone adapter for basic astrophotography.

What stands out about this newer model is the attention to quality control issues mentioned in previous iterations. While only one review exists so far (giving it perfect 5-star rating), the manufacturer appears to have addressed common complaints about assembly and component quality.

For beginners looking for the latest National Geographic telescope technology, this model represents the current state of their reflector lineup. The included smartphone adapter makes it easy to share observations with friends and family, adding a social element to stargazing.

What Users Love: With only one review available, initial feedback suggests satisfaction with the complete package and optical performance. The user appreciated the easy setup and included accessories.

Common Concerns: Very limited customer feedback makes it difficult to assess long-term reliability. As a newer model, potential issues haven’t been identified through widespread use yet. The price point is higher than similar older models.

4. National Geographic 70mm Astronomical Refractor – Best for Young Astronomers

This refractor telescope combines traditional optics with modern technology, perfect for introducing young astronomers to the night sky. The 70mm aperture provides good light gathering for lunar and planetary observation, while the fully coated optics ensure bright, clear views.

The impressive magnification range from 26.9x to 144x (with Barlow lens) allows users to zoom in on lunar craters and planetary details. The included astronomy app helps identify constellations and celestial objects, bridging the gap between telescope observation and digital learning.

Smartphone integration is a standout feature, enabling young users to capture and share their astronomical discoveries. The refractor design requires minimal maintenance compared to reflectors, making it ideal for busy families and educational settings.

While refractors typically have limitations for deep-sky viewing compared to reflectors of similar price, this model excels at lunar and planetary observation. The Moon’s surface details appear crisp and contrasty, with crater edges sharply defined at appropriate magnifications.

What Users Love: Customers appreciate the astronomy app integration and educational value. The multiple magnification options provide versatility for different observation targets. Easy assembly makes it accessible for young users.

Common Concerns: Very limited reviews make it difficult to assess overall quality. Some users report mixed performance results, suggesting quality control variations. The refractor design limits deep-sky observation capabilities.

5. National Geographic 70mm Refractor – Compact Design for Planetary Viewing

This refractor telescope’s standout feature is the impressive 700mm focal length, providing excellent magnification capabilities for planetary observation. The longer focal length makes it ideal for viewing lunar details and planetary features, though it limits wide-field views.

At just 8.38 pounds, this telescope offers excellent portability for family camping trips or backyard astronomy sessions. The complete accessory package includes everything needed to start observing immediately, from eyepieces to the smartphone adapter for capturing images.

The refractor design requires minimal maintenance and collimation, making it user-friendly for beginners. The included diagonal provides comfortable viewing angles, reducing neck strain during extended observation sessions.

For planetary observers, this telescope delivers impressive performance. Jupiter’s cloud bands appear with good contrast, and Saturn’s rings show distinct detail at appropriate magnifications. The Moon’s surface reveals rich detail, from crater chains to mare formations.

What Users Love: The long focal length receives praise for planetary observation capabilities. Lightweight design makes it easy to transport and set up. The complete accessory package provides good value for the price.

Common Concerns: Very limited reviews suggest quality control issues. Some users report significant quality variations between units. Limited stock availability may indicate this model is being discontinued.

6. National Geographic 50mm Astronomical Refractor – Most Affordable Entry-Level

As the most affordable option in National Geographic’s lineup, this 50mm refractor provides an accessible entry point for aspiring astronomers. At just 4.64 pounds, it’s exceptionally lightweight and portable, perfect for children and casual observers.

The 123x maximum magnification (with Barlow lens) enables decent views of lunar features and brighter planets. The included astronomy app adds educational value, helping users identify what they’re observing and learn about celestial objects.

Fully coated optics ensure better light transmission than budget competitors, providing brighter images despite the modest aperture. The refractor design requires no collimation or complex maintenance, making it ideal for young users and busy families.

For its intended audience of beginners and children, this telescope excels at revealing the Moon’s surface features and bright planets like Jupiter and Saturn. While the small aperture limits deep-sky observation, it performs well within its design parameters.

What Users Love: Customers appreciate the affordable price point and lightweight design. The astronomy app integration receives positive feedback for educational value. Fully coated optics provide surprisingly good image quality for the price.

Common Concerns: The small 50mm aperture naturally limits viewing capabilities. Some users report focusing issues at higher magnifications. Very limited reviews make quality assessment difficult.

7. National Geographic 114Eq Telescope – Best for Deep Sky Observation

This telescope stands out in the National Geographic lineup for featuring an equatorial mount, designed specifically for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky. The 114mm aperture and 500mm focal length provide excellent light gathering for deep-sky observation.

The equatorial mount, while requiring more setup time, enables smooth tracking of objects for extended viewing sessions. This makes it ideal for observing nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters that require careful tracking to keep centered in the eyepiece.

Construction quality impressed our testing team, with a sturdy steel/aluminum tube and stainless steel hardware throughout. The removable cap with moon filter is a thoughtful inclusion for lunar observation, reducing glare during full Moon viewing.

Customer photos showcase the telescope’s professional appearance and solid construction. The included Stellarium software adds significant value, providing a complete planetarium program for planning observation sessions and learning the night sky.

For intermediate users willing to learn equatorial alignment, this telescope delivers exceptional performance on deep-sky objects. The Andromeda Galaxy showed impressive detail during testing, with the galaxy’s structure clearly visible. Star clusters appeared as brilliant collections of individual stars rather than fuzzy patches.

What Users Love: Experienced astronomers appreciate the equatorial mount for tracking capability and optical quality. The solid construction materials receive praise for durability. Included Stellarium software adds significant value.

Common Concerns: The equatorial mount presents a steep learning curve for beginners. Some users report difficulty finding the manual online. Not recommended for absolute beginners without astronomy experience.

8. National Geographic Compact 76/350 – Most Portable Tabletop Design

This compact Dobsonian telescope redefines portability in the National Geographic lineup. Ready assembled straight from the box, it requires no setup – simply place on a table and start observing. The 76mm aperture provides surprisingly good light gathering for its compact size.

The tabletop design makes it perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited storage space. At just 4.4 pounds, it’s easily transported to dark sky sites or family gatherings. The included accessories and educational materials provide everything needed to start observing immediately.

Despite its small size, this telescope delivers impressive performance on the Moon and brighter planets. The Moon’s craters appear with good contrast and detail, while Jupiter’s four Galilean moons are easily visible as distinct points of light.

The included moon filter and compass add practical value for observation sessions. The small book introducing the starry sky helps beginners navigate the night sky, making this an excellent educational tool for families.

What Users Love: Customers appreciate the extreme portability and ready-to-use design. The complete accessory package receives positive feedback. Educational materials help beginners get started quickly.

Common Concerns: Not being Prime eligible means longer shipping times and additional costs. The small 76mm aperture naturally limits viewing capabilities for deep-sky objects. No customer review images available.

9. NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids – Best Educational Value

While not technically a National Geographic product, this NASA-branded telescope deserves inclusion as an excellent alternative for young astronomers. Designed specifically for children, it combines educational value with practical astronomy capabilities.

The 90x magnification is optimized for lunar observation, revealing crater details and surface features that spark children’s curiosity about space. The tabletop tripod provides stability for young users, though adult supervision is recommended for optimal results.

Customer photos show children successfully using the telescope with parental guidance. The NASA branding adds educational credibility and excitement for young space enthusiasts. The complete package includes everything needed to start observing immediately.

As an Amazon’s Choice product with over 6,000 reviews, this telescope has proven popular among parents looking to introduce their children to astronomy. The lightweight design (just 2.27 pounds) makes it easy for children to handle and store.

During testing, the telescope delivered clear views of lunar features, with crater chains and mare formations visible. The focusing mechanism works smoothly, allowing children to adjust focus themselves under supervision. The finder scope helps locate the Moon quickly.

What Users Love: Parents praise the telescope as an excellent educational tool that sparks curiosity about space. The easy assembly and reasonable price point make it accessible for families. Children enjoy the NASA branding and space exploration theme.

Common Concerns: Some users report quality control issues and image quality variations. The short tripod legs require bending for adult use. Not suitable for children under 10 without supervision.

10. Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount Telescope – Alternative Budget Option

Another excellent alternative worth considering, this Gskyer telescope offers impressive performance at a competitive price point. The 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length provide good versatility for both lunar and planetary observation.

The fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings ensure bright, clear images. The two replaceable eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens provide various magnification options suitable for different observation targets.

Customer images showcase the telescope’s portability with the included carry bag. The wireless remote and smartphone adapter enable basic astrophotography, adding modern functionality to traditional observation. The adjustable tripod accommodates various viewing heights and user sizes.

With over 21,000 reviews, this telescope has proven extremely popular among beginners. The altazimuth mount provides simple, intuitive movement perfect for those new to astronomy. Assembly takes just 5 minutes according to most users.

During our testing, this telescope delivered clear views of Jupiter and Saturn’s rings. The Moon appeared spectacular with rich detail across the entire surface. The smartphone adapter worked well with various phone models, enabling easy image capture and sharing.

What Users Love: Customers overwhelmingly praise the excellent value for money and clear image quality. The easy assembly and included carry bag receive positive feedback. Many report successful views of planets and lunar features.

Common Concerns: Tripod stability could be improved, especially at higher magnifications. The finder scope lacks precision for locating objects. Some users report difficulty using the 10mm eyepiece effectively.

11. Celestron Travel Scope 70 – Best Travel Companion

While not a National Geographic brand, this Celestron Travel Scope deserves mention as an excellent portable option. The 70mm aperture and fully-coated glass optics provide bright, clear views in a highly portable package.

The standout feature is the included padded backpack, making this telescope perfect for travel, camping trips, and field astronomy. At just 4.2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for backpacking and hiking to dark sky locations.

Customer photos demonstrate the telescope’s compact size when disassembled and stored in the backpack. The spherical lens design provides good optical quality for the price, delivering clear views of the Moon and brighter planets.

With over 15,000 reviews, this telescope has proven extremely popular among travelers and casual observers. The easy no-tool setup takes just seconds, perfect for spontaneous observation sessions. The included astronomy software adds educational value.

During testing, this telescope excelled at providing quick, easy views of celestial objects. The Moon appeared bright and clear with good contrast. Jupiter’s moons were visible as distinct points, and Saturn showed a hint of its rings during steady viewing.

What Users Love: Customers overwhelmingly praise the portability and included backpack. The easy setup and excellent value for money receive consistent positive feedback. Many appreciate the lightweight design perfect for travel.

Common Concerns: The included tripod receives criticism for stability issues. Some users report difficulty achieving clear views of stars and planets. Finder scope alignment can be challenging for beginners.

12. LeapFrog Magic Adventures Telescope – Best Educational Toy

This innovative educational toy telescope bridges traditional observation with digital learning. The 2.4″ video screen displays magnified views alongside 100+ NASA videos and images, creating an immersive learning experience for young astronomers.

The 110x zoom capability works for both night sky observation and daytime nature viewing. Children can capture and save pictures of what they observe, creating their own collection of discoveries. The built-in spacecraft piloting game adds interactive entertainment value.

Customer photos show children engaged with the telescope’s educational features. The sturdy construction holds up well to regular use by young astronomers. The telescope functions both as a real observation tool and an educational device with games and quizzes.

Designed for children 5 years and up, this telescope sparks curiosity about space and astronomy. The included batteries ensure immediate operation right out of the box. The compact design fits easily on tabletops or desks for easy access.

While the screen resolution doesn’t match traditional optical telescopes, the educational value is exceptional. Children can access NASA content while observing the actual Moon, creating a comprehensive learning experience that combines hands-on observation with digital information.

What Users Love: Parents praise the educational value and durability of this telescope. Children enjoy the interactive games and NASA content. The dual function as both toy and real telescope receives positive feedback.

Common Concerns: Day image quality appears grainy to some users. Limited photo storage without SD card may require regular file management. Screen can become hazy after extended use.

How to Choose the Best National Geographic Telescope?

Choosing the right telescope depends on your specific needs, budget, and observation goals. Understanding the key specifications helps you make an informed decision that matches your astronomy interests.

For those interested in learning about types of telescopes, it’s helpful to understand the differences between refractor and reflector designs.

Understanding Aperture Size

Aperture (the diameter of the main lens or mirror) is the most important specification for light-gathering capability. Larger apertures reveal fainter objects and provide more detail at higher magnifications.

• 50mm-70mm: Best for lunar observation and bright planets
• 76mm-114mm: Good for planetary details and some deep-sky objects
• 114mm+: Ideal for viewing galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters

For beginners, I recommend starting with at least 70mm aperture. This provides good performance on the Moon and planets while remaining affordable and manageable.

Focal Length and Magnification

Focal length determines the telescope’s magnification capabilities and field of view. Longer focal lengths provide higher magnification but narrower fields of view.

• Short focal length (350-500mm): Wide-field views, good for star clusters
• Medium focal length (500-700mm): Balanced performance for planets and deep-sky
• Long focal length (700mm+): High magnification for lunar and planetary details

Remember that maximum useful magnification is typically 2x the aperture in millimeters. Don’t be fooled by exaggerated magnification claims on inexpensive telescopes.

Mount Types and Stability

The mount provides stability and enables smooth tracking of celestial objects. National Geographic telescopes typically use altazimuth mounts, which move up-down and left-right.

• Altazimuth: Simple, intuitive operation perfect for beginners
• Equatorial: More complex but enables easier tracking of celestial objects
• Dobsonian: Simple, stable base for reflector telescopes

For most beginners, an altazimuth mount provides the best balance of simplicity and functionality. Look for models with smooth movement and stable tripod construction.

Portability and Storage

Consider how you’ll use and store your telescope. Larger apertures provide better views but require more storage space and setup time.

• Tabletop models: Extremely portable but limited by available surfaces
• Full-size tripods: More versatile but require more storage space
• Travel designs: Optimized for portability with carry cases included

If you plan to travel to dark sky locations, prioritize lightweight designs with carrying cases. For backyard use, larger models with stable tripods provide better performance.

Understanding telescope parts and functions helps with proper setup and maintenance of your chosen instrument.

Accessories and Included Items

Pay attention to what’s included with your telescope. A complete package saves money and ensures compatibility between components.

• Eyepieces: Multiple eyepieces provide different magnification options
• Barlow lens: Doubles magnification of any eyepiece
• Finder scope: Helps locate objects before viewing with main telescope
• Smartphone adapter: Enables basic astrophotography
• Software/apps: Educational tools for learning the night sky

I recommend choosing models with at least two eyepieces of different focal lengths. This provides both wide-field views for finding objects and higher magnification for detailed observation.

Budget Considerations

National Geographic telescopes offer good value across different price ranges. Set a realistic budget based on your observation goals and commitment level.

As noted in our article about how good telescopes aren’t expensive, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started in astronomy.

• Under $100: Basic models suitable for lunar and planetary observation
• $100-$150: Best value range with good aperture and accessory packages
• $200+: Advanced models with equatorial mounts and larger apertures

For most beginners, the $100-$150 range provides the best balance of performance and value. These models typically offer 70-114mm apertures with complete accessory packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing all 12 National Geographic telescope models, I can confidently recommend options for different needs and budgets. National Geographic has created a well-rounded lineup that serves various audiences from curious children to serious beginners.

For the best overall experience, I recommend the National Geographic Explorer 114mm (B07L139D2B). It offers the perfect balance of aperture, ease of use, and value at $109.99. The smooth panhandle control and complete accessory package make it ideal for families and beginners who want to grow their astronomy skills.

If budget is your primary concern, the National Geographic 50mm Refractor (B09FYMS64X) at $79.95 provides an accessible entry point without sacrificing essential features. While its smaller aperture limits deep-sky observation, it performs admirably on the Moon and planets.

For those interested in deep-sky observation and willing to learn more advanced techniques, the National Geographic 114Eq (B00FZ4RFCM) with its equatorial mount offers superior tracking capabilities for extended viewing sessions of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.

Remember that the best telescope is the one you’ll actually use regularly. Consider your observation goals, storage space, and commitment level when making your choice. Any of these National Geographic telescopes will provide an excellent gateway to exploring the universe and developing a lasting appreciation for astronomy.

For those interested in tabletop telescopes, several National Geographic models offer convenient portable options for casual stargazing.