Backyard Optics is an independent guide for people buying their first telescope. Our goal is to make the first night feel successful: a steady view, a simple setup, and a scope that shows something exciting quickly.
We don’t rank models by the biggest magnification number or the longest accessory list. Instead, we compare telescopes using a consistent methodology that prioritizes mount stability, usable aperture, and ease of setup—the things that decide whether a scope gets used on weeknights or stays in the box.
If you want the full checklist we use (and the trade-offs we call out), see How we pick.