For me the best telescope for under $500 is definitely the

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope 

Is one of the best telescopes for under $500! At a price of $329 it is more like "The best telescope for $300"

to see more on this fabulous telescope for under $500 go to Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope  

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope 203mm aperture and 1200mm focal length allow you to reach deep into space for jaw-dropping images The ultra-stable Dobsonian base keeps the tube perfectly balanced for point-and-view ease of use Now includes an upgraded 2" Crayford-style focuser that accepts 1.25" and 2" eyepieces Includes 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, EZ Finder II reflex sight, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software Big-aperture optics + point-and-view ease of use = out-of-this-world value The classic XT8 combines powerful optics with the ultimate in mechanical simplicity and stability. It features a precision 8" (203mm) parabolic primary mirror, center-marked at the factory for precise collimation and mounted in a cast-aluminum support cell that provides maximum ventilation. The mirror pulls in 73% more light than a 6", enough to tease out dust lanes in nebulas, resolve the cores of prominent globular clusters, and reveal subtle structure in elusive galaxies. You're in total control as you point the scope effortlessly to your target object anywhere in the sky. The 46"-long enameled steel tube glides on its sturdy Dobsonian base. A gentle push or pull on the navigation knob puts you right in the observing pocket. The CorrecTension spring system applies just the right amount of friction on the altitude bearings to ensure proper tube balance. The SkyQuest XT8 now features an upgraded 2" Crayford-style focuser that accepts both 1.25" and 2" accessories. The XT8 comes with a host of great accessories. You get a Sirius Plossl 25mm eyepiece (48x), an EZ Finder II reflex sight, an Orion quick-collimation cap, and a snap-on dust cover. For the intrepid beginner to the veteran skygazer, the classic SkyQuest XT8 lives up to its billing by Astronomy magazine as a "work of art." Get this masterpiece now at its new lower price! One-year limited warranty.

To see more on this great telescope for under $500 got to

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

Because I believe the 8" Dobsonian is the very best first real telescope you can get. I have started the "best telescope for under $500" page with the Orion SkyQuest XT8 It is way under $500 and closer to $300. I will add more to this page soon ....so check back often.

Another good telescope for under $500

If you don't have the room for an 8 inch Dobsonian than the next best thing might be the 5 inch Maksutov for under $500 that is just the scope though you still need a telescope mount.

Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope When it comes to telescopes, bigger is better, and you can do no better than the Apex 127 Compact Mak. Its 127mm (5")-diameter optics collects 55% more light through its multi-coated, 5" meniscus lens than that of a 4" scope, putting it in the big leagues for astronomical observing and advanced nature study. But big doesn't mean bulky! Even with a focal length of 1540mm (f/12.1), the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design reduces the tube length to just 15"! The Apex 127 couples to any sturdy equatorial mount or photo-style tripod. T-threads on the eyepiece adapter also allow attachment of a 35mm camera body (with T-ring sold separately). The classy Apex 127 comes standard with a 6x26 achromatic finder scope, a 45-deg correct-image prism diagonal, and fully padded case. One-year limited warranty.

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