Telescope for beginners

Why he’ll love it

A beginner telescope reveals the Moon's craters and Saturn's rings. Look for aperture of 70mm or more and a stable mount. He'll love seeing the Moon's surface up close for the first time, then hunting for Jupiter's moons and distant star clusters on clear nights. Look for an easy-to-use mount, a finder scope and a couple of eyepieces, plus a smartphone adaptor for snapping photos. Refractors are low-maintenance, while reflectors give more light for the money. It suits mystery fans, curious minds and families, and it's a gift that rewards patience under dark skies. A planisphere helps him find targets. It’s a great pick if he’s into mystery and space. Pair it with an evening watching a good UFO documentary together for a gift that sparks plenty of conversation. At £100+ it’s a big-ticket gift for milestone birthdays, anniversaries or a special Christmas, so it’s worth taking time to choose the right one. Prices and availability change, so check the latest details, sizes and reviews on the product page before you buy, and keep the receipt in case he wants to swap it.