Stargazing is a hobby many dream of taking up but don’t know where to start. Compound, or catadioptric, telescopes combine lenses and mirrors for a compact option, suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observing. Focal length affects how much visual magnification a telescope offers, but more isn't always better, and too much magnification can reduce image quality. For general observation and capturing wide fields of view, telescopes with shorter focal lengths—typically between 400mm and 700mm—are ideal. With all this in mind, we considered a variety of telescopes across different price points and styles, including compound and refractor telescopes, and selected five that we think are best suited for those starting out on their stargazing journey.