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Refractor telescopes have long been admired for their elegant and versatile design. These telescopes utilize a lens system to gather and focus light, offering crisp and clear views of celestial objects.
With their reputation for providing sharp images and ease of use, refractor telescopes have become a go-to option for both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best refractor telescopes available, ranking them based on their performance, features, and overall value.
Best refractor telescopes for beginners
These refractor telescopes for beginners offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.
If you’re just starting your journey into astronomy or looking for a portable telescope for on-the-go observations, these telescopes provide a solid foundation for exploring the wonders of the night sky.
1. Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ is an excellent entry-level refractor telescope designed for beginners. With a 70mm aperture and a focal length of 700mm, it offers a good balance between portability and performance.
The Alt-Azimuth mount makes it easy to navigate and track celestial objects, while the included accessory kit provides additional eyepieces and a sturdy tripod.
To enhance your observing experience, the PowerSeeker 70AZ comes with an accessory kit. This kit includes additional eyepieces, offering different magnifications and allowing you to customize your views of the night sky. The sturdy tripod ensures stability and steadiness while observing, enabling you to capture clear and detailed images.
As with other models in the PowerSeeker series, this telescope also includes a bonus astronomy software package.
The software provides valuable resources such as interactive star charts, educational materials, and celestial object guides.
It assists beginners in learning about the night sky, identifying objects, and planning their observing sessions effectively.
2. Celestron AstroMaster 80AZS Refractor Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 80AZS refractor telescope is a fantastic entry-level option that combines affordability and performance. This telescope offers clear and detailed views of celestial objects, making it perfect for both terrestrial and astronomical observations.
The Alt-Azimuth mount provides easy maneuverability, allowing you to navigate the night sky with simplicity and precision.
Whether you’re observing the Moon, planets, or star clusters, the AstroMaster 80AZS will introduce you to the wonders of the cosmos and inspire your passion for astronomy.
3. Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refracting Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope offers beginners a user-friendly and affordable option. With a 70mm aperture and a focal length of 700mm, it provides clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
The Alt-Azimuth mount makes it easy to point and track targets, and the included accessory kit, which comprises eyepieces and a red dot finder, adds convenience and versatility.
The Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an accessible option for beginners with budget considerations.
It provides an opportunity to observe the Moon, planets, and other celestial objects with clarity and detail.
4. Explore Scientific FirstLight AR80mm AZ Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific FirstLight AR80mm AZ Refractor Telescope is a compact, lightweight option for beginners. With an 80mm aperture and a focal length of 400mm, it delivers crisp and clear views of the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.
The Alt-Azimuth mount provides easy maneuverability. Equipped with a 1.25-inch 90-degree diagonal, the FirstLight AR80mm telescope allows for comfortable viewing angles, reducing strain during extended observing sessions.
The included Plossl 25mm eyepiece enhances the overall viewing experience, providing detailed and immersive views.
5. Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope
The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope offers even greater optical capabilities for beginner astronomers. This refractor telescope gathers significantly more light, resulting in brighter and more detailed views of celestial objects.
If you’re observing the moon’s craters, the cloud bands of Jupiter, or the intricate structure of star clusters, the PowerSeeker 80AZS delivers impressive image quality.
This telescope features a manual alt-azimuth mount, ensuring smooth and easy navigation of the night sky. Its compact and portable design allows for convenient transportation to various observing locations, making it an excellent choice for beginners on the go.
6. Orion Observer 70mm II AZ Refractor Telescope
The Orion Observer 70mm II AZ Refractor Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners, offering an immersive experience of the wonders of the night sky. This telescope provides great views of various celestial objects, including star clusters and cloudy nebulas.
Specifically designed for observing the Moon, bright planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as bright star clusters, this telescope allows you to explore the beauty and details of these objects.
The included altazimuth telescope mount ensures smooth up/down and left/right panning motion, allowing for easy tracking and following of celestial objects.
7. Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a versatile and user-friendly refractor telescope that offers a fantastic introduction to the world of astronomy.
Designed with beginners in mind, this telescope combines ease of use with impressive optics to provide enjoyable and rewarding celestial observations.
Its multi-coated optics minimize light reflection and enhance image contrast, allowing for vibrant and sharp visuals of celestial wonders.
The Alt-Azimuth mount of the AstroMaster 70AZ provides smooth and intuitive movement, making it easy to navigate the night sky.
Setting up the AstroMaster 70AZ is quick and straightforward, allowing beginners to start observing in no time. Its sturdy tripod provides stability during observations and is adjustable for comfortable viewing positions.
8. SVBONY SV48P Telescope
The SVBONY SV48P telescope is a versatile and high-performance instrument specifically designed to meet the demands of astrophotographers.
With exceptional optics and innovative features, this telescope lets you capture stunning images of celestial objects with remarkable detail and clarity.
The SV48P features an 80mm aperture, ensuring an impressive light-gathering capability, while its advanced optics minimize chromatic aberration for true-color images.
9. Orion Observer II 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
The Orion Observer II 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope is a versatile option for beginners. It features a 70mm aperture and a focal length of 700mm, providing clear views of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects.
The equatorial mount allows for smooth and precise tracking, while the included accessories, such as eyepieces and a finderscope, enhance the observing experience.
The Observer II 70mm comes with a range of included accessories that further enhance the observing experience. The eyepieces provide different magnifications, allowing you to customize your views and explore various details of celestial objects.
The telescope features a sturdy tripod that provides stability and steadiness during observations, minimizing vibrations and ensuring clearer views.
The Observer II 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope is designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Its versatile capabilities, from observing the Moon’s craters to spotting Saturn’s rings, make it a reliable companion for exploring various aspects of the night sky.
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Best apochromatic refractor telescopes
The best apochromatic refractor telescopes feature premium glass elements, such as extra-low dispersion (ED) or fluorite, to minimize color fringing and maximize image clarity.
They are often equipped with high-quality lens coatings and precision focusers for precise focusing adjustments.
These telescopes are available in various sizes and configurations, allowing users to choose the one that suits their specific needs and preferences.
Here are some of them:
10. Explore Scientific ED127 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific ED127 Essential Series Air-Spaced Triplet Refractor Telescope is highly regarded by astrophotographers and visual astronomers. It employs authentic HOYA FCD1 ED glass to capture stunning details of the most remarkable celestial objects.
With its true apochromatic capabilities, precise optics, and generous aperture, this versatile telescope effortlessly reveals the beauty of deep-sky wonders like the Sombrero Galaxy’s distinctive center or the captivating spiral arms of the Pinwheel Galaxy.
It also provides remarkable clarity when observing intricate features such as the winding Hadley Rille on the Moon.
Featuring an air-spaced triplet optical design, this telescope effectively eliminates chromatic aberrations, resulting in brilliant, high-contrast images.
Combining genuine FCD1 HOYA extra-low dispersion (ED) glass with advanced multi-layer coatings on all optical surfaces ensures exceptional image quality.
11. Sky-Watcher Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO Refractor
The Sky-Watcher Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO Refractor is a premium telescope designed to meet the needs of astrophotographers and visual observers.
Its 100mm (3.9-inch) aperture and advanced ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass triplet optics helps this refractor deliver outstanding image quality with minimal chromatic aberration.
The Esprit 100mm features a true apochromatic design that effectively corrects for color fringing, resulting in crisp and high-contrast views of celestial objects.
The three-element lens system, coupled with the ED glass, ensures excellent color rendition and sharpness across the field of view.
This telescope is well-suited for astrophotography, allowing photographers to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects with remarkable clarity and detail.
The fast focal ratio of f/5.5 enables shorter exposure times, making it easier to capture faint objects while minimizing tracking errors.
12. William Optics GT81
The William GT81 apochromatic refractor telescope by William Optics is a versatile and portable option for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Thanks to its superior optics and apochromatic lens design, it is designed to deliver high-quality images with minimal chromatic aberration.
With an 81mm (3.2-inch) aperture, this telescope balances portability and light-gathering capability, making it a versatile option for visual observation and astrophotography.
If you’re observing distant galaxies or capturing detailed images of the Moon and planets, the William Optics GT81 is built to provide stunning views of celestial objects while minimizing color fringing.
Best refractor telescopes for astrophotography
Some refractor telescopes offer excellent color correction and are well-suited for capturing intricate details of celestial objects.
The best refractor telescopes for astrophotography are designed with advanced optics and features specifically tailored to meet the demands of astrophotographers.
They often incorporate apochromatic or ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and produce true-color images.
Let’s look at some of them:
13. Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Refractor Telescope is a powerful instrument that brings together a 6-inch aperture and a robust mount, making it an outstanding choice for astrophotography enthusiasts.
This telescope’s combination of high-quality optics and reliable tracking capabilities unlocks the potential to capture breathtakingly detailed images of celestial objects.
It gathers an impressive amount of light, allowing for enhanced visibility and clarity.
It provides excellent resolution and contrast, making it well-suited for capturing intricate features of planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
When it comes to capturing images of celestial objects, camera lenses can enhance the capabilities of the best refractor telescopes. Therefore, combine this with a good camera lens.
The sturdy mount of the Advanced VX series ensures precise tracking and stability during long exposure times, minimizing blurring and maximizing image sharpness.
This is crucial for achieving the fine details and subtle nuances that astrophotographers strive to capture.
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14. Orion ED80T CF Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
The Orion ED80T CF Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope offers superb image quality and color correction thanks to its apochromatic triplet lens design.
Its 80mm aperture and compact size make it a versatile option for astrophotography, providing crisp views of planets, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects.
Its apochromatic triplet lens design ensures that you capture beautiful and true-to-life images of celestial objects.
The compact size of the ED80T CF enhances its versatility, allowing you to transport and set it up for your imaging sessions easily.
Equipped with high-quality optics, the ED80T CF provides crisp and sharp views, allowing you to capture intricate details and fine structures with remarkable clarity.
Its triplet lens design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring accurate color rendition across the field of view.
15. Orion EON 110mm ED f/6.0 Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
The Orion EON 110mm ED f/6.0 Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is a top-tier instrument that is specifically designed to cater to the needs of astrophotographers.
With its impressive 110mm aperture and fast f/6.0 focal ratio, this telescope offers exceptional light-gathering capabilities and a wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing stunning night sky images.
Equipped with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, the EON 110mm delivers outstanding color correction and sharpness across the entire field of view.
This ensures that your astrophotography results are free from chromatic aberration, allowing for precise and detailed imaging of planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
The sturdy and stable construction of the EON 110mm and its robust focuser and precision optics ensure that your astrophotography sessions are smooth and accurate.
Its versatile design allows for easy attachment of accessories, such as cameras, auto guiders, and filter wheels, enabling you to explore different imaging techniques and enhance your astrophotography capabilities.
16. Sky-Watcher ProED 100mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope
The Sky-Watcher ProED 100mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope is a superb choice for astrophotography enthusiasts seeking exceptional image quality and versatility. This telescope delivers stunning and high-resolution images of celestial objects.
The ProED 100mm features extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements that significantly reduce chromatic aberration, providing excellent color correction and enhanced contrast in your astrophotography captures.
Its fast focal ratio of f/9 allows for shorter exposure times, making it easier to capture detailed images of planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
Equipped with a robust and precise focuser, the ProED 100mm ensures secure and stable attachment of your camera and accessories, allowing you to experiment with different imaging setups.
The telescope’s durable construction and stable mount compatibility make it a reliable choice for astrophotography sessions.
17. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet Refractor is a compact and portable optical tube that offers an affordable entry point into the world of astrophotography and visual astronomy.
This telescope provides exceptional image quality and versatility for capturing stunning celestial photographs and observing the wonders of the night sky.
The EvoStar 80 features an apochromatic design that reduces chromatic aberration, ensuring crisp and clear images with accurate color rendition.
This makes it an excellent choice for astrophotography, as it allows you to capture breathtaking views of planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects with impressive detail and clarity.
Designed with portability in mind, the EvoStar 80 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and set up for your stargazing adventures.
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Best refractor telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies
When it comes to observing planets and galaxies, refractor telescopes offer exceptional clarity and sharpness, making them the ideal choice for discerning astronomers.
Here are some of the best refractor telescopes that will transport you to distant celestial wonders:
18. Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope
The Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope is a powerful instrument that delivers breathtaking views of planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects.
With its large 120mm aperture and high-quality optics, this telescope offers exceptional image quality, allowing you to explore the universe with stunning clarity and detail.
The ProED 120 features a doublet apochromatic design that effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, resulting in sharper and more accurate images.
This means you can observe the Moon’s intricate surface features, discern the bands of Jupiter, witness the stunning rings of Saturn, and delve into the intricate details of distant galaxies with impressive clarity.
Equipped with premium optics and precise craftsmanship, the ProED 120 provides excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing you to capture even the faintest details of celestial objects.
19. Orion AstroView 120ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope
The Orion AstroView 120ST Equatorial Refractor Telescope is a powerful instrument that brings the wonders of planets and galaxies into sharp focus.
The large aperture allows for the gathering of ample light, resulting in clear and detailed observations of planets and galaxies.
Its fast focal ratio provides a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and explore objects within our solar system and beyond.
The sturdy equatorial mount ensures stability, allowing for extended observations without the need for constant adjustments.
20. Meade Instruments Polaris 90mm Aperture Telescope
The Meade Instruments Polaris 90mm Aperture Telescope is a portable, user-friendly option designed for beginners and outdoor family fun.
This telescope offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing for clear and detailed observations of celestial objects.
Whether you want to explore the Moon, planets, or even some deep-sky objects, the Polaris telescope provides enjoyable and educational viewing experiences.
The telescope is equipped with a stable German Equatorial Mount (GEM), which allows for smooth and precise manual tracking of celestial objects.
This mount ensures stability and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and families to enjoy stargazing together.
The Polaris telescope includes a range of accessories, enhancing the observing experience. These accessories may include eyepieces, a red dot finder, and a sturdy tripod.
The eyepieces offer different magnification options, allowing you to adjust and explore various objects in the night sky.
21. Sky-Watcher StarTravel 102 AZ3 Telescope
The Sky-Watcher StarTravel 102 AZ3 Telescope offers a perfect portable system for those seeking a small yet powerful telescope setup.
This kit combines the Sky-Watcher AZ3 mount with the StarTravel achromat refractor telescope. It features fast f/4.9 optics that provide high-contrast wide field views, making it suitable for astronomical and terrestrial observations.
Remarkably, the entire set-up weighs less than 15 pounds, ensuring easy portability.
Featuring professional-quality optics, the Sky-Watcher StarTravel telescopes boast two-element air-spaced, fully multi-coated lenses.
These lenses deliver excellent views of terrestrial objects and stunning observations of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
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22. Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ refractor telescope is a versatile instrument that allows you to explore the depths of the night sky with impressive clarity.
This telescope delivers high-quality views of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, and even some brighter deep-sky objects.
The Alt-Azimuth mount provides smooth and precise movement, ensuring that you can effortlessly track and observe your desired targets.
23. Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ refractor telescope is a powerful instrument that allows you to discover the secrets of the cosmos with remarkable clarity and precision.
This telescope provides impressive views of celestial objects, revealing intricate details of the Moon, planets, and various deep-sky wonders.
The Alt-Azimuth mount ensures smooth and intuitive movement, allowing you to easily track and observe objects as they glide across the night sky.
24. Meade Infinity 102mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope
The Meade Infinity 102mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope is a versatile and beginner-friendly instrument that offers great views of celestial objects.
With its 102mm aperture, it gathers ample light to provide clear and detailed observations of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects.
The altazimuth mount makes it easy to navigate the night sky, allowing smooth up/down and left/right panning motion.
The telescope comes with accessories such as eyepieces and a red dot finder, enhancing the observing experience for beginners.
25. Explore Scientific FirstLight AR127mm Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific FirstLight AR127mm Refractor Telescope is a high-quality instrument designed for both beginners and intermediate astronomers.
With its 127mm aperture, this telescope offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, providing stunning views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
The refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images. The telescope comes with a sturdy mount that offers stability and precision tracking.
Best refractor telescopes for deep space
When it comes to exploring the depths of space, the best refractor telescopes offer exceptional performance and clarity.
While refractor telescopes excel in planetary observations, they can also provide remarkable deep space observing experiences, capturing distant galaxies and nebulae with impressive detail.
Here are some of them:
26. Orion EON 115mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
The Orion EON 115mm ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor Telescope is a powerhouse for deep-space exploration. Its generous 115mm aperture and premium ED glass delivers exceptional light-gathering capabilities and superb color correction.
This means that you can witness the intricate details of nebulae, the splendor of star clusters, and the distant allure of galaxies with astonishing clarity.
The triplet lens design further enhances the overall image quality, providing sharp and accurate renditions of celestial objects.
27. Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series Refractor Telescope
The ED102 Essential Series refractor telescope offers a combination of affordability and performance for deep-space observation. Its 102mm aperture and apochromatic optics provide sharp and detailed views of celestial objects, making it an ideal choice for capturing deep-space objects.
It allows you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of deep-space objects, capturing their intricate details and subtle nuances.
Its affordability combined with its remarkable performance makes it a top choice for experienced astronomers seeking to explore the wonders of deep space.
28. William Optics FLT 132 Triplet APO Refractor Telescope
Designed for astrophotography, William Optics FLT 132 Triplet APO Refractor Telescope features a large 132mm aperture and a triplet lens design for excellent color correction.
It delivers impressive views of deep-space objects. It is tailor-made for capturing the intricate details and structures present in deep-space objects such as nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
The FLT 132 allows you to dive deep into the cosmos, revealing the hidden wonders of the universe with breathtaking clarity and precision.
29. Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102 EXOS Refractor Telescope
The Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102 EXOS Refractor Telescope is a high-performance instrument suitable for beginners and intermediate astronomers.
With its 102mm aperture, this telescope provides excellent views of celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, and deep-sky wonders.
The apochromatic design minimizes chromatic aberration, resulting in crisp and clear images with accurate colors. The telescope is mounted on an EXOS equatorial mount, allowing for precise tracking and smooth movement.
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Best refractor telescope for the money
Let’s explore some of the best refractor telescopes that offer excellent value for the money.
These telescopes provide a combination of affordability and performance, allowing both beginners and enthusiasts to enjoy clear and detailed views of celestial objects without breaking the bank.
They deliver impressive optics, sturdy mounts, and additional features, making them a smart investment for anyone seeking a quality refractor telescope without compromising on quality.
Here are some of them:
30. The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope is a budget-friendly option that delivers exceptional value. Featuring a generous 100mm aperture and fully coated optics, it ensures clear and crisp views of celestial objects.
The altazimuth mount enhances maneuverability, allowing for smooth and effortless tracking of objects across the night sky.
With its versatile capabilities, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ is an ideal choice for both beginners and astronomy enthusiasts seeking affordability without compromising on quality.
It also comes with a built-in smartphone adapter and a long focal length.
31. Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope
For those seeking slightly higher performance, the Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope is an ideal choice. This manual alt-azimuth telescope is designed with beginners in mind, providing a user-friendly experience.
Its compact and portable nature makes it easy to transport and set up in various locations.
With a 60mm aperture, this refractor telescope offers improved light-gathering capabilities compared to its predecessor.
Similar to the PowerSeeker 50AZ, this telescope comes bundled with a bonus astronomy software package.
The software provides valuable resources to assist beginners in their astronomical pursuits, including interactive star charts, educational materials, and guides to help you navigate the night sky.
32. Sky-Watcher Evostar 72 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope
The Sky-Watcher Evostar 72 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope is a fantastic option for those seeking an affordable yet high-performance telescope. The 72mm aperture and apochromatic optics ensure sharp and color-corrected views of celestial objects.
This telescope excels in wide-field observations, making it perfect for exploring star clusters, nebulae, and even some galaxies. Its compact design and portability make it easy to take on your stargazing adventures.
The Sky-Watcher Evostar 72 APO offers exceptional value and performance, making it a popular choice among both beginner and intermediate astronomers.
33. Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm AZ Refractor Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm AZ Refractor Telescope is an entry-level refractor telescope that offers affordability without compromising on quality.
The altazimuth mount ensures smooth and easy maneuverability, allowing for effortless tracking of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
It is specifically designed to cater to beginners and casual stargazers who want to explore the night sky without making a significant financial investment.
34. Celestron Omni XLT 102 Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Omni XLT 102 Refractor Telescope is a hand-figured refractor that offers exceptional optical performance with its XLT optical coatings.
The telescope captures ample light to provide clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
The manual German Equatorial EQ mount with setting circles and slow motion control allows for precise and smooth tracking of objects across the night sky.
The telescope comes with a range of accessories, enhancing its versatility and convenience for stargazing enthusiasts.
35. Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope
The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners who are interested in exploring the night sky. The compact and portable design makes it convenient to take along on outdoor adventures or to set up in a small backyard.
Featuring a 50mm aperture, this refractor telescope provides clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
The telescope’s compact size and affordability make it a great option for those who are just starting their astronomy journey or have budget constraints.
36. Orion AstroView 90mm EQ Refractor Telescope
Orion AstroView 90mm EQ Refractor Telescope is an entry-level refractor telescope that offers great value for its price. Its 90mm aperture allows for decent light-gathering capabilities, revealing impressive details on the moon’s surface, the cloud bands of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn.
In addition to its affordability, the Orion AstroView 90mm EQ Refractor Telescope boasts several noteworthy features.
The solid equatorial mount ensures smooth and precise tracking, making it easier to locate and observe celestial objects.
With its compact and portable design, this telescope offers convenience for those who enjoy taking their stargazing adventures on the go.
What are refractor telescopes suitable for?
Refractor telescopes are suitable for a variety of astronomical observations, including:
Planetary observation
Refractors excel at providing sharp and detailed views of planets in our solar system. Their high-contrast optics allow for excellent visibility of planetary features such as cloud bands, polar caps, and surface details.
Lunar observation
The Moon’s surface features, such as craters, mountains, and lunar seas, are well-suited for observation with refractor telescopes. Their ability to deliver crisp and detailed views enhances the viewing experience.
Double stars
Refractors are particularly adept at resolving double stars, where two stars orbit around each other. Their high-quality optics can separate closely spaced binary star systems and reveal the individual stars.
Terrestrial observation
Refractor telescopes can also be used for terrestrial observations, such as bird watching or scenic viewing. Their versatility makes them suitable for both astronomical and terrestrial applications.
Which brand makes the best refractor telescopes?
Several brands are renowned for producing high-quality refractor telescopes.
Some of the top brands known for their excellent refractor telescopes include:
Celestron
Celestron offers a wide range of refractor telescopes suitable for various levels of expertise and budget. Their telescopes often feature advanced optics, sturdy mounts, and innovative designs.
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Sky-Watcher
Sky-Watcher is recognized for manufacturing refractor telescopes that provide excellent optical performance at affordable prices. Their telescopes often feature apochromatic lenses for superior color correction.
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Orion
Orion is known for producing reliable and well-built refractor telescopes. They offer a diverse selection of models, catering to both beginners and advanced astronomers.
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What are the major strengths of refractor telescopes?
Refractor telescopes have several notable strengths, including:
High optical quality
Refractors are known for their exceptional optical quality, providing sharp and high-contrast images. They produce minimal aberrations, resulting in clear and detailed views of celestial objects.
Durability
Refractor telescopes typically have rugged and sturdy constructions, making them less susceptible to misalignment or damage. Their sealed optical tubes also help protect the optics from dust and moisture.
Low maintenance
Refractors require minimal maintenance compared to other telescope types. They don’t require regular collimation, and their sealed optical tubes reduce the need for cleaning.
Versatility
Refractor telescopes can be used for a wide range of observations, including planetary viewing, lunar observation, double star splitting, and terrestrial observations. Their versatility makes them suitable for different interests and purposes.
What are the major limitations of refractor telescopes?
While refractor telescopes offer many advantages, they also have some limitations to consider:
High-cost
High-quality refractor telescopes can be more expensive compared to other telescope types, especially those with larger apertures or apochromatic optics.
Chromatic aberration
Standard refractors can suffer from chromatic aberration, resulting in some color fringing around brighter objects. This is mitigated in higher-end refractors with apochromatic lenses.
Bulky
Refractor telescopes can be bulkier and heavier compared to other telescope designs, especially as the aperture size increases. This can make them less portable and require sturdier mounts.
Limited light gathering
Refractors generally have smaller apertures compared to reflector telescopes. This limits their ability to gather faint light from distant deep-sky objects, making them less suitable for deep-space observations.
FAQs about refracting telescopes
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about refractor telescopes.
Which refractor telescope is better for viewing planets?
The best refractor telescope for viewing planets include:
Can I view galaxies with a refractor telescope?
Refractor telescopes can be used to view galaxies, although their suitability may depend on the specific model and aperture size.
While refractors excel at planetary and lunar observations, their smaller apertures might limit their ability to capture faint light from distant galaxies compared to larger aperture telescopes like reflectors or compound telescopes.
However, with proper dark-sky conditions and patience, it is still possible to observe some brighter galaxies with a refractor telescope.
Takeaway: Get the best refractor telescope for a versatile viewing session
Refractor telescopes offer a range of benefits and are well-suited for various astronomical observations. They excel at delivering sharp, high-contrast views of planets, making them ideal for planetary observations.
Unlike a reflector telescope, a refractor telescope has a sealed optical tube, eliminating the need for regular cleaning and maintenance of mirrors, ensuring consistent and clear views of celestial objects.
Their compact and portable designs make them convenient for stargazing on the go.
Both achromatic and apochromatic refractor telescopes have their advantages and are used for different purposes depending on the specific requirements of the observer.
The inclusion of a secondary mirror in the best refractor telescopes helps optimize light transmission and minimize aberrations for clearer and more detailed observations.
While refractor telescopes may have limitations in terms of light-gathering capability for deep space observations, they still provide enjoyable views of galaxies, especially under optimal viewing conditions.
When choosing a refractor telescope, consider your specific observing interests and budget to find the best option for you.
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