The Best Refractor Telescopes

Shopping for a refractor telescope can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. There are many different types and models available, each with its unique features and specifications. OPT carries a wide range of refractor telescopes from brands such as Celestron, Explore Scientific, Sky-Watcher, and others, and we are here to help guide you toward the best refractor telescope for your needs.

What to Look for in a Refractor Telescope

There are five main considerations for purchasing a refractor telescope. First, consider the aperture size. This is the diameter of the objective lens, or the main lens that gathers light — the larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can gather, resulting in brighter and clearer images. Aperture sizes for refractor telescopes typically range from 50mm to 150mm.

Next, consider the focal length of the telescope. The focal length is the distance from the objective lens to the point where the image is focused. A telescope with a longer focal length will provide a higher magnification, but a shorter focal length will give you a wider field of view. A good rule of thumb is to have a focal length of at least 500mm for general-purpose observation.

Another important factor to consider is the quality of the optics. Refractor telescopes use lenses instead of mirrors to gather and focus light, and the quality of these lenses can greatly affect the overall image quality. Look for telescopes that use high-quality, multi-coated lenses, as they will produce brighter and clearer images. Multi-coating also helps protect against smearing and other related problems.

Decide which type of mount you want to use for your observations. A refractor telescope can be mounted on an Alt-Azimuth or an Equatorial mount; an Alt-Azimuth mount is easier to set up, but an equatorial mount allows for easier tracking of objects in the night sky. Equatorial mounts are generally recommended for more advanced users.

Lastly, consider the overall design and build quality of the telescope. Look for telescopes that are made with durable and high-quality materials, as they will last longer and provide better performance. Also, check the accessories that come with the telescope, such as eyepieces, finder scopes, and diagonals, as these accessories can greatly enhance the user experience.

Without further ado, we present our picks for the top nine best refractor telescopes:

1. Radian 75MM Petzval Refractor Telescope

With FCD 100 glass and an easy setup, the Radian 75MM Petzval Refractor Telescope is the perfect refractor if you’re interested in deep-sky astrophotography. It eliminates issues associated with back focus by preventing any moving elements in the system, a novel concept that dramatically simplifies the process of setting up to observe.

2. Askar 130PHQ APO Quadruplet Astrograph

Though it is pricier than the Radian 75mm, the Askar 130PHQ APO Quadruplet Astrograph delivers yet more capabilities for the avid astrophotographer. With an edge-to-edge self-flattening field design and quadruplet Petzval optics, this could well be the.

Be aware that this refractor is fairly heavy at 27.56 lbs, and you’ll need a solid (and expensive) mount to handle the weight for astrophotography.

3. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 ED APO Refractor Telescope

The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 ED APO Refractor Telescope is a dependable, modestly-priced apochromatic workhorse that’s great for eyepiece viewing and astrophotography alike. It may be the best apochromatic refractor telescope for beginner and intermediate astrophotographers. Note that the flattener is sold separately, so if you want to use this telescope to take photos, you’ll need to purchase it.

4. Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 AZ3 f/5 Doublet Refracting Telescope

The Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 AZ3 f/5 Doublet Refracting Telescope is the best budget refractor telescope on this list. It is ideal for star fields, star clusters, galaxies, planets, nebulae, the Moon, and (with the right filtering or by projection) the Sun. Note that this telescope is great for eyepiece viewing but not for astrophotography.

5. Sharpstar Z4 F/5.5 Fully Air-Spaced Sextuplet

The Sharpstar Z4 F/5.5 Fully Air-Spaced Sextuplet builds self-flattening into its design, eliminating the need to spend time working with back focus. At around $2,000, it is an excellent choice for astrophotographers who can spend a bit more to chase stunning visuals. With a 100mm aperture and a fast focal ratio of f/5.5, the Z4 has three lens pieces at the front and three at the back.

6. William Optics ZenithStar 61II Doublet Refracting Telescope - Red

As stunning by day as its imaging is at night, the William Optics ZenithStar 61II Doublet Refracting Telescope is a beautiful and affordable refractor that’s perfect for travel and particularly well-suited for astrophotography of nebulae. It weighs less than 3 lbs. and captures true-to-color light with minimal chromatic aberration.

Note that you’ll need to purchase a flattener separately and that the ZenithStar 61II is not ideal for planetary imaging.

7. Sky-Watcher Esprit 150mm ED Triplet APO Refractor

The Sky-Watcher Esprit 150mm ED Triplet APO Refractor is a high-quality, nearly flawless visual instrument that is perfect for eyepiece viewing and astrophotography alike. With a three-element apochromatic objective and an included thread-on field flattener, you will find this is perhaps the best refractor telescope for astrophotography.

Note that it is 32 lbs., which, combined with the weight of camera equipment, will require a solid and pricey mount.

8. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ Smartphone Telescope

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ Smartphone Telescope is the best beginner refractor telescope on the list. Part of what makes it the best refractor telescope for beginners is the number of features it offers for such a low price, and in fact, one of the cons of this telescope is that it consistently sells out fast.

Connect this refractor with your smartphone for easy targeting, locking targets in your eyepiece with an in-app bullseye and slow-motion manual controls. Though it’s not suited for deep-sky astrophotography, this telescope is excellent for bright nebulae and galaxies, planets, clusters of stars, and double stars — even when viewed from the city.

9. Takahashi FS-60CB Fluorite Refractor Telescope

The Takahashi FS-60CB Fluorite Refractor Telescope offers premium-grade quality for a modest budget, with crisp, clear visuals that deliver big dividends for both eyepiece viewing and astrophotography. The hard-coated vacuum chamber maximizes light transmission and eliminates stray light, and the two-element, air-spaced optics are both lighter and brighter than a triplet system.

FAQs

What is the best-size refractor telescope?

For general-purpose observation, a telescope with an aperture of 80mm or 100mm is recommended.

Summary

Our top picks are:

• Radian 75MM Petzval Refractor Telescope
• Askar 130PHQ APO Quadruplet Astrograph
• Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 ED APO Refractor Telescope
• Sky-Watcher StarTravel 120 AZ3 f/5 Doublet Refracting Telescope
• Sharpstar Z4 F/5.5 Fully Air-Spaced Sextuplet
• William Optics ZenithStar 61II Doublet Refracting Telescope - Red
• Sky-Watcher Esprit 150mm ED Triplet APO Refractor
• Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ Smartphone Telescope
• Takahashi FS-60CB Fluorite Refractor Telescope

However, the truth is that the best refractor is the one that suits your unique needs. With a large selection to choose from, OPT puts all of the best options in one place. If you need any assistance or have technical questions, don't hesitate to chat with our Sales Team.