The 10 Best Beginner Refractor Telescope Of 2024, Researched By Us

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Beginner Refractor Telescope
Best Beginner Refractor Telescope

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Celestron Refractor Telescope

The Celestron Refractor Telescope is a professional-grade telescope perfect for all sky users. With fully-coated glass optics, a powerful 70mm objective lens, a high-quality eyepiece, and a large 70mm aperture objective lens, the Refractor Telescope can provide brighter views than ever. Read Review

2. Runner Up: ToyerBee Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescope

With a 70mm large aperture, it can see brighter details than other telescopes while providing plenty of power for older adults who want to explore the natural world. Thearium mirror makes it perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Celestron Portable Refractor Telescope

This high-quality 70mm refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics is perfect for beginners who want to see amazing views in a small space. The Celestron Portable Refractor Telescope is anchored by a steel tripod and can be adjusted to the desired height. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Assemble: ToyerBee Aperture Refractor Telescopes

With Aperture Refractor telescope set, you can get clear images even with large fields of view. With a bigger aperture, we've include a Wireless camera remote and paper and video Installation Guidelines to help you get started. Read Review

5. Best Economical: ECOOPRO Telescope

With this telescope, you can see them all. No matter your level of astronomy, our 360mm focal length or the older generation's favorite 70mm focal length. We have a variety of galaxies to choose from and excelsior for everyone. Read Review

When it comes to getting the most out of your night sky observation, you want something that will give you a clear view of the stars and allow for some nice photogenic shots. A good first refractor scope gives you both a clear view of the stars and also allows you to improve your telescope visibility. That said, if you're brand new to refractories, you may want to look at other beginner refractor telescope recommendations first.

Many beginners have an easier time understanding how things work in restyled telescopes than with old lenses and batteries. Newbies may need something a little less intimidating as well. If this sounds like you, we have plenty of beginner refractor scope options to help get you started!

We think the best beginner refractor telescope that is available now is Celestron Refractor Telescope. With its large, 70mm aperture objective lens and large eyepieces, the Refractor Telescope offers you six high-power views of celestial objects. We also provide you with ToyerBee Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescope model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice. And bellow is the helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Celestron Refractor Telescope
Our Score:
9.9
Celestron

Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

Large 70mm objective lens: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy.

Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.

Bonus bag, tripod, and software: This Celestron telescope and full-height tripod can be taken anywhere in the included travel backpack. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.

Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.

15X-150X Magnification: Our refractor telescope is equipped with two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. So you can get magnification from 15X to 150X. Whether watching stars and moon at night or observing planets, ToyerBee telescope is the best helper for kids & adults & astronomy beginners.

70mm Large Aperture: The telescope is equipped with a 70mm large aperture objective lens which makes the images brighter and clearer. The bigger the aperture is, the bigger the field of vision will be, so you can see clearer images. Professional telescope can help adults&kids view the planets and moon.

Wireless Remote: ToyerBee telescope set includes one smartphone adapter and one wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen. You can take some amazing photos to share with your friends. The telescope is a great astronomy gift to send the astronomy enthusiasts and 8-12 kids.

Satisfaction Service: A 3-year customer service is offered by ToyerBee. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our telescopes and service.

Adjustable Tripod: With an adjustable tripod, our astronomical telescope’s height can adjust from 16’’ to 46’’, which can adapt to different view positions. It’s also convenient to be carried when you go out and travel.

TOP Choice #3 Celestron Portable Refractor Telescope
Our Score:
9.6
Celestron

Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with 2 high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.

Bonus bag, tripod, moon filter, 2x barlow, bluetooth shutter release, smartphone adapter and software: Highly portable and ready for your digiscoping adventures. Also includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.

Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.

Large 70mm objective lens: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy.

4 ToyerBee Aperture Refractor Telescopes
Our Score:
9.5
ToyerBee

【Reliable Service Team】You can get unlimited technical support from our customer service and online expert team. Regardless of any questions, please contact us.

Easy to assemble& dismount】 We have a full set of paper and video Installation Guidelines. Don't worry about any installation problems. Even for first-time users, kids&beginners can install it themselves without any tools. It is a great telescope for 8-12 kids and it’s a great astronomy gift to send them.

【70mm Large Aperture】The telescope equipped with 70mm aperture and 300mm focal length, which provide more lights and clearer images, even beginners can get clear images. The bigger the aperture, the bigger the field of vision, and the clearer the image.

【Great Telescope for Kids& Beginners!】 The telescope meets all the needs of astronomy beginners, the adults & kids’ astronomical journey begins from here! Equipped with 3X Barlow len and two eyepieces, H20mm and H6mm, you can get magnification of 15X to 150X. This is a great telescope for adults astronomy beginners.Whether it's viewing planets and stars, our telescope is the best helper for adults & kids.

【Wireless Control】This telescope set includes one smartphone adapter and one Wireless camera remote. Just install your mobile phone on the phone adapter, connect to the the eyepieces of the telescope. These help you explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and you can take some amazing images.

5 ECOOPRO Telescope
Our Score:
9.3
ECOOPRO

Includes two 1.25" eyepieces (K25mm & K10mm) which you can enjoy the magnification from 51X to 128X, And 5X24 Finder Scope can made the starscope telescope locate objects faster.

360mm focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optical glass with high transmission coatings telescope which creates crisp images with increased brightness and clarity.

No-tools quick set up and easy find your objects, perfect telescope for kids and astronomy beginners and it’s good gift to send your children.

70mm telescope excels at daytime birding use as well as viewing wildlife, scenery and casual nighttime observing of the Moon

Come with adjustable tripod , it allows for any viewing position. Great gifts refractor telescope for kids 8-12, 5-7.

BONUS BAG, TRIPOD, AND SOFTWARE: Take your Travel Scope anywhere in the included travel backpack.The scope and tripod are easy to set up and use. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.

SUPERIOR OPTICS: The 80mm Travel Scope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 80mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched among competitors in its class.

UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.

POWERFUL EYEPIECES FOR UP-CLOSE VIEWING: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.

LARGE 80MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 80mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.

7 KIOSESI Refractor Telescope
Our Score:
8.9
KIOSESI

【Long Focal Length & Large Aperture & Optical Lens 】This telescope has 400mm focal length, 70mm aperture and high-quality optical lens. You can observe farther distances and get higher clarity. This advanced telescope can create clear images while observing. It is a good astronomy gifts for kids.

【Reliable Service Team】You can get unlimited technical support from our customer service and online expert team. Regardless of any questions, please contact us.

【High Magnification】KIOSESI telescope equipped with a 3X Barlow lens and two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) can magnify 20X-200X. This refractor telescope is for observing animals during the day or viewing planets with a moon filter at night. It is a good telescope for adults, kids and astronomy beginners to explore the mysteries of nature.

【Use Wireless Remote】Our telescope is equipped with a phone adapter. Just install your mobile phone on the phone adapter, connect to the the eyepieces of the telescope, and use the wireless remote (included) to take the photos, which is convenient and fast. You can take clear and bright pictures easily.

【Adjustable Tripod】The refractor telescope is available with an adjustable tripod, which can adjust the height from 16" to 49". The top of our tripod can horizontally move 360°and vertically move 90 °. The telescope can provide you with various viewing angles and meet the needs of different groups of people. The portable telescope and the tripod can be put in your bag, which is convenient for traveling and carrying.

8 MaxUSee Beginner Refractor Telescope
Our Score:
8.7
MaxUSee

70mm Large aperture objective lens make the images brighter and clearer, with 5X24 finder scope can locate objects faster and earlier.

Portable telescope with wide range of different magnification from 16X to 200X, the perfect First Telescope for kids & astronomy beginners.

Includes 4pcs 1.25" eyepieces H6mm, H12.5mm, H20mm and K25mm. High magnification (H6mm), middle magnification (H12.5mm) and low magnification but with sharper image (H20mm & K25mm) eyepieces give you variety for any viewing situation.

Focal length 400mm refractor telescope comes with a durable Table-top tripod, includes the accessories 3X Barlow lens, 1.5X Erecting eyepiece and Moon mirror.

Travel telescope that Easy to carry & Quick to set up - Comes with a phone adapter that you can use cell phone for video camera and image capturer.

9 ToyerBee Telescope
Our Score:
8.6
ToyerBee

Easy to Assemble and Use: The telescope is easy to assemble even for astronomy beginners and kids. We have the detailed installation manual and video installation instructions to teach you. And our telescope is easy to focus, allowing kids to quickly find targets and see clear images. The telescopre is great for 8-12 kids and it’s good gift to send your children.

70mm Large Aperture: The refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm objective lens and the lens is fully coated with high transmission coatings. The high transmission optics lens can increase light transmittance and reduce the reflection of light. The bigger the aperture is, the bigger the field of vision will be, so you can see the clearer and brighter images. Professional astromomy telescope can help adults & 8-12 kids view the planets and stars more easily.

Wireless Remote & Phone Adapter: Our telescope is equipped with a wireless remote and phone adapter. Just install your mobile phone on the phone adapter, connect to the the eyepieces of the telescope, and use the wireless remote to take the photos. You can take clear and bright pictures easily.

Reliable Service Team: We provide 3 years satisfaction service. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our telescopes and service.

High Magnification: The telescope equipped with 2 eyepieces(H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, so kids can get magnification from 15X to 150X. Whether it's viewing planets or moon, our telescope is the best helper for adults & kids. It’s a great telescope for adults & kids 8-12 & astronomy beginners.

10 Gladfoam Refractor Telescopes
Our Score:
8.5
Gladfoam

【Stable & Adjustable Tripod】: The kids telescopes included compact tripod can be adjusted to hold the telescope as low as 22.1" up to a 51.6" maximum height with the tripod legs fully extended. For taller stargazers, the lightweight telescope can easily be placed on a table or other raised surface for comfortable use.

【Easily Assembled & Use】: 70mm refractor telescope comes with a rugged handbag, which holds the 70mm telescope, tripod and all accessories. It's an ideal grab-and-go portable telescope. Its light weight of just 4.25 lbs, makes it easy to take the telescope anywhere. No tools are required for assembly, even the kids and beginners can install it by themselves.

【The Moon Observing & Warranty 】: The Gladfoam portable telescope is designed to pack up and go whenever you hit the road, the trail, or the air. It excels for daytime birding, nature study, and scenic long-distance viewing, and will take you way beyond the Earth's horizon after sunset for some casual nighttime stargazing and Moon-watching. Gladfoam provides a 30-months warranty and lifetime customer service for each product, Regardless of any questions, please contact us.

【Premium Optic Lens】: Telescope for kids and adults is with 500 mm focal length and 70mm aperture. The optical system is fully coated for maximum light transmission, which can collect more lights and create brighter images. And the erect-image finderscope offers excellent terrestrial and astronomical viewing opportunities. An included 5x24 finder scope helps to aim the target easily.

【20X-150X High Magnification】: The adult telescopes for astronomy beginners come with two eyepieces to deliver two different viewing magnifications. Use the included 25mm eyepiece for wide, 20-power views. When you want more magnifying power, replace the 25mm eyepiece with the included 10mm eyepiece for stronger, 50-power views. After adding barlow lens 3X, the power views can be 60X to 150X.

What to Look For in a best beginner refractor telescope?

Often buyers are reluctant to buy best beginner refractor telescope. When considering a large purchase, certain things should be examined. Our knowledge and experience of best beginner refractor telescope will help in making the best options.

Please keep in mind the following criterial before selecting the best beginner refractor telescope:

Aperture

This aperture is recognizable by photographers. It controls how much light enters the telescope, just like on a manual camera. The aperture is the diameter of either the primary or lens mirror. A telescope with a larger aperture will draw more light, which can result in deeper views. The most important spec to be aware of is F-ratio. For wide-field observation and photography, low f-ratios such as f/4 and f/5 are best. However, high f-ratios such as f/15 make deep-space objects and nebulae easier to capture and see. Both can be done with midpoint f-ratios.

Optical Design

There are many optical options for telescopes. These include reflectors and refractors as well as compound telescopes. Each telescope has its strengths and weaknesses. Refractors are my favorite type of telescope from an astrophotography standpoint, but they might not be the best choice for beginners.
Three types of optics are available for consumer telescopes. They will assist you in achieving three different goals. Refractor telescopes make it easy to focus celestial bodies such as the moon and nearby planets using a variety of glass lenses. Refractor telescopes, also known as Newtonian scopes after their inventor Sir Isaac Newton, swap lenses for mirrors. This allows stargazers to see further into space. The versatile compound telescope combines both of these methods with a compact, portable design that puts it right in the middle.

Portability And Weight

A telescope that is easy to transport and set up takes would be a good choice. You will be less motivated to use your telescope when it is set up and taking too much time.
You'll find it difficult to take a heavy, bulky telescope outside when the temperatures drop. Advanced amateur astronomers build observatories at home to keep their large telescopes up at all times.
Extra-large mounts and telescopes are not recommended for those with health problems or who cannot lift heavy objects. It is better to choose something smaller and lighter. It will be more useful.

Mount

There are many types of telescope mounts available. Some even have computerized models that track and follow the movement of the skies. A sturdy Dobsonian or altazimuth mount will make stargazing enjoyable. Telescopes not mounted on a computerized mount should not be moved or adjusted for focus.
An equatorial tracking mounting mount is necessary for astrophotography. The telescope will track objects in night sky when it is properly polar aligned. This will "freeze" an object in space, allowing for long exposure photographs.

Eyepieces

There are many telescope eyepieces on the market. There are many options for magnification and viewing angles. A set of telescope eyepieces allows you to see large areas of the night sky and high magnification views on planets. If taken care of properly, a quality telescope eyepiece will last a lifetime.

Objective

The objective is the main light-collecting element of a telescope. A larger objective will allow for greater detail and reveal smaller targets. A reflector design makes it possible to have a larger telescope objective for a more affordable price. However, a refractor with the same size would be expensive.

FAQs

What is the best way to set up and use a refractor telescope?

To set up a refractor telescope, start by assembling the tripod and mounting the telescope. Next, make sure the telescope is level and pointed in the right direction. Then, use the finder scope to locate your desired object and make any necessary adjustments. When ready, attach the eyepiece and adjust the focus until the image is clear.

What types of objects can I view with a refractor telescope?

refractor telescope is great for viewing a wide variety of objects in the sky, such as planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. You can also use it to observe the Moon, comets, and even some terrestrial objects.

What is the difference between a refractor telescope and other types of telescopes?

The main difference between a refractor telescope and other types of telescopes is the design. A refractor telescope uses a lens to gather and focus light, while a reflector telescope uses a mirror to do the same. Refractor telescopes generally provide brighter, sharper images than reflector telescopes, and are generally easier to use.

How do I care for my refractor telescope?

It is important to take proper care of your refractor telescope to ensure optimal performance. Make sure to regularly clean the lenses, and store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Also, when transporting your telescope, make sure to use a secure, padded carrying case.

When new data becomes available, we routinely adjust the list of best beginner refractor telescope. Please do regularly visit our website for the most up-to-date news.

If you have any questions or difficulties with best beginner refractor telescope, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll try our best to do everything we can to assist you if you ask!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

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