Best Refractor Telescopes for Beginners: 6 Picks Compared

If you're shopping for a beginner refractor, start with a 70mm to 90mm model on a simple alt-azimuth mount (one that moves up-down and left-right). The Gskyer or AstroMaster suits a tight budget. The StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ makes sky-finding easier, and the Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED is the one to grow into.

At a Glance

• Roundups from several review sites agree that a 70mm to 80mm achromatic refractor on an alt-azimuth mount is the easiest first scope to learn on.
• Bigger aperture (the width of the front lens) means brighter views, but it also means more weight.
• ED glass costs more and aims for cleaner color, but a basic achromatic scope is fine for a first telescope.
• Spec details vary between retailer pages, so check the listing before you buy.

Quick answer: which refractor should you buy?

Here's the short version, matched to your situation:

• Simple budget start: Gskyer 70mm AZ Refractor (AZ 70400) or AstroMaster 70AZ.
• Easiest sky-finding: Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ, which uses a phone app to guide you.
• More light for the money: MEEZAA 90mm Refractor, or Celestron Inspire 100AZ for the biggest lens here.
• Long-term quality: Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED.

We compiled this from manufacturer information and research, not hands-on testing. Details on each pick are in the picks section below.

What actually matters when choosing a beginner refractor

Only a few things separate a happy first scope from a frustrating one.

• Aperture: This is the lens diameter. A larger lens collects more light, so the Moon, planets and bright star clusters look brighter and more detailed.
• Focal length and focal ratio: Focal length is the distance light travels to focus. The focal ratio (the f/ number) compares it to aperture. A lower ratio, like f/5.7, gives a wider view that's easier for finding things. A higher ratio, like f/8.88, suits closer planetary looks.
• Mount stability: A wobbly mount ruins good optics. If the view keeps shaking long after a touch, you'll probably stop using the scope.
• Achromatic vs ED glass: Achromatic lenses can show color fringing, a faint purple or blue halo around bright objects. ED (extra-low dispersion) glass aims to reduce it.
• Finder and eyepieces: A red-dot finder is a simple aiming dot. App-assisted aiming reads star patterns through your phone instead.
• Portability and setup time: For families, a scope that comes out in minutes gets used more often.
• Listed specs: Focal length for the same model can differ between review sites. Confirm it on the retailer page.

Refractor basics: what you can and can't expect to see

Refractors are good at bright, close targets. You can expect Moon craters, Jupiter's moons and cloud bands, Saturn's rings and bright star clusters.

Faint galaxies and nebulae are a different story. In small apertures they show up as dim smudges, if they show up at all. That's a limit of size, not a sign of a bad scope.

Refractors have a sealed tube, so they need almost no maintenance and no collimation (re-aligning mirrors), which reflectors often need. That's why many guides call them the lowest-maintenance beginner design.

The trade-off is cost. Dobsonian reflectors give the most aperture per dollar, so a refractor gives up some light-gathering for simplicity and portability.

One safety note: never point any telescope at the Sun without a proper, commercially made solar filter. If you don't have one, skip solar viewing entirely.

Our picks: six beginner refractors compared

Quick picks

• Best for easy sky-finding (mid-range): Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ. This one fits if you've never found a planet and want an app to point the way.
• Best for sharper views (mid-range): Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED. Consider it if you want cleaner color and might try astrophotography later.
• Best for a larger lens (mid-range): Celestron Inspire 100AZ. It's a step up from 70mm, but you'll need to handle the extra weight.
• Best budget for brightness: MEEZAA 90mm Refractor. It gathers the most light at a budget level, though you may need to tighten the mount now and then.
• Best for Moon and planets on a budget: AstroMaster 70AZ. It offers a familiar brand and a quick, tool-free setup.
• Best budget kit: Gskyer 70mm AZ Refractor (AZ 70400). Everything comes in the box, including a phone adapter and carry bag.

How to decide between close options

The two 70mm scopes are close. The Gskyer offers a wider view and more extras, while the AstroMaster has a red-dot finder and a well-known brand. Keep in mind that AstroMaster focal ratio is reported inconsistently (f/10 in one source, f/13 in another), so check the listing.

The MEEZAA and Inspire both favor aperture over portability. The MEEZAA is a budget-level choice with a mount that may need upgrading. The Inspire is mid-range and heavier than the smaller scopes.

1. Gskyer 70mm AZ Refractor (AZ 70400)

Best for: Tight budgets and first-night kits with everything included

Suits buyers on a tight budget who want an all-in-one kit with two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, a phone adapter and a carry bag. Its 70mm aperture favors the Moon and planets over faint objects.

What we like:

• Reviewers call it the most complete entry-level kit at its price
• Wide field of view makes it easier for beginners to find objects

Keep in mind:

• 70mm aperture gathers less light than the 80mm and 90mm options
• Entry-level optics suit the Moon and planets better than faint deep-sky targets

Check price on Amazon

2. AstroMaster 70AZ

Best for: Beginners whose first goal is the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter

Suits beginners whose first targets are the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter. It ships with two eyepieces and a red-dot finder, and setup takes under 10 minutes with no tools. Confirm the focal length on the listing, since sources disagree.

What we like:

• Sharp lunar and planetary views for the price
• Setup under 10 minutes with no tools

Keep in mind:

• Limited aperture for faint deep-sky objects
• Reviewers note the focal ratio varies by source, so check the listing before buying

Check price on Amazon

3. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ

Best for: Beginners who struggle to find objects in the sky

Suits beginners who find sky navigation frustrating. Its smartphone app recognizes star patterns to guide pointing, though the feature depends on a phone and costs more than the 70mm kits.

What we like:

• Removes much of the star-hopping learning curve
• One reviewer reports the app identified Jupiter on the first try

Keep in mind:

• Relies on a smartphone and app for its guidance feature
• Costs more than the 70mm kits

Check price on Amazon

4. MEEZAA 90mm Refractor

Best for: Beginners who want more light for the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky objects

Suits beginners who want more light for the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky objects. The 90mm aperture is larger and heavier than 70mm kits, and the budget mount may need tightening.

What we like:

• Gathers noticeably more light than 70mm and 80mm scopes
• Good balance of aperture and focal length for planetary detail

Keep in mind:

• Larger and heavier to carry than 70mm kits
• Budget-brand mount may need tightening and upgrading for steady high-power views

Check price on Amazon

5. Celestron Inspire 100AZ

Best for: Families and beginners who want a larger refractor and a step up from 70mm

Suits families and beginners ready to step up from 70mm to a 4-inch refractor. Reviewers say it performs best on the Moon and planets, and it is heavier than the smaller models. It includes a lens-cap phone holder.

What we like:

• Larger aperture than the 70mm and 80mm entry scopes
• Simple lens-cap smartphone mount

Keep in mind:

• Reviewers suggest it is less suited to deep-sky targets
• Heavier than the smaller refractors

Check price on Amazon

6. Sky-Watcher Evostar 80ED

Best for: Hobbyists planning to add astrophotography later

Suits hobbyists who may add astrophotography later. Its ED optics offer strong color correction for its size, but photography needs a separate flattener and a sturdier mount, and it costs more than achromatic scopes.

What we like:

• Excellent colour correction for a refractor at this size
• Well suited to both eyepiece viewing and astrophotography

Keep in mind:

• Needs a separate flattener and a sturdier mount for photography
• More expensive than achromatic beginner scopes

Check price on Amazon

Which one fits your situation?

The Evostar 80ED costs more than achromatic beginner scopes, and it needs a sturdier mount for photography. Factor that into your budget.

Common mistakes beginners make with refractors

• Buying on advertised magnification: Big numbers on the box say little. Aperture and optics quality matter more.
• Ignoring mount stability: A shaky mount makes any lens frustrating.
• Expecting Hubble-style color: Through the eyepiece, most deep-sky objects look gray and faint.
• Having no Moon and planet plan: Without clear targets, interest fades fast.
• Choosing a scope too heavy to carry: If it stays indoors, it won't get used.
• Using cheap Barlow lenses or extreme magnification: This usually just blurs the view.

Getting started on your first night

1. Set up outside early so the tube can cool, and pick a spot away from bright lights.
2. Start with the lowest-power eyepiece and aim at the Moon.
3. Align the finder in daylight on a distant object.
4. Look for Jupiter or Saturn when they're visible.
5. Be patient, and keep sessions short for kids.

Related Guides

• Best Refractor Telescopes for Astrophotography

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a refractor or a reflector better for a beginner?

Refractors are simpler, sealed and low maintenance. Dobsonian reflectors give more aperture per dollar. If you want grab-and-go ease, choose a refractor. If you want the biggest view for your budget, consider a Dobsonian.

How much aperture do I need for a first refractor?

Review roundups point to 70mm to 80mm as an easy first size. The 90mm and 100mm options gather more light but are bulkier. Pick the largest one you'll actually carry outside.

Can I see Saturn's rings with a beginner refractor?

Yes. Saturn's rings are a good target for these scopes, as are Jupiter's moons and cloud bands. Views are small but clear on a steady night.

Is ED glass worth it for a first telescope?

It's nice, but not necessary. ED glass aims to reduce color fringing, which is why the Evostar 80ED suits hobbyists planning to grow. For a first scope on a budget, an achromatic model is a reasonable start.

Can I take pictures through a beginner refractor?

Basic phone shots of the Moon are possible. The Gskyer and MEEZAA include phone adapters, and the Inspire's lens cap doubles as a phone holder. Serious astrophotography needs more, such as the Evostar's separate flattener and a sturdier mount.

Are the included eyepieces good enough?

They're fine for getting started, especially for the Moon and planets. Many kits add a 3x Barlow lens, but pushing it too hard just blurs the view. Upgrade eyepieces later if you stick with the hobby.

Bottom line

For most beginners, the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ takes the biggest early frustration off the table, which is finding things. If money is tight, either 70mm kit will get you looking at the Moon and Saturn. If you already know you'll stick with it, the Evostar 80ED is the one to grow into.