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10 Best Refracting Telescopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for Adults Astronomy, German Technology Scope

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,205
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
21506 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky, making it beginner-friendly.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
Portability
With its lightweight and portable design, it's perfect for kids and easy to move around.

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor is a solid choice for adults interested in stargazing and astronomy. Featuring a 600mm focal length and a 90mm aperture, this telescope offers high-quality optics for clear and bright images. The fully coated optics glass lens enhances image clarity and eye protection, making it suitable for extended viewing sessions.

With three replaceable eyepieces (24X, 60X, and 120X) and a 3x Barlow lens that triples the magnification, users have a range of magnification options to explore different celestial objects. The adjustable aluminum tripod provides flexibility in viewing positions and can be adjusted from 31.5 inches to 49 inches in height, ensuring comfort for users of varying heights. Weighing 18 pounds, it is relatively portable for a telescope of this size, though it might be a bit cumbersome for some users to carry around frequently.

The altazimuth mount is user-friendly and allows for smooth tracking of objects across the sky. One of the standout features is its ease of use; no tools are required for setup, making it accessible for beginners. On the downside, some users might find the 18-pound weight a bit heavy, and manual focus operation may require some practice to master. In summary, the Gskyer Telescope is well-suited for amateur astronomers who seek a balance of quality, usability, and portability.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,205
Mount Type
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
21506 reviews

Mount Type
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky, making it beginner-friendly.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
Portability
With its lightweight and portable design, it's perfect for kids and easy to move around.
#2

Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.

Rating
9.6
Aperture
Focal Length
Mount Type

Most important from
21506 reviews

Aperture
The 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length provide clear and bright views of the Moon, planets, and distant stars, making it ideal for kids.
Focal Length
The 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length provide clear and bright views of the Moon, planets, and distant stars, making it ideal for kids.
Mount Type
Lightweight and portable, it is easy to handle, and the AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, it is easy to handle, and the AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky.

The Gskyer Telescope with a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length is a solid option for kids and beginners interested in astronomy. Its fully coated optics and high transmission coatings ensure clear and stunning images while protecting your eyes. The telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, enhancing the magnification significantly, making it easier to explore celestial objects.

The included 5x24 finder scope helps in locating objects easily, thanks to its mounting bracket and cross-hair lines. A notable feature is the wireless remote and smartphone adapter, allowing users to capture and share their celestial discoveries easily. The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod provides flexibility in viewing positions, and the carry bag enhances portability, making it suitable for travel and storage.

It is well-suited for novice astronomers and children, providing a decent balance of performance, ease of use, and portability. However, it is important to note that the manual focus might require some practice for beginners to get precise clarity. The altazimuth mount is user-friendly but may not offer the precision needed for more advanced astronomers. Weighing 5.7 pounds and with compact dimensions, this telescope is easy to handle and transport.

Rating
9.6
Aperture
Focal Length
Mount Type

Most important from
21506 reviews

Aperture
The 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length provide clear and bright views of the Moon, planets, and distant stars, making it ideal for kids.
Focal Length
The 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length provide clear and bright views of the Moon, planets, and distant stars, making it ideal for kids.
Mount Type
Lightweight and portable, it is easy to handle, and the AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, it is easy to handle, and the AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky.
#3

Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm - Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag.

Rating
9.3
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
4596 reviews

Eyepieces
The 3x Barlow lens and eyepieces provide extra detail, allowing views of beautiful nebulae like Orion and even the moons of Jupiter and Mars.
Portability
The telescope is lightweight, easy to assemble, and very easy to use, making it an excellent beginner telescope.

The HEXEUM 80mm Aperture 600mm Focal Length Telescope is a versatile option suitable for both kids and adults. Its 80mm aperture is quite good for a refracting telescope, allowing it to capture more light and provide clearer images of celestial objects. The 600mm focal length offers decent magnification capabilities, and the included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide 24x and 60x magnification respectively. With the addition of a 3x Barlow lens, magnification can be increased to 72x or 180x, which is impressive for moon observation.

The 5x24 finder scope is a helpful feature for locating objects in the sky with ease. The Altazimuth mount with tripod is user-friendly, making it easy to set up and adjust, which is a plus for beginners. Additionally, the portable design with a phone adapter, wireless remote control, and carrying bag makes it convenient to take on the go and capture images through your smartphone. However, the manual focus might be challenging for those seeking more automated features.

The construction is lightweight at 6.2 pounds, enhancing portability but might feel less stable in breezy conditions. It's a good value for those looking for an introductory telescope that balances performance with ease of use and portability. However, if you're an advanced user looking for more precision and stability, you might find the manual features and lightweight build somewhat limiting.

Rating
9.3
Eyepieces
Portability

Most important from
4596 reviews

Eyepieces
The 3x Barlow lens and eyepieces provide extra detail, allowing views of beautiful nebulae like Orion and even the moons of Jupiter and Mars.
Portability
The telescope is lightweight, easy to assemble, and very easy to use, making it an excellent beginner telescope.

Buying Guide for the Best Refracting Telescopes

Choosing the right refracting telescope can be a rewarding experience, especially if you are passionate about astronomy. Refracting telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light, making them ideal for viewing planets, the moon, and other celestial objects. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your needs and preferences.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main lens. It is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, which affects the brightness and clarity of the images you see. Apertures can range from small (around 60mm) to large (over 150mm). If you are a beginner or interested in casual stargazing, a smaller aperture may suffice. For more serious observations or astrophotography, a larger aperture is preferable.
Focal LengthFocal length is the distance between the lens and the point where the telescope forms an image. It influences the magnification and field of view. Short focal lengths (under 600mm) provide wider fields of view, which are great for observing star clusters and galaxies. Longer focal lengths (over 1000mm) offer higher magnification, ideal for detailed views of planets and the moon. Choose a focal length based on what you plan to observe most frequently.
MagnificationMagnification is how much larger the telescope can make objects appear. It is determined by the combination of the telescope's focal length and the eyepiece used. High magnification is useful for viewing details on planets, while lower magnification is better for wider views of star fields. Remember that higher magnification requires better atmospheric conditions and a stable mount to avoid blurry images.
Mount TypeThe mount is what supports the telescope and allows you to aim it. There are two main types: alt-azimuth and equatorial. Alt-azimuth mounts are simpler and easier to use, making them suitable for beginners. Equatorial mounts are more complex but allow for more precise tracking of celestial objects, which is beneficial for long observation sessions and astrophotography. Consider your level of experience and how you plan to use the telescope when choosing a mount.
EyepiecesEyepieces are interchangeable lenses that determine the magnification and field of view. Having a variety of eyepieces allows you to adjust your telescope for different types of observations. Common sizes include 25mm for low magnification and wide views, and 10mm for higher magnification. Start with a couple of basic eyepieces and expand your collection as you become more familiar with your telescope and your viewing preferences.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up your telescope. Smaller, lighter telescopes are easier to carry and set up, making them ideal for casual stargazing or travel. Larger telescopes may offer better performance but can be cumbersome to move and require more time to set up. Consider where you will be using your telescope most often and how much effort you are willing to put into transporting it.

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