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11 Best Refractor Telescopes for Beginners in 2022 【Reviewed】

November 22, 2021 by Maria Chan

I believe you will agree with me when I say:

 The field of astronomy is vast and limitless. 

An amateur looking to get into this hobby should be mindful of their budget, the best refractor telescope for the money is one that is light on the pocket! In that conquest of finding the right refractor telescope for beginners, many of us tend to forget about how well equipped and satisfactory these entry-level telescopes actually are even when it comes to finding the right short tube refractor telescopes.

They can easily serve to be one of the telescopes and galaxies without making a huge dent in your pocket. We compiled a list of the most amazing telescopes for the money.

Best Refractor Telescope for Beginners 2022

Here are our top picks for the best refractor telescopes

REFRACTOR TELESCOPESRATINGPRICE
Celestron Refractor Telescope10/10 (Editor's Choice)
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Gskyer Refracting Telescope9/10
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Celestron Refractor Telescope8/10
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MaxuSee Refractor Telescope8/10
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Meade Refractor Telescope9/10
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Celestron PowerSeeker Telescope8/10
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Orion Refractor Telescope8/10
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Sky Watcher Double Refractor7.5/10
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BARSKA Refractor Telescope9/10
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ECOOPRO Refractor Telescope8/10
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ToyerBee Portable Refractor Telescope8/10
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If you are interested in telescopes that won’t break your bank then also check out these Telescopes Under $1000

1. Celestron – 70mm

Features we loved

  • 70mm large-aperture
  • Easy to set up and assemble
  • Powerful eyepieces

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅A large lens❌ Focusing and finding celestial bodies is time taking
✅ Lightweight and sturdy
✅ VTripod, bonus travel bag included

 

Description

Priced at under $100 this apochromatic refractor telescope is a high-quality build with a 70mm objective lens and a lightweight body. The best feature of this refractor telescope for the money is its portability and travel friendliness. In addition, for up-close viewing, it has two eyepieces that increase the power of this telescope. Finding honest refracting telescope reviews is rare but this product is highly reviewed and liked by the majority. Lastly, a 2-yar warranty along with a tripod, bonus bag, and software are the free accessories provided.

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2. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm

Features we loved

  • Lifetime maintenance
  • 3x Barlow lens
  • 70mm aperture

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ High quality images❌ Can be complicated to assemble for some
✅ Remote control❌ Too much zoom can cause blurriness
✅Adjustable tripod

Description

Sometimes these refracting telescope reviews do not bring forward the complete picture, but in this case, one thing is for sure, that finding cheap refractor telescopes is not difficult anymore. This is a 400mm (f/5.7) and a 70mm aperture with a 3x Barlow lens telescope. The wireless remote design and a 5×24-finder scope is a time saver making it one of the top telescopes for beginners. The adjustable tripod offers a comfortable viewing experience and with a fully coated optics glass lens, high-quality images are a guarantee.

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3.Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope

Features we loved

  • 2 eyepieces included
  • 70mm
  • Red dot finder scope

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ Coated glass optics❌ Many small parts
✅ Lightweight frame❌ Instructions are difficult to understand for some
✅ Adjustable travel tripod

 

Description

This Celestron 21036 power seeker 70az telescope is a user friendly, lightweight, and a worthy contender when finding the best refractor telescope for the money. You may have looked at many of the 6-inch refractor telescope reviews but rest assured even this is a great entry-level telescope with a quick setup and two eyepieces along with glass optics, travel tripod, and a red dot finderscope to provide you with the best viewing experience. This is better especially in comparison to the Celestron advanced vx 6 refractor telescope review that has compared these two.

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4.MaxuSee 70mm Portable Refractor Telescope

Features we loved

  • 3x Barlow lens
  • 4 eyepieces
  • 5×24-finder scope

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ Wide range of magnifications❌ Too much magnification can cause distortion
✅ Durable tripod stand❌ Plastic body is not that sturdy
✅Cell phone compatible

Description

Another great entry-level telescope with a range of different magnification levels. Even if you have read a lot of 4 inch refractor telescope reviews, this one is no lesser than that with a 70mm aperture and 5×24 finder scope, 4 eyepieces of different lengths, and a 400mm focal length, this is really one of the best cheap refractor telescopes that you can buy. It is also extremely easy to set up and carry if you want to with your phone and a 3x Barlow lens for splendid image capturing.

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5.Meade Refractor Telescope 102mm Aperture

Features we loved

  • 102mm aperture
  • Mount with a panning handle
  • Slow-motion tracking

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅3 set eyepiece❌ Does not come with a detailed instruction manual
✅ 2x Barlow lens❌ Stand is not sturdy
✅Red dot viewfinder❌ Lens sometimes have fitting issues

Description

This Meade refractor telescope has performed extremely well in when you look at the 80mm refractor telescope reviews for it and this being an above 100mm refractor telescope, performs even better. It is equipped with slow-motion control and tracking for objects. With 3 purpose eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens and a red dot viewfinder. Overall, it is perfect when it comes to having the most refracting telescope reviews in terms of excellent tracking and finding abilities.

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6.Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope

Features we loved

  • High quality and powerful
  • Equatorial mount
  • Slow-motion for accuracy
  • Compact and travel friendly

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅2 eyepieces❌ Initial setup can be time taking
✅ 3x Barlow lens❌ Instructions are confusing for some
✅Finder scope
✅ 2-year warranty

Description

Now, this may not be the most expensive refractor telescope by Celestron and like the Celestron 21036 PowerSeeker 70az telescope with comes with an easy-to-use and full of salient qualities, introductory telescope. Many of the refracting telescope reviews suggest that this is a compact and portable option with a slow-motion rod for smooth and precise pointing. With 2 eyepieces, Barlow lens, finder scope, and a lightweight are easily in competition what other 6-inch refractor telescope reviews suggest. Therefore, this Celestron is a no brainer in actuality.

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7.Orion 9024 Astroview 90mm Refractor Telescope

Features we loved

  • 90mm aperture
  • 910mm focal length
  • Slow-motion tracking
  • 1.25-inch focuser

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ Powerful❌Slightly expensive
✅ High quality❌ Time taking to set up
✅2 eyepieces
✅ 90-degree mirror diagonal

Description

Probably one of the best refractor telescopes under $1000 and with a 90mm aperture and 910mm focal length, it really lives up to its name. Now unlike the Orion StarBlast ii 4.5eq reflector telescope or the Orion 10012 Skyscanner, this refracting telescope provides manual slow motion with 2 adjustable tripods, eyepieces, a finder scope, and a 90-degree mirror diagonal that helps in setting up the image just in the right clarity where even the best 4-inch refractor telescope reviews cannot beat it.

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8.Sky Watcher Evostar 100 APO Double Refractor

Features we loved

  • Superior quality
  • Sturdy build
  • Advanced elements used
  • Dual speed focuser

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ Outstanding color correction❌Expensive
✅ Crisp images❌ Needs a little expertise to set up
✅ Matched glass

Description

This is by far the best refractor telescope under $1000 with its high-quality synthetic fluorite element and outstanding color correction with Metallic High Transmission Coatings for sharp images. This is the most expensive refractor telescope on our list and has a dual-speed focuser where the finder scope and the eyepiece along with mounting rings provide you with a superb viewing experience and considering the refracting telescope reviews, this one tops them all with its superior quality.

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9.BARSKA Starwatcher Refractor Telescope

Features we loved

  • 3x Barlow lens
  • Good entry-level option
  • Adjustable tripod and travel case

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ Coated glass optics❌ Plastic build
✅Interchangeable eyepieces❌ Not sturdy
✅Warranty

Description

This BARSKA Starwatcher may not be the best in the category for the 5-inch refractor telescope but with 300x power and a 400mm focal length is still a strong and one of the best refractor telescopes for beginners in this price range. The glass optics on this are coated for better image brightness and accompanied by interchangeable eyepieces that really enhance the different viewing experiences. For an even more zoomed-in image, the 3x Barlow lens comes in handy.

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10.ECOOPRO Refractor Telescope for Beginners

Features we loved

  • 360mm focal length
  • 70mm aperture
  • 2 eyepieces

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅ No tools required for assembly❌Quality is a compromise
✅ Finder scope❌ Not sturdy
✅Adjustable tripod

Description

Another entry-level refractor telescope with a 360mm focal length and a 70mm aperture for brighter images. A fully coated optical glass for clarity and two eyepieces for even greater magnification. The 5×24-finder scope can also help to spot celestial objects faster. The quality may not be as great as a 5-inch refractor telescope but is enough for beginners to view nighttime and sceneries with its adjustable tripod.

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11.ToyerBee Portable Refractor Telescope

Features we loved

  • High magnification
  • 3x Barlow lens
  • 70mm aperture

 

 

 

 

ProsCons
✅Wireless capability❌ Plastic used
✅ Easy to assemble❌ Not a sturdy build
✅Portable

Description

Another and final option when finding an apochromatic refractor telescope for beginners. This ToyerBee telescope has a high range of magnification coupled with a 3x Barlow lens and a 70mm aperture, making this combination good enough for clear and far away pictures. This may not be a computer-controlled telescope but has a wireless remote accompanied by a one-smartphone adapter. As it is for beginners, it is easy to set up and has a satisfactory 3-year warranty.

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Conclusion

As we end this list of the best refractor telescope for beginners, we hope you have somewhat made up your mind which one of these is the top refractor telescope for the money. Considering that a lot of different 80mm refractor telescope reviews or apochromatic for that matter tend to confuse a lot of buyers, we have made it simple for you to understand which type would be the top telescope for viewing planets and galaxies.

 

More Information
How to:

A brief guide providing answers to frequently asked questions

  1. How to use a refractor telescope

Ans. You simply assemble the telescope and set up the focuser by tightening the thumbscrew. Then place the eyepiece in a diagonal manner and tighten the thumbscrew for it too. Adjust the viewfinder and the refractor telescope is ready to be used.

  1. How much does a good telescope cost?

For beginners, not that much (under $300), and even for novices under $1000 would do.

Final verdict:

Overall, for beginners, these options are the top refractor telescopes for the money, and with the easy to use features; they would surely develop your interest and love for space.

Want to find more astronomy-related products? Check out:

  • Top 10×50 Binoculars For Astronomy

  • Top Night Vision Binoculars for Stargazing

  • The Orion Skyquest XT10 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

  • The Celestron 127eq Powerseeker Telescope

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Maria Chan
Maria Chan
Author at Dope Guides
I am a Space enthusiast and have been into deep space research for over 8 years. Inspired by the likes of Mary Robinette Kowal and others to write great content.
Maria Chan
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