Best 70mm Refractor Telescopes: Top 7 Picks (November 2026)
The best 70mm refractor telescopes include the Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for a larger 90mm aperture, the Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope for travel and quick setup, and the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon for backyard Moon viewing.
On this page (6 sections)
The best 70mm refractor telescope for most travelers is the Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX, which pairs a 70mm aperture with a backpack, full-height tripod and quick setup. For a longer focal length, consider the AstroMaster 70AZ, while the Koolpte 500mm kit adds a carrying case and phone adapter.
A 70mm refractor makes sense if you want a simple scope for bright sky objects and daytime scenery. For a nearby aperture class, compare 80mm refractor telescopes.
If you need more light gathering, the list also includes two 90mm refractors, though one is an optical tube rather than a complete kit.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a larger 90mm apertureGskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for travel and quick setupCelestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for backyard Moon viewingCelestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Which 70mm refractor telescope fits your plans?
The Travel Scope DX is the easiest fit for frequent carrying, while the AstroMaster is better suited to a fixed backyard spot. The other options add a phone adapter, extra eyepieces or a longer focal length.
Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope: Best for a larger 90mm aperture
- 90mm aperture
- 600mm focal length
- Three eyepieces
- Adjustable aluminum tripod
Its 90mm aperture gathers more light than the 70mm options here. Three eyepieces, a Barlow lens and an adjustable tripod make it a fuller setup.
Pros
- 90mm aperture
- Three eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Adjustable tripod
Cons
- Larger and heavier than the 70mm travel scopes
- Not the lightest option for carrying
The Gskyer has a 90mm aperture, so it is not a 70mm telescope, but it is worth comparing if you have room for a larger beginner scope. Its 600mm focal length and three included eyepieces offer a range of starting magnifications.
A 3x Barlow lens can increase the magnification of each eyepiece, but more magnification does not guarantee a clearer view. Atmospheric conditions, focus and mount steadiness still matter.
The adjustable aluminum tripod is described as ranging from about 31.5 to 49 in high. That gives more flexibility than a short tabletop support, though the scope weighs more than the compact travel picks.
Choose it when the larger aperture matters more than compact packing. If a refractor's lens-based design is new to you, start with [What Is a Refracting Telescope?
The Key Facts](/what-is-a-refracting-telescope/) for a clear overview.
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope: Best for travel and quick setup
- 70mm aperture
- Backpack included
- Full-height tripod
- Smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote
This light travel kit includes a backpack, smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote. It supports both night sky and daytime viewing.
Pros
- Backpack for transport and storage
- Quick setup without tools
- Smartphone adapter and Moon filter
Cons
- Short focal length prioritizes portable viewing
- A compact travel setup may not suit buyers who want a full-size backyard scope
The Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX is the most travel-ready complete kit in this group. It weighs 3.3 lb and includes a backpack, full-height tripod, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, Moon filter, smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote.
Its 70mm aperture suits bright targets such as the Moon and planets, and it can also be used for daytime scenery. Setup requires no tools, which can help when you want to observe at a campsite or move between locations.
The short 175mm focal length points to a wide-view portable design. The kit's accessories are a strong match for a beginner who values transport and quick setup more than a longer focal length.
Pick it for travel and family viewing. For broader adult-oriented choices, see our guide to the best refractor telescope for adults.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon: Best for backyard Moon viewing
- 70mm achromatic optics
- 900mm focal length
- Manual altazimuth mount
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
The 900mm focal length and two eyepieces make this a longer-tube choice for the Moon, planets and bright star clusters. Its manual mount has a panhandle.
Pros
- Longer focal length than the travel kits
- StarPointer red dot finder
- Day and night viewing
Cons
- Heavier than the Travel Scope DX
- Less compact for travel
The AstroMaster 70AZ is a better match for a stable backyard setup than frequent packing. Its 70mm achromatic optics pair with a 900mm focal length, the longest among the 70mm models here.
The included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces provide wide and closer views, while the StarPointer red dot finder helps point the scope. Its manual altazimuth mount uses a panhandle, so you can move the telescope up, down and side to side.
Celestron describes the scope for the Moon, planets, bright star clusters and terrestrial landmarks. At 10.8 lb, it is heavier than the Travel Scope DX, but it still has a straightforward setup for adults and children.
Choose it if longer focal length and simple manual controls matter more than a backpack. If planets are your main target, compare it with the options in our guide to the best telescope for planets.
Koolpte Telescope for Kids: Best for a 500mm travel kit
- 70mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Carrying case
A 500mm focal length, phone adapter, wireless remote and carrying case make this a portable all-in-one option for beginners.
Pros
- Carrying case included
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
Cons
- Tripod height range is not specified
- Magnification claims depend on eyepiece and viewing conditions
The Koolpte 70mm/500mm kit balances a modest size with accessories for travel and phone use. It weighs 5 lb and includes a case, phone adapter, wireless remote, two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens.
Its 500mm focal length is between the short travel models and the 900mm AstroMaster. That gives beginners a middle option for bright sky targets and landscapes without choosing a full-height, long-tube scope.
The included 5x24 finderscope is intended to help locate objects. The tripod is adjustable, but its height range is not specified, so consider your observing position before choosing it.
Pick this kit if you want a 70mm scope with a case and phone accessories. New observers can compare more starter options in our best refractor telescope for beginners guide.
Koolpte Telescope for Kids: Best for three included eyepieces
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Three eyepieces
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
Three eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens give you several combinations to try. The phone adapter and remote add simple image capture options.
Pros
- Three eyepieces included
- Crosshair finder scope
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
Cons
- 400mm focal length is shortest among the 70mm options here
- Tripod height range is not specified
This Koolpte model has a shorter 400mm focal length than the 500mm kit, with three eyepieces and a Barlow lens. The phone adapter and wireless remote add a simple way to capture or share views.
Its 70mm aperture supports bright targets, while the shorter tube makes the kit a travel-oriented choice. Three eyepieces give you more combinations to try, but a high magnification number alone does not add real detail.
The crosshair finder helps with aiming, and the adjustable aluminum tripod provides support. The height range is not stated, so check whether the setup can put the eyepiece at a comfortable level for your use.
Choose it for more eyepiece options in a compact kit. To understand the trade-offs between refractor designs, read about the types of refractor telescopes.
SVBONY SV48P Telescope: Best for an optical tube upgrade path
- 90mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- Double-speed focuser
- Accepts 1.25 in and 2 in accessories
This 90mm optical tube offers a double-speed focuser and compatibility with 1.25 in and 2 in accessories. It suits buyers planning a more customized setup.
Pros
- 90mm aperture
- Double-speed focuser with 1:10 gear ratio
- Rotatable focuser
Cons
- Sold as an optical tube, so plan for a mount and eyepieces
- No finderscope included
The SVBONY SV48P is a 90mm optical tube for buyers who already have, or plan to choose, a compatible mount. Its double-speed focuser offers a 1:10 gear ratio, and the focuser rotates for framing.
This is not a complete beginner kit: it includes the optical tube, but no finderscope. The tube accepts 1.25 in and 2 in accessories with adapters, which gives you room to select eyepieces and other parts to suit your setup.
Its 500mm focal length and 90mm aperture make it the other larger-aperture choice in this roundup. SVBONY describes it for visual astronomy and photography, but you will need to supply a mount and supporting accessories.
Choose it if you want to build a more flexible setup and are comfortable matching components. If you are weighing lens versus mirror designs, our guide explains whether a refractor or reflector telescope is better.
EACONN Telescopes: Best for a compact 400mm kit
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Phone adapter
- Adjustable tripod
This compact 70mm kit has a phone adapter, crosshair finder and adjustable tripod. Its two eyepieces provide stated magnifications from 20x to 32x.
Pros
- Phone adapter included
- Tripod adjusts from 12 to 38 in
- Two eyepieces and crosshair finder
Cons
- Only two eyepieces included
- Short focal length limits its fit for buyers prioritizing higher magnification
The EACONN is a compact 70mm scope with a 400mm focal length and a phone adapter. Its two eyepieces provide stated magnifications of 20x and 32x, keeping the choices simple for a new observer.
The tripod adjusts from 12 to 38 in, which can help when you need different viewing positions. A 5x24 crosshair finder is included to help line up a target before looking through the eyepiece.
This model is described for lunar, planetary and terrestrial viewing. It has fewer eyepieces than the three-piece Koolpte kit, but the narrower magnification range may be easier for a beginner to manage.
Choose it for a compact, straightforward kit with an adjustable tripod. For a more specialized lens design, compare triplet apochromatic refractors.
If you later want a more specialized lens setup, learn what a triplet apochromatic refractor is.
Is a 70mm refractor telescope good for beginners?
Yes, a 70mm refractor can be a good starter telescope for bright objects and easy daytime viewing. Compare refractors for visual astronomy for more eyepiece-viewing options.
It offers a manageable aperture size and many models pair it with a simple manual altazimuth mount.
A 70mm scope is not a shortcut to high detail. The Moon is a strong first target, while faint galaxies and nebulae call for darker skies, careful expectations and often a larger aperture.
Many refractors also provide an upright image for terrestrial viewing when paired with the right diagonal. For family use, compare tripod height, weight and included finderscope as carefully as magnification claims.
What does aperture change on a 70mm telescope?
Aperture is the diameter of the telescope's main lens, and it affects how much light the scope can collect. A 90mm lens collects more light than a 70mm lens, which can help with dim targets and fine detail.
Focal length and eyepiece choice affect magnification, but they do not replace aperture. A very high magnification can make a view dim or soft, especially when the air is unsteady or the mount shakes.
For a lightweight first scope, 70mm is a reasonable compromise. If you can accept a larger setup, compare a 90mm option such as the Gskyer, and consider the extra weight and packing space.
How should you choose a 70mm refractor?
Choose a 70mm refractor by matching its tube length, included accessories and portability to where you will observe. The best fit changes if you mostly travel, observe from a backyard or want phone capture.
For travel, the Celestron DX stands out for its backpack and low 3.3 lb weight. For a longer focal length in a 70mm kit, the AstroMaster offers 900mm; for phone accessories and a carry case, the Koolpte 500mm model includes both.
Check whether a kit includes a tripod, diagonal, finder and eyepieces before comparing advertised magnification. A high number on its own does not tell you how bright or steady the view will be.
Can you use a 70mm refractor for planets?
Yes, a 70mm refractor can show bright planets, though they will appear small and atmospheric conditions affect sharpness. The Moon is usually the easiest detailed target for a beginner.
A longer focal length, such as the AstroMaster's 900mm, can make it easier to reach useful magnifications with common eyepieces. Still, a steady mount and careful focus matter more than pushing magnification beyond what the view supports.
For planets as your main interest, compare the aperture and focal length across our best Celestron CPC series telescope guide as well. Larger telescope designs can be less portable than a 70mm refractor.
Which 70mm refractor telescope should you choose?
Pick the Celestron Travel Scope DX if portability and quick setup are your main needs, or the AstroMaster 70AZ if you want a longer focal length for backyard viewing. Choose a Koolpte kit for its case or phone accessories, and consider a 90mm scope if gathering more light matters more than keeping the kit small.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a larger 90mm aperture
Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for travel and quick setup
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for backyard Moon viewing
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Is a 70mm refractor telescope good for beginners?
Yes. A 70mm refractor can be a practical first telescope for the Moon, bright planets and daytime scenery.
These models use lenses and simple altazimuth mounts, and several include two eyepieces to get started.
Aperture sets a limit on fine detail and faint objects, so a 70mm scope is best for learning the sky rather than chasing dim targets.
What can you see with a 70mm refractor telescope?
A 70mm refractor can show the Moon's larger craters and bright planets as small disks, along with bright star clusters. What you can see depends on sky conditions, focus, magnification and how steady the mount is.
Many of the picks here also support daytime viewing of landscapes or wildlife.
Is 70mm enough aperture for astronomy?
A 70mm aperture is enough to begin observing bright targets such as the Moon and planets. It collects less light than a 90mm aperture, so dimmer deep-sky objects can be harder to see.
Choose 70mm when portability and a straightforward setup matter more than faint-object viewing.
Can you use a 70mm refractor telescope during the day?
Yes, several 70mm refractors here include an erect-image diagonal or are described for daytime scenery as well as night sky viewing. That makes them useful for distant terrestrial targets.
Never point a telescope at the Sun without a properly fitted solar filter designed for the front aperture.
Should you choose a 70mm or 90mm refractor?
Choose 70mm for a lighter, more portable starter scope, especially if you plan to carry it outdoors. A 90mm aperture gathers more light, which can help with dimmer targets, but the optical tube and mount may be bulkier.
The Gskyer kit includes a 90mm scope, while the SVBONY pick is an optical tube that needs a compatible mount.
