7 Best Refractor Telescopes for Beginners (November 2026)
The best beginner refractor telescopes include the Koolpte Telescope for Adults for tool-free backyard setup, the Hawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope for Adults for a larger aperture and full kit, and the MEEZAA Telescope for 90mm aperture with travel storage.
On this page (6 sections)
The best refractor telescope for beginners is the Koolpte Telescope for Adults, with an 80mm aperture, no-tool setup and a carrying bag. Choose the Celestron Travel Scope for portability, or the AstroMaster if you want a manual panhandle mount.
A refractor uses lenses at the front of its tube to gather and focus light. If you want a quick explanation of the design, start with [What Is a Refracting Telescope?
The Key Facts](/what-is-a-refracting-telescope/).
For a first telescope, prioritize a mount you can point smoothly, setup you can repeat, and a size you can store. Our picks emphasize those practical details alongside aperture, eyepieces and included accessories.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for a larger aperture and full kitHawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope for Adults
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itCelestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope
Best for car trips and daytime viewing - 5
Check itCelestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon
Best for simple manual pointing - 6
Best for a compact starter giftCheck it - 7
Check itBushnell Refractor 600x50mm Telescope
Best for a basic 50mm option
How we chose beginner refractor telescopes
The best refractor telescope for beginners should make setup and basic pointing manageable, with enough aperture and useful accessories for the way you plan to observe. We compared the stated optics, mount style, setup guidance and included gear for each pick.
A larger aperture gathers more light, but it can also mean a longer, bulkier tube. A portable scope may be easier to bring outside often, while a taller tripod or larger aperture may better suit a fixed backyard spot.
A refractor's lens-based design also affects what you maintain and how the image is presented. Read our guide to which type of refractor telescope to choose for more on the tradeoffs.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A score is a comparative guide for this roundup, not a promise that every telescope will work equally well in every observing location.
| Product | Best for | Aperture | Focal length | Mount | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koolpte Telescope for Adults | tool-free backyard setup | 80mm | 600mm | Altazimuth | 9.7 |
| Hawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope for Adults | a larger aperture and full kit | 90mm | 900mm | Altazimuth | 9.7 |
| MEEZAA Telescope | 90mm aperture with travel storage | 90mm | 800mm | Altazimuth | 9.6 |
| Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope | car trips and daytime viewing | 70mm | 175mm | Altazimuth | 9.4 |
| Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon | simple manual pointing | 70mm | 900mm | Altazimuth | 9.3 |
| Jvcla Telescope for Kids | a compact starter gift | 70mm | 300mm | Not specified | 9.1 |
| Bushnell Refractor 600x50mm Telescope | a basic 50mm option | 50mm | 600mm | Altazimuth | 8.3 |
Which beginner refractor telescope fits your setup?
The Koolpte is the easiest recommendation for a first backyard setup, while the larger Hawkko and MEEZAA offer 90mm apertures with fuller accessory kits. For travel, the Celestron Travel Scope includes a backpack and no-tool setup.
Koolpte Telescope for Adults: Best for tool-free backyard setup
- 80mm aperture
- 600mm focal length
- 25mm and 10mm eyepieces
- No-tool assembly
The 80mm aperture and no-tool setup suit a first backyard telescope. A carrying bag and phone adapter add practical extras.
Pros
- No tools required for setup
- 80mm aperture
- Carrying bag and phone adapter included
Cons
- Tripod stability details are limited
- No maintenance schedule specified
The Koolpte combines an 80mm aperture with a 600mm focal length, a useful middle ground in this group for a first telescope. Its two eyepieces are specified for 24x and 60x magnification, and the included 3x Barlow lens increases those figures.
Setup is a key reason to consider it. The telescope is described as requiring no tools, and the package includes an adjustable aluminum tripod, phone adapter, wireless remote and carry bag.
The mount is altazimuth, so it moves across the sky by hand rather than using a motorized tracking system. Make sure the tripod stands on firm, level ground, and tighten its joints before observing.
Choose it for a simple backyard start with a carrying bag for storage or transport. If aperture is your main priority, compare it with the 90mm Hawkko and MEEZAA options below.
Hawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope for Adults: Best for a larger aperture and full kit
- 90mm aperture
- 900mm focal length
- Stainless steel AZ tripod
- Bag and phone adapter included
This 90mm refractor comes with a stainless steel tripod, eyepieces, Barlow lens, finder scope and carry bag. Its instructions call for assembly.
Pros
- 90mm aperture
- Stainless steel adjustable tripod
- Includes finder scope and carry bag
Cons
- Assembly takes more time than tool-free options
- Longer tube takes more room to store
The Hawkko has the largest aperture in this group at 90mm, paired with a 900mm focal length. It comes with 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, finder scope and zenith mirror.
Its adjustable stainless steel tripod ranges from 28 to 46 in and supports an altazimuth mount. Hawkko says assembly takes about 15 minutes when you follow the instructions, so plan for a setup step before your first session.
A phone adapter and carry bag are included, along with an accessory tray. Those additions suit a beginner who wants a more complete kit and does not need the shortest tube in the group.
Pick it for a 90mm refractor with a stainless steel tripod and full accessory set. For a similar aperture with a shorter focal length, compare the MEEZAA.
MEEZAA Telescope: Best for 90mm aperture with travel storage
- 90mm aperture
- 800mm focal length
- Stainless steel adjustable tripod
- Carry bag included
MEEZAA pairs a 90mm aperture with a stainless steel tripod and carry bag. The kit includes two eyepieces and a Barlow lens.
Pros
- 90mm aperture
- Adjustable stainless steel tripod
- Carry bag holds the accessories
Cons
- Assembly instructions still need to be followed
- No tripod weight is specified
The MEEZAA pairs a 90mm aperture with an 800mm focal length and an adjustable stainless steel tripod. Its 25mm and 10mm eyepieces work with an included 3x Barlow lens for a range of magnifications.
The kit also includes a finder scope, zenith mirror, phone adapter and carry bag. MEEZAA says the detailed paper manual supports quick assembly, so give yourself time to follow the steps and check the tripod connections.
The altazimuth mount allows manual pointing. For a first observing session, start with the lower-power eyepiece to find a target, then switch eyepieces when you have centered it.
Choose it if you want 90mm aperture and a bag for the tube and accessories. Its setup process and included gear make it a close alternative to the Hawkko.
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX Refractor Telescope: Best for car trips and daytime viewing
- 70mm aperture
- No-tool setup
- Backpack included
- Moon filter included
A no-tool setup, backpack and 70mm aperture suit travel and shared day-to-night observing. It includes a Moon filter and smartphone adapter.
Pros
- Backpack included
- Quick, tool-free setup
- Day and night viewing accessories
Cons
- 70mm aperture is smaller than the 80mm and 90mm picks
- Short focal length favors a different viewing style
The Celestron Travel Scope 70mm DX is designed around portability and day-to-night use. Its 70mm aperture is smaller than the 80mm and 90mm picks, but the kit includes a backpack and a tripod and tube that set up without tools.
Two eyepieces support wide and closer views, while the Moon filter, star diagonal and finderscope add useful observing accessories. A smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote are included for capturing images through the eyepiece.
The 3.3 lb weight makes it the lightest of the models here with a stated weight. The backpack helps keep the pieces together between home, a campsite or a daytime viewing spot.
Pick it for travel, family use and easy storage. For more 80mm options, see our best 80mm refractor telescope guide.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon: Best for simple manual pointing
- 70mm aperture
- Manual altazimuth mount with panhandle
- No-tool setup
- StarPointer finder
The manual panhandle mount makes up, down and side-to-side pointing straightforward. The kit includes two eyepieces and a red dot finder.
Pros
- Manual panhandle control
- No tools required for setup
- Day and night viewing
Cons
- 70mm aperture is smaller than the leading picks
- No carry bag is specified
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ suits beginners who want a manual panhandle control for moving the telescope up, down and side to side. Its 70mm aperture and 900mm focal length pair with 20mm and 10mm eyepieces.
The kit includes a StarPointer red dot finder, erect image diagonal and adjustable tripod. Celestron describes the setup as requiring no tools, and the same telescope can be used for daytime land viewing as well as night sky observing.
At 10.8 lb fully assembled, it is heavier than the Travel Scope. Plan to set it up near the observing area if you do not want to carry it far.
Choose it for simple manual pointing and a familiar brand. If you're still weighing lens and mirror designs, read Is a Refractor or Reflector Telescope Better?.
Jvcla Telescope for Kids: Best for a compact starter gift
- 70mm aperture
- 300mm focal length
- Tool-free setup
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
This compact beginner refractor includes a phone adapter and wireless remote. The maker describes tool-free setup and lifetime maintenance.
Pros
- Tool-free setup
- Phone adapter and remote included
- 70mm aperture
Cons
- Mount type is not specified
- Short focal length may not fit every observing preference
The Jvcla is a compact 70mm refractor with a 300mm focal length, and its maker describes it as a beginner telescope for kids and adults. The package includes two eyepieces, an erecting eyepiece, a Barlow lens, phone adapter and wireless remote.
Its maker says setup requires no tools and that the telescope includes lifetime maintenance. The mount type is not specified, so consider whether you want a particular mount design before choosing it.
The included phone adapter may appeal to families who want to try capturing views through a phone. For visual observing, begin with lower magnification and keep the tripod on firm ground.
Pick it as a compact starter gift when a phone adapter and simple setup matter. Adults looking for additional options can also compare our best refractor telescope for adults guide.
Bushnell Refractor 600x50mm Telescope: Best for a basic 50mm option
- 50mm aperture
- 600mm focal length
- Altazimuth mount
- Multi-coated optics
The 50mm aperture and altazimuth mount make this a simpler, smaller-aperture choice. Few setup and accessory details are specified.
Pros
- 600mm focal length
- Altazimuth mount
- Multi-coated optics
Cons
- Smallest aperture among these picks
- Setup details are limited
The Bushnell is the most basic option here, with a 50mm aperture, 600mm focal length and altazimuth mount. Its multi-coated optics and smaller aperture place it below the larger scopes for buyers prioritizing light gathering.
The available details do not specify setup time, tripod height or included accessories beyond the telescope itself. Confirm those practical points before choosing it as your first scope, especially if you want a complete kit ready for a family observing session.
At this aperture, keep expectations focused on bright, easy targets and learning the basics of pointing and focusing. A stable tripod matters at any size, so set it on firm ground and make small adjustments.
Choose it only if you want a basic 50mm refractor and have checked what comes in the package. Beginners wanting more aperture or clearer setup information have stronger options higher in this roundup.
What should beginners check before choosing a refractor?
Beginners should compare aperture, focal length, mount control and total kit contents before they choose. Those considering a more advanced lens design can compare apochromatic refractor telescopes.
Those details affect how easy the telescope is to set up, aim and store.
Aperture is the diameter of the front lens. The picks here range from 50mm to 90mm, and the larger options may gather more light, though they also have larger tubes and tripods to handle.
Focal length affects magnification when paired with an eyepiece. A 900mm telescope with a 25mm eyepiece gives 36x magnification, while a 600mm telescope with the same eyepiece gives 24x.
The mount should match your patience and viewing location. Manual altazimuth mounts are common in these beginner kits, and the AstroMaster's panhandle makes its control style easy to understand.
How important is setup and maintenance?
Simple setup matters because a telescope that takes too long to assemble may get used less often. The Koolpte and Celestron Travel Scope are described as tool-free, while Hawkko and MEEZAA include assembly instructions.
Keep the tube and lens caps on when the telescope is stored. Avoid touching the glass, and use only a soft lens cloth or a method recommended by the telescope maker when cleaning is needed.
A refractor typically needs little internal adjustment compared with some other telescope designs. Learn more about the optical design in What Is a Triplet Apochromatic Refractor?.
Which beginner refractor is easiest to carry?
The Celestron Travel Scope is the lightest option here with a stated weight, at 3.3 lb, and it comes with a backpack. The Koolpte also includes a carry bag, while the Hawkko and MEEZAA packages include bags for their accessories and tubes.
Consider the full setup, not only the tube. A longer focal length can mean a longer optical tube, and a tripod adds bulk even when it folds for storage.
If you expect to observe from several locations, keep the eyepieces and small parts together in the included bag or a labeled case. For a more detailed look at another 102mm refractor, see our SVBONY SV48P 102mm telescope review.
Which refractor telescope should a beginner choose?
Choose the Koolpte for no-tool setup and an 80mm aperture, or the Hawkko and MEEZAA if you want 90mm optics and larger kits. The Celestron Travel Scope suits portable use, while the AstroMaster is a good fit for straightforward manual pointing.
For a simple first backyard telescope, the Koolpte is the strongest all-around match in this group. If you want a Celestron option for Moon viewing, compare our best Celestron Moon Mission telescope guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for a larger aperture and full kit
Hawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope for Adults
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What is a good refractor telescope for a beginner?
A good beginner refractor has a mount you can point by hand, a tripod that suits your observing spot, and a setup process you can manage. The Koolpte is a practical starting point because its 80mm aperture comes with no-tool setup and a carry bag.
Choose by setup and storage needs before comparing magnification claims.
Is an 80mm refractor enough to start?
Yes. An 80mm refractor can be a sensible first telescope for learning to focus and find targets, with more aperture than a 70mm travel scope.
The Koolpte pairs 80mm aperture with a 600mm focal length.
Its included eyepieces provide 24x and 60x magnification before adding the Barlow lens.
What mount should a beginner refractor telescope have?
A manual altazimuth mount is a straightforward choice because it moves up, down and side to side. Several picks here use this mount, including the Celestron AstroMaster, which has a panhandle control.
Check tripod height and stability details too, since a mount that is hard to steady can make viewing frustrating.
Do refractor telescopes need maintenance?
Refractors generally have a sealed tube, so their internal optics need less routine adjustment than an open tube design. Keep the lens capped when not in use, store the telescope dry, and avoid touching the glass.
For the differences between designs, see our guide to types of refractor telescopes.
