Rank Category: $500-$1000 Refractors
Rank Category: Above $1000 Refractors
Unfortunately, there are no all-in-one telescopes on this list that we can say with confidence are capable of serious deep-sky astrophotography right out of the box.
Rank & ratings last updated on
In my view, a small refractor, particularly on an easy-to-operate alt-azimuth mount, is unmatched in convenience. Even on a chilly night, I can be observing in minutes—if not seconds—since, unlike with my reflector and catadioptric telescopes, I don't need to wait for the optics to cool down to the outside temperature or perform a collimation procedure. I always keep a small refractor by the back door of my house for spur-of-the-moment observing. Even if I leave it unmaintained there, I don't have to worry about the mirror coatings degrading over time.
Finding deep-sky objects is no problem, thanks to the refractor's wide field of view. Refractors' higher visual contrast and tolerance of inexpensive eyepieces, compared to reflector or catadioptric types of telescopes, are just the icing on the cake. I've stumbled upon many deep-sky objects that are so big and low in contrast that they are only visible through my small refractor.
However, refractors are much more expensive than equivalent-aperture reflectors or catadioptrics. Additionally, due to the difficulties and costs of making a large lens and properly mounting such a massive telescope, refractors are rarely found above 6 inches in aperture. Those that do exist tend to be extremely expensive and bulky.
Throughout this list, you'll come across the term 'chromatic aberration,' a key reason I don't recommend many of the cheaper refractors. This optical issue, which produces fuzzy images and purple halos around bright targets, occurs in budget refractors because refractor lenses without extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass or additional elements can't focus all colors to the same point. The problem becomes more pronounced with larger lenses and longer focal ratios.
The three commonly available types of refractors are achromats, ED achromats, and apochromatic (APO) refractors, which you can think of as the low, medium, and high-priced options on the market.
We've written a standalone article on Apochromatic Refractors vs Achromatic Refractors, if you'd like to read more in detail.
Cheap refractor models have more chromatic aberration, cheaper accessories, cheaper mounts, and lower build quality than a more expensive refractor. Unfortunately, there aren't any refractor telescopes we can confidently recommend below $150, though there are plenty of options available on the market.
It has great optics (albeit with slight chromatic aberration expected at the focal ratio of f/6.5), an easy-to-use alt-azimuth mount, a sturdy tripod, and a decent supplied eyepiece and finder. The StarSense Explorer technology, which helps you point the telescope using a smartphone and a phone bracket, is a nice bonus that’s included for essentially no extra cost. We've also noticed that the smartphone mounting bracket on the DX mount is a little better designed than what’s provided with the StarSense LT 80AZ telescope, and so the StarSense Explorer tech works a little more accurately.
Overall, these are all quite a bargain for what we get for the price and the telescope compares favorably in view quality to 114mm reflector telescopes that are similar in price. We believe that this refractor gives the most value for money for visual purposes in this whole list, earning it a higher rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Unfortunately, there are no all-in-one telescopes on this list that we can say with confidence are capable of serious deep-sky astrophotography right out of the box.