Best Altazimuth Refractor Telescopes of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Altazimuth refractor telescopes are a popular choice for amateur astronomers due to their ease of use and versatility. These telescopes feature a simple two-axis mount that allows for smooth and precise movement in both horizontal and vertical directions, making it easy to track celestial objects as they move across the night sky. The refractor design uses lenses to gather and focus light, resulting in clear and sharp images of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Altazimuth refractors are also relatively lightweight and portable, making them an excellent choice for stargazers who like to travel or observe from different locations.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope Cover #TOP 1
Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope Cover #TOP 2
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope Cover #TOP 3
Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 9 Altazimuth Refractor Telescopes

#TOP 1

Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope

21041
Black
Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope Cover
Celestron - PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope - Manual Alt-Azimuth Telescope for Beginners - Compact and Portable - Bonus Astronomy Software Package - 60mm Aperture

The Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Telescope is ideal for beginners, featuring a manual yoke mount for accurate pointing, multiple accessories, and a compact design that makes it easy to transport. Equipped with two eyepieces, an erect image diagonal, and a finderscope, users can easily triple the power of each with the included 3x Barlow lens. Additionally, a free astronomy software package is available for download. With a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to customer support, you can buy with confidence from a trusted telescope brand.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Easy-to-use for beginners
Multiple included accessories, including 3x Barlow lens
#TOP 2

Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope

22065
Blue
102AZ Refractor
Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope Cover
Celestron - AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope - Refractor Telescope for Beginners - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Adjustable-Height Tripod - Bonus Astronomy Software Package

The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ Refractor Telescope is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, and an adjustable tripod. It is easy to set up and use, and comes with a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support. Customers have praised its ability to capture light and view distant faint objects, but have noted the resolution and contrast are disappointing and the mount is frustrating.

What We Like
Clear and sharp views
Adjustable-height tripod
Bonus astronomy software package
#TOP 3

Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope

21087
Black
Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope Cover
Celestron - PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope - Manual Alt-Azimuth Telescope for Beginners - Compact and Portable - BONUS Astronomy Software Package - 80mm Aperture

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope is a perfect beginner's telescope that is easy-to-use and powerful, designed to give you the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power. It features a manual yoke mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. The telescope is compact, lightweight, and portable, making it easy to take with you to your favorite observing sites. It comes with multiple accessories including 2 eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each, as well as a free download of one of the top consumer-rated astronomy software programs.

What We Like
Easy-to-use and powerful
Compact, lightweight, and portable
Multiple accessories included
#TOP 4

Vixen A80mf Refractor Telescope

Vixen
39952-9
white
910mm(F11.4)
Vixen A80mf Refractor Telescope Cover
Vixen A80mf Refractor Telescope with Porta II Alt-Azimuth Mount and Tripod

The Vixen A80mf Telescope is an excellent choice for stargazers looking to explore the night sky. Its 3.1-inch objective lens captures light efficiently, allowing you to see celestial objects clearly. With a focal length of 35.8 inches, you'll enjoy detailed views of planets and stars. The telescope's 1:11.4 caliber ratio ensures that you can zoom in on distant objects effortlessly. The Porta II Alt-Azimuth mount and adjustable tripod provide stability and convenience, making it easy to aim and track your targets. This telescope is designed to enhance your astronomical experience with user-friendly features.

What We Like
High-quality lens
Efficient light capture
Stable mount
Adjustable tripod
#TOP 5

Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope

21039
Black
Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope Cover
Celestron - PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope - Manual Alt-Azimuth Telescope for Beginners - Compact and Portable - Bonus Astronomy Software Package - 50mm Aperture

The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope is a perfect beginners telescope that is easy-to-use and powerful. It features a manual yoke mount that allows for smooth and accurate pointing, and is compact, lightweight, and portable. The telescope comes with multiple accessories including 4 eyepieces, a finderscope, and a 3x Barlow lens. Users also receive a free download of a top-rated astronomy software program.

What We Like
Easy-to-use and powerful
Smooth and accurate pointing
Compact, lightweight, and portable
#TOP 6

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Telescope

22451
Silver
LT 80 Refractor
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Telescope Cover
Celestron – StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – Works with StarSense App to Help You Find Stars, Planets & More – iPhone/Android Compatible

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Telescope is a great way to explore the night sky. It features an 80mm refractor optical tube, two eyepieces, a 2x Barlow lens, and a StarSense smartphone dock. The altazimuth mount with slow motion control rod and red dot finderscope make it easy to find and view objects in the sky. The StarSense Explorer app helps you generate a list of objects visible from your location. It's great for beginners and experienced stargazers alike.

What We Like
Easy to assemble and calibrate
StarSense smartphone dock and app
Altazimuth mount with slow motion control rod
Great for beginners and experienced stargazers
Red dot finderscope
#TOP 7

Koolpte Telescope 90mm Aperture 900mm

Koolpte
AZ90900
Black-90900
Koolpte Telescope 90mm Aperture 900mm Cover
Telescope 90mm Aperture 900mm - High Precision Adjustment Vertisteel AZ Mount Base, Magnification 45-450x, Wireless Remote, Phone Adapter - Ideal for Astronomy Enthusiasts and Beginners (Black)

The Koolpte 90mm Telescope is a powerful refractor telescope designed for astronomy enthusiasts and beginners. With its 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length, it provides exceptional optical performance, allowing you to easily observe deep space objects in the universe. The sturdy and durable Vertisteel Altazimuth Mount provides stable support and precise positioning. The telescope also comes with a phone adapter and wireless remote, making it convenient to capture and share images and videos of your observations on your phone. Its user-friendly design and excellent optical performance make it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Additionally, its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry and set up, making it an ideal choice for travel and outdoor activities.

What We Like
Stunning clarity and detail
Easy to set up and use
Wireless remote and phone adapter included
#TOP 8

TASCO Spacestation 70mm Refractor Telescope

49070800
Black
One Size
TASCO Spacestation 70mm Refractor Telescope Cover
TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope, Black, one Size (49070800)

The TASCO Spacestation Telescope is designed for stargazers of all levels. It comes with three eyepieces (25mm, 10mm, and 4mm) to offer varying magnification options, allowing you to view celestial bodies in detail or get a broader view of the night sky. The single fork arm altazimuth mount provides smooth and easy movement, making it simple to track objects as they move across the sky. The included red dot finderscope helps you quickly locate stars and planets, while the adjustable aluminum tripod ensures stability and comfort during your observations.

What We Like
Multiple magnification options
Easy tracking of objects
Quick star locating
Stable adjustable tripod
#TOP 9

Gaterda 90mm Refractor Telescope

Gaterda
90800-001
Gaterda 90mm Refractor Telescope Cover
Telescope for Adults, 90mm Aperture High Powered Refractor Telescope (28X-210X), Portable Astronomical Telescope for Beginners Comes with AZ Mount, Tripod and Phone Adapter for Moon Observation

The Gaterda Refractor Telescope boasts a powerful 90mm aperture and fully multi-coated optics, allowing you to enjoy stunning views of the night sky. You can easily switch between magnification levels of 28X and 210X with the included eyepieces and Barlow lens, making it perfect for both sweeping vistas and detailed observations. The telescope's stable and adjustable tripod ensures precise tracking of celestial objects, enhancing your stargazing experience. With a comprehensive accessory kit, including a phone adapter for capturing images, this telescope is designed for convenience and portability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

What We Like
High-performance optics
Versatile magnification options
Stable adjustable tripod
Portable with accessory kit
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which telescope has an altazimuth mount?

Dobsonian telescopes: John Dobson popularized a simplified altazimuth mount design for Newtonian reflectors because of its ease of construction; Dobson's innovation was to use non-machined parts for the mount that could be found in any hardware store such as plywood, formica, and plastic plumbing parts combined with ...

2. What is a Richfield telescope?

The original definition of "Richest Field Telescope" is the telescope that can show the most stars in the field of view. With modern 2 inch eyepieces, the scope needs to be fast to maximize the field view while keeping the exit pupil maximized at around 7mm.

3. Is a refractor telescope better?

If you are interested in astrophotography, purchasing a refractor is a better option because of it's specialized optic design that captures deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae. If you are interested in brighter celestial objects like the Moon or planets or a beginner, a reflector telescope is ideal.

Editor's Notes

During our altazimuth refractor telescope research, we found 16 altazimuth refractor telescope products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 99,192 customer reviews through our big data system to write the altazimuth refractor telescopes list. We found that most customers choose altazimuth refractor telescopes with an average price of $230.34.

The altazimuth refractor telescopes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of altazimuth refractor telescopes, including Celestron, Vixen, Koolpte, TASCO, Gaterda. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.