a starry sky over mountains

Refractor Telescopes

A refractor is a classic telescope design that uses a collection of lenses to gather and focus light. Explore Scientific’s broad selection of refracting telescopes includes apochromatic refractors ranging in aperture from 80mm to 165mm, achromatic telescopes perfect for astronomy outreach and beginner refractors that are great for backyard astronomy.

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Explore Scientific | Refractor Telescopes

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just beginning your journey into stargazing, Explore Scientific offers one of the most comprehensive selections of refractor telescopes on the market. Designed for clarity, precision, and ease of use, our collection includes a wide range of refracting telescopes engineered with high-quality optics to deliver exceptional views of the night sky. From advanced apochromatic refractor telescopes (APOs) that significantly reduce chromatic aberration, to achromatic refractors ideal for educational and outreach purposes, our lineup supports a variety of observational needs. Our APOs, featuring advanced ED glass elements and multi-element air-spaced lenses, are popular with astrophotographers and serious visual observers alike. Available in various apertures such as 80mm, 102mm, 127mm, and 165mm, these instruments deliver crisp, color-accurate images of planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. For beginners, our selection includes user-friendly introductory refractors from trusted names like National Geographic and Discovery. These affordable and portable telescopes make it easy to explore the Moon, bright planets, and terrestrial objects right from your backyard. Engineered for durability and optical excellence, Explore Scientific refractor telescopes are compatible with a wide range of accessories including diagonal mirrors, Barlow lenses, finderscopes, and equatorial or alt-azimuth mounts. Many models come equipped with features such as fully multi-coated optics, precision focusers, and carbon fiber tubes for lightweight yet rugged performance.