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 FirstLight 80mm Telescope Go-To Tracker ComboExplore FirstLight 80mm Telescope Go-To Tracker Combo
Explore Scientific
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Explore FirstLight 80mm Refractor Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-AR80640TNExplore FirstLight 80mm Refractor Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-AR80640TN
Explore FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-AR102600TNExplore FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-AR102600TN
Explore FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-MC1001400TNExplore FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount
Explore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-MC1271900TNExplore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount - FL-MC1271900TN
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Explore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with EQ3 Mount - FL-MC1271900EQ3Explore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with EQ3 Mount - FL-MC1271900EQ3
Explore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight I Mount - FL-MC1271900MAZ01Explore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight I Mount - FL-MC1271900MAZ01
National Geographic 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope - 80-10070National Geographic 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope - 80-10070
National Geographic
70mm AZ Refractor Telescope Sale price$ 102.99
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Save $ 25.75
National Geographic CF700SM 70mm Refractor Telescope - 80-40070National Geographic CF700SM 70mm Refractor Telescope - 80-40070
National Geographic
CF700SM 70mm Refractor Telescope Sale price$ 97.84 Regular price$ 123.59
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Save $ 41.20
National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope Adjustable Height TripodNational Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope Adjustable Height Tripod
National Geographic
70mm Refractor Telescope Adjustable Height Tripod Sale price$ 102.99 Regular price$ 144.19
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Explore One Gemini II Flat Black 70mm AZ Mount TelescopeExplore One Gemini II Flat Black 70mm AZ Mount Telescope
Explore One
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Explore One 50mm Aries Refractor TelescopeExplore One 50mm Aries Refractor Telescope
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Explore One 60mm Refractor Telescope - 88-06000Explore One 60mm Refractor Telescope - 88-06000
70mm Automatic Telescope70mm Automatic Telescope
National Geographic
70mm Automatic Telescope Sale price$ 308.99
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Explore FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with EQ3 Mount - FL-MC1001400EQ3Explore FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with EQ3 Mount - FL-MC1001400EQ3
Explore One Titan 70mm Telescope with Panhandle MountExplore One Titan 70mm Telescope with Panhandle Mount
Explore One
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SKY VIEW 70 70mm Refractor Telescope with Panhandle MountSKY VIEW 70 70mm Refractor Telescope with Panhandle Mount
STAR70APP 70mm Refractor Telescope w/ Panhandle Mount and Astronomy APPSTAR70APP 70mm Refractor Telescope w/ Panhandle Mount and Astronomy APP
Explore FirstLight 80mm CF Telescope with Solar FilterExplore FirstLight 80mm CF Telescope with Solar Filter
Explore Scientific
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Explore FirstLight 80mm TelescopeExplore FirstLight 80mm Telescope
Explore Scientific
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Callisto 70mm EQ Telescope
Bresser
Callisto 70mm EQ Telescope Sale price$ 154.49
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Explore FirstLight 80mm CF Telescope Go-To Tracker Combo with Solar FilterExplore FirstLight 80mm CF Telescope Go-To Tracker Combo with Solar Filter
Explore One Starlight 350 telescope mounted on the tripodExplore One Starlight 350 telescope mounted on the tripod's lowest setting

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.