60mm telescopes – Buying guide & Comparison
If you’re short on time and you just want to find the best 60mm telescope, this short paragraph should help you get exactly the model you need. According to our research, the Orion Observer is the best because it comes with a glass lens, along with two eyepieces for different viewing magnifications. Kids and parents will love how easy the telescope is to use, and it is just as simple to set up. Best of all it comes with an astronomy book, moon map and round star chart, so kids will know exactly what they are viewing in the nighttime sky. If the Orion Observer is not available, your second option should be the Celestron 60LCM.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Adults will certainly have a blast using this telescope, as its rugged construction makes it impervious to wear and tear. At the same time, it is lightweight enough to be portable, and that means that you will have it easy moving it around. The telescope delivers great performance, and you will be able to catch clear images of the moon and the planets in close proximity. Kids can use it, too.
There is a bit of a steep learning curve for using this telescope.
An excellent option for kids and adults alike, due to its performance and durability.
2nd Best
It will be a real pleasure to use this model for hunting celestial objects in the night sky, as the onboard computer and its motorized system allow smooth and precise operation. Once the telescope is delivered to your door, the setup will take very little time, and you will be able to start using it. The amount of accessories provided makes it an even worthier buy, including eyepieces.
Don’t expect a battery charge to last for more than a few hours.
You will like this telescope for all its nice extras, like the red dot finder.
Also To Consider
If you want a telescope that doesn’t require a learning curve or even installation, this model is for you. Its straightforward operation recommends it to anyone who wants to become an astronomer. Two eyepieces are provided with your purchase, making it versatile and even easier to use. Because it is lightweight, it is easy to take anywhere you want to go.
Mounting the telescope on the tripod cannot be adjusted well.
The optimal solution for a beginner, a telescope that requires no setup or learning curve.
Many budding astronomers start off with a 60mm telescope. The aperture is still large enough to allow for bright and clear views of the moon, stars and nearby planets, and its smaller size ensures a budget friendly price. While deciding on the aperture size will narrow down your options, trying to choose the right telescope can still be overwhelming. In this buying guide, you will find the information you need to make a smart purchasing decision.
Budget
Before you hit the stores or start browsing online, it is a good idea to decide on a budget. You can find 60mm telescopes at a variety of prices, and deciding on a set spending limit will help narrow down your options. You do want to be careful to not sacrifice quality in an effort to save money. If the telescope is cheaply constructed chances are it will be a waste of your money.
This is also true regarding optics. Some 60mm telescopes sacrifice optic quality in an effort to keep the price below the competition. This typically includes substituting glass lenses for plastic. While plastic might be more durable and less expensive, it also isn’t capable of producing crisp, clear images. Even if the telescope is for a kid, it is still worth it, in the long run, to pay a little extra for a model that comes with glass optics.
Type
There are three types of telescopes, but most models that come with a 60mm aperture are classified as refractors. These are also the most common and easily recognizable type of telescope. Since they are known for their ability to produce crisp images under high magnification, refractor telescopes are a popular choice with astronomers.
Refractor telescopes are also known for their durability, which is always a bonus. Another advantage is that they are often easier to use than the other two types. Since refractor telescopes come at all price points, you can find one to fit almost any budget. There are also reflector telescopes which are ideal for terrestrial viewing, along with compound models that combine the benefits of the other two.
Other considerations
Telescopes can come with a variety of features and accessories that can enhance your experience. While your budget will help you determine which ones are included, there are a few that you should consider. If the telescope is for a beginner, you might want to look for one that comes with an astronomy kit. This way you’ll be able to identify the various celestial bodies in the sky.
The best 60mm refracting telescopes will come with at least one eyepiece. This is necessary if you want to be able to see the image, and you can find them with different magnification properties. You might also want to consider a model that comes with a Barlow lens, this multiplies the magnification without having to change the eyepiece.
You will also want it to come with a finder scope so you can accurately aim and find objects in the sky. While most models do come with a finder scope, you do want to pay attention to its quality. If the finder scope isn’t capable of producing clear views, it can make the telescope a waste of money.
5 Best 60mm Telescopes (Reviews) in 2024
Once you know what to look for finding a 60mm telescope can be easy. While we can’t choose the right model for you, we can help you make an informed decision, which is why we have the best 60mm refractor telescope showcased below.
Contents
1. Orion Observer 60mm AZ Refractor
This is often considered the best Orion 60mm telescope, and it’s not hard to see why. This refractor telescope is designed to be used by budding astronomers and comes with everything they need to get started. It also comes at a price that adults will love.
It’s durable construction can handle rugged use, and it is still lightweight enough for easy portability. The sturdy tripod provides a stable base, and even comes with a convenient accessory tray. Best of all it is easy to setup, and this is something that everyone can appreciate.
The 60mm glass lens ensures crisp views of the moon, stars and nearby planets. It also comes with two eyepieces, so it is ready to go right out of the box. Kids will love being able to track and identify the various constellations thanks to the round star chart. It also comes with an astronomy book and map of the moon.
Pros
Providing countless fun nights for families to explore the sky, this refractor telescope uses a pair of fully coated 1.25-inch Kellner eyepieces that boast superb image transmission clarity and detail for observing the craters of the moon along with other celestial objects and phenomena.
The 1.25-inch focuser works nicely with the Orion EZ Finder II aiming device so you can find the celestial object you want to study and fine-tune the optical settings for a clear and vivid image every time.
The sturdy aluminum tripod does not only contribute to the lightweight and portable design but also does the primary job of keeping the instrument stable and steady for an easy observation of celestial objects.
With the purchase of the telescope, customers enjoy free and easy access to a digital download insert for the exclusive Starry Night SE astronomy software that provides plenty of useful information.
This telescope comes with real glass optics and not plastic lenses so it can really be used for celestial observations and is not merely a toy.
Cons
This device comes with a kind of learning curve that needs to be hurdled to ensure optimal functionality and performance.
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2. Celestron 22050 LCM 60 Computerised Refractor Telescope
It’s not hard to see why this is often considered the best Celestron 60mm telescope, whether you’re a kid or an adult. It is designed for beginning astronomers and comes with everything you need to get started. This includes “The SkyX” Planetarium software, along with access to a database that will help you accurately aim the telescope at over 4,000 celestial objects.
Since this refracting telescope is from Celestron, you can rest assured that comes with quality optics. The 60mm aperture allows for bright, crisp images of the moon and stars, even under high magnification. It also comes with an eyepiece, so you don’t have to wait to get started.
What sets this 60mm telescope apart is its computerized base. This allows for smooth tracking and easy alignments. The lightweight tripod is a breeze to set up almost anywhere. It also comes with a convenient accessory tray. The only downside to this Celestron telescope is that the AA batteries only provide a few hours of operation.
Pros
This high-quality 60mm refractor telescope enables you to find the beautiful objects of the universe via the revolutionary onboard computer and motorized system.
The quick, tool- free setup enables you to use the telescope immediately after unboxing and assembly for less downtime and more observation time.
Easily the most affordable computerized telescope from Celestron, this model provides spectacular views of the planets and the Moon.
The scope comes with everything you need for an exciting celestial observation adventure every night, with high and low-power eyepieces, a red-dot finder, an erect image diagonal, the computerized altazimuth mount and its extensive database of over 4,000 objects for study.
The device is geared for versatility and flexibility thanks to the fully-adjustable tripod for customized observations, with a handy accessory tray for your viewing essentials, and the push-button mode selection.
Cons
This telescope is quite small and does not provide as much detail as a larger scope can.
The battery life is not designed for extended hours of use.
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3. Black Twinstar 60mm Compact Kids Refractor Telescope
Affordable and easy to use, this refracting telescope if perfect for beginners. Its rugged build can withstand years of use, and its lightweight design makes it ideal for travel.
Even though it is priced to fit any astronomer’s budget, it still comes with everything you need to start watching the nighttime sky.
The 60mm aperture provides clear views of the moon and stars. It also comes with two eyepieces and a Barlow lens. This gives you the magnification capabilities you need to see distant galaxies and even nebulas.
Every aspect of this telescope is designed with ease of use in mind. All you have to do is aim it at the moon or stars and look through the eyepiece. Even caring for the lenses is a breeze thanks to the included soft cloth and protective cases.
Pros
This scope is unbelievably easy to use and operate that it doesn’t even come with usage instructions. Aside from that, the assembly is simple and straightforward.
The telescope is made super-lightweight to enable effortless and hassle-free transport and storage
The device allows you to enjoy remarkable views of the planets and the stars so you can really study them or just be dazzled by their beauty.
Perfect for beginners, this telescope ships with a 20mm and 6mm eyepiece for the exact magnification you prefer.
The 2X Barlow lens enhances the magnification of every eyepiece to deliver clearer and more vivid images, while the 1.5x erecting eyepiece provides an upright image for comfortable viewing.
Cons
Although the assembly of the telescope is quite simple, some customers still prefer that it comes with printed instructions for that purpose, since they can only be downloaded online.
The scope should not be raised too high on the tripod to avoid getting a wobbly configuration.
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4. Gskyer Telescope 60mm Aperture 700mm AZ Mount Astronomy Refractor Telescope
Even though this telescope is designed to be easy to use, it comes with all the features an experienced astronomer expects. Best of all it is priced to fit almost any budget, and is backed by a one year warranty. This gives you added assurance that you made a smart purchasing decision.
The 60mm aperture ensures that the lunar surface appears bright and clear, and this is enhanced with the mid-range focal length. When this is combined with the two eyepieces, you can enjoy wide views or zoom in on a planet or star. You also have the advantage of the Barlow lens for 3x magnification.
What sets the Infinity apart is the altazimuth mount. Thanks to its “slow motion” control aligning the telescope is a breeze. You’ll also appreciate how easy the tripod is to set up, especially since there aren’t any tools required.
Pros
This refractor telescope boasts German technology that serves as your assurance of quality and dependable performance.
The fully multi-coated glass lens optics guarantee durability and reliable viewing thanks to the ability to gather as much light as possible for bright and clear images.
The adjustable aluminum tripod does not weigh the scope down during use and it provides support for the instrument to keep it stable.
The altazimuth mount comes with slow-motion controls for smooth tracking of celestial objects as they move from one end of the sky to the other.
The 3X Barlow lens triples the magnification of the included 25mm and 10mm eyepiece for viewing of fine detail in the images to let you enjoy high-power every time.
Cons
The user manual is not well-executed so some customers might consider it severely insufficient.
The web doesn’t provide too much information on the product as it is not from a large-name manufacturer.
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5. Gskyer Telescope 60mm AZ Refractor German Technology Travel Scope
Boasting German technology and a compact size this 60mm refractor telescope is perfect for the budding astronomer on the go. It also comes at a surprisingly affordable price that will fit almost any budget. To ensure complete confidence in your purchase, the telescope is backed by a one year warranty.
Low and medium magnification eyepieces allow for distant and wide views. When the 60mm aperture is combined with the short focal length, you can enjoy bright, crisp views of the lunar surface.
There is even a Barlow lens for 3x the magnification. This has the added advantage of limiting the number of eyepieces you might need for long distance viewing.
Thanks to the sturdy tripod you can set this telescope up almost anywhere. It can also be easily adjusted for height. Best of all you’ll love how easy it is to set up.
Pros
This refractor telescope is easy to put together and will not require the use of tools to assemble so it can be up and ready in minutes.
The altazimuth mount makes it easy to point the scope in the direction of your favorite celestial object for tracking as it travels across the sky.
This is a lightweight and portable telescope that is easy to use, carry, and store as it has a compact frame and comes with its own carry case.
The 3X Barlow lens triples the magnifying power of the supplied eyepieces so you can view really fine detail in the objects you view.
The multiple interchangeable eyepieces are supported by the 1.5X erecting eyepiece to allow the comfortable viewing of an upright image and not a distorted one.
Cons
The tabletop tripod is not what some customers prefer since, according to one buyer, a full-sized one would be better.
The instructions are not helpful because they are poorly constructed.
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