Tasco Spacestation 60x700mm Refractor Telescope: 5 Best Picks Compared

Updated November 2026

Shoppers searching for a tasco spacestation 60x700mm refractor telescope usually want a compact, easy-to-set-up scope that shows the Moon, bright planets and a handful of deep-sky objects without a steep learning curve. The name describes a 60 mm objective lens and a 700 mm focal length, which points to a small, portable refractor aimed at beginners. This comparison looks at five products in that general family, judged on aperture and focal length, mount type, portability, included accessories and how well each one matches a first-telescope buyer’s needs. The picks are based on published specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback patterns rather than on any testing we carried out ourselves.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best for	Key feature
Tasco Spacestation 600 x 50mm Refractor Telescope	Beginners who want a simple, all-round starter scope	Compact refractor design with straightforward focusing
TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ	Observers who want a steadier stand and a longer focal length	Altazimuth mount with a red dot finderscope
CELESTRON Travel Scope 60 Refractor Telescope	Stargazers who carry their gear to dark sites or trips	Lightweight, portable body
Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Telescope Refractor with Tripod	Families and kids on a tight budget	Included tripod and two-magnification eyepiece setup
Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope	Users who want a larger aperture for brighter planetary detail	90 mm objective on an AZ mount

Tasco Spacestation 600 x 50mm Refractor Telescope

Best for: Beginners who want a simple, all-round starter scope

This is a good fit for adults and older teens who are new to astronomy and want a scope that is easy to carry outside and quick to aim at the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and the brighter star clusters.

Key specs

• Listed as a 50 mm refractor with a 600 mm focal length, per the product name
• Refractor optical design with a closed tube
• Intended for adult and beginner use

Pros

• Compact, easy to store and carry
• Simple setup suitable for first-time users
• Refractor design needs little collimation

Cons

• A 50 mm aperture gathers less light than larger scopes, so faint deep-sky objects will be dim
• Higher magnifications will show softer images on most small refractors

Bottom line: A sensible first telescope for someone who mainly wants to see the Moon and bright planets with minimal fuss.

View on Amazon

TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ

Best for: Observers who want a steadier stand and a longer focal length

This model suits buyers who plan to observe from a fixed spot, such as a backyard or patio, and want a larger 70 mm aperture and longer focal length than the smaller Spacestation models.

Key specs

• Listed as 70 mm aperture with an 800 mm focal length, per the product name
• AZ (altazimuth) mount
• Includes a red dot finderscope for aiming

Pros

• Larger aperture than the 50 mm and 60 mm refractors in this list
• Red dot finder makes locating targets easier
• AZ mount is intuitive for beginners

Cons

• Heavier and less portable than travel-oriented scopes
• Altazimuth mounts can drift during long observing sessions

Bottom line: A good choice for home observing when you want a bit more light-gathering and a finder that helps you get on target quickly.

View on Amazon

CELESTRON Travel Scope 60 Refractor Telescope

Best for: Stargazers who carry their gear to dark sites or trips

Anyone who wants a grab-and-go scope for camping, road trips or occasional dark-sky outings will find this type of compact refractor easier to live with than a full-size tripod-mounted instrument.

Key specs

• 60 mm refractor optical design
• Designed as a portable travel telescope

Pros

• Lightweight and compact for packing
• Quick to set up and break down
• Celestron is a well-known name in consumer optics

Cons

• Smaller aperture limits faint object detail
• Travel mounts are generally less stable at high magnification

Bottom line: The right pick when portability matters more than maximum viewing power.

View on Amazon

Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Telescope Refractor with Tripod

Best for: Families and kids on a tight budget

This is a sensible entry-level option for parents who want to introduce a child to the night sky without a large outlay, and for casual users who only expect occasional lunar viewing.

Key specs

• Listed magnification range of 60X to 120X, per the product name
• Includes a tripod

Pros

• Budget-friendly entry point
• Tripod included, so no separate mount purchase is needed
• Simple enough for children to use with supervision

Cons

• Budget optics and tripods often show vibration and softer images at high power
• Limited for serious deep-sky or planetary work

Bottom line: A low-risk way to start with astronomy if you mainly want Moon views and a fun first look through a telescope.

View on Amazon

Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope

Best for: Users who want a larger aperture for brighter planetary detail

Observers who have outgrown a 50 or 60 mm scope and want more light for the Moon, planets and brighter nebulae will find the 90 mm aperture a noticeable step up.

Key specs

• Listed as 90 mm aperture with a 600 mm focal length, per the product name
• AZ (altazimuth) mount

Pros

• Larger aperture gathers more light than the smaller scopes here
• Good for planetary and lunar detail at moderate power
• AZ mount is easy to point

Cons

• Budget mounts can wobble at high magnification
• Bulkier to transport than a 60 mm travel scope

Bottom line: The strongest option in this list for planetary viewing, provided you accept some bulk and need a steady setup.

View on Amazon

Buying Guide

Aperture and focal length

Aperture (the objective diameter) sets how much light a telescope collects, and focal length combined with eyepiece choice sets magnification. A 60 mm aperture is a practical minimum for lunar and bright planetary viewing, while 70 to 90 mm gives noticeably brighter images. Check the listed focal length: a longer focal length with the same aperture usually means higher magnification potential, but also more sensitivity to shake.

Good picks for this: Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope, TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ

Mount type

An altazimuth (AZ) mount moves up-down and left-right, which is intuitive for beginners. Simple tripods are cheap but can transmit vibration. A steadier stand matters more as magnification rises, so favor a stable base if you plan to use high-power eyepieces.

Good picks for this: TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ, Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope

Portability and weight

Think about where you will observe. If you mostly stay in your yard, a heavier scope on a steady stand is fine. If you travel to darker skies, a compact body and light tripod reduce hassle. Measure the length of the tube when folded and confirm it fits your storage space.

Good picks for this: CELESTRON Travel Scope 60 Refractor Telescope, Tasco Spacestation 600 x 50mm Refractor Telescope

Finder and aiming aids

A red dot finderscope or a simple sight tube helps you locate objects before you look through the eyepiece. Beginners often find this the hardest part of their first sessions, so a built-in finder is a real convenience.

Good picks for this: TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ

Eyepieces and included accessories

Many kit telescopes include two or three eyepieces and sometimes a Barlow lens. Check which eyepieces are included and their focal lengths, and whether a better eyepiece is available later. Included accessories can keep your starting cost sensible, but plan to upgrade eyepieces as you learn what you enjoy observing.

Good picks for this: Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Telescope Refractor with Tripod, Tasco Spacestation 600 x 50mm Refractor Telescope

Build quality and durability

Look for sturdy focusers, solid tripod legs and secure locking knobs. Refractors need little maintenance, but the lens should be kept covered when not in use and cleaned only with proper lens cleaning supplies. Owners often report that the focuser and mount joints are the first parts to loosen with age.

Good picks for this: Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope, CELESTRON Travel Scope 60 Refractor Telescope

Intended use and observing targets

Match the scope to what you want to see. The Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and double stars suit small refractors. Faint galaxies and nebulae need more aperture and darker skies. If your main interest is the Moon and planets, a 60 to 90 mm refractor will serve you well.

Good picks for this: Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope, Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Telescope Refractor with Tripod

FAQ

Is a 60mm refractor good enough for a beginner?

Yes, for the Moon, bright planets and some double stars. Faint deep-sky objects will be harder to see than with a larger aperture, so set expectations accordingly.

What does 60x700mm mean on a telescope?

It refers to the objective diameter (60 mm) and the focal length (700 mm). Together they determine light-gathering and the magnification range you can use with a given eyepiece.

Do I need a tripod with a refractor telescope?

Most refractor telescopes in this class are sold with a tripod or mount. A stable tripod matters more than the telescope itself for comfortable viewing.

What magnification should I expect?

Magnification equals the focal length of the telescope divided by the focal length of the eyepiece. Small refractors are best used at low to moderate powers; very high magnification usually produces dim, soft images.

Can I use this telescope for astrophotography?

Basic smartphone photography through an eyepiece is possible, but dedicated astrophotography usually requires a tracking mount and camera. Small kit refractors are better suited to visual observing.

Should I buy a larger telescope instead?

If you plan to observe faint galaxies or nebulae, a larger aperture is worth the extra size and weight. For Moon and planet viewing, a 60 to 90 mm refractor is often enough.

Conclusion

For most beginners, the Tasco Spacestation 600 x 50mm Refractor Telescope offers a simple, compact starting point. Buyers who want a steadier stand and a finder should look at the TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ. Travelers will prefer the CELESTRON Travel Scope 60, while budget-minded families may start with the Vivitar TEL50600. Anyone who wants the most light for planetary detail should consider the Gskyer 600x90mm AZ model. Compare aperture, mount and portability against your observing plans before deciding.

Sources

• Official guidance on observing the Moon, planets and night sky for beginners (nasa.gov)
• Resources for amateur astronomers on telescope types and observing techniques
• American Astronomical Society materials on astronomy education and public observing

Related reading

• Tasco 800x60mm Novice Refractor Telescope: 4 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Tasco 60mm Refractor Telescope: 5 Best Picks Compared for 2026
• iTek Refractor Telescope Review: Specs, Strengths and Who It Suits
• Wide Field Refractor Telescope Picks Compared for 2026
• Top 7 Refractor Telescope Solar Filters Compared for Safe Sun Viewing

About the author