6 Best Meade Telestar 60AZ-A 60mm Refractor Telescopes Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shoppers searching for a meade telestar 60az-a 60mm refractor telescope usually want a simple, portable scope that shows the Moon, bright planets and a few easy deep-sky targets without a steep learning curve. This list compares six 60mm and 80mm refractor options from well-known brands, judged on objective size, mount type, portability, ease of setup and the feedback owners commonly share about bright-object views. Because the Telestar line is discontinued in some markets, the picks below are current Amazon listings that fill the same niche.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ	Moon and planet beginners	60mm objective with manual alt-azimuth mount
CELESTRON Travel Scope 60	Portable observing	Compact 60mm refractor for trips
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ	Users who want app-guided star finding	Smartphone sky navigation
Celestron 21073 AstroMaster LT 60AZ	Budget-minded first telescopes	Simple alt-azimuth setup
80mm Refractor with Backpack	Kids and casual family use	80mm aperture with carry bag
Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ	Smooth tracking of the sky	Equatorial mount for easier tracking

Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon & Planet Viewing

Best for: Moon and planet viewing on a tight budget

This is a classic entry point for people who want a refractor that handles the Moon’s craters and Saturn’s rings without fuss. Its manual alt-azimuth mount suits anyone who prefers to nudge the tube by hand.

Key specs

• 60mm objective lens
• Manual alt-azimuth mount
• Adjustable tripod

Pros

• Bright, sharp views of the Moon and planets at low power
• Simple to set up and point
• Light enough for one person to carry outdoors

Cons

• Limited light-gathering for faint galaxies and nebulae
• Manual tracking requires frequent nudging at higher magnification

Bottom line: A sensible first scope for someone who mainly wants lunar and planetary views.

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CELESTRON Travel Scope 60 Refractor Telescope

Best for: Portable observing and travel

Built around a compact 60mm refractor, this model suits people who want to take a telescope on vacations, camping trips or to a dark-sky site without a bulky case.

Key specs

• 60mm refractor optics
• Lightweight, travel-oriented design

Pros

• Easy to pack and carry
• Good starting aperture for the Moon and bright planets
• Quick to set up at a new location

Cons

• Smaller accessory ecosystem than larger Celestron models
• Limited for deep-sky targets from light-polluted areas

Bottom line: Pick this if portability matters more than aperture.

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Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone Guided Refractor Telescope

Best for: Beginners who want help finding objects

The smartphone app identifies the sky and guides you to targets, which helps newcomers who otherwise spend an evening hunting for constellations. It is also well suited to families where parents are learning alongside children.

Key specs

• 80mm aperture refractor
• Smartphone app sky navigation
• Lightweight manual mount

Pros

• Larger aperture than the 60mm models in this list
• App-based guidance shortens the learning curve
• Good for kids and first-time users

Cons

• Relies on a compatible smartphone and app connection
• Manual mount limits high-magnification tracking

Bottom line: The best choice here for guided, beginner-friendly observing.

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Celestron 21073 AstroMaster LT 60AZ Refractor Telescope

Best for: Budget-minded first telescopes

This model is closely related in size and mount style to the Meade Telestar 60AZ-A class of scopes, making it a natural alternative for buyers who want the same kind of simple 60mm alt-azimuth setup.

Key specs

• 60mm objective lens
• Alt-azimuth mount

Pros

• Simple, familiar setup for first-time observers
• Bright views of the Moon and planets
• Easy to store and move

Cons

• Basic accessories and limited upgrade path
• Not ideal for faint deep-sky objects

Bottom line: A straightforward budget pick for lunar and planetary beginners.

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Telescopes for Adults Astronomy 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope

Best for: Kids and casual family use

With an 80mm aperture and a bundled backpack, this refractor is aimed at families who want an easy-to-carry scope for weekend stargazing in the backyard.

Key specs

• 80mm aperture
• 600mm focal length
• Carry backpack included

Pros

• Larger aperture than the 60mm scopes
• Includes a carry bag for storage
• Suitable for both adults and children

Cons

• Listing-level brand reputation is less established than Celestron or Orion
• Accessory quality may vary, so check included eyepieces

Bottom line: Good for families who want a bigger aperture and a travel bag in one package.

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Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ Refractor Telescope for Moon & Planet Viewing

Best for: Smooth tracking of the sky

An equatorial mount lets you follow objects as Earth turns, which makes it easier to keep planets and the Moon centered at higher magnification than with a simple alt-azimuth stand.

Key specs

• 80mm refractor
• Equatorial mount
• Stable tripod

Pros

• Easier tracking than alt-azimuth mounts
• Larger aperture for brighter views
• Sturdy tripod for steadier images

Cons

• Equatorial setup has a steeper learning curve
• Heavier and less portable than 60mm models

Bottom line: The right pick if you plan to observe for longer sessions and want smoother tracking.

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Buying Guide

Aperture and Light Gathering

Aperture is the diameter of the objective lens, and it sets how much light the scope collects. A 60mm objective is a solid start for the Moon, double stars and bright planets. An 80mm objective gathers roughly 78 percent more light than a 60mm, which helps with fainter targets. Expect modest views of deep-sky objects through either size.

Good picks for this: Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ, Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ

Mount Type

Alt-azimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, which is intuitive for beginners. Equatorial mounts are aligned to the celestial pole and track objects more smoothly, but they take longer to learn. Choose based on how much effort you want to spend on setup.

Good picks for this: Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ, Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ

Portability and Weight

If you plan to observe away from home, look at total packed weight and whether the tripod folds compactly. Smaller refractors are easier to carry in a car or on a short hike, but they limit light-gathering.

Good picks for this: CELESTRON Travel Scope 60, 80mm Refractor Telescope with Backpack

Focal Length and Eyepieces

Focal length, combined with eyepiece focal length, determines magnification. Check which eyepieces are included, since many starter scopes ship with two or three low-power eyepieces that are good for wide views and the Moon.

Good picks for this: Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ, Celestron 21073 AstroMaster LT 60AZ

Ease of Setup and Guidance

Some beginners benefit from app-based sky navigation or a finder scope that makes aiming easier. Look for a clear finder and a mount that does not require complicated polar alignment.

Good picks for this: Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ

Durability and Build Quality

Check the tripod’s leg locks, the focuser’s smoothness and the tube material. Aluminum tripods are usually more stable than thin plastic, and a solid focuser reduces image shake when you adjust focus.

Good picks for this: Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ, Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ

Care and Maintenance

Keep the lenses covered when not in use, store the scope indoors to avoid condensation, and clean optics only with a soft brush or microfiber cloth and lens-appropriate solution. Never look at the Sun through any telescope without a proper solar filter, as direct sunlight can cause permanent eye damage. For specific safety questions, consult a qualified astronomy club or optical professional.

Good picks for this: CELESTRON Travel Scope 60, Celestron 21073 AstroMaster LT 60AZ

FAQ

Is a 60mm refractor good enough for beginners?

Yes. A 60mm refractor shows the Moon’s craters, the phases of Venus, Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings. It is best for lunar and planetary observing rather than faint galaxies.

What is the difference between a 60mm and an 80mm refractor?

An 80mm objective gathers more light and resolves finer detail, which helps with brighter deep-sky objects. The tradeoff is a larger, heavier scope that is harder to transport.

Should I choose an alt-azimuth or equatorial mount?

Alt-azimuth mounts are simpler and better for quick sessions. Equatorial mounts track the sky more smoothly, which helps with longer observing sessions at higher magnification.

Can I see deep-sky objects with a 60mm refractor?

You can see the brightest objects, such as the Orion Nebula and some star clusters, especially from dark skies. Faint galaxies usually require larger apertures.

Do I need a smartphone app to use these telescopes?

No. Most of these scopes work fully without an app. Apps like the one used with the StarSense line simply help you find objects faster.

Is the Meade Telestar 60AZ-A still available?

Availability varies, and the Meade Telestar line has been discontinued in some markets. Check current listings and product support before buying.

What accessories should I add first?

A basic set of eyepieces, a red-light flashlight and a planisphere or star chart are useful early additions. A solar filter is needed only if you plan to observe the Sun, and it must be certified for solar use.

Conclusion

For most beginners, the Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ offers the most straightforward path to lunar and planetary views. Buyers who travel often should consider the CELESTRON Travel Scope 60, while those who want guided star finding may prefer the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ. The 80mm equatorial PowerSeeker 80EQ suits longer sessions and smoother tracking. Match the aperture, mount and portability to how and where you plan to observe.

Sources

• Background on the Moon, planets and observing targets for beginners (nasa.gov)
• Consumer safety guidance, including caution around optical products and children (cpsc.gov)
• Educational resources on amateur astronomy and observing practice

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