Brookstone 50x 100x Refractor Telescope: What It Shows and How to Use It

Updated November 2026

A brookstone 50x 100x refractor telescope is a small, portable scope aimed at casual skywatchers. With the right setup, you can see the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and a handful of bright star clusters. This guide explains what those magnification numbers actually mean, how to set up the scope, and how to get the sharpest views from it.

Understand What the 50x and 100x Numbers Mean

Magnification is set by dividing the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length. The two figures on the label usually correspond to the two eyepieces supplied with the scope. The lower number is best for wide, bright views, and the higher number pushes detail but dims the image.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 4 Best Vivitar 50x 100x Refractor Telescopes with Tripod Picks for Beginners.

Higher magnification is not automatically better. Atmospheric turbulence and the small aperture of a typical refractor of this class limit useful power, so the 100x eyepiece will look soft on nights when the air is unsteady.

Set Up the Telescope Step by Step

1. Place the tripod on firm, level ground. Extend the legs fully and lock them, and avoid grass or soft soil.
2. Attach the mount head and tighten the knobs by hand until they are snug.
3. Mount the optical tube and secure the dovetail or saddle bracket.
4. Insert the lower-power eyepiece into the focuser and tighten the locking screw.
5. Aim at a bright, distant object during daylight, such as a rooftop antenna, and focus until the edges are crisp. Never point the scope at the Sun.

Let the Scope Acclimate

Bring the telescope outside 20 to 30 minutes before observing. Optics that are warmer or cooler than the night air produce blurred, shimmering images until they settle.

Choose Targets That Suit the Optics

This class of refractor performs best on bright, high-contrast objects. Start with the Moon, which shows craters and the terminator line at both magnifications. Jupiter’s four Galilean moons are visible as tiny points of light, and Saturn’s rings appear as a small oval when the planet is well placed.

For deep-sky targets, the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula are good choices. Galaxies and faint nebulae will appear as dim smudges, so use the lower-power eyepiece and let your eyes adapt for 15 minutes in darkness.

Fine-Tune Focus and Viewing Technique

Focus slowly, moving the knob in one direction until the image sharpens and then just past the sharpest point. Breathing on the eyepiece or touching the tube will shake the view, so keep your hands light on the controls. Use averted vision for faint objects by looking slightly to the side of the target, which engages more sensitive parts of the retina.

Recommended gear

A red-light headlamp helps you read star charts and adjust settings without ruining your night vision. View on Amazon

A planisphere lets you identify constellations and bright planets before you start aiming. View on Amazon

A lunar filter dims the glare of a bright Moon and can improve contrast on surface details. View on Amazon

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Starting at 100x on a night of poor seeing. Begin at the lower power and step up only when the image holds steady.
• Expecting color or detail in faint nebulae. Most deep-sky objects appear grayish and subtle.
• Skipping the daytime focus check. A quick test on a distant object saves time after dark.
• Observing from a light-polluted yard. Move to a darker site for better contrast on fainter targets.
• Leaving the scope exposed to dew. Cover the optics when you finish and let the tube dry before storing it.

FAQ

Is a brookstone 50x 100x refractor telescope good for beginners?

Yes, it suits beginners who want to see the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters without a steep learning curve. Expect modest views of deep-sky objects, which is normal for a small refractor.

Why does the image look blurry at 100x?

High magnification magnifies atmospheric turbulence and any optical imperfections. Try the lower-power eyepiece first, and wait for steadier air or a cooler, calmer night.

Can I use the telescope for photography?

Basic smartphone photos through the eyepiece are possible but limited. Dedicated astrophotography usually requires a tracking mount and a camera adapter.

Conclusion

A brookstone 50x 100x refractor telescope rewards patient observers who start at low power and learn the sky gradually. Focus carefully, let the optics settle, and choose bright targets first. With those habits in place, the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn will give you memorable views.

Related reading

• Terraen 50x 100x Refractor Telescope Price: What to Expect and How to Judge It
• iTek Refractor Telescope Review: Specs, Strengths and Who It Suits
• Wide Field Refractor Telescope Picks Compared for 2026
• Vivitar Refractor Telescope 60x/120x Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Verdict
• Vivitar 60x 120x Refractor Telescope with Tripod Review (2026)

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