Bushnell Refractor Telescope 150x50mm: What It Shows and How to Use It

Updated November 2026

A Bushnell refractor telescope 150x50mm is a small, lightweight scope that many beginners use to see the Moon, bright planets, and a handful of star clusters. This guide explains what the “150x50mm” designation means, how to set up the telescope, and how to get the most from it on a typical night. You will also learn which targets to start with and which expectations to set.

What the 150x50mm Designation Tells You

In a refractor, the first number is usually the maximum magnification the manufacturer lists, and the second number is the objective lens diameter in millimeters. A 50mm objective gathers far less light than a 100mm or 150mm scope, so faint deep-sky objects will look dim. The 150x figure is a ceiling, not a useful everyday power. Most views on this type of telescope are better at lower magnifications.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Bushnell Voyager 565x60mm Refractor Telescope: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026).

The practical takeaway: plan for bright, large targets. The Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and open star clusters are realistic. Faint galaxies and nebulae generally are not, regardless of the eyepiece you use.

Setting Up the Telescope for Your First Session

1. Place the tripod on firm, level ground. Extend the legs to a comfortable height and lock them tight.
2. Attach the mount head and secure the optical tube with its clamp.
3. Insert the lowest-power eyepiece into the diagonal, then into the focuser. Tighten the thumbscrew.
4. Point the tube at a distant daytime object, such as a rooftop or tree, and focus until the image is sharp. This gives you a rough focus before dark.
5. After sunset, start with the Moon. Its brightness makes focusing and alignment easier.

Choosing Eyepieces and Targets

Start with your widest-field eyepiece. A wide view makes it simple to find objects and keeps the image bright. Once you have located a target, switch to a higher-power eyepiece only if the image stays steady and clear. Steady air matters more than magnification: on a night with heavy shimmer, pushing power will only make the view blurrier.

Target	What to Look For	Best Eyepiece Approach
Moon	Craters, maria, terminator shadows	Low to medium power
Jupiter	Cloud bands, four bright moons	Medium power
Saturn	Rings as a small, distinct shape	Medium to higher power
Pleiades and open clusters	Groups of bright stars	Lowest power, widest field

For a broader sense of what different magnifications do, see Refractor Telescope 60x 120x: What Those Magnifications Really Mean. If you are still comparing this model with other options, 3 Best Bushnell Refractor Telescope 150 X 50 Models Compared (2026) gives a useful side-by-side look.

Getting Clear, Steady Views

Good views depend on the setup as much as the optics. Let the telescope sit outdoors for 20 to 30 minutes so the tube reaches the outside temperature. Hot or cold tubes cause the image to wobble. Avoid pointing over rooftops or streetlights, since heat plumes and glare reduce contrast. Keep the focuser moving smoothly, and refocus each time you change eyepieces.

Plan a session around the Moon’s phase. A bright, full Moon washes out faint detail, while a crescent or quarter Moon shows the most contrast along the terminator.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Do not expect galaxies or nebulae to look like photographs. Most appear as faint gray smudges.
• Avoid the highest-power eyepiece on your first night. It usually produces the dimmest, least stable image.
• Check that the diagonal and eyepiece are fully seated; loose connections cause focus drift.
• Keep the lens clean and covered when not in use. Dust on the objective reduces contrast.
• Never point the telescope at the Sun without a proper solar filter fitted over the front of the tube.

Recommended Gear

• A red-light headlamp: It preserves your night vision while you read star charts and adjust the mount. View on Amazon
• A planisphere or basic star chart: It helps you identify the constellations and find targets before you set up. View on Amazon
• A lens cleaning kit made for optics: Gentle cleaning keeps the objective free of dust and smudges. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can a 50mm refractor show planets?

Yes, the brighter planets are visible. Jupiter’s cloud bands and its four largest moons, along with Saturn’s rings, are usually within reach on steady nights. Fine surface detail on Mars will be limited.

Is 150x the magnification I should use?

No. High magnification on a small objective rarely gives a sharper image. Medium powers are generally more useful and easier to keep steady.

Do I need a solar filter with this telescope?

Yes, if you ever plan to observe the Sun. Only use a filter made for solar viewing that attaches over the front of the tube. Never use eyepiece-mounted solar filters or unfiltered views of the Sun.

Conclusion

A Bushnell refractor telescope 150x50mm is best suited to the Moon, bright planets, and open clusters. Set it up carefully, start with low power, and wait for steady air before pushing magnification. With realistic targets and patience, it can deliver rewarding views on many clear nights.

Related reading

• iTek Refractor Telescope Review: Specs, Strengths and Who It Suits
• Wide Field Refractor Telescope Picks Compared for 2026

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