Orion Observer II 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope: 3 Best Picks Compared

Updated November 2026

Shoppers looking for an orion observer ii 70mm altazimuth refractor telescope usually want a simple, lightweight scope that shows the Moon, bright planets and a few deep-sky objects without a steep learning curve. This guide compares three refractors that fit that need. Our selection criteria were aperture size, mount type, included accessories, portability, and the kinds of feedback owners tend to repeat about ease of setup and image quality.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope	Adults who want room to grow into astrophotography	70mm ED refractor with field flattener, F6.78
XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults	Families and first-time young observers	Three eyepieces, moon filter and tripod included
Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope	Shoppers who want a simple, low-cost starter scope	Altazimuth mount with two Plossl eyepieces

SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope, with Field Flattener, 70mm ED Refractor

Best for: Adults who want a capable visual scope that can later pair with a camera.

This model suits adult beginners who expect to stay in the hobby and want optics that handle planetary and lunar detail with less color fringing than a basic achromatic design. The ED (extra-low dispersion) glass and field flattener are the main reasons owners cite it over simpler 70mm scopes.

Key specs

• 70mm aperture
• Focal ratio F6.78
• Extra-low dispersion (ED) objective
• Field flattener included

Pros

• ED optics reduce chromatic aberration compared with standard achromat designs
• The field flattener helps keep stars sharper toward the edge of the view, which matters for wider fields
• Suitable for both visual observing and entry-level astrophotography

Cons

• Accessories and mount may need upgrading for serious imaging
• Less of a plug-and-play package than kits that include multiple eyepieces and a tripod out of the box

Bottom line: Pick this if you want the best optics in the group and plan to grow into imaging. It is not the simplest option for a child.

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XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults, 70mm Refractor, 15X-150X

Best for: Families and first-time young observers who want everything in one box.

This kit is aimed at households where a parent and a child will share the scope. The listing bundles three eyepieces, a moon filter and a tripod, so there is no need to shop for separate parts before the first night out. The 15x to 150x magnification range covers wide-field views of the Moon and star clusters through to higher-power looks at the brightest planets.

Key specs

• 70mm refractor
• Magnification range 15x–150x (per listing)
• Three eyepieces
• Moon filter and tripod included

Pros

• Complete starter kit with eyepieces, filter and tripod
• Low magnification eyepieces give wide, easy-to-find views for beginners
• Portable enough to move between rooms, balconies and campsites

Cons

• Magnification numbers on kits like this are often larger than the scope can use well; stick to the lower powers for sharp images
• Budget tripods can wobble at higher magnification, so expect to set up carefully

Bottom line: A good pick for families who want a complete, easy-to-use package. Set expectations around detail at high power.

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Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope with 2 Plossl Eyepieces

Best for: Shoppers who want a simple, low-cost starter scope from a long-established brand.

This is the smallest-aperture scope in this comparison, which makes it most useful as a first look at the sky rather than a deep-sky instrument. The altazimuth mount moves up-down and left-right, which many beginners find more intuitive than an equatorial mount for quick targeting.

Key specs

• 50mm aperture refractor
• Altazimuth mount
• Two Plossl eyepieces included

Pros

• Altazimuth mount is quick to point and easy to understand
• Plossl eyepieces give comfortable views at low power
• Light enough for casual, spontaneous outings

Cons

• A 50mm aperture gathers less light, so faint objects are harder to see than through a 70mm scope
• Limited upgrade path compared with a 70mm refractor

Bottom line: A reasonable choice if you mainly want to see the Moon and bright planets and want to spend less. If you can stretch to a 70mm aperture, the extra light is noticeable.

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Buying Guide

Aperture and light-gathering

Aperture is the diameter of the main lens, and it sets how much light the telescope collects. A 70mm refractor gathers roughly twice the light of a 50mm scope. That difference shows up most on faint nebulae and galaxies. For planets and the Moon, aperture matters less, since those objects are bright.

Good picks for this: SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope, XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults

Optical design

Refractors use lenses to focus light. Standard achromatic designs can show purple or blue fringing around bright objects. ED (extra-low dispersion) glass reduces that effect. If color fringing bothers you on the Moon or Jupiter, ED optics are worth prioritizing.

Good picks for this: SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope

Mount type

An altazimuth mount moves in two directions (up-down and side-to-side), which makes it fast to point. An equatorial mount tracks the sky’s rotation more smoothly but takes longer to learn. Most beginners do well with altazimuth mounts for visual observing.

Good picks for this: Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope, XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults

Eyepieces and magnification

Magnification equals the telescope’s focal length divided by the eyepiece’s focal length. Low powers give wider, brighter views and are easier to use. Be wary of very high advertised magnification, since image quality usually falls apart beyond about 50x per inch of aperture. A kit with a few eyepieces covering low and medium power is more useful than a single high-power eyepiece.

Good picks for this: XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults, Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

Portability and weight

Refractors are generally light and compact, but the tripod and mount add weight. Consider how far you need to carry the scope and whether you will set up on a balcony, in a yard, or at a dark-sky site.

Good picks for this: XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults, Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

Accessories included

Check whether the eyepieces, filters, tripod and finder scope are included. A moon filter is useful for comfortable lunar viewing. A solar filter is a separate item and must never be used on the sun with a standard eyepiece.

Good picks for this: XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults

Upgrade path and care

Think about whether you want to add eyepieces, a better mount or a camera later. Store optics covered and dust-free, and avoid touching lens surfaces. Let the scope acclimate to outdoor temperature before observing to reduce blurry images caused by air currents inside the tube.

Good picks for this: SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope, Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

FAQ

Is a 70mm refractor good for beginners?

Yes. A 70mm refractor is a common starting size. It shows the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s rings, and it is light enough to carry outside easily.

What can I see with a 70mm telescope?

You can see lunar craters and maria, the four largest moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, Saturn’s rings and bright star clusters such as the Pleiades. Faint galaxies and nebulae are more challenging and usually need darker skies.

Do I need a tripod that comes with the telescope?

Not always, but a sturdy tripod makes a big difference. Wobbly tripods make high-magnification views shaky. If the kit’s tripod feels flimsy, consider upgrading it later.

What is the difference between an altazimuth and an equatorial mount?

An altazimuth mount moves up-down and side-to-side and is simple to use. An equatorial mount is tilted to follow the sky’s rotation, which helps with tracking objects over time and with long-exposure photography.

Can I use these telescopes for astrophotography?

Basic planetary and lunar photography is possible with a smartphone adapter or a dedicated camera. Deep-sky imaging typically requires a tracking mount and a camera designed for astronomy.

Is a moon filter necessary?

It is not required, but a moon filter reduces glare when the Moon is bright and makes lunar detail more comfortable to view for extended periods.

How do I avoid damaging my eyes when observing the Sun?

Never look at the Sun through a telescope or binoculars without a proper solar filter fitted over the front of the optics. Eyepiece-mounted filters can crack from heat and are unsafe. If you are unsure, consult an experienced astronomy club or a professional observatory before attempting solar observing.

Conclusion

For the best optics and a path toward imaging, the SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope stands out in this group. For families who want a complete kit out of the box, the XLQFLP Telescope for Kids & Adults is the easiest choice. For a simple, budget-minded starter with an intuitive altazimuth mount, the Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope is a practical option. Match the pick to your aperture needs, your budget for accessories, and who will be using the scope.

Sources

• Current sky events, lunar and planetary observing guides, and solar safety information (nasa.gov)
• Beginner observing resources and general telescope buying advice from a professional astronomy society
• Background on telescope science, observing practice and amateur-professional collaboration

Related reading

• 4 Best Orion Observer 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope Picks for 2026
• Skywatcher 70mm Refractor Telescope: 4 Best Picks Compared (2026)
• Orion Refractor Telescope 80mm 400mm: What It Shows You and How to Use It
• Orion AstroView 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope: A Setup and Viewing Guide
• National Geographic Srt70app 70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App: A Practical Guide (2026)
• National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope with Case: A Practical Guide (2026)

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