Tasco 800x60mm Novice Refractor Telescope: 4 Best Picks Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shopping for a first telescope usually comes down to one question: will it show you something worth looking at? If you’re considering the tasco 800x60mm novice refractor telescope, or a similar small refractor, you need to know how focal length, aperture, mount type and accessories shape what you actually see. This guide compares four beginner-oriented refractors on those criteria: optical quality for the price tier, ease of setup, portability, and how well each handles planets, the Moon and bright deep-sky targets.

Our Top Picks

The table below summarizes how each refractor is positioned. Read the product sections that follow for the trade-offs behind each recommendation.

Product	Best for	Key feature
TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ	Beginners wanting a stable, all-round first scope	800mm focal length with an alt-azimuth mount and red dot finder
Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ	Moon and planet viewing	60mm objective with manual alt-azimuth controls
Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ	Experimenting with higher magnification	90mm aperture and 600mm focal length
Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Refractor	Light budgets and simple casual observing	Included tripod and 60X/120X eyepiece range

TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope

Best for: Best overall for a first refractor that needs to handle both the Moon and brighter deep-sky targets. We also found Reflector or Refractor Telescope for Beginner: Which Should You Choose? useful on this point.

This is aimed at families and new observers who want a scope that is easy to point and set up without a steep learning curve. The name signals an 800mm focal length and 70mm objective, which is a reasonable pairing for lunar detail and open clusters.

Key specs

• Refractor optical design
• Focal length: 800mm (per listing name)
• Aperture: 70mm (per listing name)
• Alt-azimuth mount
• Variable LED red dot finderscope

Pros

• Simple alt-azimuth mount that is quick to learn
• Red dot finder makes initial aiming far easier than a bare tube
• Focal length suits low and medium magnification views of the Moon and planets

Cons

• Alt-azimuth mounts can make tracking objects across the sky tedious at high power
• Small aperture limits faint deep-sky detail compared with larger scopes

Bottom line: A sensible first telescope for someone who wants one scope for everything from the Moon to star clusters, with an easy learning curve.

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Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ Refractor Telescope

Best for: Best for lunar and planetary viewing on a modest budget.

This suits beginners who want a straightforward refractor for the Moon and bright planets, and who are comfortable with a manual mount and a shorter learning period before the views really start to pay off.

Key specs

• Refractor optical design
• Objective: 60mm (per listing name)
• Manual alt-azimuth controls
• Adjustable tripod

Pros

• Brand reputation for entry-level optics is well established
• Manual controls are simple and do not require batteries
• Sharp lunar views are a common owner highlight for this class of scope

Cons

• 60mm aperture gathers less light than the larger options here
• Manual mount requires frequent re-centering on faster-moving targets

Bottom line: Right for someone whose main targets are the Moon and planets and who wants a dependable, simple scope.

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Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope for Adults

Best for: Best for high magnification experiments and a larger aperture than typical entry scopes.

Adult beginners who want more light and a longer focal length, and who are prepared to work on steady seeing and careful focusing, will get more out of this scope than a small-aperture model.

Key specs

• Refractor optical design
• Focal length: 600mm (per listing name)
• Aperture: 90mm (per listing name)
• Alt-azimuth mount

Pros

• 90mm aperture collects noticeably more light than 60–70mm scopes
• Good fit for brighter deep-sky objects and lunar detail at medium power
• Included eyepieces give a usable range out of the box for most owners

Cons

• Higher magnification is limited by atmospheric steadiness, not the optics alone
• Alt-azimuth mount needs more effort for smooth tracking at high power

Bottom line: Pick this if you want more light and detail than a 60–70mm refractor and don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve.

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Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Telescope Refractor with Tripod

Best for: Best budget pick for casual observing and gift use.

This is aimed at casual stargazers and younger observers who want a simple, low-cost introduction to the night sky, with the understanding that its optics will have limits.

Key specs

• Refractor optical design
• Magnification range: 60X–120X (per listing name)
• Included tripod

Pros

• Low entry point for a first look at the Moon and bright planets
• Tripod included, so no separate purchase is needed to start
• Lightweight and easy to carry outdoors

Cons

• Advertised high magnification exceeds what small apertures can resolve cleanly
• Owners often report that image sharpness falls off at the upper end of the range

Bottom line: Suited to light, casual use or as a gift, but better purchased with realistic expectations than as a serious observing instrument.

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Buying Guide

Before choosing between these scopes, or comparing any tasco 800x60mm novice refractor telescope against a rival, work through the factors below.

Aperture and light-gathering

Aperture, the diameter of the objective lens, determines how much light the scope collects and how fine a detail it can resolve. Larger apertures show fainter galaxies and nebulae more clearly. A 60mm scope is adequate for the Moon and bright planets; 90mm opens up more deep-sky targets.

Good picks for this: Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ, Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ

Focal length and magnification

Magnification equals the telescope’s focal length divided by the eyepiece’s focal length. A longer focal length lets you reach higher power with the same eyepiece. Remember that useful magnification is capped by aperture and atmospheric conditions, so advertised maximums are rarely practical in real use.

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

Mount type

Alt-azimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, which is intuitive for beginners but makes tracking objects as Earth rotates more work. Equatorial mounts track more smoothly but add setup complexity. For a first scope, an alt-az mount is the common starting point.

Good picks for this: TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ, Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ

Finder and aiming aids

A finder scope or red dot finder helps you locate objects before you look through the eyepiece. Red dot finders are generally easier for newcomers than small optical finders, since you keep both eyes open and simply place the dot on the target.

Good picks for this: TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ

Portability and setup

Consider how often you will move the scope and how far you will carry it. A compact tube and light tripod are easier to bring to a dark-sky site, while heavier mounts are more stable once set up. Check the tripod height and whether you will be observing seated or standing.

Good picks for this: Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Refractor, Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ

Eyepieces and accessories

Included eyepieces are a starting point, but many owners eventually add a Barlow lens or better eyepieces. A Barlow effectively doubles the magnification of each eyepiece, which can be useful with a longer focal length scope. Plan for accessories as your interests develop.

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

Build quality and durability

Check whether the mount feels steady when the tube is moved, and whether focusing is smooth. Plastic components are common at this level and are acceptable for casual use, but flexible tripods can introduce vibration that hurts high-power views. Store the scope in a dry place and keep the optics covered when not in use.

Good picks for this: Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ, Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Refractor

FAQ

Is a tasco 800x60mm novice refractor telescope good for beginners?

Small refractors like this are a common beginner choice because they are simple to set up and show the Moon, planets and brighter star clusters well. Expect limited faint deep-sky detail compared with larger instruments.

What magnification should I use first?

Start with the lowest-power eyepiece to find and frame your target. Low to medium magnification gives brighter, steadier views, and higher power is only useful when the atmosphere allows it.

Can I photograph the Moon with a beginner refractor?

Yes, a smartphone held to the eyepiece can capture basic lunar images, and a dedicated camera can produce sharper results. Results depend on steady seeing and careful alignment.

Do I need an equatorial mount?

Not for a first scope. Alt-azimuth mounts are easier to learn. Equatorial mounts become more valuable when you want long exposures or sustained tracking of faint objects.

What is the difference between aperture and magnification?

Aperture controls how much light the scope gathers and how much detail it can resolve. Magnification simply enlarges the image. A larger aperture generally matters more than high power for showing faint objects.

Should I buy a telescope or binoculars first?

Binoculars are easier to use for wide-field views and quick sky scanning, while a telescope excels at detail on the Moon and planets. Many beginners find that binoculars and a small refractor complement each other well.

How do I keep my telescope in good condition?

Keep dust caps on the optics, store the scope in a dry location, and avoid touching lens surfaces. Tighten mount and tripod hardware periodically so the scope stays steady.

Conclusion

For most beginners, the TASCO Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ offers the most balanced all-round starting point, with a red dot finder that eases aiming. If lunar and planetary viewing is your priority, the Celestron PowerSeeker 60AZ is a dependable choice. Those wanting more light and are ready for a steeper learning curve should consider the Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ. The Vivitar TEL50600 60X/120X Refractor suits light, casual use and gifts, provided expectations stay realistic. Whichever tasco 800x60mm novice refractor telescope style you favor, matching aperture and mount to your targets will matter most.

Sources

• Background on the Moon, planets and observing targets for beginners (nasa.gov)
• Resources for amateur astronomers on equipment and observing practice
• Information on astronomy education and public observing programs

Related reading

• Telescope vs Binoculars for Astronomy: Which Should You Choose?
• Is a Barlow Lens Worth It? 6 Picks Compared for Every Telescope
• Camera Apps for Astrophotography: 6 Best Picks for Smart Telescopes (2026)
• Alt Azimuth Telescope Mount: How It Works and Who Should Use One
• 7 Best Cameras for Astrophotography with Telescope: Picks Compared (2026)

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