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

Updated November 2026

The vivitar 50x 100x refractor telescope is a small, entry-level instrument that can show you the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s rings when it’s set up correctly. Its two magnification settings are the key to getting useful views. This guide explains what those numbers mean, how to set up the scope, and how to pick targets that suit its optics.

Understand What the 50x and 100x Numbers Mean

Magnification in a telescope is set by the eyepiece focal length divided into the telescope’s focal length. The “50x” and “100x” figures are the two powers the scope is marketed with, and they usually come from the included eyepieces paired with the tube’s focal length. Manufacturers often specify these values at the maximum rated power, but most small refractors perform best at lower magnifications. Expect the 50x setting to be the more comfortable view for wide targets and the 100x setting to be reserved for the Moon and bright planets on steady nights.

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

Set Up the Tripod and Align the Finder

1. Spread the tripod legs fully and tighten the leg locks so the head sits level. A wobbly tripod is the most common cause of blurry views.
2. Attach the optical tube to the mount and tighten the clamp without overtightening.
3. Insert the lower-power eyepiece into the focuser and lock it.
4. Point the tube at a distant daytime object, such as a rooftop or antenna, and focus until the edges look sharp.
5. Align the finder scope on that same object so you can locate targets quickly after dark.

Never point the telescope at the Sun without a proper solar filter fitted over the front of the objective. Looking at the Sun through an unfiltered optic can cause permanent eye damage. Consult a qualified astronomy club or professional if you are unsure how to use solar filters safely.

Choose Targets That Suit a Small Refractor

Small refractors excel at bright, nearby objects. Start with the Moon, since its craters and maria are high-contrast and easy to find. Next, try Jupiter’s four largest moons, which appear as tiny points of light in a line. Saturn’s rings are visible at moderate power when the air is steady. Among deep-sky objects, the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades cluster are good early targets, though faint galaxies and dim nebulae will look modest through a scope of this size. A related read: Reflector or Refractor Telescope for Beginner: Which Should You Choose?.

If you want a sense of how other small refractors compare on these targets, Refractor Telescope 60x 120x: What Those Magnifications Really Mean explains how magnification figures translate into real views. For context on a related model, Vivitar Refractor Telescope 60x/120x Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Verdict covers the same style of instrument.

Get Better Views on Each Observing Night

Image quality depends as much on conditions as on the telescope. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after taking the scope outside so the tube reaches ambient temperature and the image settles. Observe from a dark site when possible, and use the lower power first to find your target before stepping up. Shimmer caused by rising warm air, called seeing, is most noticeable at high magnification, so it is normal for the 100x view to look soft on some nights.

Common Mistakes

• Starting at 100x. Begin with the lower power, locate the target, then increase magnification.
• Skipping the finder alignment, which makes locating objects frustrating.
• Touching the tube or tripod while focusing, which shakes the image.
• Expecting deep-sky detail comparable to photographs. Small refractors show faint objects as gray smudges.
• Observing the Sun without a certified solar filter.

Recommended Gear

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

A planisphere or star chart app helps you identify what is overhead before you start aiming. View on Amazon

A smartphone adapter for the eyepiece lets you record lunar and planetary views for later review. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is the vivitar 50x 100x refractor telescope good for beginners?

Yes, it suits beginners who want to see the Moon, bright planets and a few bright deep-sky objects. Expectations should stay realistic, since small refractors show limited detail on faint targets.

Which magnification should I use most often?

Use the lower power for most sessions because it gives a wider, brighter view that is easier to keep steady. Save the higher power for the Moon and planets on calm nights.

Can I use this telescope for astrophotography?

Basic smartphone photos through the eyepiece are possible, but dedicated astrophotography requires a stable mount, camera and tracking, which this type of scope is not designed for.

Conclusion

The vivitar 50x 100x refractor telescope rewards patient observers who start at low power, align the finder and pick bright targets. Its strongest views are the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn on steady nights. Set realistic expectations for deep-sky objects and your first sessions will feel rewarding.

Related reading

• Terraen 50x 100x Refractor Telescope Price: What to Expect and How to Judge It

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