A 120mm refractor telescope offers clear views of planets, stars, and deep space objects. It balances power and ease, making it a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists.
Choosing the best 120mm refractor telescope means finding one with sharp optics and smooth tracking. This size provides enough light to see details without being too heavy or complex. Some models come with advanced coatings for brighter images. Others include mounts that help follow celestial objects as Earth rotates.
Portability matters too, especially for those who travel to dark skies. Whether you want to photograph space or enjoy visual astronomy, a 120mm refractor can meet your needs. Below, we review top options with different features and prices, helping you pick the right telescope for your stargazing adventures.
Celestron Omni Xlt 120 Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Omni XLT 120 Refractor Telescope is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts who are looking to deepen their stargazing experience with a high-quality, manual telescope. It is perfect for intermediate users who want precise control over celestial viewing, including amateur astronomers and students keen on exploring the night sky with advanced optical technology. This telescope offers a great balance between portability and performance, making it suitable for backyard observations and educational purposes.
Pros:
- XLT Optical Coatings provide enhanced light transmission and clearer images.
- Manual German Equatorial EQ Mount allows precise tracking of celestial objects with slow motion control.
- Includes useful accessories to enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Sturdy construction with manageable weight (8.62 Kilograms) and compact dimensions.
- Hand-figured refractor design reduces chromatic aberrations for sharper views.
Cons:
- Manual tracking requires some practice and can be challenging for beginners.
- Relatively larger length (52.5 inches) may require ample storage space.
- No computerized or motorized features, limiting automated object finding.
The Celestron Omni XLT 120 features an impressive 120mm aperture with hand-figured optics that deliver bright and crisp images of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. Its XLT optical coatings enhance light transmission, allowing users to enjoy detailed views even in low-light conditions. The refractor design minimizes chromatic aberration, which is common in less sophisticated telescopes, providing users with vibrant and accurate color representation.
The telescope is mounted on a manual German Equatorial EQ mount, which is equipped with setting circles and slow-motion controls. This allows users to track celestial objects smoothly and accurately by compensating for Earth’s rotation, a critical feature for serious observation sessions and astrophotography. Additionally, the included accessories ensure users have everything necessary to start exploring the night sky right away, making the Omni XLT 120 a reliable and rewarding tool for dedicated amateur astronomers.
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Svbony Sv550 Apo Telescope
The SVBONY SV550 APO Telescope is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and serious hobbyists who are eager to explore deep space with high precision and clarity. If you are an adult looking for a powerful, reliable, and portable telescope for both visual observation and astrophotography, this telescope is a perfect choice. Its advanced features cater to users who want to capture stunning images of celestial objects and enjoy detailed views of the night sky.
Pros:
- High-powered 122mm F7 Triplet Apochromatic Refractor for sharp and color-corrected images
- Versatile 300mm V-Style Dovetail mount allows easy attachment to various mounts and accessories
- Lightweight design at just over 14 pounds, making it portable and easy to handle
- Comes with a convenient carrying bag for safe transport and storage
- Ideal for both deep space astrophotography and visual observation
Cons:
- Relatively large dimensions may require a spacious storage area
- Price point might be higher for casual beginners
- Requires additional accessories for full astrophotography setup
The SVBONY SV550 APO Telescope features a 122mm aperture with a triplet apochromatic lens, which significantly reduces chromatic aberration and enhances image clarity. This means users can enjoy crisp views of planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies without the distracting color fringing common in lesser telescopes. The F7 focal ratio strikes a balance between magnification and brightness, making it suitable for a wide range of celestial targets.
Additionally, the telescope’s 300mm versatile V-style dovetail mount ensures compatibility with many mounts, offering flexibility for users who want to customize their setup. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction, combined with a protective carrying bag, makes it easy to transport to dark-sky locations. Whether you are capturing long-exposure astrophotography images or simply stargazing, this telescope provides a reliable and enjoyable experience for serious adult astronomers.
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Celestron Advanced Vx 6″ Refractor Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Refractor Telescope is ideal for amateur astronomers and enthusiasts who seek a reliable and high-quality telescope for detailed celestial observations. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the night sky or an intermediate user wanting to upgrade your equipment, this telescope offers precision and ease of use to enhance your stargazing experience.
Pros:
- High-quality optics for clear and sharp images
- Sturdy and durable mount for stable viewing
- Advanced tracking capabilities for accurate object follow-up
- Compact dimensions making it easier to transport and set up
- Reputable brand known for reliable astronomy equipment
Cons:
- Relatively heavy weight at nearly 100 pounds, which may require assistance to move
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to advanced features
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Refractor Telescope features a high-quality refractor optical system that delivers bright, crisp images of planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Its precise optics combined with the Advanced VX mount’s computerized tracking allow users to follow celestial objects smoothly and accurately, enhancing long viewing sessions without manual adjustments. This makes it particularly beneficial for astrophotography and detailed sky observation.
Designed with portability in mind, the telescope’s compact dimensions (approximately 11 inches in height and width, with a length of 65 inches) make it manageable for users to transport and set up at various observation sites. Despite its sturdy build and quality materials, the setup remains user-friendly, enabling enthusiasts to quickly enjoy their hobby. The reputable Celestron brand ensures reliable performance and customer support, making it a trustworthy investment for serious astronomy lovers.
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Celestron Sky-watcher Evostar 120 Apo Doublet Refractor
The Celestron Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor is ideal for amateur astronomers and astrophotography enthusiasts looking for a compact and portable optical tube that offers high-quality views without breaking the bank. If you want an affordable yet powerful telescope that balances ease of use with advanced optics, this model is designed to meet your needs.
Pros:
- High-quality apochromatic doublet lens for sharp and color-corrected images
- Compact and lightweight design, easy to transport and set up
- Suitable for both visual astronomy and astrophotography
- Durable white and black finish with solid build quality
- Reasonably priced for an APO refractor telescope
Cons:
- Relatively long focal length may require a sturdy mount for stability
- Weight of 13.9 pounds might still be a bit heavy for some users
- No included mount or tripod; must be purchased separately
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor features a 120mm aperture combined with apochromatic optics, which significantly reduces chromatic aberration and delivers crisp, high-contrast views of celestial objects. Its precise optical design is excellent for capturing detailed images of planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects, making it a favorite among astrophotographers seeking an affordable yet effective solution.
Additionally, the telescope’s compact dimensions (14 inches height, 15 inches width, and 44 inches length) and relatively light weight of 13.9 pounds make it highly portable for field use. The robust white and black optical tube is not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to withstand regular transport and use in various observing conditions. Overall, this model offers a well-rounded package for users who want quality optics in a manageable size.
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Svbony Sv503 Refractor Telescope
The SVBONY SV503 Refractor Telescope is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers looking to explore deep sky objects and planets with high precision. This telescope is perfect for adults who want a reliable, high-powered instrument with advanced optics and easy focusing capabilities, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users aiming to capture stunning celestial images.
Pros:
- 102mm F7 Extra Low Dispersion Achromatic Refractor OTA provides clear, sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration.
- Dual-Speed Focuser allows precise and smooth focusing for better observation and astrophotography.
- 90mm Back Focus offers ample space for attaching cameras and accessories, enhancing versatility.
- Lightweight design at 8.7 pounds makes it portable and easy to handle.
Cons:
- Compact dimensions may limit the field of view for some deep sky objects.
- Not ideal for users seeking a fully automated or computerized telescope system.
The SVBONY SV503 boasts a high-quality 102mm extra low dispersion optical tube assembly that significantly reduces chromatic aberrations, delivering crisp and vibrant views of planets and deep sky objects. Its F7 focal ratio strikes an excellent balance between wide-field views and high magnification, making it versatile for various astronomical observations. The dual-speed focuser enhances precision, allowing users to achieve sharp focus easily, which is crucial for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Designed with astrophotographers in mind, the 90mm back focus distance provides enough room to accommodate different camera setups and imaging accessories, enabling users to capture stunning celestial photos. Additionally, the telescope’s lightweight and compact build make it convenient to transport and set up at different observation sites. Overall, the SVBONY SV503 offers a robust combination of optical performance and user-friendly features that benefit both beginners and seasoned stargazers alike.
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Askar 120apo
The Askar 120APO is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers seeking a high-quality, portable telescope that delivers sharp, clear images. If you are passionate about deep-sky observation or long-exposure astrophotography, this telescope’s advanced features and excellent optics make it a perfect choice. Its compact design and superior construction also appeal to intermediate and advanced users who want reliable performance without the bulk of larger telescopes.
Pros:
- High-quality 120mm aperture for bright and detailed views
- F7 focal ratio suitable for wide-field astrophotography
- Uses premium ED glass and triplet APO design for minimal chromatic aberration
- Compact and lightweight OTA design, weighing just under 24 pounds
- Manufactured by Sharpstar Optics, known for precision optics
Cons:
- Price may be higher compared to entry-level telescopes
- OTA only, requiring additional mounts and accessories for full setup
- May require some experience to optimize astrophotography results
The Askar 120APO telescope features a 120mm aperture paired with an F7 focal ratio, striking a balance between light-gathering power and field of view. This makes it excellent for capturing wide-field images of celestial objects, including nebulae and star clusters. The use of ED glass and a triplet apochromatic (APO) design significantly reduces chromatic aberrations, providing crisp, color-accurate views that enhance both visual observing and imaging quality.
Its OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) is constructed to be lightweight and compact, with dimensions that facilitate easy transport and setup, making it suitable for both backyard astronomy and remote dark-sky locations. The telescope’s precision optics, crafted by Sharpstar Optics, ensure consistent high performance, while its design supports compatibility with various astrophotography equipment, allowing users to capture stunning deep-sky images with minimal adjustments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best 120mm Refractor Telescopes?
The best 120mm refractor telescopes include the Celestron Omni XLT 120 and SVBONY SV550 APO. These models offer excellent optics and user-friendly features. They’re ideal for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Each telescope has unique advantages, catering to specific needs in astrophotography and visual astronomy.
How Does The Celestron Omni Xlt 120 Perform?
The Celestron Omni XLT 120 offers high-quality optics with XLT coatings. It provides clear and sharp images. Its manual German equatorial mount allows precise tracking. The slow-motion control enhances user experience. It’s a great choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable telescope.
What Is The Svbony Sv550 Apo Used For?
The SVBONY SV550 APO is ideal for deep space astrophotography. It features a high-powered 122mm triplet apochromatic lens. The telescope includes a versatile V-Style dovetail and a convenient carrying bag. It’s perfect for adults looking to explore deep space objects with precision.
Which Telescope Is Best For Astrophotography?
For astrophotography, consider the Celestron Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO. It offers a compact design with excellent optical performance. Its doublet refractor is perfect for capturing stunning astro images. It’s affordable and portable, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts.
How Portable Is The Celestron Advanced Vx 6″?
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ is relatively portable for its size. It offers a compact design and manageable weight. This makes it suitable for both home use and travel. It’s designed for those who require a balance between performance and portability in their telescope.
What Features Does The Askar 120apo Offer?
The Askar 120APO features an F7 aperture with ED glass. Its triplet APO design ensures high-quality images. It’s ideal for both astrophotography and visual observations. The telescope is designed for serious astronomers looking for advanced features and exceptional optical performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 120mm refractor telescope depends on your needs and budget. Each model offers unique features for clear views of the night sky. Whether you want to explore planets, deep space, or capture astrophotography, these telescopes provide great options.
Some are easy to carry, while others come with advanced mounts and coatings for sharper images. Think about where you will use the telescope and what objects interest you most. Remember, a good telescope makes stargazing more enjoyable and helps you learn about the universe.
Take your time to compare and pick the one that fits your goals. With the right 120mm refractor, nights under the stars will be full of wonder and discovery. Happy stargazing!