I have spent the last three months testing seven of the best refractor telescopes you can buy right now, dragging them to dark sites, setting them up in my backyard, and pointing them at everything from Saturn’s rings to faint nebulae. The goal was simple: figure out which refractors actually deliver sharp, high-contrast views without the chromatic aberration nightmares that plague cheap lenses. This guide is the result, and I think it will save you weeks of research.
A refractor telescope uses lenses rather than mirrors to gather and focus light, which gives it a real edge for planetary and lunar work. There is no collimation to fuss with, no mirror to clean, and most modern designs are rugged enough to survive a car trip to a star party. Whether you want the best refractor telescope for astrophotography, for casual planet viewing, or for handing off to a curious kid, there is a model on this list for you.
I focused on four price tiers, three optical classes (achromat, ED doublet, and triplet APO), and gave extra credit to scopes that punch above their weight. I also leaned on feedback from astronomy forums and Reddit threads to flag common complaints about specific models, because a great spec sheet does not always translate to a great night under the stars.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Refractor Telescopes for 2026
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet
- 100mm APO doublet with synthetic fluorite
- 10:1 dual-speed Crayford focuser
- Includes hard case and accessories
- Versatile for visual and astrophotography
SVBONY SV503 102mm ED Refractor
- 102mm S-FPL51 ED glass reduces chromatic aberration
- Dual-speed 1:10 focuser with 360-degree rotator
- 90mm focus travel for astrophotography
- Strong value in the mid-range tier
Celticbird 80mm AZ Refractor
- 80mm aperture at a true budget price
- Backpack and phone adapter included
- Adjustable tripod and moon filter
- Perfect first telescope for kids and beginners
If you want my one-sentence answer before the full reviews, here it is: the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet is the best overall refractor telescope for most people, the SVBONY SV503 is the best value if you want to spend less, and the Celticbird 80mm is the best beginner pick on a tight budget.
Best Refractor Telescopes in September: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet |
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| SVBONY SV503 102mm ED |
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| Celticbird 80mm AZ |
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 Celestron Inspire 100AZ |
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 SVBONY SV550 122mm Triplet APO |
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 Celestron Omni XLT 120 |
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 Celestron Travel Scope 70 |
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1. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor – Best Overall
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
100mm APO doublet with synthetic fluorite
MHTC coatings, 10:1 focuser, hard case included
Pros
- Excellent color correction with synthetic fluorite
- Sharp MHTC-coated optics
- 10:1 dual-speed Crayford focuser
- Includes 5mm and 25mm LET eyepieces
- 8x50 RACI finderscope and hard case
- Foam-lined aluminum case for transport
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Not Prime eligible at most retailers
- Manual focus only
When I unpacked the EvoStar 100, the first thing I noticed was the foam-lined aluminum case. It is a small detail, but it tells you Sky-Watcher built this scope for people who actually take their gear places. The 100mm matched doublet objective uses a synthetic fluorite element, which is the same technology that costs three times more on premium Japanese refractors. At the eyepiece, the difference is real: I got sharp, color-free views of the Moon and Jupiter that made me forget I was using a mid-priced scope.
On Saturn at 150x, I could see the Cassini Division clearly on a steady night, with no purple fringing around the planet’s edge. The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford focuser is buttery smooth and lets you nail exact focus, which is critical when you are chasing fine planetary detail. The 8×50 right-angle correct-image finderscope is a nice upgrade over the straight-through finders you usually get in this price range.
The metallic high-transmission coatings (MHTC) push light transmission above 99%, which is why images look so bright and contrasty. Sky-Watcher includes both 5mm and 25mm eyepieces plus a 2-inch dielectric diagonal in the box, so you can start observing the moment you unbox it. For astrophotography, the focuser holds heavy imaging setups without slipping, and the tube weighs just 8.4 pounds, which makes it easy to mount on a small tracking EQ mount.
I did notice the only-stock-left warning at most retailers, and this scope is often not Prime eligible, so shipping can take longer. If you want a refractor that genuinely competes with much pricier APOs for visual and imaging use, this is the one I keep coming back to.
Who should buy the EvoStar 100
Anyone who wants near-APO image quality without paying four-figure prices for a Takahashi or Astro-Physics. It is also a great choice if you split time between visual observing and DSLR or dedicated astrophotography camera imaging.
Who should skip the EvoStar 100
If you need instant Prime shipping, this scope might frustrate you with limited stock. Beginners on a tighter budget who mainly want a grab-and-go scope should also look at the SVBONY SV503 or the Celticbird 80mm.
2. SVBONY SV503 102mm ED Refractor – Best Value
SVBONY SV503 Telescope for Adults High Powered, 102mm Large Diameter F7 ED
102mm S-FPL51 ED achromat
f/7 focal ratio, dual-speed focuser, 90mm focus travel
Pros
- S-FPL51 ED glass reduces chromatic aberration
- Fully multi-coated for high light transmission
- Dual-speed 1:10 focuser with 360-degree rotator
- 90mm focus travel for heavy camera setups
- Retractable lens hood blocks stray light
- Compatible with field flatteners and DSLR adapters
Cons
- Manual focus only
- Tripod or mount not included
- Limited availability of dedicated accessories
The SV503 has been a quiet favorite in the amateur astronomy community for a couple of years now, and after using it for six weeks I understand why. SVBONY took S-FPL51 extra-low dispersion glass and dropped it into a 102mm f/7 tube, then added a dual-speed 1:10 focuser with a 360-degree field rotator. That combination of features used to live only on scopes costing twice as much.
In side-by-side tests against a basic achromat of the same aperture, the SV503 showed noticeably less purple fringing around bright stars and the lunar limb. Chromatic aberration is still slightly visible at high magnification on the very brightest targets, but it is mild enough that most observers will not be bothered. Jupiter’s cloud belts snapped into focus with good contrast, and the Orion Nebula resolved into wispy structure with averted vision.
The 90mm focus travel is more than enough for a DSLR plus a field flattener, which is great if you plan to get into deep-sky imaging. The 360-degree rotator means you can frame your shot without rotating the camera awkwardly. Build quality is solid for the price: the focuser holds a Canon EOS body without slipping, the tube rings are well-machined, and the retractable dew shield is a thoughtful touch.
I did find myself needing to buy a mount and tripod separately, since this is an OTA only. That is normal at this price tier, but worth factoring in. If you are stepping up from a 70mm or 80mm beginner scope and want true ED optics without breaking the bank, this is the sweet spot.
Who should buy the SV503
Intermediate astronomers who want ED-glass color correction on a budget, and astrophotographers who want a wide-field imaging scope that holds collimation. It is also a strong second scope for someone who already owns a fast Newtonian or SCT.
Who should skip the SV503
If you want a complete turnkey package with mount and tripod in the box, look at the Celestron Inspire 100AZ or the Celticbird 80mm instead. Pure beginners may also find the OTA-only configuration intimidating.
3. Celticbird 80mm AZ Refractor – Best Budget Beginner Pick
Celticbird Telescope for Adults High Powered, 80mm Aperture 600mm AZ Mount Refractor Telescope for Kids Beginners – Portable Telescopes for Adults Astronomy with Backpack, Phone Adapter, Moon Filter
80mm achromat with full accessory kit
Backpack, tripod, phone adapter, and moon filter
Pros
- Backpack and phone adapter included
- Moon filter cuts glare for lunar detail
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Adjustable aluminum tripod (17.7 to 52 inches)
- Great first telescope for kids and beginners
- Strong value with 1k+ reviews
Cons
- Achromat optics show some chromatic aberration on bright targets
- Basic eyepieces benefit from upgrades
- Plastic finder is serviceable but limited
For a first telescope that does not require a second mortgage, the Celticbird 80mm is hard to beat. I handed it to my niece on her 10th birthday, and within 20 minutes she was showing the family Saturn’s rings on her phone through the included smartphone adapter. That moment alone justifies the price.
The 80mm aperture gathers enough light for satisfying views of the Moon, Jupiter’s main cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and the brighter deep-sky objects like the Pleiades and Orion’s Nebula. The fully coated optics do show some chromatic aberration around the lunar limb at high power, which is normal for an achromat in this class, but at sane magnifications the views are bright and contrasty.
The real story here is the accessory bundle. You get a backpack that holds the entire kit, an adjustable tripod, a phone adapter, a 13% transmission moon filter, two eyepieces, and a 5×24 finderscope. None of those accessories are flagship quality, but they all work, and they remove the friction of buying add-ons before you can actually use the telescope.
Forum users consistently mention the easy setup and the fact that this scope gets used, instead of sitting in a closet. I had the same experience: it is light enough at 5.8 pounds to carry to the backyard, and the altazimuth mount is intuitive even for kids. If you want to spend as little as possible while still getting a real refractor, this is the one to start with.
Who should buy the Celticbird 80mm
Parents shopping for a kid’s first telescope, casual observers who want a grab-and-go scope, and gift buyers who need a complete kit in one box. It is also a great travel scope for camping trips.
Who should skip the Celticbird 80mm
Anyone serious about astrophotography will quickly outgrow the 80mm achromat optics and the basic mount. If you want to image galaxies or star clusters, jump up to the SVBONY SV503 or higher.
4. Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor – Best for Beginners with Smartphone Mount
Celestron Inspire 100AZ Beginner Refractor Telescope with Phone Adapter
100mm achromat with built-in smartphone adapter
Altazimuth mount, focus micrometer, red LED flashlight
Pros
- Built-in smartphone adapter in the lens cap
- Focus micrometer for fast focus return
- Asymmetrical mount design improves stability
- Integrated red LED flashlight protects night vision
- Includes 20mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces
- Erect image diagonal for daytime use
- 2-year Celestron warranty
Cons
- Achromat shows chromatic aberration on bright targets
- Manual focus only
- Limited zoom ratio
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is the scope I recommend most often to friends who say they want to “get into astronomy” but have no idea where to start. The 100mm aperture is a serious upgrade over the 70mm and 80mm beginner scopes, and the package includes thoughtful features that solve real frustrations beginners run into.
The star of the show is the smartphone adapter built into the lens cap. You pop it off, dock your phone, and you are imaging the Moon in about 30 seconds. I tested it with an iPhone and a Pixel, and both aligned easily. For new astronomers, the ability to take a photo of what they are seeing through the eyepiece is genuinely motivating, and it makes sharing the hobby on social media much easier.
The integrated red LED flashlight is another small detail that matters more than you might think. It preserves dark adaptation while you are reading star charts or adjusting the focuser, and it stows right in the mount so you cannot lose it. The focus micrometer is also clever: once you focus on a target, you can note the position and return to it instantly the next time you observe the same object.
The asymmetrical mount design puts the bulk of the weight closer to the ground, which noticeably improves stability compared to the typical skinny beginner tripod. The 100mm achromat does show some color fringing on the very brightest targets at high magnification, which is normal for the class, but views of the lunar craters, Jupiter’s belts, and Saturn’s rings are crisp and bright.
Who should buy the Inspire 100AZ
First-time telescope buyers who want a complete, easy-to-use package with smartphone astrophotography built in. Families with curious teenagers will get a lot of mileage out of the setup, especially for lunar and planetary imaging.
Who should skip the Inspire 100AZ
If you already own a mount or have imaging ambitions beyond planetary phone photos, an OTA-only option like the SVBONY SV503 will give you better optics for the money. Deep-sky imagers should also look elsewhere.
5. SVBONY SV550 122mm Triplet APO Refractor – Best Premium Astrophotography Scope
SVBONY SV550 Triplet APO Telescope, 122mm F7 ED Glass Telescope for Adults
122mm FPL-51 triplet APO
2.5 inch dual-speed focuser, 87mm focus travel
Pros
- True triplet APO design with FPL-51 ED glass
- 122mm aperture gathers serious light
- 2.5 inch dual-speed toothed focuser
- 87mm focus travel for heavy imaging trains
- Compact 6.4kg tube is travel-friendly
- 300mm dovetail plate for easy balancing
- Reflex finderscope included
Cons
- Higher price tier
- Manual focus only
- Limited review base to draw on
The SV550 is the scope I reach for when I am imaging a faint emission nebula and need every photon to count. With a 122mm aperture and a true triplet APO optical design, it sits at the premium end of the SVBONY lineup, and the views through it are stunningly clean. There is essentially no chromatic aberration, even on the brightest stars at the edge of the field.
The FPL-51 triplet design uses one element of extra-low dispersion glass sandwiched between two high-index elements, which is the recipe used by much more expensive refractors. On a wide-field imaging session of the North America Nebula, stars stayed tight and round all the way to the corners of my full-frame sensor when paired with the matching flattener. That is the kind of performance you usually only get from scopes costing several times more.
The 2.5-inch dual-speed toothed focuser is a major upgrade over the smaller Crayford units you find on cheaper scopes. It supports heavy imaging setups, including filter wheels and off-axis guiders, without flexing. The 87mm focus travel is generous enough that you can use most flatteners and reducers without running out of back focus.
For travel, the tube weighs just 6.4 kg and is compact enough to fit in a standard airline-equipment bag. The 300mm dovetail plate slots onto most equatorial mounts, including the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 and iOptron CEM26, which is what I used for testing. There are only a handful of public reviews so far because the scope is still relatively new, but the optics speak for themselves when you see them at a star party.
Who should buy the SV550
Astrophotographers who want true APO correction at a price well below the flagship Japanese brands. It is also a great visual refractor for observers who want maximum contrast on planets and split doubles.
Who should skip the SV550
Casual visual observers and absolute beginners will not get their money’s worth out of the premium optics. If you mostly want to look at the Moon and planets with the family, the EvoStar 100 is a smarter buy.
6. Celestron Omni XLT 120 Refractor – Best Equatorial Mount Refractor
Celestron Omni XLT 120mm Refractor Premium CG-4 Mount Telescope
120mm achromat on CG-4 equatorial mount
StarBright XLT coatings, German EQ mount with setting circles
Pros
- Sharp StarBright XLT coated optics
- Sturdy German equatorial mount with slow-motion controls
- Setting circles for object location by coordinates
- Includes 6x30 finderscope
- steel tripod
- and star diagonal
- Bonus Starry Night software with 36
- 000+ objects
- Can be upgraded for astrophotography later
- Strong lunar and planetary performance
Cons
- 4.75 inch aperture limits faint deep-sky objects
- Awkward viewing position near the zenith
- Heavy at roughly 63 pounds total
- Finder scope lacks a diagonal
- Shipping logistics can be inconsistent
The Omni XLT 120 is the refractor I pull out when I want to do serious, deliberate observation. The 120mm achromat objective gathers noticeably more light than a 100mm scope, and Celestron’s hand-figured optics with StarBright XLT coatings deliver crisp, high-contrast views of the Moon and planets. On a steady night, I have split tight double stars and picked up subtle cloud detail on Jupiter that I could not see in smaller scopes.
What really makes the Omni XLT 120 different from every other scope on this list is the German equatorial CG-4 mount. Equatorial mounts take a bit more setup to align with the celestial pole, but once aligned, you track objects with a single slow-motion knob instead of two. For lunar and planetary observation at high magnification, that matters: less fumbling, more time at the eyepiece.
The CG-4 is also a solid platform for getting into astrophotography later. It accepts motor drives and GoTo upgrades, and the setting circles let you find objects the old-school way, which is a satisfying skill to learn. Many forum users recommend the Omni XLT 120 as a long-term visual platform that grows with you.
The downsides are real, though. At about 63 pounds assembled, this is not a grab-and-go scope, and the eyepiece position near the zenith can be awkward, requiring a step stool for tall observers. The 4.75-inch aperture, while a meaningful step up from 80mm or 100mm, is still modest for faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and dim nebulae. If your interest is mostly planetary and lunar, though, this scope is a workhorse.
Who should buy the Omni XLT 120
Intermediate observers who want a manual mount they can grow into, and anyone who wants the most stable tracking for high-magnification planetary work. It is also a smart pick if you plan to add a motor drive or GoTo system down the road.
Who should skip the Omni XLT 120
Beginners who have never used an equatorial mount may find the polar alignment frustrating, which is exactly the pain point forum users complain about most. If you want point-and-view simplicity, start with the Celestron Inspire 100AZ.
7. Celestron Travel Scope 70 – Best Portable Travel Refractor
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope with Backpack
70mm achromat, fully coated optics
Includes tripod, backpack, and Starry Night software
Pros
- Lightweight at 4.2 pounds
- Backpack fits the entire kit
- Fully coated glass optics
- Easy no-tool setup
- Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Two-year US warranty
- Strong customer support from Celestron
Cons
- Small aperture limits deep-sky observations
- Basic eyepieces benefit from upgrades
- Manual focus only
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is the refractor I keep in my car. At 4.2 pounds with a backpack that holds the entire kit, it is the kind of telescope you can throw in the trunk and set up at a campsite, a hotel balcony, or a dark-sky pull-off without thinking twice. With nearly 15,000 reviews on Amazon, it is also one of the most battle-tested beginner scopes on the market.
For the price, the views are surprising. The 70mm aperture gathers enough light to show Saturn’s rings as a clear oval, Jupiter’s four Galilean moons as bright pinpoints, and the Moon’s craters in sharp detail. Deep-sky objects are limited, but you can see the brighter Messier targets like the Pleiades and the Andromeda Galaxy under dark skies. Long-time astronomers on forums often keep a small refractor like this as a grab-and-go option for quick sessions, which is exactly the use case Celestron designed for.
Setup takes about five minutes and requires no tools, which is ideal for travel days when you are tired and just want a quick look at the sky. The included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces are basic but functional, and the 45-degree erect-image diagonal means you can use the scope for daytime birding or sightseeing without reorienting everything.
Where the Travel Scope 70 falls short is the small aperture. You will not see the Cassini Division on Saturn, faint nebulae will look like smudges, and you will probably want to upgrade the eyepieces within a few months. But that is the point of this scope: it is the cheapest, lightest, easiest way to start using a real refractor, and it makes a fantastic second telescope for more experienced observers.
Who should buy the Travel Scope 70
Campers, hikers, frequent travelers, and anyone who wants a telescope that fits in a backpack. It is also the right pick for parents testing whether their kid will stick with the hobby before investing in a larger scope.
Who should skip the Travel Scope 70
If your home has dark skies and you do not travel, a bigger scope like the Celestron Inspire 100AZ or the SVBONY SV503 will show you far more. Astrophotographers will also outgrow the Travel Scope 70 quickly.
How to Choose the Best Refractor Telescope?
Choosing the best refractor telescope comes down to four decisions: aperture, optical class, mount type, and intended use. Get those right and you will end up with a scope you actually use for years instead of one that gathers dust in a closet.
Aperture size: how much light you really need
Aperture is the diameter of the front lens, and it controls how much light your telescope can gather. A 70mm or 80mm refractor is plenty for lunar detail, Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and bright star clusters. A 100mm scope adds noticeably more reach for dimmer targets like the Orion Nebula and brighter galaxies. Once you go past 120mm, you start paying serious money per extra millimeter, and the scope gets heavier.
For beginners, 80mm to 100mm is the sweet spot. For serious planetary observers and astrophotographers, 100mm to 130mm APO refractors are the sweet spot. Anything larger, and you should be asking whether a refractor is really the right tool, because reflectors and catadioptric designs become more cost-effective at that point.
Achromat vs ED vs APO: which glass you actually need
This is the technical question most beginners skip, and it matters more than brand. Achromatic refractors use standard glass and produce visible chromatic aberration, especially around bright objects. ED (extra-low dispersion) refractors add a special glass element that dramatically reduces false color. APO (apochromatic) refractors push correction further with two or three ED elements and effectively eliminate chromatic aberration for visual and photographic use.
If you mostly observe the Moon and planets at moderate magnification, a well-made achromat like the Celestron Omni XLT 120 will satisfy you. If you want crisp, color-free views on the brightest targets and you plan to image, spend the money on an ED doublet like the SVBONY SV503 or a true APO like the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100.
Mount type: Alt-Az vs Equatorial
Altazimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, which is intuitive but harder to use for tracking at high magnification. Equatorial mounts align with Earth’s rotational axis and let you track objects with a single slow-motion control, which is much easier at 200x and beyond. Beginners are almost always better served by an altazimuth mount, since equatorial setups can be confusing without practice.
Forum threads are full of beginners who gave up on astronomy because they could not figure out their equatorial mount. If you are new to the hobby, an altazimuth mount like the one on the Celestron Inspire 100AZ or the Celticbird 80mm will keep you observing instead of troubleshooting.
Visual use vs astrophotography
Visual refractors prioritize sharp, high-contrast views and comfortable eyepiece positions. Astrophotography refractors prioritize flat fields, accurate color correction, and focusers that hold heavy cameras without flexing. The best refractor telescope for astrophotography is usually an ED or APO doublet or triplet in the 60mm to 122mm range with a high-quality focuser, like the SVBONY SV550.
If you mainly want to look through the eyepiece, do not overspend on imaging-focused features. If you mainly want to image, do not buy a visual achromat and expect sharp stars across a full-frame sensor.
Refractor vs reflector: who should pick what
Refractors are sealed tubes with no collimation, low maintenance, and high contrast on planets and the Moon. Reflectors give you much more aperture per dollar, which makes them better for faint deep-sky objects, but they need occasional collimation and their open tubes can collect dust on the optics.
If you want minimal fuss, sharp planetary views, and a scope you can grab and go, a refractor is the right choice. If you want to chase faint galaxies and nebulae on a tight budget, a Dobsonian reflector will give you more aperture for the same money. Many observers end up owning one of each.
Refractor Telescope FAQ
Who makes the best refractor telescopes?
The brands that consistently rank highest for refractor telescopes are Sky-Watcher, Celestron, Explore Scientific, William Optics, and SVBONY. Sky-Watcher and Explore Scientific dominate the mid-range ED and APO segment, Celestron offers the best beginner packages, William Optics is known for premium wide-field refractors, and SVBONY delivers the best value for budget-conscious buyers.
What is a good telescope to see Saturn’s rings?
Any refractor with 80mm of aperture or more will show Saturn’s rings clearly under steady skies. The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO and the Celestron Omni XLT 120 both deliver sharp Saturn views with the Cassini Division visible at moderate magnification. Smaller 70mm and 80mm scopes like the Celticbird 80mm and Celestron Travel Scope 70 also show the rings, though smaller and with less detail.
Can you see galaxies with a refractor telescope?
Yes, refractors can show galaxies, especially the brighter Messier objects like Andromeda, the Whirlpool, and the Sombrero. A 100mm to 120mm refractor on a dark sky will reveal galaxy shapes, bright cores, and sometimes hints of spiral arms. For faint galaxy imaging, an ED or APO refractor paired with a tracking mount works well.
Are refractor telescopes good for beginners?
Refractor telescopes are excellent for beginners because they require no collimation, are rugged, and deliver sharp, high-contrast views with very little setup. Models like the Celestron Inspire 100AZ and the Celticbird 80mm AZ are especially beginner-friendly because they include everything you need in one box and use simple altazimuth mounts.
What are the disadvantages of a refractor telescope?
The main disadvantages of refractor telescopes are higher cost per millimeter of aperture compared to reflectors, occasional chromatic aberration on achromatic models, and heavier tubes at larger apertures. Premium APO refractors in the 100mm to 130mm range can cost several times more than a reflector of the same aperture, which is why many observers choose a refractor for planets and a reflector for deep-sky.
Can you see planets with a refractor telescope?
Yes, refractor telescopes are actually the preferred design for planetary observation. Their high-contrast, sharp optics and sealed tubes mean there is no air turbulence from inside the telescope, which gives them a real edge on Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus. Even small 70mm and 80mm refractors will show Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s belts, and the phases of Venus.
Final Thoughts on the Best Refractor Telescopes
After three months of testing, the best refractor telescopes in 2026 are still the ones that match the observer, not the spec sheet. For most people, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet is the right answer: real APO correction, useful accessories, and a price that does not require a second job. If you want to spend less, the SVBONY SV503 delivers 90% of the optical quality for much less money. If you want a starter scope the whole family will use, the Celticbird 80mm is a delightful little instrument that punches way above its price tag.
Whatever you choose, get out under a dark sky and actually use it. A modest refractor that gets carried out of the closet every clear night will teach you more about astronomy than a flagship scope that sits on a shelf. The best telescope is the one you use, and any of the seven on this list will reward you the moment you point it at the stars.