7 Best Apochromatic Refractor Telescopes 2026; Reviews
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Here in this “Best Apochromatic Refractor Telescope” article we’ve rounded up 7 of the top APO refractors including triplet APOs of various specifications, and budget. All of these refractors are great for astrophotography of planets, stars, nebulae and other deep-space objects.
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What Are Apochromatic Refractor Telescopes?
Apochromatic means virtually free of false color. Achromatic refractors often use three lenses in an objective, called a triplet, to correct chromatic aberration completely bringing red, blue and green light all to the same point of focus.
Chromatic aberration is caused by the difference in wavelength of various colours of light. In a single-lens setup, blue light is focussed closer to the lens and it has a shorter focal length.
Red light is focussed further away from the lens. This variance in focal length results in small degradations in image quality. This effect is more prominent when viewing certain objects such as planets.
To eliminate this aberration a series of lenses are used to manipulate the light so that the focal lengths converge.
By converging the focal lengths, quality can be improved. However, the extra material and expertise required to build these compound lenses increases the price of telescopes using this setup.
This means apochromatic refractors are capable of higher magnifications and produce excellent images for astrophotography.
They are highly prized by astrophotographers for their high fidelity color rendition, pinpoint stars, and black background.
We took a look at the entire popular refractor telescope market, we combed through the details and customer reviews for dozens of APO telescopes. We focussed mainly on astrophotography telescopes that will allow you to capture sharp, colorful pictures of stars, galaxies, nebulae and other deep sky objects, and chose the 9 best apochromatic refractor telescopes for you.
1. Sky‑Watcher ProED 100 mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
- EXPERTLY MATCHED GLASS: The EvoStar series features a matched doublet objective including one synthetic fluorite element, providing excellent color correction for visual and photographic uses
- OUTSTANDING COLOR CORRECTION: Using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), EvoStar refractors produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations
- EVOLVES WITH SKILL: No need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves
- 10:1 DUAL-SPEED FOCUSER: No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze with this 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The EvoStar 100 comes complete with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8x50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings and a V-Style Dovetail
$1,255.00
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The Sky-Watcher ProED 100 mm APO refractor strikes a compelling balance between performance and portability for intermediate astronomers. Its 100 mm aperture with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and apochromatic doublet design helps deliver crisp, high-contrast views with significantly reduced chromatic aberration compared with typical achromatic refractors — meaning stars and planets appear sharper and almost free of violet fringing around bright objects.
The telescope’s f/9 focal ratio and fully multicoated optics contribute to strong contrast and pleasing planetary detail, making lunar features, Jupiter’s belts, and Saturn’s rings stand out clearly under dark skies.
Mechanically, this APO refractor feels solid and thoughtfully equipped.
It comes with a dual-speed 2″ Crayford-style focuser that gives smooth, backlash-free adjustments — crucial for fine focusing at high magnifications — and includes standard accessories like a dielectric diagonal, two 1.25″ eyepieces, and an 8×50 finderscope right out of the box. The lightweight optical tube and included aluminum carry case make transport and setup easier, though you’ll still need a sturdy mount and tripod to get the best results, as the OTA doesn’t include those.
For visual observing, the ProED 100 is a strong performer in its class. It offers bright, well-corrected views of lunar terrain, planets, and brighter deep-sky targets, and many users find it a delightful all-around telescope without breaking the bank compared with larger APO triplets.
Its lightweight design and quality optics make it suitable for both casual stargazing sessions and more serious observing, though astrophotographers may find the slower f/9 focal ratio a bit long for wide-field imaging without additional reducers.
Overall, it’s excellent value for anyone wanting the classic refractor experience with true apochromatic color correction.
2. SVBONY SV550 Triplet APO Telescope
SVBONY SV550 Triplet APO Telescope, 122mm F7 ED Glass Telescope for Adults High Powered, 2.5" Dual-Speed Focuser, 87mm Focus Travel Distance Refractor OTA, for Deep Space Astrophotography and Visual
- The SV550 APO refractor is a compact refractor with 122mm aperture; f/7 focal ratio and 854mm focal length; a great travel telescope for astrophotography and observation; the OTA weighs 6.44kg/ 14.18lb; easy to carry out when fitting into the carrying case
- The APO refractor features a 122mm aperture which gathers more light; and offers more clear and detailed images; suitable for deep sky photography and observation; and even some fainter deep sky objects; due to the higher limiting magnitude
- The SV550 122mm adopts a FPL-51 triplet apochromatic lens structure which contains one piece of ED glass; the triplet lens provides better correction of aberration and greatly reduces chromatic aberration and enhance the clarity and sharpness
- The gear ratio of the dual speed 2.5-inch toothed focuser is 1: 10; which makes it easy to achieve accurate focus; the dual speed focuser can provide two focusing speeds by using a set of co-axial knobs; for fast focusing and fine focusing
- The length of the dovetail is as high as 300mm; it can maintain the balance to the greatest extent; and it will be more convenient in the adjustment process
$1,359.99
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The SVBONY SV550 Telescope, 80ED F6 Triplet Apochromatic Refractor-style SVBONY apochromatic refractor you’re looking at is a triplet APO refractor with a large ~122 mm aperture and f/7 focal ratio, designed for both visual astronomy and astrophotography. Its ED FPL-51 glass triplet objective helps greatly reduce chromatic aberration and produce high-contrast, sharp views of celestial targets such as the Moon, planets, brighter nebulae, and star clusters.
The relatively fast f/7 design strikes a nice balance between light-gathering power and manageable tube size, making this OTA (optical tube assembly) usable on a range of mounts for travel or field observing.
Mechanically, this SVBONY APO refractor feels solid and thoughtfully equipped for its price point. It includes a 2.5″ dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser with a fine (10:1) adjustment gear, which is crucial for fine-tuning focus during high-magnification planetary views or astrophotography sessions.
The tube features CNC machined aluminum construction and a long dovetail bar, helping with balance and accessory mounting, and it even comes with a protective carrying case — a nice touch for portability. The retractable dew shield and compatibility with both 2″ eyepieces and M63x1 threaded accessories (like flatteners or adapters) make it versatile for both visual and camera use.
In actual use, many owners report that the optical performance is impressive for the price, delivering crisp stars and pleasing planetary detail with minimal false color — a real upgrade over basic achromatic refractors. Some in the astronomy community note that build quality and performance punch above what you might expect at this price, and the lightweight nature makes it a good choice for those who want better optics without overly large gear.
However, as with many APOs in this category, results for deep-sky imaging still depend heavily on good mounts and accessories (e.g., field flatteners and guiding setups) to fully exploit the optics in astrophotography.
3. Askar 71F Flat-Field Telescope
Askar 71F Flat-Field Telescope, 71mm Aperture F6.9 ED Glass Refractor OTA, Quadruplet air-Spaced APO, 230mm Vixen Dovetail Plate for Deep Sky Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
- Askar 71F takes practicality and versatility into full consideration, and its weight and size are effectively controlled, making it easy to carry and use. The 71F weighs only 2.5kg(5.51lb), and the overall weight is 3kg(6.61lb) (including the hoop and dovetail plate).
- The entire lens barrel uses high-quality CNC processing technology, and the interior of the lens barrel is painted with high-quality matte paint to effectively reduce stray light reflection
- Askar 71F can be used for both visual observation and photography. For the convenience of users, we also directly equip 71F with three visual accessories: 8mm eyepiece, 20mm eyepiece and 1.25-inch 45-degree erecting prism. Both eyepieces are very suitable for watching birds and scenery.
- Convenient for photographic composition and visual observation, just loose the screws the focus can be rotated 360 degrees, then you can achieve astronomical shooting
- The 1.25-inch 45-degree erecting prism can generate an upright, non-inverted image, which is convenient for you to observe visually, without having to worry about seeing reversed images up and down, left and right.
$659.00
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The Askar 71F is a compact yet capable quadruplet apochromatic refractor with a 71 mm aperture and a fast f/6.9 focal ratio, designed to serve both visual astronomy and astrophotography needs straight out of the optical tube assembly (OTA).
Its quadruplet, air-spaced APO lens design, including an ED (extra-low dispersion) element, provides significantly better chromatic aberration control and sharper star images compared with simple achromats — delivering crisp, high-contrast views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
The built-in flat-field correction means stars remain pinpoint from the center all the way to the edges of the field without needing a separate flattener, making it especially friendly for imaging wider star clusters and nebulae.
Mechanically, the 71F feels well-built for its size and price. The OTA is CNC-machined with quality materials that keep weight down (making it easy to use even on modest mounts) while maintaining rigidity for astrophotography. A 2.4″ dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser gives smooth, precise focusing — a must for critical focusing under high magnifications or when shooting long-exposure images.
The package typically includes a Vixen dovetail plate and helpful adapters, along with a couple of eyepieces and a 45° erecting prism for visual use, which enhances versatility for both observing and imaging.
In practical use, many users find the Askar 71F to be a great all-around starter APO refractor that punches above its weight.
Its optics deliver sharp, well-corrected views with minimal false color, and the flat-field design eases astrophotography workflows by eliminating the guesswork with flatteners or extreme back-focus calculations.
While its modest aperture limits ultimate detail on very faint deep-sky objects compared with larger scopes, its portability, optical quality, and flexibility for both visual and imaging applications make it a compelling choice for beginners and intermediate astronomers alike.
Related
4. SVBONY SV555 54mm Petzval APO Refractor Telescope
SVBONY SV555 54mm Petzval APO Refractor Telescope for Astrophotography, New Upgraded Precision Focus, Full Frame Compatibility, F4.5-F22 Variable Aperture, Includes EAF Mount Kit, APO SLR Camera Lens
- Professional APO Triplet Lens: Features a Petzval triplet lens structure for superior image clarity and flat field performance; eliminating coma and chromatic aberration—perfect for deep-sky astrophotography
- Precision Focus System Upgraded: Enhanced focus travel (2.67mm-3.22mm) ensures zero back-focus issues; Smooth fine-adjustment focuser supports accurate framing for stars and landscapes
- Full-Frame Compatibility: Designed for 44mm full-frame sensors without vignetting; Compatible with DSLR; mirrorless; and astronomy cameras for breathtaking wide-field images
- Variable Aperture & Portability: Adjustable from F4.5 to F22 for versatile shooting conditions. Weighs 90g less than previous models—ideal for travel and field use
- EAF Ready & Includes Mount Kit: Pre-installed EAF adapter support (compatible with ZWO EAF Gen1). Comes with 2" filter holder, M72 front thread, and 360° rotatable tube for flexible shooting angles
$599.99
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The SVBONY SV555 54 mm APO refractor is a compact Petzval-style triplet optical design that’s aimed primarily at astrophotography rather than traditional visual observing. Its Petzval lens layout and ED elements help deliver a flat field with reduced coma and chromatic aberration, making stars appear sharp and well-corrected across a wide sensor — important for wide-field deep-sky imaging.
The SV555 is also designed to be full-frame compatible (44 mm image circle), so it can cover larger camera sensors without severe vignetting, which is a nice plus for serious astrophotography setups.
Mechanically, this astrograph feels purpose-built for imaging rather than star-party casual use. It comes with a precision focus system designed to avoid back-focus issues, and includes handy features like a 360° rotatable tube, dovetail mounting plate, and filter holder for attaching accessories.
You’ll also find M72 front threads for filters and support for EAF (electronic automatic focuser) systems, which help smooth focus control for achieving tack-sharp frames. The adjustable aperture range (F4.5–F22) gives flexibility across different imaging conditions and targets.
In real-world use, owners generally find this scope delivers good imaging performance for wide-field targets such as large nebulae, Milky Way fields, and star clusters when paired with a decent mount and camera.
However, it’s not a typical visual telescope — there’s no finderscope or eyepiece included, and the optical layout favors photography over direct viewing. The Amazon feedback average is around 3.6 stars from fewer reviews, indicating mixed opinions likely tied to user expectations and setup complexity.
If you’re committed to astrophotography and want a lightweight, full-frame-capable astrograph that won’t break the bank, it’s a compelling choice — but casual observers might find its focus on imaging somewhat limiting compared with traditional refractors.
5. Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoGuide 50DX
Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoGuide 50DX – 50mm Guide Scope APO Doublet Refractor – Lightweight Guide Scope – Easy Mounting – 50mm Astrograph
- EXPERTLY MATCHED GLASS: This small, lightweight 50mm f/4.8 Apochromatic Doublet refractor uses expertly matched ED glass to deliver dramatic, coal-black skies and faithful, contrast-rich views
- MOUNT ANYWHERE: The EvoGuide 50 DX includes two mounting adapters: a machined aluminum finder stalk compatible with all Sky-Watcher finder brackets, and a V-style mounting rail
- 242mm FOCAL LENGTH, f/4.8, 1.25” helical focuser, finder stalk, Vixen-style mounting plate, prime focus ring
- BUILT-IN T-THREADS: By using an optional adapter (not included), the EvoGuide 50 DX will turn into a fast, low-focal length astrograph
The Sky-Watcher EvoGuide 50DX is a compact 50 mm f/4.8 APO doublet refractor built with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass that helps minimize chromatic aberration and produce high-contrast, sharp star images — essential if you’re using it for guiding or wide-field imaging in astrophotography.
While its 50 mm aperture and 242 mm focal length are small compared with full-size telescopes, this lightweight design makes it easy to mount and align on top of larger telescopes without adding much weight, which is exactly what you want in a guide scope. Its built-in T-threads and included Vixen-style dovetail plate + finder stalk make attaching it to mounts straightforward.
Mechanically, the EvoGuide 50DX feels simple but functional for its intended role. It uses a 1.25″ helical focuser that lets you dial in focus smoothly, and the ED optics give you pleasing contrast for tracking guide stars or capturing wide-field images (especially when paired with a focal reducer or field flattener).
Because it’s designed first as a guide scope, it doesn’t include eyepieces or a diagonal, so it’s not a standalone visual instrument in the traditional telescope sense — it’s meant to work with a guide camera or imaging camera.
In practical use, many users appreciate the EvoGuide’s versatility and portability. As a guide scope, it performs well enough to help keep long astrophotography exposures on track, and some astrophotographers even use it as a wide-field imaging scope when combined with the right accessories.
That said, some community feedback notes that the focuser and edge performance can be a little finicky for serious imaging without additional flatteners or adapters, but for its price and weight it remains a solid choice as a guiding and portable wide-field tool in an astrophotographer’s kit.
6. Askar FMA180 pro OTA
Askar FMA180 pro OTA,F/4.5,180mm Focal Length,Two-ED Glasses sextuplet air-Spaced APO for Deep Sky Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
- SPECIFICATIONS: FMA180pro adopts a sextuplet air-spaced APO design with three lenses in front and three in the rear, two of which are ED glass,providing excellent correction of chromatic aberration, which lays the foundation for high-quality astrophotography and observation. It has an aperture of 40mm, a focal ratio of f/4.5, and a focal length of 180mm.
- SPECIALLY OPTIMIZED: In addition to visual observations, the FMA180 pro is specially optimized for astrophotography. Compared to FMA180, FMA180 pro adds a finder base and a 360° rotator. What’s more, the focuser is designed as internal focusing which promotes its stability and ensures its performance in use as a delicate, high-quality, and compact astrograph.
- MULTIPLE USE: The FMA180 pro comes with an M48 adapter at the rear end, and the back focus is the standard 55mm. The multifunctional base can not only be used for astrophotography but also be mounted onto other telescopes' finder bases as a finder scope after the Vixen dovetail plate is detached.
- PORTABLE DESIGN: FMA180 pro is a compact astrograph for astrophotography with more integrated functions and a more dedicated design.167.5mm telescope length, 40mm aperture size,very convenience for anytime use
- EXCELLENT APPEARANCE: The entire lens barrel uses high-quality CNC processing technology, and the interior of the lens barrel is painted with high-quality matte paint to effectively reduce stray light reflection
$439.00
Buy on Amazon
The Askar FMA180 pro is a compact astrograph-style apochromatic refractor with a 40 mm aperture and 180 mm focal length at f/4.5, built around a sextuplet air-spaced APO lens with two ED glass elements that work to minimize chromatic aberration and provide a flat imaging field — a key feature for astrophotography and wide-field night-sky work.
Its fast f/4.5 focal ratio and full-frame-ready 44 mm image circle make this OTA well-suited for capturing expansive nebulae, star fields, and Milky Way mosaics with short exposure times, something that typical slow refractors can’t do as efficiently. teleskop-express.de
Mechanically, the FMA180 pro feels purpose-built and flexible for imaging setups. It includes an internal helical focuser, a 360° rotator, and a finder base with Vixen-style dovetail — useful touches that make mounting and framing targets easier without extra adapters.
The rear features a standard M48 thread and built-in filter path, enabling you to attach cameras directly or add filters without spacers, which simplifies back-focus challenges that often plague astrophotography rigs.
In real use, owners report that the FMA180 pro delivers surprisingly sharp stars across the field, and it performs well even on larger APS-C sensors right out of the box, with many imaging threads showing crisp, low-aberration results when spacing and guiding are set correctly.
Its compact size (~0.8 kg) and integrated features make it a versatile choice not just for deep-sky imaging but also as a wide-field finder or guiding scope, though it won’t replace larger aperture instruments when it comes to visual observing or very faint galaxies.
7. Celestron Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor
Celestron Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
- EXPERTLY MATCHED GLASS: The EvoStar series features a matched doublet objective including one synthetic fluorite element, providing excellent color correction for visual and photographic uses
- OUTSTANDING COLOR CORRECTION: Using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), EvoStar refractors produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations
- EVOLVES WITH SKILL: No need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves
- 10:1 DUAL-SPEED FOCUSER: No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze with this 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The EvoStar 120 comes complete with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8x50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings and a V-Style Dovetail
$2,490.00
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The Sky-Watcher ProED 120 mm Doublet APO is a mid-sized apochromatic refractor that uses matched ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements — including a high-quality ED component — to significantly reduce chromatic aberration and deliver clean, high-contrast views with minimal false color.
This optical design, paired with Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), helps produce sharp, detailed images of the Moon, planets, double stars, and brighter deep-sky objects, making it a strong all-around telescope for both visual observing and basic imaging.
With a 120 mm aperture, it gathers considerably more light than smaller APO refractors, enhancing resolution and enabling better performance under moderate skies.
Mechanically, the telescope comes as an optical tube assembly (OTA) with a 2″ dual-speed Crayford-style focuser that provides smooth, precise focus control — essential for high-magnification planetary views or attaching a camera.
The package typically includes useful accessories like a 8×50 RACI finderscope, dielectric diagonal, and eyepieces, as well as mounting rings and a dovetail plate, so you can start observing right away.
The tube itself is robustly built with light baffling and a matte black interior to minimize stray light and maximize contrast, and it even ships with a foam-lined case for transport and storage.
In practical use, many observers praise the 120 mm ProED APO for offering a noticeable jump in detail and contrast over smaller refractors while remaining reasonably portable and mountable on mid-size equatorial or computerized mounts. It excels on lunar and planetary targets with crisp surface detail, and also performs well under darker skies on brighter nebulas and clusters.
Some users note that, as a doublet design, it won’t completely eliminate all chromatic aberration the way high-end triplet APOs do, but for the price and aperture it’s widely considered a very good value choice for serious visual astronomy and beginner astrophotography.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Celestron Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor stands out as the best APO refractor telescope for most observers. It delivers excellent color correction, sharp high-contrast views, reliable build quality, and strong all-round performance for both visual observing and entry-level astrophotography—all at a price that offers real value. Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller refractor or looking for a dependable long-term scope, the EvoStar 100 strikes the ideal balance between optical quality, portability, and cost.
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