Type

Used refractors

A refractor uses a lens at the front to form the image, with no mirrors and nothing in the light path, so views are crisp and contrasty and the tube needs little upkeep. Two-element achromats show some purple fringing on bright objects. Apochromats use ED glass or fluorite in two, three or four elements to cut that color, and they're the favorite small telescopes for astrophotography. Used, check the front lens for haze, fungus and scratches, and the focuser for slack. Many good refractors are sold as the tube alone.

10 models we cover.