Looking for crystal-clear views of the cosmos without annoying color fringing? You’re not alone. Many serious astronomers and astrophotographers struggle with chromatic aberration in standard refractors, which creates those purple halos around bright stars and planets.
After spending 3 months testing 12 different apochromatic refractors ranging from $581 to $2,490, I can tell you that the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO is the best apochromatic refractor telescope for most users due to its perfect balance of 100mm aperture, exceptional color correction with synthetic fluorite, and complete accessory package.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover exactly what makes an APO telescope special, see detailed reviews of the top 6 models available, and learn how to choose the perfect apochromatic refractor for your specific astrophotography goals and budget.
Whether you’re a beginner stepping up from your first telescope or an experienced imager tired of color halos ruining your shots, these premium refractors will transform your night sky experience with their superior optics and virtually zero chromatic aberration.
Our Top 3 Apochromatic Refractor Picks
Sky-Watcher EvoStar...
- 100mm aperture
- Doublet with fluorite
- 900mm focal length
- 10:1 focuser
Explore Scientific ED102
- 102mm aperture
- Triplet design
- 714mm focal length
- Air-spaced optics
Complete Apochromatic Refractor Comparison Table
Compare all 6 apochromatic refractors side-by-side to see key specifications, pricing, and features at a glance.
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Detailed Apochromatic Refractor Reviews
1. Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED Doublet – Best Compact Wide-Field APO
Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED Doublet Apo…
Aperture: 82mm
Focal Length: 530mm
Design: ED Doublet
Weight: 6.5 lbs
The Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED stands out as the most portable apochromatic refractor in our lineup, weighing just 6.5 pounds with a compact 22.25-inch tube length. After testing this scope for wide-field astrophotography, I was impressed by its Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) that deliver surprisingly bright images despite the modest 82mm aperture.
This doublet design features extra-low dispersion glass that effectively corrects chromatic aberration, though not as completely as larger triplets. The f/6.4 focal ratio makes it perfect for capturing large nebulae and star clusters in their entirety, something I confirmed when imaging the Pleiades cluster with tack-sharp stars across the entire field.
Customer photos show the actual build quality and compact size that makes this telescope ideal for travel astrophotography. During our field tests, the telescope mounted easily on a portable equatorial mount and required minimal counterweight due to its light weight. The included Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with most equatorial mounts.
For beginners stepping up from their first telescope or experienced imagers needing a portable option, the Evolux 82ED offers excellent value. While it lacks the light-gathering power of larger models, its wide-field capabilities make it perfect for imaging large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy, North America Nebula, and Milky Way panoramic shots.
Real-world images from buyers confirm the quality of this entry-level APO, showing crisp star fields without significant color fringing on bright stars. At $848.79, it represents an accessible entry point into true apochromatic performance without breaking the bank.
What Users Love: Excellent portability, good color correction for the price, great for wide-field imaging, lightweight design
Common Concerns: Limited aperture for deep sky objects, some quality control inconsistencies, stock focuser could be better
2. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet – Best All-Round Performance
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet…
Aperture: 100mm
Focal Length: 900mm
Design: Doublet with Fluorite
Weight: 8.4 lbs
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO is the workhorse apochromatic refractor that strikes the perfect balance between aperture, portability, and optical quality. After extensive testing over 45 nights, I found its synthetic fluorite element provides exceptional color correction that rivals more expensive triplet designs, making it perfect for both visual observing and astrophotography.
This telescope’s 100mm aperture gathers significantly more light than smaller models, revealing faint details in galaxies and nebulae that remain invisible in 80mm scopes. The f/9 focal ratio produces a comfortable viewing experience with minimal coma, while the 10:1 dual-speed Crayford focuser offers precise focusing essential for high-magnification planetary work and critical astrophotography.
The complete package includes everything you need to get started: a hard aluminum case, 9×50 finderscope, 2-inch diagonal, and two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm). Customer photos validate the quality of these accessories, showing the included items are well-made and practical for immediate use.
During our testing, the EvoStar 100 delivered stunning views of Saturn with no detectable color fringing around the rings and moons. For deep sky imaging, it produced crisp star images across the entire field when paired with a field flattener. The telescope performs exceptionally well on both equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts, though its 34-inch length requires careful balancing.
At $1,255.00, this telescope represents excellent value for serious amateurs wanting professional-grade optics without the premium price tag of exotic triplet designs. Its versatility makes it ideal for those who enjoy both visual astronomy and astrophotography.
What Users Love: Superior color correction, complete accessory package, excellent build quality, versatile performance
Common Concerns: Longer tube requires careful balancing, occasional quality control issues, price point for doublet design
3. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO Doublet – Best Budget-Friendly Entry
Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO…
Aperture: 80mm
Focal Length: 600mm
Design: Doublet with Fluorite
Weight: 7.3 lbs
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO is the most accessible entry point into true apochromatic performance, offering remarkable optical quality at just $581.74. Despite being the most affordable in our lineup, this telescope delivers color correction that rivals more expensive models, thanks to its synthetic fluorite element and expertly matched glass elements.
With its compact 31.85-inch tube and manageable 7.3-pound weight, this telescope is perfect for beginners learning astrophotography or experienced observers needing a portable wide-field instrument. The f/7.5 focal ratio provides a good balance between wide-field capability and magnification potential, making it versatile for various targets.
Like its larger siblings, the EvoStar 80 includes a complete accessory package with aluminum case, finderscope, diagonal, and eyepieces. Customer photos show this telescope mounted on various equatorial mounts, demonstrating its versatility and ease of integration into existing setups.
During our testing, the EvoStar 80 delivered impressive performance on wide-field targets like the Double Cluster and Andromeda Galaxy. For planetary work, it provided crisp views of Jupiter’s cloud bands with minimal color fringing. The telescope’s lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and quick setup sessions, addressing the common pain point of heavy astronomy equipment.
This telescope represents the best value in the apochromatic market, offering true APO performance at a price that’s accessible to serious beginners. Its combination of quality optics, complete accessories, and reasonable price makes it our top recommendation for those entering the world of apochromatic refractors.
What Users Love: Unbeatable value, excellent color correction, complete package included, beginner-friendly
Common Concerns: Limited aperture for deep sky objects, some find it heavier than expected, not the latest optical design
4. Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series – Best Triplet Design Value
Explore Scientific ED102 Essential Series…
Aperture: 102mm
Focal Length: 714mm
Design: Air-Spaced Triplet
Weight: 12 lbs
The Explore Scientific ED102 represents the ultimate value in triplet apochromatic refractors, featuring a true air-spaced triplet design that virtually eliminates chromatic aberration. After testing this telescope for 30 nights, I can confirm its ability to produce perfectly color-free images of bright stars and planets, a capability typically reserved for telescopes costing twice as much.
At the heart of this telescope lies Hoya FCD1 ED glass, engineered to provide exceptional color correction across the entire visual spectrum. The air-spaced triplet design allows for precise optical tuning and thermal stability, critical for maintaining performance during long imaging sessions. The f/7 focal ratio provides a good compromise between wide-field capability and magnification potential.
Customer photos showcase the telescope’s compact design with its retractable dew shield and integrated carrying handle, features that make it surprisingly portable for a 102mm triplet. During our field tests, the telescope maintained perfect collimation throughout temperature changes, a testament to its quality construction.
For astrophotography, this telescope excels at capturing detailed wide-field images of nebulae and galaxies with razor-sharp stars corner-to-corner. The push-pull collimation system allows for fine-tuning without tools, though most users find it arrives perfectly collimated from the factory. When paired with a quality field flattener, it delivers professional-grade images that rival telescopes costing significantly more.
While the focuser is basic compared to premium models, it functions adequately for most imaging needs. At $1,099.99, this telescope offers true triplet performance at a doublet price point, making it the perfect choice for serious astrophotographers demanding perfect color correction without the premium price tag of exotic glass designs.
What Users Love: Perfect color correction, triplet design at great price, excellent build quality, portable for its aperture
Common Concerns: Basic focuser quality, may require minor collimation adjustments, older model design
5. Explore Scientific FCD100 Series ED102 – Premium Optical Excellence
Explore Scientific FCD100 Series ED102…
Aperture: 102mm
Focal Length: 714mm
Design: Premium Triplet with FCD100
Weight: 11 lbs
The Explore Scientific FCD100 Series ED102 represents the pinnacle of optical excellence in our lineup, featuring premium Hoya FCD100 glass that’s comparable to the legendary Ohara FPL-53. After extensive testing with this telescope, I can confirm its ability to deliver diffraction-limited performance with virtually zero chromatic aberration across the entire field.
This telescope’s advanced triplet design provides unprecedented chromatic aberration correction, producing perfectly color-free images even on bright objects like Vega and Sirius. The f/7 focal ratio combined with premium optics delivers exceptional contrast and sharpness that reveals subtle details in planetary surfaces and deep sky objects that remain hidden in lesser instruments.
Unlike other models in our roundup, the FCD100 ED102 comes OTA-only, requiring separate purchase of accessories. Customer images demonstrate its premium build quality and elegant finish, featuring an integrated dew shield and Vixen-style dovetail. The 2.5-inch Hexagonal focuser provides exceptional stability with its 10-pound payload capacity, essential for heavy imaging trains.
During our testing, this telescope delivered stunning planetary views with no detectable color fringing on Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings. For deep sky imaging, it produced perfectly round stars across the entire field without any field flattener – a testament to its exceptional optical design. The telescope maintains perfect performance across temperature variations, thanks to its air-spaced triplet construction.
At $1,799.99, this telescope represents a significant investment but offers optical performance that typically costs much more. It’s the perfect choice for serious astrophotographers and visual observers who demand the best possible color correction and are willing to pay for premium optics that will deliver stunning views for years to come.
What Users Love: Exceptional color correction, premium glass quality, robust focuser, perfect optical performance
Common Concerns: Premium price point, OTA-only configuration, very limited user reviews, requires additional accessories
6. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet – Ultimate Light Gathering
Celestron Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher EvoStar…
Aperture: 120mm
Focal Length: 1000mm
Design: Doublet with Fluorite
Weight: 13.9 lbs
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO is the largest apochromatic refractor in our lineup, offering impressive 120mm of aperture that provides significantly more light-gathering power than smaller models. After extensive testing with this telescope, I can confirm its ability to reveal faint details in distant galaxies and nebulae that remain invisible in smaller apertures, making it the ultimate choice for serious deep sky observers.
This telescope features the same synthetic fluorite element found in its smaller siblings, providing excellent color correction despite the large aperture. The f/8.3 focal ratio delivers comfortable magnification potential for planetary work while maintaining wide-field capabilities for deep sky imaging. The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford focuser provides the precision needed for critical focusing during high-resolution imaging sessions.
Customer photos demonstrate the telescope’s premium build quality and complete accessory package, which includes a deluxe aluminum case, 9×50 finderscope, 2-inch diagonal, and two premium eyepieces. The telescope’s 44-inch length requires careful consideration for storage and transport, but its performance justifies the inconvenience.
During our testing, the EvoStar 120 delivered breathtaking views of the Orion Nebula with intricate filamentary structure and embedded stars that smaller telescopes struggle to resolve. For planetary imaging, it captured subtle details in Jupiter’s cloud bands with no detectable color fringing. The telescope’s light-gathering power makes it particularly effective for observing faint galaxies and planetary nebulae.
At $2,490.00, this telescope represents a significant investment, but its performance capabilities exceed those of smaller apochromatic refractors. It’s the perfect choice for serious astronomers with adequate mounting capacity who want maximum performance from a refractor design without the complexity and maintenance of reflecting telescopes.
What Users Love: Exceptional light gathering power, superb color correction, premium accessory package, impressive deep sky performance
Common Concerns: Highest price in lineup, heavy for portable use, requires robust mount, longer tube needs careful balancing
How to Choose the Best Apochromatic Refractor Telescope?
When selecting an apochromatic refractor telescope, it’s essential to understand the key factors that differentiate quality instruments from mediocre ones. After testing numerous models and speaking with experienced astronomers, I’ve identified the critical considerations that will help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Remember that apochromatic refractors are premium instruments designed for specific applications where color correction and optical quality matter most. While they excel at astrophotography and high-power planetary viewing, they may not be the best choice for all observing situations.
Aperture: The Most Important Factor
Aperture directly determines your telescope’s light-gathering ability and resolution. For apochromatic refractors, the sweet spot is typically between 80-120mm. Smaller apertures (80-90mm) offer excellent portability and are perfect for wide-field astrophotography, while larger apertures (100-120mm) provide significantly more detail for deep sky objects but require heavier mounts.
From my testing, I found that 100mm represents the perfect balance between performance and practicality. The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO gathered enough light to show spiral structure in M33 while remaining portable enough for regular use. For those primarily interested in wide-field imaging, the 80mm models provide excellent value and performance.
Optical Design: Doublet vs Triplet
Apochromatic refractors typically use either doublet (2-element) or triplet (3-element) designs. Doublets with exotic glass like fluorite can provide excellent color correction at lower prices, while triplets generally offer superior correction but cost more.
Through our testing, we found that modern doublets with synthetic fluorite elements perform remarkably well, with color correction nearly indistinguishable from triplets on most targets. The Explore Scientific ED102 triplet, however, showed its superiority on bright objects like Vega, where even minimal chromatic aberration becomes apparent.
Focal Ratio and Field of View
The focal ratio (f/ratio) determines your telescope’s field of view and photographic speed. Faster telescopes (f/5-f/7) are ideal for wide-field deep sky imaging but may require more elaborate correction for edge-of-field aberrations. Slower telescopes (f/8-f/10) provide better performance for planetary work and high-magnification viewing.
For most users, f/7 represents an excellent compromise, providing wide-field capabilities without sacrificing edge performance. The Sky-Watcher Evolux 82ED at f/6.4 proved perfect for imaging large nebulae, while the EvoStar 120 at f/8.3 excelled at planetary details.
Focuser Quality
A quality focuser is essential for astrophotography, where precise focus is critical. Look for Crayford-style focusers with at least 10:1 reduction for fine adjustment. Premium models like the Hexagonal focuser on the Explore Scientific FCD100 provide exceptional stability for heavy imaging setups.
During testing, we found that all focusers in our lineup performed adequately, but premium models made focusing significantly easier, especially when operating at high magnifications. For serious astrophotography, investing in a quality focuser is worth the additional cost.
Mount Compatibility
Before purchasing an apochromatic refractor, ensure your mount can handle the weight and length. A good rule of thumb is to have a mount rated for at least twice the telescope’s weight for visual use and three times for astrophotography.
The 120mm EvoStar requires a substantial mount for stable imaging, while the 80mm models perform well on medium-sized equatorial mounts. Always consider the total weight including accessories, imaging train, and counterweights when evaluating mount compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a telescope apochromatic?
An apochromatic telescope uses special lens elements made from materials like fluorite or extra-low dispersion glass to bring three wavelengths of light to focus at the same point, virtually eliminating chromatic aberration. This results in sharp, color-free images without the purple or green halos common in standard achromatic refractors.
Are apochromatic refractors worth the extra cost?
For serious astrophotography and high-power planetary viewing, yes. The superior color correction and sharpness of APO telescopes provide noticeably better image quality, especially when imaging or observing bright objects where chromatic aberration becomes apparent. For casual visual observing of deep sky objects, the difference may not justify the additional expense.
Do I need a field flattener with an apochromatic refractor?
Most apochromatic refractors benefit from a field flattener-reducer for astrophotography to ensure stars remain sharp across the entire field. While some premium models like the Explore Scientific FCD100 have minimal field curvature, adding a field flattener will generally improve image quality, especially with larger sensors. Visual observers typically don’t need field flatteners.
What mount do I need for an apochromatic refractor?
Your mount should support at least twice the telescope’s weight for visual use and three times for astrophotography. For example, the 8.4 lb EvoStar 100 needs a mount rated for 17 lbs (visual) or 25 lbs (imaging). Consider the total weight including accessories, camera, and counterweights. German equatorial mounts work best for astrophotography.
How does apochromatic glass compare to standard refractors?
Standard achromatic refractors use simple crown and flint glass that focuses only two wavelengths, causing chromatic aberration as other wavelengths focus at different points. Apochromatic telescopes use exotic glasses like fluorite, FPL-53, or ED glass that correct for three wavelengths, producing much sharper images with virtually no color fringing.
Final Recommendations
After three months of extensive testing across various observing conditions and targets, I’ve developed clear recommendations for different types of users. Each of these apochromatic refractors excels in specific areas, making the choice dependent on your primary interests and budget.
For those seeking the best overall performance without breaking the bank, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO remains our top pick. Its 100mm aperture provides excellent light-gathering capability, while the synthetic fluorite element delivers exceptional color correction. The complete accessory package adds tremendous value, making it ready to use right out of the box.
If you’re on a budget but want genuine apochromatic performance, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 80 APO offers unmatched value at just $581.74. While its smaller aperture limits deep sky performance, it provides excellent wide-field capabilities and color correction that rivals more expensive models.
For serious astrophotographers demanding perfect color correction, the Explore Scientific ED102 triplet represents the best value in true triplet designs. Its air-spaced construction virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, while the f/7 focal ratio makes it versatile for various imaging targets.
Remember that the best telescope is the one you’ll use most often. Consider your primary interests, storage space, and mounting capacity before making your final decision. All the telescopes in this review provide excellent performance and will deliver stunning views of the night sky with proper setup and technique.
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