How to Choose Your First Refractor Telescope: Apertura 72 vs Celestron 80AZ
By TelescopesPlus - The #1 Online Store for Telescopes and Accessories | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding between the Apertura 72mm Doublet APO Refractor and the Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ? This guide explains the key differences and helps you pick the right beginner refractor.
Quick Answer
For a beginner who wants to grow into astrophotography, the Apertura 72mm Doublet APO Refractor Kit is the smarter long-term choice. If you need an affordable, versatile telescope for casual sky and daytime viewing, the Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ is a solid entry point.
Why Aperture and Optical Design Matter
A refractor's aperture (lens diameter) determines how much light it gathers, directly affecting how bright and detailed your views will be. The optical design—whether it's a standard achromat or an apochromatic (APO) doublet—controls color fringing around bright objects like the Moon and planets. For a first telescope, choosing the right balance between aperture and optical quality can save you from frustration later.
Trade-Off: Astrophotography vs. All-Purpose Use
The Apertura 72mm is built with astrophotography in mind: its apochromatic doublet lens minimizes chromatic aberration, and the included field flattener ensures sharp stars across the frame. This makes it a capable imaging platform from the start. The Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ, with its shorter f/5 focal length, is great for wide-field views and doubles as a terrestrial spotting scope, but its standard achromatic optics will show some color fringing in high-contrast scenes—a trade-off for its versatility and lower price.
Decision Rules for Your First Refractor
- Your main goal is astrophotography: Choose the Apertura 72mm Doublet APO Refractor Kit. Its apochromatic optics and included field flattener give you a proper foundation for deep-sky imaging without immediate upgrades. If you're serious about capturing nebulas and galaxies, invest in the Apertura from the start.
- You want an affordable all-purpose telescope: Choose the Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ. It's budget-friendly, lightweight, and works for both night sky and daytime use, making it ideal for casual family stargazing. The Celestron is a great first scope if you're not sure how deep your interest will go.
- You plan to observe planets and the Moon: Both telescopes can show you lunar craters and Jupiter's moons. However, the Apertura's APO optics will give you cleaner, more color-free views of the Moon's edge and brighter planets. For planetary detail without false color, the Apertura has the edge.
Product Facts at a Glance
- Apertura 72 mm Doublet APO Refractor and Field Flattener - 72EDR-KIT: The Apertura 72 mm Doublet APO Refractor kit includes a matching, adjustable full frame flattener and is designed for visual use as well as astrophotography with a DSLR or dedicated imaging camera. This means you can start taking sharp, flat-field photos right away without buying extra accessories, saving you time and money as you learn astrophotography.
Apertura 72 mm Doublet APO Refractor and Field Flattener - 72EDR-KIT - Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ Short Refractor Telescope - 21082: The Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ Short Refractor has a 400 mm focal length (f/5) and includes an erect image star diagonal, making it suitable for both celestial and terrestrial daytime viewing. If you want one telescope that can do double duty for stargazing and birdwatching, this model lets you switch between the two without needing extra gear.
Celestron AstroMaster 80AZ Short Refractor Telescope - 21082
Which One Fits You Best?
Best For
- Beginners planning to move into astrophotography within the first year
- Hobbyists who want a dedicated deep-sky imaging scope with minimal chromatic aberration
Not For
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a single telescope for both astronomy and terrestrial viewing
- Those who prefer a larger aperture for bright, high-contrast visual observing without investing in an APO
