Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. It never changes our verdicts or the price you pay.
In-depth review
Updated September 2026 · Written by the TelescopeReviews.co.uk test team
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0/5 — DECENT FOR THE PRICE
The Bresser Junior 60/700 is an honest budget refractor — 60mm of aperture, 700mm focal length, and views of the Moon and Saturn that genuinely impress for the price. Not as capable as the National Geographic 76/350 at a similar price, but the refractor design means no collimation and low maintenance — a genuine advantage for casual observers and parents buying for children.
| Optical design | Achromatic refractor |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 60mm |
| Focal length | 700mm |
| Focal ratio | f/11.7 |
| Mount type | Alt-azimuth |
| Eyepieces included | 6mm and 18mm (1.25 inch) |
| Finder | Red dot finder |
| Weight | 2.1kg (assembled) |
| Tripod | Aluminium adjustable |
| Maintenance | None — sealed tube |
| UK warranty | 2 years (Bresser UK) |
The Bresser Junior 60/700 is built to a standard appropriate for its price. The aluminium tube feels solid — more substantial than some budget competitors. The alt-azimuth mount is basic but functional at low magnifications. At the higher magnification of the 6mm eyepiece (117x), the tripod shows more wobble than ideal — but at 39x with the 18mm eyepiece, stability is adequate.
The sealed refractor tube is the main advantage — no collimation needed, ever. For parents buying for children who may handle the telescope roughly, this is genuinely valuable.
📐 Key Design Points
Verdict: Good — the refractor design produces sharp, high-contrast lunar views.
Verdict: Rings visible and exciting — especially for first-time observers. Less detail than 70mm+ telescopes.
Verdict: Basic — disc and moons visible but limited detail.
Verdict: Refractor design suits double star observing.
⚠️ Chromatic Aberration Note
As an achromatic refractor, the Bresser Junior 60/700 shows some colour fringing (purple/green) around bright objects like the Moon. This is normal for budget achromatic refractors and does not affect deep-sky views. It is most noticeable at high magnification on the Moon.
✅ YES — Buy if:
❌ NO — Consider alternatives if:
Also see our best budget telescope guide, our best telescope for kids guide, and our how much does a telescope cost breakdown.
Why consider: Similar price, more aperture (76mm vs 60mm), better all-round performance. Our preferred choice at this budget.
Why consider: For younger children aged 6-9 — tabletop design at child height, same aperture class.
Why consider: If budget stretches to £170 — dramatically better views, 130mm vs 60mm aperture.
The Bresser Junior 60/700 is a decent budget refractor that delivers honest performance for under £80. It will not challenge more capable telescopes like the National Geographic 76/350 or Heritage 130P, but its no-maintenance sealed tube and manageable weight make it a sensible first telescope for children aged 8-13. If your budget is tight and you specifically want a refractor, it is a reasonable choice — but most buyers will get more value from a similarly priced reflector.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0/5
Recommended for: Children aged 8-13, parents on a strict budget, casual observers wanting a low-maintenance refractor