Emerson 50x/100x Refractor Telescope: Is It a Good Fit for Kids?

Updated November 2026

The emerson 50x/100x refractor telescope is a basic optical tube that offers two eyepiece magnifications, 50x and 100x, and suits young stargazers who want to view the Moon and bright planets. It is best treated as a starter scope for simple daytime and nighttime viewing, not a deep-sky instrument. Expect the Moon to look sharp, while faint galaxies and nebulae will be hard to see.

Why magnification alone does not tell the whole story

High magnification sounds impressive, but it only makes an image bigger. It does not make it brighter or clearer. A small refractor gathers a limited amount of light, so pushing to 100x often produces a dim, soft view. Beginners frequently say the Moon looks great at 50x and only becomes usable at 100x on steady nights.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Reflector or Refractor Telescope for Beginner: Which Should You Choose?.

Aperture, the diameter of the front lens, matters more than the number printed on the box. Larger apertures collect more light and show more detail. For a child’s first telescope, a modest aperture paired with a low-power eyepiece usually gives a more satisfying first look than maxed-out magnification.

Factors that affect what you will see

Several conditions change the experience more than the telescope itself:

• Sky darkness: City lights wash out faint objects. The Moon and planets work fine from a backyard.
• Air steadiness: Turbulent air makes stars and planets shimmer. Wait until the image settles before judging focus.
• Mount stability: A wobbly tripod makes every view blurry. Lock the legs firmly and let vibrations die down before observing.
• Eye comfort: Young observers often need a few minutes for their eyes to adjust to the dark. Red-light flashlights help without ruining night vision.

What to do about it: setup and first-session tips

1. Set up the tripod on firm ground, away from streetlights and wind.
2. Insert the lowest-power eyepiece first and center a bright target, such as the Moon.
3. Focus slowly, moving the focuser knob back and forth until the edge of the Moon is crisp.
4. Switch to the higher-power eyepiece only when the image is steady and sharp.
5. Keep a simple log of what you saw, including the date, time and magnification. Kids enjoy comparing notes across sessions.
6. For a broader introduction to scope types, read Telescope Reflector or Refractor: How to Choose the Right One for Your Family before deciding whether this model suits your household.

If you want a sense of how similar entry-level refractors compare, Vivitar 60x/120x Refractor Telescope Review: Is It Worth It? and 70mm Refractor Telescope for Beginners: What to Know Before You Buy cover related trade-offs in aperture and magnification.

What we’d use

A sturdy tripod keeps the image steady, which matters more than extra magnification for young observers.

A basic moon and planet star chart helps kids find targets without getting frustrated.

View on Amazon

FAQ

Can the emerson 50x/100x refractor telescope show planets?

Bright planets such as Jupiter and Saturn can be visible as small disks or rings on steady nights, but detail will be limited. The Moon is the most rewarding first target.

Is 100x too much magnification for a beginner?

Not necessarily, but it is usually only useful in very steady air. Start at 50x and move up once you know the view is sharp.

Should adults supervise children using this telescope?

Yes. Adults should handle setup, check that the tripod is stable, and make sure no one looks at the Sun, even with a telescope.

About the author