The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Refractor Telescope is an entry-level refractor supplied with a manual mount, adjustable tripod, eyepieces, a 5×24 finderscope and 3× Barlow lens. It is designed for straightforward visual astronomy and quick setup without powered electronics.
The compact 50mm refractor is intended for introductory observations of the Moon, brighter planets, double stars and bright star clusters. The supplied image-erecting accessory and diagonal can also support correctly oriented daytime terrestrial viewing when used as instructed.
50mm Refractor Optics
The optical system combines a 50mm aperture with a 600mm focal length and f/12 focal ratio. Celestron specifies a limiting stellar magnitude of 11.0 and light-gathering power 51× compared with the unaided eye.
Manual altazimuth mount
The manual altazimuth mount moves up and down and left to right. It has no GoTo object finding, motor drive or automatic tracking, and it requires no batteries or external power.
Adjustable steel tripod with accessory tray. Celestron publishes a complete kit weight of 1.05kg (2.31lb).
Eyepieces, Finder and 3× Barlow Lens
The supplied viewing accessories are 20mm (30×), 12mm (50×) and 4mm (150×), plus a 1.5× image-erecting eyepiece. The 5×24 finderscope helps centre a target before viewing it through the main telescope.
The included 3× Barlow lens triples the magnification produced by a compatible eyepiece. Some theoretical combinations exceed the telescope’s stated useful magnification; the clearest results will usually come from low and moderate powers.
Observing with the PowerSeeker
Begin with the lowest-power eyepiece to locate and centre a target, then increase magnification only when atmospheric steadiness and the target support it. Actual visible detail depends on seeing conditions, light pollution, target altitude, correct focus and, for the Newtonian models, correct collimation.
The stated highest useful magnification is an optical guideline rather than a promise that every observing session will support that power.
Portable Manual Setup
The telescope requires no mains power, batteries or app connection. The published complete kit weight is 1.05kg (2.31lb). Celestron does not state a separate boxed shipping weight.
What Is Included?
- 50mm f/12 refractor optical tube
- Manual altazimuth mount and adjustable tripod with accessory tray
- 20mm, 12mm and 4mm eyepieces
- 1.5× image-erecting eyepiece
- 0.96-inch star diagonal
- 5×24 finderscope
- 3× Barlow lens
- Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition software and SkyPortal app access
Please note: A smartphone adapter, solar filter, carrying case and additional eyepieces or filters are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Refractor |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 50mm (1.97 inches) |
| Focal length | 600mm (24 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/12 |
| Optical coatings | Fully coated |
| Included eyepieces | 20mm (30×), 12mm (50×) and 4mm (150×), plus a 1.5× image-erecting eyepiece |
| Barlow lens | 3× Barlow lens |
| Finderscope | 5×24 finderscope |
| Star diagonal | 0.96-inch star diagonal |
| Highest useful magnification | 118× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 7.14× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 11.0 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 2.79 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 2.32 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 51× compared with the unaided eye |
| Optical-tube length | 435mm (17.1 inches) |
| Optical-tube diameter | 54mm (2.12 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 0.5kg (1.1lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-3 dovetail bar |
Mount and Tripod
| Mount type | Manual altazimuth mount |
|---|---|
| Operation | The manual altazimuth mount moves up and down and left to right. It has no GoTo object finding, motor drive or automatic tracking, and it requires no batteries or external power. |
| Tripod / mount details | Adjustable steel tripod with accessory tray |
| Mount and tripod weight | 0.55kg (1.21lb), including mount |
| Complete kit weight | 1.05kg (2.31lb) |
| Software | Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition and SkyPortal app |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope without a correctly fitted, certified full-aperture solar filter.
Permanent and irreversible eye damage can occur. Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter and never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Unfiltered sunlight can damage the optics and accessories.
Never leave the telescope unattended, especially when children are present.
Instruction Manuals
Official operating and setup documents are available directly from Celestron.
