Bresser AC 70/700 Nano AZ-1 astronomy telescope
Looking for a reliable yet affordable telescope to introduce yourself or a budding young astronomer to the world of stargazing - without unnecessary compromises? The Bresser AC 70/700 Nano AZ-1 is a classic achromatic refractor telescope for beginner astronomers that delivers solid optical performance, simple operation and a complete set of accessories straight out of the box. No extra purchases, no guesswork - just set it up, point it at the sky and start observing.
Optics and image quality
At the heart of the telescope is an achromatic objective lens with a 70 mm aperture and a 700 mm focal length, corresponding to a focal ratio of f/10. This combination is very well suited to visual observation - the long focal length naturally suppresses chromatic aberration, keeping colour fringing around bright objects to a reasonable minimum for an achromatic design. The optics feature a multi-layer MgF₂ anti-reflection coating that minimises light loss at glass surfaces and contributes to higher contrast and image clarity.
The result is a sharp, contrastive image suitable for observing:
- The Moon - craters and surface details
- Planets - Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands
- The solar disc - with an appropriate solar filter
- Open star clusters and bright deep-sky objects
The theoretical angular resolution of the telescope is 1.97 arc seconds, which is the expected value for a 70 mm aperture and is fully sufficient for all the targets listed above.
Focuser and eyepiece compatibility
The telescope is equipped with a standard rack-and-pinion focuser with a 1.25″ (31.7 mm) barrel diameter - the universal standard in amateur astronomy. This means you can use a vast range of aftermarket accessories without any adapters, from budget eyepieces to wide-field oculars and Barlow lenses. The focuser moves smoothly with no unwanted backlash or slop, which is especially appreciated at higher magnifications where any vibration degrades the image. A removable dew shield ring on the objective is also included - it prevents stray light from entering the tube and protects the lens from dewing up on cold nights.
Eyepieces and magnification
The package includes two interchangeable eyepieces providing magnifications of 35x and 77x - a range ideal for the first steps in astronomy:
| Eyepiece |
Magnification |
Best used for |
| Included eyepiece 1 |
35x |
Wide-field orientation, open clusters |
| Included eyepiece 2 |
77x |
Moon details, planetary observation |
| With optional Barlow lens |
up to 140x |
Maximum recommended magnification |
Exceeding the maximum recommended magnification of 140x does not make sense - the image would become dark and blurry, as the physical limits of a 70 mm aperture cannot be overcome. A diagonal mirror is also included in the set, providing a more comfortable viewing angle - especially when observing objects near the zenith. A LED Red Dot Finder is included for quick and intuitive pointing of the telescope at any target.
Mount and tripod
The Bresser Nano AZ-1 alt-azimuth mount is straightforward, intuitive and fully adequate for visual observation. It moves on two axes - horizontal and vertical - requiring no polar alignment or knowledge of celestial mechanics. The telescope is mounted on a sturdy aluminium tripod with adjustable height, with the fully assembled setup reaching approximately 1,650 mm. Both children and adults can observe comfortably. A practical accessory tray for eyepieces and small accessories is attached to the tripod - a small but very welcome feature during a dark-sky session.
About Bresser
Bresser is a German brand with a long-standing tradition in the manufacture of optical instruments for astronomers, nature enthusiasts and educational institutions. Their products are designed with a focus on performance-to-price ratio, mechanical reliability and the availability of replacement accessories. The Bresser AC 70/700 Nano AZ-1 is no exception - it is a well-thought-out instrument that puts no unnecessary obstacles in the way of a beginner, while at the same time leaving room to grow. The standard 1.25″ barrel diameter ensures compatibility with the entire ecosystem of astronomical accessories, so your investment in this telescope will not go to waste even when you later upgrade to better eyepieces or additional equipment.
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Optical design |
Achromatic refractor |
| Objective aperture |
70 mm |
| Focal length |
700 mm |
| Focal ratio |
f/10 |
| Lens coating |
Multi-layer MgF₂ anti-reflection |
| Angular resolution |
1.97 arc seconds |
| Focuser barrel diameter |
1.25″ (31.7 mm) |
| Included magnifications |
35x, 77x |
| Maximum recommended magnification |
140x |
| Mount type |
Alt-azimuth (AZ-1) |
| Tripod material |
Aluminium |
| Total assembled height |
approx. 1,650 mm |
| Included accessories |
2 eyepieces, diagonal mirror, LED Red Dot Finder, dew shield ring, accessory tray |