Best Portable Telescopes Buyer's Guide

Budding astronomers know that Telescopes can be incredibly bulky! Fear not. We have researched, analysed and compiled a list of the Best portable Telescopes available on the market. These are perfect for taking with you on trips or overnight outings.

With our entrance in this era of technology, the advancements being carried out in every field are astonishing. Surely humans started cultivating technology into their everyday life just to make it easier, but it has proved to be beneficial in the other fields as well.

Our struggle of the easement has got us to a point where we can now own optical devices that provide us the ability to gaze beyond the limit of skies and can be transported without any hassle as well.

If you are a camping enthusiast and want to make the trips a little more magical for your family by creating a pathway for a safe and sound adventurous journey, then you must own a telescope. These portable telescopes are the best ones available in the market loaded with the most advanced technology and manufactured in such a way that even a simpleton can operate it easily.

Portable telescopes are a simple way to include some magic to the otherwise monotonous family and friends' trips.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 best portable telescopes available in the market!

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick


Gskyer 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refractor Telescope
  • Portable 
  • Travel safe 
  • Replaceable eyepieces
  • High magnification

The Gskyer Telescope is one of the finest and elegant telescopes. It has a large aperture that captures and creates bright images. The 70mm objective lens allows sufficient light to come into the glass and creates a focused image.

You can even carry the telescope to camping trips. It has a sturdy and firm frame structure. The building of the telescope is high-end and safe for traveling. It has a 400mm focal length and a fully coated optic lens.

The 10 Best Telescopes Comparison Chart

The 10 Best Portable Telescopes Out There

In this section, we review the Top 10 Portable Telescopes available for amateurs and professions.

Gskyer 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refractor Telescope

The Gskyer Telescope is one of the finest and elegant telescopes. It has a large aperture that captures and creates bright images. The 70mm objective lens allows sufficient light to come into the glass and creates a focused image.

You can even carry the telescope to camping trips. It has a sturdy and firm frame structure. The building of the telescope is high-end and safe for traveling. It has a 400mm focal length and a fully coated optic lens.

The coated lens produces detailed and high-quality images. It also keeps your eyes safe from any harmful radiation. The telescope brings the faraway divine celestial objects closer to you. The astronomers are widely using this telescope for observing the night sky, moon, star clusters, and galaxies.

Moreover, the replaceable eyepieces that come with the telescope is a very beneficial feature. The Barlow lens helps in enhancing the magnification power of the telescope. It also has a finder scope to navigate the celestial objects.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Travel safe 
  • Replaceable eyepieces
  • High magnification
  • Wireless remote control 
  • Moveable mount 
  • Finderscope 
  • Adjustable aluminum tripod

CONS

  • It is an entry-level telescope
Celestron- 70mm Travel Scope Telescope

The Celestron 70mm Travel Telescope is explicitly designed for stargazers. It is a professionally engineered telescope on optical refractor design. The large aperture captures detailed and focused images and videos.

It has a large objective lens that allows sufficient light to enter the lens and captures a bright and sharp image of a celestial or terrestrial object. The magnification of this telescope is unmatchable to other telescopes.

It has a robust and lightweight frame, and you can take it on trips. It is travel-friendly and comes with a carry bag for secure storage. The glass of the lens is fully coated optics. It keeps your eyes safe from harmful radiation.

The Celestron is an astronomy telescope, and it has powerful eyepieces. That brings the faraway celestial objects closer to you. Moreover, the telescope has a high magnification. It comes with additional accessories like storage/carry bag, adjustable aluminum tripod.

The best thing about this telescope is that it has free access to astronomy software.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Firm design structure 
  • High magnification 
  • Free astronomy software 
  • Adjustable tripod
  • Moveable mount 
  • Storage bag
  • Coated optical glass

CONS

  • It is a beginner’s telescope
Orion 10015 StarBlast Reflector Telescope

The Orion StarBlast Astro is a grab-and-go telescope. It is considered the ideal telescope for beginners. The aperture of the objective lens allows enough light to create a sharp and bright image. It has a 114mm aperture and 450mm focal length.

These two features play an essential role in creating detailed and bright images. To observe the faraway celestial and terrestrial objects will enhance the user's visual experience. It is a very decent telescope with a robust frame structure.

The telescope comes with replaceable eyepieces that strengthen the power of the lens. The Barlow lens boosts the magnification of the telescope. It is the best option to carry on stargazing trips. You can easily observe the moon, star clusters, galaxies, and rings of Saturn.

Moreover, the additional accessories of the telescope include a tripod. It has an aluminum tripod that has a moveable mount. You can adjust the angle of the mount at your desired position. It is feasible for family and friends’ trip and guarantees maximum satisfaction.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Robust frame 
  • Travel safe
  • Replaceable eyepieces 
  • High magnification 
  • Adjustable tripod
  • Smooth altazimuth mount 
  • Premium quality images 
  • Easy to assemble

CONS

  • Expensive
Celestron- 70mm Travel Scope Refractor Telescope

The Celestron Telescope DX is a carefully engineered refractor telescope. It has a large 70mm aperture that creates sharp and detailed images. The large objective lens allows sufficient light to produce bright images.

It is safe for traveling as the frame is robust and has high-end professional finish. This telescope has become one of the best celestial and terrestrial object viewing telescopes. The frame is sturdy yet lightweight, that is why you can easily carry it in a storage bag.

It has glass that is fully coated optics. The coated optics keeps your eyes safe from harmful radiations. It has high power replaceable eyepieces that brings the faraway objects closer. So, you can view them easily.

The Barlow lens that comes with the telescope enhances the lens magnification and creates focused images. Moreover. It has a universal smartphone adapter. It is compatible with every smartphone and you can view the celestial objects with more details.

The tripod is adjustable and has a moveable mount. You can adjust the mount at your desired position. The best thing about this telescope is delivery of free astronomy software.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Sturdy frame 
  • Smartphone adapter 
  • Adjustable tripod 
  • Moveable mount 
  • Free astronomy software
  • Travel safe 
  • Coated optics

CONS

  • It is a beginners’ telescope
Celestron- 114LCM Newtonian Telescope

The Celestron 114 LCM is the biggest and highest engineered telescope among the LCM family. It has a computerized mount that is easy to move and has precise movement. You can adjust the mount at your desired position and view the celestial and terrestrial objects easily.

This telescope is made to observe over 40,000 celestial and terrestrial objects. The telescope features a 4.5” primary mirror that allows enough light to create a bright and sharp image. It is safe for traveling because of the robust design structure that keeps it safe from getting damaged.

This telescope is everything you need for stargazing, like adjustable mounts and tripod. The tripod provides a stable foundation for sky viewing.

Moreover, replaceable eyepieces are highly powerful. The Barlow lens enhances the magnification power of the lens that helps to create detailed and focused images. You can also download the SkyPortal App for additional enjoyment and control.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Sturdy 
  • Travel safe 
  • Scope finder 
  • High magnification
  • Large aperture 
  • App for additional control 
  • Adjustable tripod 
  • Easy to assemble 
  • Free astronomy software

CONS

  • Finder scope might be a little flimsy
Vanstarry Telescope for Kids

The Vanstarry is a highly engineered telescope for adult amateur astronomers. It has a large 70mm aperture that allows enough light to create sharp and bright pictures. The frame construction is sturdy yet lightweight. That is why it is safe for traveling.

You can take it with you on the trip towards the countryside for stargazing. It creates high-quality, focused images of faraway celestial objects like the moon, star clusters, galaxies, and Saturn’s ring. The additional carry/storage bag makes the traveling way easier and more comfortable.

When buying a telescope, either its professional or beginner is made sure to keep it away from direct sun as it can damage the lens quality. The glass of the telescope is fully coated optics that keep the eyes safe from harmful radiations.

Moreover, the replaceable eyepieces are high in power, and the Barlow lens enhances the magnification. That is why the telescope creates focused and detailed images. The finder scope helps navigating the faraway sky objects.

PROS

  • High magnification 
  • Adjustable tripod 
  • Additional accessories 
  • Smartphone adapter 
  • Travel safe 
  • Scope finder

CONS

  • It is not feasible for professionals
Orion 10034 GoScope II 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope Moon Kit

The Orion GoScope is a night refractor technology-based grab-and-go telescope. The large aperture captures detailed and focused images and videos. It has a large objective lens that allows sufficient light to enter the lens and captures a bright and sharp image of a celestial or terrestrial object.

The lens is fully coated optics. It keeps your eyes safe from harmful radiations. You must never point the telescope towards direct sunlight as it can damage your telescope lens. The 400mm focal length of the telescope stands out in view of day sky and wildlife landscapes.

It has a large objective lens that helps to create bright and detailed images even at night. The Orion GoScope has sturdy frame construction; that is why it is safe for traveling. You can take it with you in a carry bag on stargazing trips easily.

Moreover, the tripod comes with the telescope, is adjustable and has a moveable mount. You can adjust the mount at your desired angle for viewing the sky. It also has replaceable eyepieces that boost the focus.

The finder scope helps in navigating the celestial objects. It has an additional Barlow lens that enhances the magnification power of the telescope.

PROS

  • Replaceable eyepiece 
  • Moveable tripod mount 
  • Fully coated optics 
  • Scope finder 
  • Full moon map 

CONS

  • It is an amateur telescope
Meade Instruments- S102mm

The Meade Instruments are famous for their name as they manufactured the finest amateur astronomy telescopes. It has an objective lens with a large aperture that allows enough light to observe celestial or terrestrial objects.

The telescope has a sturdy yet lightweight frame structure. That is why it is portable and safe for traveling. It comes with additional accessories like all the other telescopes. The tripod is adjustable and has a moveable mount.

You can adjust the mount at your desired position and view faraway objects easily. The replaceable eyepieces of the telescope enhance the power of the telescope. Barlow lens boosts the magnification of the lens; that is why it creates high-quality, detailed, and focused images.

Moreover, slow-motion panning control is smooth and precise. The telescope also has a universal smartphone adapter for a more detailed view. It is feasible with all smartphone models. The tripod is collapsible, and you can adjust the height accordingly.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Robust frame 
  • Adjustable tripod
  • Precise panning control 
  • Universal smartphone adapter 
  • Viewfinder 
  • Erect-image prism 
  • Easy to assemble 
  • Travel safe

CONS

  • Plastic parts are flimsy
Celestron- PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope

The Celestron PowerSeeker is one of the best portable and travel safe telescopes. There are many false rumors that it is a challenging telescope. Every telescope needs practice to understand. This telescope has a large aperture that allows enough light into the lens and creates bright images.

The telescope is best to observe faraway celestial and terrestrial objects at day or night. There is one thing that you should keep in mind: never point the telescope towards direct sunlight as it can damage it. This telescope comes with a finderscope that allows you to navigate objects easily.

You have to be patient and careful while lining the finderscope towards an object. The telescope has replaceable eyepieces as it enhances the power of the telescope. The Barlow lens that comes with the telescope has increased the magnification of the telescope.

That is why it creates detailed and focused images. However, the only thing that is missing in the telescope package is a travel/carry bag. 

PROS

  • Finderscope 
  • High magnification 
  • Compact design 
  • Sturdy frame structure 
  • Adjustable mount 
  • Easy to use 
  • Free astronomy software 

CONS

  • It is not for professionals
Silver TwinStar 80mm

Kids always love to explore and find new things. The Silver TwinStar is the best telescope for kids who are interested in learning about astronomy. The frame structure is perfect for kids and safe to travel with. It is compact and portable.

The aperture allows enough light to produce bright images. It is easy to assemble and use. There are no complicated challenges. Kids can use the telescope to view celestial and terrestrial objects, even the wide landscapes.

This telescope can show clear images of the moon, star clusters, and Saturn’s ring and other deep space objects. Moreover, it comes with a mini tripod and carrying case for traveling. The lens is fully coated optics that keep your kid’s eyes safe from harmful radiations. It has a step-by-step assemble guide.

PROS

  • Portable 
  • Compact 
  • Travel safe 
  • Coated optics
  • Large aperture 
  • Adjustable tripod 
  • User guide

CONS

  • Expensive

Best Portable Telescopes - Buying Guide

Curiosity has been in man's nature since the first man ever created tried to eat the apple of the forbidden tree. To this day, man has made countless strides in reaching the places that were otherwise forbidden or unreachable due to a lack of technological advancement. 

But now, in this era, we have accomplished so much that even an everyday man can own a device that helps them see beyond the limitations of the skies. What is better than stargazing in a simple field on camping with your family? 

Actually, being able to look straight into the realities of the deep and mysterious space that lies above our heads and for such purposes, man needs a telescope. But not any ordinary telescope will do the work; for trips and caps, there is a special sub-category that ensures extra level ease of use, aka portable telescopes.

To understand everything about the best portable telescopes and all of their essential features, read the guide below and become the master guide of your own trip.

Assembly

For most telescopes, this feature does not matter a lot as they are not subjected to travel as much. But precisely, for portable telescopes, the assembly, as well as disassembly, matters the most as it dramatically affects the ease of use. 

There are many parts of a telescope, and each more vital and delicate than the previous. So, it is essential that you must have working information about the telescope you are purchasing and the number of parts that can be safely broken down for easy travel. 

It is also essential that the assembly of the telescope must not require any technical grade tools as their procurement on a camping trip can become a major buzzkill. All the necessary extra equipment of the telescope must be easy to assemble along with the devices itself.

Finder Scope

As we all understand that telescopes have the bare minimum field of view themselves due to the higher magnification power, and this aspect makes it extremely difficult to locate or pinpoint a star or planet. 

A finder scope is a little spherical optical device located above or sideways of the original telescope pointed in the same direction. A finder scope has a large field of view to access in the manual setting of the telescope in the preferred direction. 

The finder scope has a separate eyepiece, and most often, it is connected to the digital screen as well, mostly in the expensive models.

Travel Bag

Since we are only evaluating portable telescopes and traveling is a great hurdle in the safekeeping of these delicate devices, a travel bag specifically designed to cater to the telescopes needs is a vital accessory. 

Most often, companies include a travel bag in the complete package of the telescope along with other vital accessories such as tripod stand and base support. A travel bag for a telescope has extra padding to protect the lens and mirrors from shattering. 

Also, a travel bag contains separate compartments and pockets for all of the accessories of a telescope so you can pack the entire device in a small bag and easily carry it to your preferred destination.

Systemic Controls

Systemic controls are a component of most advanced telescopes, they are included as a solution for many problems of traditional telescopes, but most telescopes with systemic controls are expensive. Systemic controls are compensation for the problems forced by the limited field of view of a telescope. 

These controls have digital star maps; these maps include information about various celestial bodies and can help you point in the right direction to view your desired star or nebulae. The digital screen that comes along with the controls can also act as an LED for all of the family to enjoy the view simultaneously. 

Tripod Stand 

One of the most vital accessories to accompany a telescope on field trips is a tripod stand. Most companies offer mini tripod stands that can be adjusted according to the needs of the telescope, but separate stands are also available for extra amenities. 

A tripod stand provides a basic structure between the telescope and the ground and creates a steady base to keep the device safe and sound at all times. Most tripod stands are foldable and can easily be stored in the travel bags of the telescope.

Base Support

Base support is an extra accessory to increase the stability and steadiness of a telescope. Most telescopes are extremely expensive, and people want to go the extra mile in protecting their equipment by purchasing accessories worth a couple hundred, such as base support. 

The function of the base support is to level the ground to create a solid base for the tripod stand holding the telescope.

Extra Eyepieces 

An eyepiece is the final exit point for the light rays as they begin to enter the optical field of the recipient's eye. As it is the final point for the light rays to converge before exiting the spherical tube of the telescope, it also needs to be perfectly calibrated in order to provide eye relief. 

An eyepiece in itself is an ocular lens with its own focal plane that creates a solitary image of the one being projected inside the telescope, bearable enough for the human eye. More than one eyepiece can be connected to a single telescope for most people to enjoy the view at the same time.

Technical Support 

As most people who purchase portable telescopes are either beginners or buy this instrument to induce adventure in their trips, it is evident that they would require help while setting up the telescope. 

Portable telescopes need to be assembled into a functioning device and then carefully calibrated and pointed in the right direction to enjoy the mysterious phenomenon of space. During every step of using a telescope, one can require external guidance from a professional that can help them understand the miniature tricks of the device at hand. 

User Manual

A user manual is a basic pamphlet or a small book containing the information about all of the parts of a telescope. Most user manuals also include detailed steps to ensure maximum comfort for their consumers on how to set up such a strange device. 

At some rare locations, often people cannot get proper cell or internet services, and external help is out of the question; a user manual can become your help and guide you through the process.

Focal Ratio 

The focal ratio or F-ratio is an important concept in the field of optics, and it describes the speed of any lens in an optical device. For a telescope the f-ratio can be found by dividing the focal length to the diameter of the aperture, it is a dimensionless quantitative measurement of the quality of all-optical devices. 

The lesser the f-ratio, the wider the aperture, the brighter and clearer image will be produced by the telescope.

Focal Length

The focal length of a telescope is defined by the distance between the focal plane, where the image is formed, to the center of the objective lens. The focal length number is responsible for depicting the magnification power of any telescope as it has a direct relationship with the magnification power. 

The focal length is also dependent upon the length of the spherical tube and has an inverse relationship with the field of view of an optical device. 

Aperture

The most crucial aspect in a telescope is its aperture; it is the diameter of the objective lens of the device placed at the most distal end of the spherical tube. The objective lens is responsible for capturing as many light rays reflecting off of the surface of the distant object desired to be captured in the image by the telescope. 

Also, it is responsible for illuminating the focal plane for a brighter background of the image. The wider the aperture, the smaller the f-ratio, and a clearer image will be produced in an optical device.

Cost

Portable telescopes are not professional telescopes, so they do not cost as much as regular professional models. Most portable telescopes range from a couple of hundred dollars and barely cross over the thousand-dollar mark. 

The price difference appears in the package; as a higher the number of accessories, the higher the price mark ensues.

FAQs

Can I also use these telescopes for wildlife viewing?

A telescope is an optical device set to capture any image in its focal plane as you direct it, you simply have to position the spherical tube in the right direction. That being said, if you point your telescope horizontally instead of vertically, it is more than capable of capturing the lay of the land instead of the space.

If I plan on using the telescope for multiple purposes other than stargazing, then what qualities should be considered the most important?

If you plan on using the telescope for other purposes such as wildlife viewing, then there are a few qualities to look out for other than the aperture and magnification power. As everyone understands that the field of view of a telescope is the bare minimum due to high magnification power, a second accessory often accompanies the main device known as a finder scope.

A finder scope is a small spherical tube placed on top of the telescope that has a much bigger field of view and can be particularly helpful in wildlife viewing. Sturdy construction and accessories such as a tripod stand are just some other minor accessories you could look out for that can greatly enhance your experience.

Are portable telescopes powerful enough to view the rings of Saturn?

Any telescope with magnification power 25x or more is more than capable of perfectly viewing the Saturn rings. The higher the magnification power, the more distinct image of the rings will be produced.

Most portable telescopes are equipped with higher magnification powers than 25x, which makes them perfectly able to view Saturn Rings and beyond.

Best Portable Telescopes – Final Word

Telescopes have come a long way since their invention, in just a century, from being only scientist specific devices to being the favorite gadget of every home. The most adventure ensuing activity for humans involves defying the very basic limits set by nature, and telescopes are magical devices that help us do so under legal pretenses.

As long as we keep using our scientific query and keep searching the universe, all while inducing interest of our young ones into scientific fields, we are sure we will not fail as a generation. A telescope is a perfect gadget to own while going on a camping trip to the hills or the middle of the desert, and you can never get bored with this optical device at hand.

Take a look at the best portable telescopes that we have reviewed for you and choose the one that suits your needs!

Happy Stargazing, People!