The best portable telescopes let you observe the cosmos anywhere. Pack one up for a camping trip to add a cosmic touch to your adventures. Or, hike up to a mountain to get a clearer view of the cosmos away from the light pollution.
However you decide to use them, the best portable telescopes are built for the journey. They’re lightweight, easy to assemble, and powerful enough to captivate your inner astronomer!
There’s no shortage of telescopes on the market these days. However, not all models are going to be portable enough for on-the-go stargazing. We’ve rounded up a collection of some of the best telescopes you can take anywhere. Don’t forget to check out our best portable telescopes buyer’s guide below to learn more about what you should be looking for.
Best Portable Telescopes Reviewed
Celestron 70mm Portable Refractor Telescope
Celestron is no stranger to producing some high-quality optics. This 70mm telescope offers great clarity and up to 40X magnification! While it is a refractor telescope, the lenses are fully coated to reduce glare and chromatic aberration.
The telescope comes with two eyepieces. They measure 20mm and 10mm respectively. With the eyepieces, you can get the magnification level you’re after. Thanks to the wide 70mm aperture, the telescope fills with light to provide a great image. On top of all that, it comes with a lightweight tripod and compact carrying case for easy travel.
Key Features:
- Large aperture lens
- Coated optics
- Includes two eyepieces
- Aluminum tripod
- Comes with a travel bag
Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope
Also from Celestron is this behemoth of a telescope! While it looks big, it’s actually quite compact compared to other models. The wide 127mm aperture lets light flood into the barrel. As a result, the main optical tube doesn’t have to be as long. It’s short, compact, and ready for a trek up to your favorite viewing spot.
With the 4mm eyepiece and 3X Barlow lens, you can achieve an exciting 250X magnification! That’s pretty impressive for an entry-level telescope!
Key Features:
- Includes two eyepieces
- 3X Barlow lens
- Ultra-wide aperture
- Compact tube assembly
- Equatorial mount
Gskyer 70mm Telescope
This telescope from Gskyer is built for the modern astronomer. It’s quite compact but doesn’t sacrifice on performance. The model has a wide 70mm aperture and a long 400mm focal length. Even still, the telescope is small enough to pack up and carry.
The unique thing about this telescope is that it has a smartphone mount. Attach your smartphone to the included eyepiece mount. Then connect it to the wireless remote. You can view your targets through your phone and snap some unforgettable pictures.
Key Features:
- Smartphone mount
- Wireless control
- Powerful finder
- High-transmission lens coating
- Compact design
Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST
Weighing only 27 pounds when fully assembled, this telescope from Orion is perfect for remote getaways. The unit is easy to assemble and set up. Thanks to the equatorial mount, it doesn’t take long to line things up. Plus, it has a collimation cap to help you ensure that the mirrors inside are properly positioned.
The telescope is sporting an aperture of roughly 129mm. Thanks to the wide objective lens, the body of the telescope measures only 24 inches long. It gets plenty of light in to create a clear image despite the compact size.
Key Features:
- Equatorial mount
- Wide aperture
- Rack and pinion focuser
- Collimation cap
- Plossl eyepiece
Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope
If you’re ready to invest in your astronomy endeavors, this telescope is a good place to start! It’s a high-tech telescope that can find objects for you. The mount is completely motorized. A simple control system lets you dial into more than 40,000 celestial objects, including nebulae, star clusters, and more. Let the mount take over and give you a tour of the cosmos!
The aperture is roughly 127mm wide, creating an ultra-bright image. The body is compact and relatively easy to put together, too. Just pop the tube assembly on, connect the computerized system, and you’re ready to go!
Key Features:
- Computerized and automated mount
- Comes with computer software
- Wide aperture
- Compact shape
- Easy to assemble
Orion 10016 StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope
Here’s a uniquely shaped telescope that you can take anywhere. It doesn’t use a traditional tripod. But, you can set it on a table to get a comfortable view. The wide 6-inch aperture (152mm) gives you a great view of your target. The Orion Starblast is a catadioptric telescope that combines both lenses and mirrors.
It comes with two Plossl eyepieces, which provide a good field of view and good color correction. You can store them on the built-in eyepiece rack. In total, this telescope can provide 300X magnification. Use the powerful finder scope to line up your target, focus the eyepiece, and enjoy the view!
Key Features:
- Tabletop telescope
- Integrated eyepiece rack
- Simple focuser
- EZ Finder II scope
Meade Instruments 205004 ETX90 Observer Telescope
Whether you know what you’re looking for or not, this telescope has you covered. It’s sporting a computerized mount with an AudioStar hand controller. Dial into more than 30,000 objects. Or, take a preprogrammed four-hour tour of the skies above!
If you have a specific target in mind, you can use the red-dot scope. Specially coated glass in the finder scope gives you a clear view of the sky while you use the dot to line your target up perfectly!
Key Features:
- Computerized mount
- High-transmission lens coating
- Very compact design
- Red-dot spotting scope
- Includes two Plossl eyepieces
- Rugged storage case
Meade Instruments Beginner Refracting Telescope
This beginner-friendly telescope has more than enough power to give you a great view of distant stars, planets, and galaxies. It’s a refractor an erect-image prism for comfortable viewing. There’s also a red-dot scope to make lining things up a breeze.
Once you have the telescope pointed in the right direction, you can use the slow-motion mount to make subtle adjustments. Then, utilize the eyepieces and Barlow lens to get up close and personal. The aperture is about 102mm, allowing plenty of light in to create a bright image.
Key Features:
- Comes with two eyepieces
- Includes 2X Barlow lens
- Red-dot finder
- Slow-motion mount
- Smartphone adapter
Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope
Here’s a sleek telescope that looks as good as it performs! This is one of the larger models in Celestron’s SLT line of telescopes. But, the barrel is very compact. When fully assembled, the unit only weighs about 20 pounds. So, it’s a great option when portability is key.
The telescope is computerized, allowing you to point to more than 40,000 different objects. The cool thing about this model is that it has SkyAlign technology for easy setup. Just point the telescope at three bright objects. The telescope will align with the sky.
Key Features:
- Computerized mount
- SkyAlign technology
- Includes two eyepieces
- Up to 127X magnification
- Comes with computer astronomy software
- Weighs only 20 pounds
Silver TwinStar AstroMark 80mm Telescope
Tipping the scales at a mere 5.2 pounds, this telescope will not weigh you down. Place it in the included case, sling it over your shoulder, and climb to any dark spot.
Once you’re set up, you can take full advantage of this telescope high-performance feature. Use the 6×26 scope to find your object. Then, utilize the 45-degree prism to look through the eyepiece comfortably. This telescope is sporting a wide 80mm aperture, so you can get a great view of most objects without any hassle.
Key Features:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Comfortable eyepiece prism
- Includes two Kellner eyepieces
- High-powered scope
- Comes with case and tripod
Celestron 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope
Here’s another great model from Celestron. Like the brand’s other high-end telescopes, this one is equipped with a computerized mount and easy-to-use remote. Use it to automatically point to objects in the database. Or, take a tour of the best viewable objects from your location.
If you’d rather find things yourself, you can use the red-dot scope. The 114mm objective lens is suitable for deep-sky objects. With the smooth focuser and multiple eyepieces, you can tune into a wide range of celestial objects.
Key Features:
- Computerized mount
- Red-dot finder scope
- Lightweight design
- Wide aperture
- Smooth focuser system
Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 Telescope
If you want more control over your setup, the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 may be for you. It doesn’t come with a mounting system or tripod. However, mounting rings are included so that you can attach it to the base of your choice.
Inside, the telescope is sporting several anti-distortion features for a better image. A doublet objective lens with synthetic fluorite provides exceptional clarity. It prevents chromatic aberration, making the color of your image true to life.
Key Features:
- Dual-speed focuser
- Anti-distortion features
- Adaptable design
- Comes with mounting rings and aluminum case
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Telescope
Also from Sky Watcher is this lightweight travel telescope. Like the previous model from the brand, this telescope doesn’t have a tripod. It does, however, include a durable machined plate and cast aluminum mounting rings.
Body aside, this telescope has some great performance features. It, too, has a doublet objective lens. There’s also a metallic coating to prevent false colors. Pair that with a light baffling feature to reduce stray light and you can get a clear image that rivals telescopes far bigger than this one.
Key Features:
- High-transmission lens coating
- Light baffling
- Dual-speed focuser
- Flexible mounting rings and plate
- Rugged travel case
ToyerBee 70mm Telescope
Ideal for beginners, this telescope from Toyerbee has everything you need to kickstart your astronomy obsession! It’s a powerful telescope that offers up to 150X magnification. Yet, the unit measures less than 12 inches wide with a standard configuration.
That said, you can configure the unit how you want. It comes with two eyepieces plus a lengthy 3X Barlow lens. You can also attach the smartphone adapter and use the wireless remote to take some great astrophotography shots!
Key Features:
- Comes with two eyepieces and Barlow lens
- Mounted scope
- Compact build
- Smartphone adapter and remote
- Easy to use and set up
Best Portable Telescopes Buying Guide
Telescopes have come a long way since Galileo’s time. They are more efficient and feature-rich than ever before. Plus, simple designs make them accessible to even the youngest astronomers.
That said, if you’re new to the world of amateur astronomy, choosing the best portable telescopes for you is a tall order. With so many confusing specs and features to choose from, it can get overwhelming!
With this best portable telescopes buyer’s guide, we aim to break down the knowledge barriers and help you zero in on the perfect telescope for you. Here are some things to consider as you shop.
Types of Portable Telescopes Available
The first thing to think about is the type of telescope you want. The core design of the unit will have a big impact on its portability and clarity.
Reflector Telescopes
One of the most common types of telescopes available is a reflector telescope. There are many subcategories that astronomers use to describe how the device works. But they all share one thing in common: mirrors.
Mirrors work to reflect and focus light on the eyepiece for viewing. The simplest type is the Newtonian telescope. Newtonian reflectors have a large concave mirror and a diagonal secondary mirror.
Then, you have the Cassegrain reflector. Cassegrain telescopes have a large concave mirror and a small convex mirror. There are also Maksutov-Cassegrain reflectors, which have a lens and spherical mirror, and Schmidt-Cassegrain reflectors, which have an aspherical corrector lens.
You don’t have to worry too much about the exact type of reflector telescope you have. This is especially true if you’re just getting started. The main takeaway here is that the mirrors inside a reflector telescope provide good clarity. They don’t cause chromatic aberration like the alternatives.
Refractor Telescopes
Another option is the refractor telescope. These units do not use mirrors. Rather, they rely on a series of lenses to capture light and magnify the image. They can lead to chromatic aberration, which can cause some slight distortion when you’re looking through the eyepiece.
But, these portable telescopes have the added benefit of durability. The lenses are fixed, which reduces the chance of accidental displacement.
Dobsonian Telescope
Dobsonian telescopes are a type of reflector telescope. However, these models deserve some special attention. They are often considered to be one of the better choices if portability is a priority.
They consist of a large optical tube and a sturdy base. Because the tube is so large, these telescopes can collect a lot of light without having the considerable length that other models have. They’re usually more compact, making them easy to carry to your stargazing destination.
Telescope Capabilities
The last thing you want is to get a low-powered telescope that can’t even provide a clear view of the moon! There’s a slew of specifications that you can learn about. But for the best portable telescopes, there are three main details to look into.
The first is the aperture. The aperture refers to the diameter of the objective lens, which is the first lens light hits when it enters the telescope. The size of this lens affects the telescope’s light-gathering abilities. A wider aperture is always preferred. Large-diameter telescopes allow more light in, resulting in a brighter image.
Next, you’ll want to focus on the focal length. This is the distance between the objective lens and the focal plane where the image is formed. It directly affects magnification power. With a longer focal length and tube assembly, you’re going to be able to get up close and personal with the celestial bodies you’re targeting.
Finally, there’s the focal ratio. Also known as the F-ratio, this is the measurement that you’ll find on most optical devices. Without getting too much into the technical side of things, it represents the clarity of the image. You can determine a telescope’s focal ratio by dividing its focal length by the aperture. A lower focal ratio means that you’re getting a brighter and clearer image.
Eyepiece and Focus
After the light has bounced around the telescope, it exits through the eyepiece. Many models come with a collection of telescope eyepieces to choose from. This is a good thing!
Different eyepieces provide varying degrees of magnification. They can also affect the field of view. Having several eyepieces to choose from will make it easier to get the perfect view.
You can also look for models with a Barlow lens and integrated focuser. The Barlow lens will increase the focal length a bit for more magnification. They can be used in tandem with a standard eyepiece. Meanwhile, the focuser will move the eyepiece up and down. Everyone’s eyes are different, so you can use the focuser to make minute adjustments to improve clarity.
Base and Mount System
You’re going to need a durable yet portable base. A standard tripod is a must-have. They’re easy to set up and can keep the telescope steady while you’re viewing objects.
Also, pay attention to the mounting system. Standard altazimuth mounts let you move the telescope vertically and horizontally. Meanwhile, an equatorial mount compensates for the Earth’s rotation and has a separate component to contend with.
Scope
A standalone finder scope will let you get a better idea of where to point your telescope. Usually mounted on the side of the tube assembly, spotter scopes have a lower magnification. This allows you to use other celestial objects for reference.
Some units come with a standalone travel scope, which can also be useful. Though, they are just one extra thing to carry.
Portability Features
Travel cases, folding tripods, and other portability features can make stargazing stress-free. Larger telescopes may require some assembly on-sight. This will take away some time that you could use to focus your instrument.
Plus, those telescopes are often bulky and difficult to carry. Stick with compact models that you can lug over your shoulder during your trek!
Useful Extras
Many telescopes come with some handy additional features. While not necessary, they can make your ventures even more enjoyable.
You can get astrophotography mounts to get high-quality images with a camera or smartphone. They usually take the place of the eyepiece, eliminating any challenges that come with shooting an image through those additional lenses.
You can also get a computerized telescope. These high-tech devices can connect to your smartphone, read the night sky, and automatically point to objects in the sky. More advanced models may even point towards deep-sky objects!
There’s no better way to gain some insight into the universe above than through the lens of a telescope. The best portable telescope will let you observe the mysteries of the night sky away from all the light pollution of your neighborhood. They’re perfect for camping trips, hikes up a mountain, or treks through a desolate field.
Wherever you take it, these telescopes will let you be one with the stars! Check out our recommended picks and use our best portable telescopes buyer’s guide to find one that’s right for you. You won’t regret it!