5 Best Portable Telescopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

Portable telescopes are a great way to bring the wonders of the night sky closer, no matter where you are. These compact devices are designed for easy transport, making stargazing accessible in various locations. With advancements in technology, even portable models can offer impressive clarity and magnification.

When choosing a portable telescope, consider factors like size, weight, and ease of setup. Lighter models are easier to carry, but they should also be stable and durable. Additionally, look at the aperture size, which determines how much light the telescope can gather, affecting the quality of your observations.

Pay close attention to the mount as well; it should be sturdy and quick to assemble. Focusing mechanisms and lens quality are also crucial. Understanding these key aspects will help you select a telescope that meets your needs and ensures a great stargazing experience.

Best Portable Telescopes

Here is our complete list of the best portable telescopes. These options are great for stargazing on the go.

Want to learn more?

Here are our portable telescope reviews.

1. Celestron Travel Scope 70DX

A great choice for beginners seeking a portable and user-friendly telescope for both celestial and terrestrial observations.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy smartphone integration
• Includes multiple accessories

Cons

• Tripod stability issues
• Limited fine-tuning for precision
• Not as clear as high-end models

The Celestron Travel Scope 70DX is perfect for those who are new to astronomy and need a telescope that is easy to carry. Its 70mm objective lens allows for clear views of both the night sky and daytime scenery.

You can easily connect your smartphone to take pictures through the eyepiece, thanks to the included adapter and Bluetooth shutter release. This makes it simple to capture and share your observations. The bundle comes with two eyepieces and a Barlow lens, enhancing your viewing experience.

Despite its many features, the tripod can be a bit shaky, making it hard to focus on objects precisely. This telescope offers good value for beginners but may not meet the needs of advanced users looking for higher clarity and stability.

2. Celestron Travel Scope 80

A great choice for both kids and adults due to its manageable size and ease of use.

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Sharp, clear images
• Quick setup

Cons

• Basic tripod
• Limited accessories
• Instructions could be better

This telescope is perfect for beginner stargazers. It’s lightweight and easy to assemble.

The optical quality is impressive with clear and crisp images. The 80mm lens helps gather enough light for great viewing.

The included smartphone adapter is a fun feature. It allows you to easily capture photos of the night sky. The carrying backpack makes it convenient to take along on trips.

3. Celestron Travel Scope 70

This telescope is a good choice for beginners and families looking for easy, portable stargazing.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to set up and use
• High-quality, fully-coated optics

Cons

• Tripod can be wobbly
• Limited view for advanced stargazing
• Manual focus may be tricky for some users

This Celestron Travel Scope 70 offers a great balance of quality and portability. It weighs just 3.3 pounds, so you can take it anywhere. Setting up is quick and doesn’t require tools.

The 70mm objective lens provides clear and bright views of the night sky. With two eyepieces included, you can see celestial objects up close. The added coatings on the lens enhance light transmission, making your viewing experience sharper.

Packing up the telescope is simple, thanks to the included travel backpack. This makes it a perfect companion for trips and outdoor activities. The provided astronomy software is a nice bonus for anyone eager to learn more about the stars.

4. Koolpte Telescope

This telescope stands out for its sturdy build, impressive optical quality, and user-friendly design.

Pros

• Excellent optical performance
• Stable and smooth mount
• Includes phone adapter and wireless remote

Cons

• Might be bulky for some users
• Some parts may require frequent adjustments
• Not the lightest option available

The Koolpte Telescope offers a powerful optical performance with its 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length. This ensures that you get clear and sharp views of deep space objects.

Its Vertisteel Altazimuth Mount provides a stable base and allows for precise and easy adjustments of the lens. This makes it easier to track and observe celestial objects without much hassle.

The included phone adapter and wireless remote provide a convenient way to capture and share your observations. This eliminates the need to touch the telescope, ensuring more stable images.

5. Meonddizio 80X100 Monocular Telescope

The Meonddizio 80X100 Monocular Telescope is a great option for anyone looking for a portable, high-quality monocular for outdoor activities.

Pros

• Powerful 80X magnification for detailed viewing.
• Comes with a stable tripod and smartphone holder.
• Compact and lightweight, easy to carry.

Cons

• Some users may find the magnification less powerful than advertised.
• Might be too large for pocket storage.
• May require frequent adjustments for optimal focus.

This monocular provides clear, bright images with its advanced optical system. It’s ideal for activities like bird watching, hiking, and camping. If you enjoy sharing your adventures, the smartphone holder makes it easy to capture and share moments. The compact design means it won’t weigh you down on your travels.

It’s equipped with extra features like a rubber case and lens cap for protection. The design accommodates eyeglass wearers, adding convenience. The wide-angle view enhances your experience, making it more enriching in various environments.

Portable Telescope Buying Guide

When choosing a portable telescope, consider the telescope’s aperture. The aperture size affects how much light the telescope gathers. Larger apertures provide clearer and more detailed images. Aim for at least 70mm for stargazing, but if you want more precision, a larger aperture can be beneficial.

Don’t overlook the focal length. This determines your telescope’s magnification power and field of view. A longer focal length gives higher magnification, ideal for observing planets. However, shorter focal lengths are useful for viewing larger celestial objects like star clusters.

Mounts are crucial for stable viewing. Alt-azimuth mounts are simple and good for beginners since they move horizontally and vertically. Equatorial mounts are more advanced, following the Earth’s rotation, which is better for long observing sessions or astrophotography.

Look at the portability factor. You’ll need a telescope that is lightweight and easy to carry. Check the weight and if the telescope comes with a carrying case. Compact designs and easy setup are bonuses.

Ensure the optical quality is high. Look for multi-coated optics to reduce glare and improve image clarity. Quality optics make a big difference in viewing experience.

Lastly, consider accessories included. Essential accessories can be eyepieces, a finderscope, and a tripod. Some packages come with additional filters or software, which can enhance your stargazing experience.

Choose wisely based on your needs and budget. Happy stargazing!