5 Best Handheld Telescopes (Reviews Updated 2024)

Handheld telescopes are popular among both amateur and experienced stargazers. These compact devices offer a convenient way to observe the night sky without the need for bulky, heavy equipment. They are easy to carry on hikes or trips and provide an excellent introduction to astronomy.

When choosing a handheld telescope, you should pay attention to the optics quality, magnification power, and build materials. Optics quality affects the clarity of your view, while magnification power determines how close objects appear. The build materials should also be durable to withstand frequent use. Comfortable grip and weight are also important to ensure ease of use during extended observations.

Finding the best handheld telescope means balancing these factors based on your personal needs. You can move on to explore specific models that excel in these areas.

Best Handheld Telescopes

Here is our curated list of the best handheld telescopes available. These models provide excellent magnification and portability.

Want to learn more?

Here are our handheld telescope reviews.

1. AMITHER 12×50 Monocular Telescope

This handheld telescope is great for anyone looking for crisp, clear views while on the move.

Pros

• Excellent image clarity
• Easy to carry
• Simple to adjust focus

Cons

• Not ideal for low-light
• Limited field of view
• Only useful for one eye

The AMITHER 12×50 Monocular Telescope provides sharp and clear images, making it a solid choice for bird watchers and adventurers. It’s small and light, so you can take it anywhere without hassle.

Its compact size and easy-to-use focus wheel are standout features. These make it particularly user-friendly, even for beginners.

While the telescope performs well in good light, it may struggle in darker conditions. Its one-eye design also limits its scope, which some users might find less than ideal.

2. Pirate Monocular Telescope

This monocular telescope blends quality with nostalgia, making it a solid choice for anyone fascinated by pirate-themed gear or needing a functional, portable telescope.

Pros

• Adjustable size for easy portability
• High-quality materials including brass and premium leather
• Clear and far-reaching vision with 25x magnification

Cons

• Can be tricky to focus at first
• Appears as a toy at first glance due to its pirate design
• Limited to 270 feet of vision at 1000 yards

Perfect for kids and adults alike, this telescope combines a classic pirate design with real functionality. You can adjust it from 13 inches down to 5.3 inches, making it very portable. It comes with a leather case and a wooden box, ideal for gifting.

The monocular features a brass body and leather grip, which provide a touch of elegance and durability. Its BAK4 prism lens allows for a clear, high-definition view, ensuring that whether you’re bird-watching or stargazing, you’ll get a great experience.

If you’re looking for a unique gift or a reliable travel telescope, this product won’t disappoint. Its ability to switch between a nautical-themed prop and a fully functional telescope sets it apart.

3. Pirate Monocular Telescope

Perfect for those looking to add a touch of adventure and some functional fun to their outdoor activities.

Pros

• Clear and bright viewing through BAK4 prism lens
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Durable and water-resistant metal construction

Cons

• Limited effectiveness for long-distance viewing
• Small size might not meet all expectations
• Some reports of internal parts becoming loose

This Pirate Monocular Telescope offers a bright and clear view, making it easy to spot distant objects. The 25X magnification power is impressive for its size and ensures you won’t miss out on any details in your field of vision.

Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy portability, making it convenient to take on hikes or trips. The brass finish adds a classic touch, perfect for those who enjoy a vintage look.

You should be aware that while it’s sturdy and water-resistant, it’s not meant for heavy rain. Users have also noted that it may not be the best for extreme long-distance viewing, more suited for kids or light-hearted activities.

4. Meonddizio Handheld Telescope

A solid choice for those seeking high-quality handheld telescope for outdoor adventures.

Pros

• High magnification for clear images
• Lightweight and portable design
• Comes with smartphone holder and tripod

Cons

• May not deliver full 80x magnification as advertised
• Some users might find it difficult to focus initially
• Higher price point compared to similar products

The Meonddizio Handheld Telescope offers impressive 80x magnification with a 100mm objective lens. This makes it great for bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

It’s portable and light, comparable to a smartphone in size. This makes it easy to carry around, and the hand strap adds convenience.

This telescope includes a smartphone holder and tripod, ensuring you get steady images. The design and additional accessories make it suitable for various outdoor enthusiasts.

5.Meonddizio 80X100 Monocular Telescope

A great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a compact and powerful monocular.

Pros

• High magnification for detailed views
• Compatible with smartphones for easy sharing
• Compact and easy to carry

Cons

• Some users report the magnification is less than advertised
• Can feel a bit flimsy
• The tripod may not be stable enough for all uses

This telescope offers an 80X100 HD magnification, delivering sharp and colorful images. Great for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

Its excellent optical system utilizes BAK4 prisms and multi-layer green coating, enhancing light and color. The upgraded smartphone holder and tripod make it handy for capturing and sharing your outings.

Despite its features, some users mentioned the magnification isn’t precisely 80X100 as claimed. It is lightweight and compact, making it very portable, but the tripod stability and build quality might fall short for some.

Handheld Telescope Buying Guide

When choosing a handheld telescope, consider these key factors: magnification, objective lens diameter, optical quality, and portability.

Magnification

Magnification defines how much bigger an object appears. Look for telescopes with adjustable magnification settings. High magnification isn’t always better, as it can reduce image brightness and clarity.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter affects light-gathering ability and image sharpness. Larger diameters offer better performance in low light but increase size and weight. Common diameters are 25mm, 30mm, and 50mm.

Optical Quality

Optical quality is crucial for clear images. Look for telescopes with multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and improve light transmission. BaK-4 prisms are preferred over BK-7 prisms for their superior sharpness and light dispersion.

Portability

Portability is important for handheld telescopes. Consider the weight and size for easy carrying and usage. Collapsible models are convenient for travel, while those with rubber grips provide better handling.

Build Quality

Choose telescopes with a durable build. Waterproof and fog-proof models offer protection in different weather conditions. Metal or high-quality plastic bodies ensure long-lasting use.

Ease of Use

User-friendliness is important. Look for telescopes with easy focus mechanisms and clear instruction manuals. Ergonomic designs help in extended use sessions.

Choosing the right handheld telescope involves balancing these factors according to your needs and preferences.