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Travel telescopes are specially designed instruments that cater to the needs of wanderlust-driven astronomers. These versatile devices prioritize lightweight construction, ease of setup, and superior optical quality, enabling enthusiasts to observe celestial wonders from various destinations without the burden of heavy equipment.
Embarking on a journey through the cosmos doesn’t have to be confined to your backyard. Imagine the thrill of gazing at distant stars, planets, and nebulae from breathtaking locations around the world.
To fuel your astronomical adventures on the go, travel telescopes emerge as the perfect companions for stargazers seeking portable and compact solutions without compromising optical performance.
This article presents a carefully curated list of the best travel telescopes, expertly ranked and evaluated based on their portability, performance, features, and value for money.
Best travel telescope for beginners
The best travel telescope for beginners offers a user-friendly and accessible introduction to the world of astronomy. These telescopes are designed with simplicity in mind, providing easy setup, intuitive controls, and clear instructions.
They typically have a good balance between portability and performance, allowing beginners to easily explore celestial objects.
Here are some of them:
1. Celestron Travel Scope 70
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is an excellent option for beginner stargazers. It features a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable.
With a 70mm aperture, it offers good light-gathering capabilities for observing celestial objects. The telescope comes with two eyepieces, providing different magnification options and a convenient backpack for easy transportation.
You can use the same eyepieces across multiple telescopes of the same size.
2. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector is a user-friendly telescope suitable for beginners. It boasts a 4.5-inch aperture, allowing for clear and detailed views of the moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.
The tabletop design provides stability, and its simple altazimuth mount facilitates smooth movements. The telescope includes two eyepieces and a red dot finder for easy object locating.
3. Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor
The Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor is a beginner-friendly travel telescope. Its 70mm aperture and fully coated optics deliver sharp views of celestial objects.
The altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls ensures smooth tracking. The telescope has two eyepieces, a red dot finder, and a sturdy tripod for stable viewing.
Best travel telescopes for stargazing overall
The best travel telescopes for stargazing excel in providing impressive views of celestial wonders during stargazing sessions. Consider factors such as aperture size, optical design, mount type, and portability when choosing the best travel telescope for your stargazing adventures.
Here are some recommended options:
4. Celestron NexStar 5SE
The Celestron NexStar 5SE is a compact, powerful travel telescope perfect for stargazing. Its 5-inch aperture and high-quality optics provide excellent views of celestial objects.
The telescope features a computerized mount, allowing for automatic object tracking and easy navigation. Its portable size and sturdy tripod make it a great choice for stargazers on the move.
Read the full review here: Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope
5. Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P
The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P is a tabletop Dobsonian telescope renowned for its impressive performance in stargazing. It boasts a 130mm aperture, offering remarkable light-gathering capabilities.
This telescope provides sharp and detailed views of planets, stars, and even some deep-sky objects. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, and its simple altazimuth mount ensures smooth movements.
You may also like: Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P Review (Read Before Purchase!)
6. Orion StarMax 90mm Mak-Cass Telescope
The Orion StarMax 90mm Mak-Cass Telescope is a versatile travel telescope suitable for stargazing enthusiasts. It features a 90mm aperture and a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, which delivers high-resolution views of celestial objects.
The telescope comes with a sturdy equatorial mount, allowing for precise tracking and smooth movements. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it ideal for travel.
Best travel telescopes for astrophotography
The best travel telescopes for astrophotography combine portability and excellent imaging capabilities, allowing enthusiasts to capture stunning celestial images while on the go.
These telescopes are designed with features specifically tailored for astrophotography, such as wide apertures, low-dispersion glass, and precise tracking mounts.
Capture beautiful celestial images with your DSLR camera using compatible telescope adapters.
Below are some top choices:
7. Celestron Advanced VX 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain
The Celestron Advanced VX 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is a versatile choice for astrophotography. Its 8-inch aperture and Schmidt-Cassegrain design provide excellent light-gathering capabilities and sharp image quality.
The telescope comes with a sturdy equatorial mount that offers precise tracking for capturing long-exposure images of celestial objects.
Its portability and compatibility with various astrophotography accessories make it a top choice for traveling astrophotographers.
8. Orion ED80T Carbon Fiber Refractor
The Orion ED80T Carbon Fiber Refractor telescope is a lightweight and compact option for astrophotography on the go. With its 80mm aperture and premium extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, it delivers high-contrast and sharp images.
The telescope’s carbon fiber tube reduces weight and thermal expansion, ensuring stability during long exposure captures.
It is compatible with various astrophotography accessories, making it a versatile choice for travel.
9. Sky-Watcher Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO Refractor
The Sky-Watcher Esprit 100mm ED Triplet APO Refractor is a premium travel telescope for astrophotographers seeking exceptional image quality.
Its 100mm aperture and triplet lens design provides superb color correction and high-resolution images.
The telescope comes with a robust equatorial mount, offering precise tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.
Its compact size and portable design make it suitable for traveling to dark-sky locations.
Best travel telescopes for kids
The best travel telescope for kids combines user-friendly features, durability, and educational value, providing young astronomers with an exciting and immersive stargazing experience.
They spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and create unforgettable astronomical memories for budding young astronomers.
Here are some telescopes to consider:
10. Celestron 76mm Classic FirstScope Telescope
The Celestron FirstScope Telescope is an excellent choice as a travel telescope for kids. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy for young astronomers to handle and transport.
This tabletop telescope has a 76mm aperture, providing clear views of the moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. The simple and user-friendly design makes it ideal for beginners, including children, who are just starting their journey into astronomy.
The FirstScope comes with two eyepieces offering different magnification options, allowing kids to explore objects at varying distances.
11. Meade Instruments Infinity 50mm AZ Refractor Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 50mm AZ Refractor Telescope is another great option for kids interested in astronomy. With a 50mm aperture and a focal length of 600mm, this refractor telescope provides sharp and clear views of celestial objects.
Its Altazimuth (AZ) mount allows for easy manual tracking and movement, making it simple for kids to navigate the night sky. The lightweight and compact design makes it convenient to transport and set up, making it suitable for travel.
You may also like: Best Telescopes for Kids in 2023 (Read Before Purchase)
Best travel telescopes for adults
The best travel telescope for adults empowers experienced astronomers to explore the night sky with enhanced clarity and convenience, enabling them to delve deeper into the wonders of the universe.
12. Celestron NexStar 6SE
The Celestron NexStar 6SE is an excellent choice for adult stargazers looking for a powerful and portable telescope. It features a 6-inch aperture, providing impressive views of celestial objects.
The telescope comes with a computerized GoTo mount, enabling automatic object tracking and easy navigation.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it convenient for travel, while its sturdy tripod ensures stability during observation sessions.
Read the full review here: NexStar 6SE Telescope Review
13. Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian
The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian telescope is popular among adult astronomers. With its 8-inch aperture, it offers exceptional light-gathering capabilities for detailed views of celestial objects.
The Dobsonian mount provides smooth movements, and the telescope’s sturdy build ensures stability during stargazing sessions.
Its large aperture and ease of use make it a rewarding choice for adult stargazers.
You may also like: Orion SkyQuest XT8 Review (#1 Beginner Telescope)
14. Meade LX90-ACF 10-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain
The Meade LX90-ACF 10-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is a premium option for adult stargazers seeking advanced features and superior performance.
Its 10-inch aperture and ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) optics deliver impressive image quality and high-resolution views. The telescope has a computerized GoTo mount, allowing for automated object tracking and precise navigation.
Its sturdy build and advanced features make it a favorite among serious adult astronomers.
Best portable travel telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies
The best portable travel telescope for viewing planets and galaxies offers exceptional optics and portability, allowing astronomers to witness the beauty of celestial objects in remarkable detail.
These telescopes typically feature moderate to large apertures, enabling excellent light gathering for clear views of planets, moons, and distant galaxies.
Here some recommended options to consider:
15. Celestron NexStar 8SE
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a highly recommended portable travel telescope for observing planets and galaxies. Its 8-inch aperture gathers ample light for detailed views of celestial objects.
The telescope features a computerized GoTo mount, providing automated object tracking and easy navigation.
It has a compact size and lightweight design, making it suitable for travel. The sturdy tripod ensures stability during observation sessions.
You may also like: Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope Review
16. Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
The Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is a highly regarded choice for astronomers seeking a portable and versatile instrument.
With its 127mm aperture and Maksutov-Cassegrain design, this telescope delivers impressive views of celestial objects with excellent sharpness and contrast.
The compact and lightweight construction makes it convenient for travel, allowing users to easily transport and set up the telescope in different locations.
Equipped with a sturdy and stable mount, it provides smooth and precise movements for tracking celestial targets.
17. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor is a top-tier choice for astronomers seeking exceptional optical performance in a portable package.
With its 72mm aperture and apochromatic doublet design, this refractor telescope delivers stunningly clear and crisp views of celestial objects.
The high-quality optics minimize chromatic aberration, ensuring accurate color representation and sharp details.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel, allowing users to easily transport and set up the telescope in different observing locations.
However, one drawback of the Evostar telescope is its lack of included accessories, such as a diagonal or eyepiece, so you’ll need to purchase them separately for visual work.
To enhance your astrophotography experience, you might want to consider investing in additional accessories like a focal reducer and a 2″ to 1.25″ adapter.
Best portable travel telescopes for camping
Portable telescopes are essential for on-the-go stargazing enthusiasts. These telescopes are specifically designed to be lightweight and easy to pack, making them convenient for camping trips.
They are often ruggedly built to withstand outdoor conditions and may come with protective carrying cases for added safety. Explore the night sky at a dark sky site. If you are observing the sun, safely observe it with a solar filter designed for your portable telescope.
Here are some of the best portable telescopes for your astronomical adventures:
18. Celestron Travel Scope 80 Portable Telescope
The Celestron Travel Scope 80 is an excellent choice for camping enthusiasts who want a portable telescope for observing planets and galaxies.
With its 80mm aperture, it offers good light-gathering capabilities. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and set up during camping trips.
19. Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope is a compact and versatile option for camping and viewing planets and galaxies. It features a 6-inch aperture, providing impressive views of celestial objects.
A compact telescope is perfect for travelers seeking convenience and portability.
The telescope’s tabletop design offers stability, and the intuitive altazimuth mount ensures easy navigation.
Its portable and lightweight construction makes it ideal for camping trips and stargazing adventures.
20. Sky-Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Aperture Telescope
The Sky-Watcher Classic 150 Dobsonian 6-inch Aperture Telescope is a highly regarded choice for astronomy enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet powerful telescope.
With its 6-inch aperture and Dobsonian design, this telescope offers impressive light-gathering capabilities, allowing for excellent views of celestial objects.
The sturdy and easy-to-use Dobsonian mount provides smooth movements and effortless tracking, making it suitable for beginners and experienced observers alike.
Best portable travel telescopes for deep space
The best portable travel telescopes for deep space exploration offer impressive optical performance and portability, allowing astronomers to observe distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters with remarkable clarity.
Here are some telescopes to consider:
21. Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
The Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope is a portable telescope renowned for its deep space observing capabilities. Its large 10-inch aperture captures significant light, revealing intricate details of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep sky objects.
The IntelliScope system assists in locating and tracking celestial targets. While slightly bulkier than other portable options, it still offers relative ease of transport and setup for dedicated observers.
22. Sky-Watcher Quattro 10-inch Imaging Newtonian
The Sky-Watcher Quattro 10-inch Imaging Newtonian is a high-performance portable travel telescope specifically designed for deep-space astrophotography. Its 10-inch aperture and fast focal ratio allow for impressive imaging of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
The telescope’s sturdy build and precise dual-speed Crayford focuser ensure stable and accurate tracking during long exposure astrophotography.
Though larger in size, it provides excellent portability for photographers seeking exceptional deep space imaging capabilities.
23. Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor
The Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor is a premium portable travel telescope designed for deep space astrophotography. Its 120mm aperture and advanced triplet lens design deliver exceptional image quality and color correction.
This is ideal for capturing intricate details of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
The telescope comes with a sturdy equatorial mount, ensuring precise tracking during long-exposure astrophotography.
While slightly larger, it provides excellent portability for astrophotographers seeking outstanding deep space imaging capabilities.
Best cheap travel telescopes for deep space
The best cheap travel telescopes for deep space exploration offer an affordable yet capable option for aspiring astronomers on a budget.
These telescopes balance affordability and performance, allowing users to delve into the wonders of deep space without breaking the bank.
Here are some recommended options:
24. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ
The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an affordable travel telescope suitable for deep space observations on a budget. Its 127mm aperture captures sufficient light for viewing galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
The telescope features an equatorial mount that allows for smooth tracking and precise manual adjustments.
While it may not have advanced features like computerized GoTo, its affordability and portability make it a great entry-level option for deep space exploration.
You may also like: Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Review (Before Purchasing)
25. Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor
The Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor is a compact, affordable travel telescope suitable for deep space observations. Its 102mm aperture offers good light-gathering capabilities for observing galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial objects.
The telescope has an altazimuth mount for easy navigation and a sturdy tripod for stability during observation sessions. Its lightweight design makes it convenient for travel, particularly for beginners or those on a budget.
26. Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector is an economical option for deep space exploration. Its 130mm aperture provides clear views of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
The telescope’s equatorial mount enables precise tracking and smooth movements.
While it requires some assembly and adjustments, it offers excellent value for the price. It is suitable for amateur astronomers looking to delve into deep space observations without breaking the bank.
27. Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
The Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is a fantastic choice for astronomers seeking a compact, lightweight option for on-the-go observations.
With its 100mm aperture and reflector design, this telescope offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing for detailed views of celestial objects. The altazimuth mount provides easy and intuitive control, making it ideal for beginners and casual observers.
The telescope’s portable size makes it convenient for travel and outdoor adventures, fitting easily into backpacks or carry-on luggage.
It comes with a sturdy tripod that offers stability and steady tracking.
Read also: Zhumell Telescopes: Complete Model Lineup (Explained!)
FAQs about travel teslescopes
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel telescopes:
What are the best Celestron travel telescopes?
Some of the best Celestron travel telescopes include:
What is the best travel telescope mount?
The best travel telescope mount depends on your specific needs and preferences.
However, here are a few popular options to consider from different brands:
What is the best travel telescope camera?
The best travel telescope camera depends on your specific imaging goals and preferences.
Here are a few popular options from different brands:
- Canon’s EOS Rebel series, such as the Rebel T7i or Rebel T8i.
- ZWO ASI camera models like the ZWO ASI294MC Pro or ASI183MM. Pro
- Sony’s Alpha series, like the Alpha A7S III.
How do I travel with a telescope?
Traveling with a telescope requires careful planning and preparation.
Here are some essential tips to help you travel with a telescope:
- Choose a compact and lightweight portable telescope
- Use protective cases or padding for secure transportation
- Disassemble the telescope, tripod, and mount and pack them properly
- Check airline regulations for carrying telescopes if traveling by air
- Securely fasten the tripod and mount during car travel
- Consider portable power options for computerized mounts
- Research and select observing locations with minimal light pollution for optimal stargazing experience.
You may also like: Can I take a telescope as hand luggage?
Takeaway: Enjoy stargazing on the go with a portable travel telescope
Selecting a good portable telescope is crucial for astronomy enthusiasts who want to explore the night skies while on the go.
If you’re a beginner looking for an entry-level option, an astrophotographer seeking to capture stunning celestial images, or an adult seeking a portable telescope for stargazing, there are excellent choices available to suit your specific needs.
We have explored a range of travel telescopes, including those for beginners, stargazing, astrophotography, adults, viewing planets and galaxies, and even camping.
Each telescope offers unique features and advantages, ensuring an enjoyable, immersive experience under the stars.
The optical tube of a portable telescope is crucial for capturing clear and detailed views. Enjoy a compact tube design for easy transportation and storage.
Remember to consider factors such as aperture size, mount type, portability, and your budget when selecting.
With the right travel telescope in hand, you can embark on remarkable astronomical adventures, witness captivating celestial objects, and deepen your understanding of the vast universe.
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