The Best Portable Telescope For Beginners For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Portable Telescope For Beginners
Best Portable Telescope For Beginners

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

This telescope is equipped with a powerful 70mm objective lens and fully-coated glass optics for brighter, more detailed views of the night sky. It also comes complete with a full-height tripod, bonus accessories and a custom backpack to carry it all. Read Review

2. Runner Up: HEXEUM 70mm Portable Telescope

Featuring 500mm(f/7.1) focal length and 70mm aperture, this telescope provides stunning views and protects your eyes with excellent quality optics. Comes complete with two excellent-quality eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter, an adjustable aluminum tripod, wireless remote control and carrying bag. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Celestron 127EQ Portable Telescope

With its adjustable-height tripod, erect-image eyepiece and 4mm lens, you can observe celestial objects from afar with incredible clarity. The 3x Barlow lens helps to magnify your view and the Star Pointer Finder makes it easy to locate stars and planets. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: ToyerBee Portable Telescope

This telescope features a 70mm large aperture objective lens, making images brighter and clearer. It also comes with two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm), a 3X Barlow lens, an adjustable tripod, and more. Plus, it even comes with a smartphone adapter and wireless camera remote so you can capture every moment of your journey. Read Review

5. Best Powerful: Celestron DX Portable Telescope

Featuring a refractor-style body, this telescope is ideal for both terrestrial and astronomical observation. Its fully coated glass optics provide vivid images of wildlife, the Moon, planets and more. Plus, it's ultra-portable and comes complete with a manual alt-azimuth telescope with a panhandle, anchored by a steel tripod that you can adjust to your desired height. Read Review

Are you looking for an exciting way to explore outer space? A portable telescope might be just the thing you need! Telescopes provide a unique way to explore the night sky, from galaxies far away to the beauty of the moon and stars. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced stargazer, a portable telescope can make your night sky adventures even more enjoyable. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which telescope is right for you.

Fortunately, there are a few key factors to consider that can help you narrow down your choices and find the best portable telescope for beginners. From budget to portability, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and get the most out of your telescope.

We think the best portable telescope for beginners is Celestron 70mm Travel Scope, with that you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! It has a portable design to easy carry around and has an adjustable tripod to meet all you demands.  To help you find the best fit for your needs, We've put up a purchasing guide and also shown other great options for you to consider, especially HEXEUM 70mm Portable Telescope.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Celestron 70mm Travel Scope
Our Score:
9.7
Celestron

Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.

Large 70mm objective lens: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy.

Bonus bag, tripod, and software: This Celestron telescope and full-height tripod can be taken anywhere in the included travel backpack. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.

Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.

TOP Choice #2 HEXEUM 70mm Portable Telescope
Our Score:
9.5
HEXEUM

Excellent Quality Optics: Astronomical telescope features 500mm(f/7.1) focal length and 70mm aperture, provides stunning views and protects your eyes.18

High Magnification: Our telescope for kids and adults is quipped with two excellent-quality eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) and a 3x Barlow lens.it trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. Also with 5x24 finderscope makes locating objects easily.

Satisfaction Quality: lifetime maintenance. If you have any questions about the product and service, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you in 24 hours!

Portable And Convenient: Comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and carrying bag make it easier for you portable and capture amazing images.

TOP Choice #3 Celestron 127EQ Portable Telescope
Our Score:
9.4
Celestron

Unbeatable and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts

Multiple accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Users can also download BONUS Starry Night Astronomy Software Package

Perfect entry-level telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the new telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power

Compact and portable: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard. Optical Coatings: Aluminum

Manual German equatorial mount: Navigate the sky with our Newtonian Reflector telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob

4 ToyerBee Portable Telescope
Our Score:
9.3
ToyerBee

Satisfaction Service: A 3-year customer service is offered by ToyerBee. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our telescopes and service.

70mm Large Aperture: The telescope is equipped with a 70mm large aperture objective lens which makes the images brighter and clearer. The bigger the aperture is, the bigger the field of vision will be, so you can see clearer images. Professional telescope can help adults&kids view the planets and moon.

15X-150X Magnification: Our refractor telescope is equipped with two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. So you can get magnification from 15X to 150X. Whether watching stars and moon at night or observing planets, ToyerBee telescope is the best helper for kids & adults & astronomy beginners.

Adjustable Tripod: With an adjustable tripod, our astronomical telescope’s height can adjust from 16’’ to 46’’, which can adapt to different view positions. It’s also convenient to be carried when you go out and travel.

Wireless Remote: ToyerBee telescope set includes one smartphone adapter and one wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen. You can take some amazing photos to share with your friends. The telescope is a great astronomy gift to send the astronomy enthusiasts and 8-12 kids.

5 Celestron DX Portable Telescope
Our Score:
9.1
Celestron

Powerful eyepieces for up-close viewing: Our telescope for astronomy beginners is equipped with 2 high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views of celestial objects at night and terrestrial objects during the day.

Large 70mm objective lens: Our refractor telescope is equipped with a large 70mm aperture objective lens that provides enhanced, brighter views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight. Setting up and using the Travel Scope is quick and easy.

Bonus bag, tripod, moon filter, 2x barlow, bluetooth shutter release, smartphone adapter and software: Highly portable and ready for your digiscoping adventures. Also includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.

Superior optics: The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope features high-quality, fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a lightweight frame, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched in its class and against competitors.

Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

6 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Our Score:
8.9
SARBLUE

【Superior Eyepiece】The included high-quality 20mm eyepiece brings 37.5X magnification, providing high-power sharp views on distant objects. You can see any targets more than 8 meters away. Accessories also include a phone adapter, a tabletop tripod and an erect-image diagonal.

【Satisfaction】This Mak telescope that combines power and simplicity requires no-tool super easy setup. It's a perfect gift for kids or adults astronomy beginners. You will also receive one-year hassel-free warranty and 24-hour friendly customer service.

【Compact and Portable】Maksutov-Cassegrain mechanism makes this telescope much more compact than a equivalent refractor or Newtonian. With a long focal length of 750mm, the tube length is only 200mm. Easy to pack and go on a adventure anytime.

7 Celestron 80EQ Portable Telescope
Our Score:
8.7
Celestron

MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES: The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ Telescope features 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), erect image diagonal, finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.

COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.

MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a German Equatorial mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob.

PERFECT BEGINNERS TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power.

8 Celestron Portable Telescope
Our Score:
8.6
Celestron

Custom backpack included to store your telescope and accessories comfortably.

80 mm refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics and a lightweight frame.

Observe in no time with a quick and easy, no-tool setup. / Adjustable height tripod.

Pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch for smooth and accurate pointing.

Accessories include: two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm), erect image star diagonal, finderscope, and a smartphone adapter.

9 Emarth Portable Telescope
Our Score:
8.1
Emarth

【Easy Installation】This beginner telescope for kids 5-7 can be set up very quickly and easily, it also come with the manual, we encourage kids to love learning about space, the Emarth telescope is also a great gift for birthday or Christmas, kids who love science and astronomy must love this gift

【HD Visual Experience & Smartphone Adapter】Now you can use smartphone to take pictures with your cellphone adpter; Two Kellner eyepieces, K10mm: 40X ,K25mm:16X provide the different magnification , using 5x24 finderscope to search stars, erect-image diagonal make the pictures we saw are erect , so that the telescope is not only good to see moon or stats but also great for watching wild lifes

【Portable & Stable】 The Emarth telescope come with an adjustable aluminum tripod and a carrying bag, we can bring our telescope to wherever we want and watch beautiful scenery at any time "

【Excellent Quality Control & Great Outdoor Toys Gift Idea】 We promise you can get a great quality telescope, come to us if you have any dissatisfy, we will bring you back a smile

【70mm Super Large Aperture】 The refractor telescope has a 70mm large aperture objective lens and 360mm (F / 5.1) focal length, which makes the images brighter and clearer.The larger the aperture is, the larger the field of vision will be, so you can see the clearer images. A great kids telescope 10 years old to watch the moon and stars

10 ABOTEC Portable Telescope
Our Score:
7.9
ABOTEC

【Easy to Use】 The telescope is easy to assemble even for astronomy beginners and kids. We have the detailed installation manual and video installation instructions to teach you. Our telescope set includes the upgraded phone adapter and wireless remote. The mobile phone can be attached to the telescope more stably, which is convenient for you to take some amazing photos through your phone. It’s a great astronomy gift for beginners and it will encourage them to love learning about space.

【25X-250X High Magnification】The telescope equipped with 3 eyepieces(K6mm, K10mm, K25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. You can get 25X-250X high magnification with a 500mm focal length. Whether observing moon or viewing planets, our telescope can meet your all needs. It’s a great telescope for adults & 8-12 kids & astronomy beginners.

【Portable & Stable】Our refractor telescope has a bag and an adjustable tripod. All accessories can be packed into the bag, which is convenient for you to carry out. The tripod is stable and the height can adjust from 22” to 48’’, which can be used in many different viewing positions. The tripod also has a tray for easy replacement and storage of eyepieces.

【Satisfaction Service】We provide 3 years satisfaction service. If you are not satisfied with our product or have any questions, please feel free to contact us to get 24-hour technical support from our expert team.

【80mm Large Aperture】The telescope has an 80mm aperture and a fully coated optics glass lens. The big aperture can capture more light, the high transmission optics lens can improve light transmittance and reduce the reflection of light, so the telescopes for adults astronomy will bring you more bright and clear images.

What to Look For in a best portable telescope for beginners?

Different considerations must be taken during the shopping process. Study resources are obtained in a wide variety of ways. Thus, our staff is all here to lend a helping hand, advice, and solutions to your issues.

Please take a closer examination of the features below and that would be beneficial before your purchase of best portable telescope for beginners: 

Objective

The objective is the main light-collecting element of a telescope. A larger objective will allow for greater detail and reveal smaller targets. A reflector design makes it possible to have a larger telescope objective for a more affordable price. However, a refractor with the same size would be expensive.

Portability And Weight

A telescope that is easy to transport and set up takes would be a good choice. You will be less motivated to use your telescope when it is set up and taking too much time.
You'll find it difficult to take a heavy, bulky telescope outside when the temperatures drop. Advanced amateur astronomers build observatories at home to keep their large telescopes up at all times.
Extra-large mounts and telescopes are not recommended for those with health problems or who cannot lift heavy objects. It is better to choose something smaller and lighter. It will be more useful.

Eyepieces

There are many telescope eyepieces on the market. There are many options for magnification and viewing angles. A set of telescope eyepieces allows you to see large areas of the night sky and high magnification views on planets. If taken care of properly, a quality telescope eyepiece will last a lifetime.

Aperture

This aperture is recognizable by photographers. It controls how much light enters the telescope, just like on a manual camera. The aperture is the diameter of either the primary or lens mirror. A telescope with a larger aperture will draw more light, which can result in deeper views. The most important spec to be aware of is F-ratio. For wide-field observation and photography, low f-ratios such as f/4 and f/5 are best. However, high f-ratios such as f/15 make deep-space objects and nebulae easier to capture and see. Both can be done with midpoint f-ratios.

Optical Design

There are many optical options for telescopes. These include reflectors and refractors as well as compound telescopes. Each telescope has its strengths and weaknesses. Refractors are my favorite type of telescope from an astrophotography standpoint, but they might not be the best choice for beginners.
Three types of optics are available for consumer telescopes. They will assist you in achieving three different goals. Refractor telescopes make it easy to focus celestial bodies such as the moon and nearby planets using a variety of glass lenses. Refractor telescopes, also known as Newtonian scopes after their inventor Sir Isaac Newton, swap lenses for mirrors. This allows stargazers to see further into space. The versatile compound telescope combines both of these methods with a compact, portable design that puts it right in the middle.

Mount

There are many types of telescope mounts available. Some even have computerized models that track and follow the movement of the skies. A sturdy Dobsonian or altazimuth mount will make stargazing enjoyable. Telescopes not mounted on a computerized mount should not be moved or adjusted for focus.
An equatorial tracking mounting mount is necessary for astrophotography. The telescope will track objects in night sky when it is properly polar aligned. This will "freeze" an object in space, allowing for long exposure photographs.

FAQs

What is a portable telescope?

A portable telescope is a type of telescope that is compact and lightweight, allowing for easy transport and setup. Portable telescopes can be used for a range of activities, including stargazing, birdwatching, and nature photography.

What are the benefits of a portable telescope?

The main benefits of a portable telescope include the fact that it is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. This also makes it ideal for traveling and camping trips. Portable telescopes are also typically more affordable than larger, more stationary telescopes, allowing more people to enjoy the hobby.

What do I need to consider when buying a portable telescope?

When buying a portable telescope, it is important to consider the type of activities you will be using the telescope for. Different telescopes are best suited for different purposes. For example, if you will be using the telescope for astrophotography, you will need a telescope with a larger aperture and higher magnification. Additionally, consider the size and weight of the telescope to make sure it is portable and easy to transport.

How do I set up a portable telescope?

Setting up a portable telescope is relatively easy. Start by finding a flat, level surface for the telescope to sit on. Then, set up the tripod and place the telescope on it. Attach the telescope to the tripod and make sure it is secure. Finally, adjust the tripod and telescope to the desired angle and focus the telescope.

When the latest info related to best portable telescope for beginners comes available, we will update it as soon as possible. Please check our websites frequently for the most up-to-date research data.

Our team is able to support you with many problems, even the out of best portable telescope for beginners. If you require support with your issues, please do not hesitate to contact us.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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