I've had a 8" diameter dobsonian telescope for about 25 years but wanted a smaller scope I could take camping when I didn't feel like dragging the heavy, 4 foot long one with me. I also wanted one I could use as a spotting scope for birding.
There are only two things I don't like about this scope. 1) tripod is way to wimpy. Even on a name brand heavier-duty tripod, it's less stable than a dobsonian. The tripod it comes with is barely adequate. It works best if placed on a sturdy table with the legs extended just far enough to make it less tippy. 2) There is some lense flare when looking at Mars, but this is to be expected for this price of scope. There is also some minor purple fringing around the edge of the moon, but the moon looks so gorgeous thru it that you forget to notice.
Now for what I like:
1) Portability - doesn't kill my back to haul it outside. Sets up in minutes. So easy to take outside, I use it all the time. I'd only haul my big scope out a couple times a year because it was too heavy.
2) The moon looks so AWESOME thru this scope!!!
3) Jupiter: you can see several of the moons. I haven't been able to make out any of the color bands as I kinda can with my bigger scope, but that's to be expected due to the size/cost of this one.
3) Saturn: It's my favorite planet. Even though it looks tiny in this scope, you can see the rings and it's beautiful.
I was able to see the nebula in Orion's sword from the city (I live on the outskirts of Salt Lake City) It was really beautiful on one especially dark night, but most nights it's not dark enough to see it well. I haven't been able to see other nebulas I've looked for. I expect that when I'm able to get away from the city lights I'll be able to see more nebulas and galaxies. (Nebulas and planets thru backyard telescopes don't look like most photos. You don't see the colors. Nebulas look like gray clouds. They can still be beautiful tho).
The eyepieces feel cheap, very light weight, but are surprisingly good. Better than I expected for the price. They have enough eye relief that They work ok with my eyeglasses, but I prefer to take my glasses off when looking thru the scope.
I haven't tried the digiscoping adapter yet, but I've experimented with a similar one on my other scope. Digiscoping is tricky and often not all you hope it'd be, but you might get some good photos of the moon.
I haven't really tried it as a spotting scope yet, other than to look at some leaves at the top of a tree, and expect it'll be good for that. I'm considering buying a zoom eyepiece for that.
All in all, I think this is an amazing scope for the price. Too bad the tripod isn't as good as the scope. If you can get a heavier tripod, you'll love this scope, especially if you can find some dark skies. But even from the city, the Moon, Saturn & Jupiter are so amazing thru this scope.
Celestron - 80mm Travel Scope - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners - Bo
4.2
| 4,748 ratingsPrice: 119.99
Last update: 01-02-2025
About this item
80 mm refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics and a lightweight frame.
Custom backpack included to store your telescope and accessories comfortably.
Observe in no time with a quick and easy, no-tool setup. / Adjustable height tripod.
Accessories include: two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm), erect image star diagonal, finderscope, and a smartphone adapter.
Pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch for smooth and accurate pointing.
Custom backpack included to store your telescope and accessories comfortably.
Observe in no time with a quick and easy, no-tool setup. / Adjustable height tripod.
Accessories include: two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm), erect image star diagonal, finderscope, and a smartphone adapter.
Pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch for smooth and accurate pointing.
Product information
Product Dimensions | 12.7 x 22.5 x 5.6 inches |
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Item Weight | 4.5 pounds |
ASIN | B07J15P2N3 |
Item model number | 22030 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars
4,723 ratings
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #36 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #8 in Telescope Refractors |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 3, 2018 |
Manufacturer | Celestron International |