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 - 70mm Travel Scope DX - Portable Refractor Telescope - Fully-Coated Glass Optics - Ideal Telescope for Beginners -
4.2 | 4,740 ratings
Price: 119.95
Last update: 12-29-2024
About this item
THE PERFECT ALL-IN-ONE TELESCOPE KIT: Travel Scope DX features fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, a smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote to capture images PLUS bonus accessories—all in a custom backpack.
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. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
CAPTURE IMAGES AND VIDEO THROUGH THE EYEPIECE: Attach your smartphone to the telescope and use the Bluetooth shutter release to capture & share your own images of the Moon and planets at night or wildlife during the day.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Full-height tripod, Moon filter, 2x Barlow lens, Bluetooth shutter release and smartphone adapter, plus a custom backpack to carry it all. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
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. Observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day.
LARGE 70MM OBJECTIVE LENS: This refractor telescope features a large, 70mm aperture objective lens that provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
CAPTURE IMAGES AND VIDEO THROUGH THE EYEPIECE: Attach your smartphone to the telescope and use the Bluetooth shutter release to capture & share your own images of the Moon and planets at night or wildlife during the day.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Full-height tripod, Moon filter, 2x Barlow lens, Bluetooth shutter release and smartphone adapter, plus a custom backpack to carry it all. You'll also receive a FREE download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 17 x 15 x 52 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 3.3 pounds |
| ASIN | B07VY3CDG7 |
| Item model number | 22035 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
3,122 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #215 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #22 in Telescope Refractors |
| Date First Available | August 3, 2019 |
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
| Country of Origin | China |
Top reviews from the United States
snailmailmike
This little scope has revived my interest in astronomy
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2022rafael
Great deal for the price
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024Lisa M. Frett
Great Value, Easy to Use, Telescope is Good, Tripod Awful
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2022
Lisa M. Frett
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2022
I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the diagonal, spotting scope, and tripod. After reading some of the reviews though, I was prepared for that. I ordered a replacement diagonal and tripod along with the telescope. I was more concerned with the quality of the scope. I was pleased with the scope itself.
The best way to get started is by observing the easier objects. It allows a person to get used to searching the sky, finding the object you're looking for, and enjoying the view. What better subject to begin with than the moon.
The above pictures are of the telescope where I was taking terrestrial photos using a SVBONY SV105 camera. The next was the first picture of the moon with the telescope with my Google Pixel and the smart phone adapter that came with the telescope. As you can see, it needs a lunar filter. Thankfully the telescope came with one. The third image is one taken of the moon with the same Google Pixel phone. This one I still didn't use the filter for, because the Google Pixel has the ability to adjust for the brightness of the moon. I just used my phone's photo ability. The final photo is of trees in the distance taken using the 70mm Travel Scope and the SVBONY SV105 camera.
Images in this review
Mark B. Koenig
Kids first telescope
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024Amazon Customer
I wouldn't buy it again.
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024R. S.
Excellent so far!
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2022Amazon Customer
Good quality
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024