Finding the perfect portable telescope can transform your stargazing experience, allowing you to capture celestial wonders from your backyard or a remote dark sky site. The right balance of aperture, portability, and ease of use is key for both beginners and seasoned observers. This roundup focuses on telescopes that are designed for travel without sacrificing optical performance.
We have selected ten standout models that cater to a range of needs, from simple manual setups for kids to advanced computerized systems for serious hobbyists. Each telescope on this list offers a unique combination of features to help you find the ideal instrument for your astronomical adventures.
Our Top Picks for Portable Stargazing Telescopes
- Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope
- Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope for Beginners
- Orion 10034 GoScope II 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope Moon Kit
- Celestron – 60LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope
- Telescope, 70MM Aperture Kids Telescope with 2 Eyepieces
- Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope with 2 Plossl Eyepieces
- Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 130P Collapsible Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian
- Celestron – NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope – Newtonian Reflector
- Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope
This Gskyer model is an excellent starting point for new astronomers. Its 70mm aperture and fully coated optics provide bright, clear views of the Moon and planets, making initial observations impressive and straightforward. The package includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, offering a range of magnification options to suit different viewing conditions.
Beyond the optics, this telescope is designed for the modern user. It comes with a smartphone adapter and a wireless camera remote, allowing you to capture images and share your observations easily. The included carry bag adds to its portability, making it simple to take on trips for stargazing away from city lights.
Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 stands out with its compact, tabletop design that requires no tripod. Its substantial 4.5-inch aperture gathers a significant amount of light, providing bright and detailed views of celestial objects. The fast f/4 focal ratio is particularly good for observing wide-field targets like star clusters and nebulae.
This reflector telescope ships with a pre-assembled, low-profile swivel base that offers smooth manual pointing and tracking. Its grab-and-go nature makes it perfect for spontaneous observing sessions from your backyard or a portable setup at a dark sky location.
Orion 10034 GoScope II 70mm Refractor Travel Telescope Moon Kit
Built for adventure, the Orion GoScope II is a true travel telescope. The complete kit includes a 70mm refractor optical tube, a lightweight aluminum tripod, and a specially designed backpack that holds everything securely. This makes it incredibly easy to transport for camping, hiking, or family vacations.
The 400mm focal length telescope performs well for both daytime and nighttime use. You can observe wildlife and landscapes during the day, then turn it toward the Moon and bright planets after sunset. Its versatility and rugged portability make it a favorite for users who are always on the move.
Celestron – 60LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope
For those who want technology to guide their stargazing, the Celestron 60LCM is a compelling choice. This computerized telescope can automatically locate and track over 40,000 celestial objects using its GoTo mount. This feature is a major advantage for beginners who may find the night sky overwhelming.
Alignment is simplified with Celestron’s SkyAlign technology; you simply center three bright objects in the eyepiece. The hand control also includes a helpful Sky Tour function that generates a list of the best objects to view based on your location and time, creating a guided tour of the cosmos.
Telescope, 70MM Aperture Kids Telescope with 2 Eyepieces
Designed with young astronomers in mind, this 70mm refractor telescope is an ideal STEM gift. Its fully coated optics provide clear, bright images that can spark a lifelong interest in science and space. The setup process is straightforward, allowing kids to get started with their observations quickly.
The package includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens to vary magnification, along with a finder scope to help locate targets. Its durable construction and user-friendly design make it a safe and engaging first telescope for children to learn the basics of astronomy.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 8SE represents a significant step up in power and technology. Its large 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube gathers an immense amount of light, revealing fine details on planets and deep-sky objects like galaxies, all while maintaining a relatively portable form factor.
This telescope features a fully automated GoTo mount controlled by the NexStar+ hand controller, which accesses a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. After a simple alignment, the telescope will slew to and track your chosen target, making advanced astronomy accessible and convenient.
Meade 50mm AZ-P Altazimuth Refractor Telescope
The Meade 50mm AZ-P is a straightforward, beginner-friendly refractor telescope. Its 50mm objective lens is capable of providing pleasing views of the Moon, star clusters, and brighter planets. The altazimuth mount allows for intuitive up-down and left-right movement to follow objects across the sky.
This telescope comes with two Plossl eyepieces, which are known for providing good image quality. It also includes Meade’s AutoStar Suite astronomy software, a valuable resource for planning your observing sessions and learning more about the night sky.
Sky Watcher Virtuoso GTI 130P Collapsible Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian
The Sky Watcher Virtuoso GTI 130P combines a generous 130mm aperture with smart portability. Its collapsible tube design reduces the overall size for transport and storage, while the tabletop Dobsonian base provides a stable platform. The fast f/5 optics are excellent for both planetary and deep-sky viewing.
What sets this model apart is its built-in GoTo capability. The motorized mount can automatically find and track celestial objects via a smartphone app, offering computerized convenience in a compact, easy-to-manage package that doesn’t require a separate tripod.
Celestron – NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT offers computerized guidance in a Newtonian reflector design. Its 130mm (5.1-inch) aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability to see detailed views of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and numerous deep-sky objects. Despite its power, it remains relatively compact and portable.
This telescope uses Celestron’s reliable SkyAlign technology for quick setup. The database includes over 4,000 objects, and the motorized mount will accurately locate and track your selections. It’s a solid bridge telescope for those ready to move beyond manual models.
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope
While specific details and an image link were not provided, the Celestron Travel Scope 70 is renowned for its exceptional portability and value. As part of Celestron’s popular travel series, it is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, often coming with a custom backpack.
This 70mm aperture refractor is capable of delivering satisfying views of lunar craters, Jupiter’s Galilean moons, and other bright celestial objects. Its simple altazimuth mount makes it very user-friendly for beginners and travelers who want a capable telescope that won’t weigh them down.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Portable Telescope
Choosing the right portable telescope can feel tricky, but it gets much easier when you know what matters most. I always tell people to forget chasing the biggest numbers and focus on a few key specs that make a scope good for travel and quick viewing sessions. The first thing I look at is the aperture, which is the diameter of the main lens or mirror. This is the telescope’s light-gathering engine. A larger aperture shows you fainter objects and more detail, but it also means a bigger, heavier tube. For a truly portable setup, I find a sweet spot between 70mm and 130mm. This gives you great views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects without turning your scope into a piece of furniture.
Next, consider the mount. A wobbly mount will ruin your experience faster than cloudy skies. For portability, a simple alt-azimuth (up-down, left-right) mount is often the best choice. It’s lightweight, intuitive to use, and quick to set up. Some come as a sturdy tabletop version, which is perfect if you have a solid picnic table or a wide car hood. I avoid flimsy, lightweight tripods that come with some beginner kits; they vibrate with every touch. The mount should feel solid and have smooth motions.
Finally, think about the overall package. How much does it weigh when assembled? Does it come with a carrying case or backpack? Can I set it up in under five minutes without tools? I’ve found that the best portable telescopes for stargazing are designed with the traveler in mind. They often have shorter tubes (like Maksutov-Cassegrains or compact reflectors) that pack a lot of power into a small space. Don’t forget about the eyepieces! A couple of decent quality eyepieces (like a 25mm for wide views and a 10mm for higher magnification) are worth more than a bag full of cheap ones. By balancing aperture, a stable mount, and a thoughtful design, you’ll find a scope that makes it easy to enjoy the night sky from anywhere.
FAQ
What makes a telescope “portable”?
For me, portability is about speed and convenience, not just size. A portable telescope is one I can carry in one hand (or in a dedicated backpack), set up in just a minute or two, and start using immediately. It should be light enough that I don’t dread taking it outside. Often, this means a shorter optical tube and a simple, robust mount that doesn’t require a lengthy balancing act.
Can I see planets with a small portable telescope?
Absolutely! Even a small 70mm refractor will show you Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and its four largest moons, and the phases of Venus. The view won’t be like a Hubble image, but the thrill of seeing these worlds with your own eyes is incredible. A stable mount is key here, as it allows you to use higher magnifications to get a better look.
Are tabletop telescopes any good?
They can be excellent! Tabletop models are often the champions of portability. You just need a steady surface to put them on. Their smaller size usually means a shorter focal length, which can give you wonderfully wide views of star clusters and the Milky Way. They are a fantastic, no-fuss option for beginners and seasoned observers who want a quick-viewing scope.
What’s more important, the telescope or the mount?
This is a great question. While the optical tube gathers the light, the mount is what lets you comfortably see it. I’d rather have a modest telescope on a rock-solid mount than a superb telescope on a shaky one. A good mount eliminates frustration and makes finding and tracking objects so much easier, which is why it’s a critical part of any portable setup.
Do I need a GoTo computerized mount for a portable scope?
Not necessarily. Computerized mounts are great for finding faint objects, but they add cost, weight, and require power. For a pure, simple portable experience, I often prefer a manual mount. It helps you learn the sky and is always ready to go. If you want help finding targets, consider a “push-to” model that uses an app on your phone to guide you, keeping the setup lightweight.
What should be my first accessory for a portable telescope?
After a couple of good eyepieces, I always recommend a red flashlight. It preserves your night vision so you can see your equipment without ruining your eyes’ adaptation to the dark. For the actual viewing, a simple star chart app on your phone (set to night mode) is a game-changer for planning your session and identifying what you’re looking at with your portable telescope.