When choosing the best compact portable telescope for travel, several factors should be considered, such as portability, optical quality, ease of use, and cost. Here are some options that are well-regarded for their compactness and performance:
Celestron NexStar 4SE:
This telescope is popular for its combination of a compact design and computerized mount. The NexStar 4SE provides excellent optics for its size and is relatively easy to set up and use. The computerized mount helps users locate celestial objects effortlessly.
It is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope that offers good portability and excellent optics. It’s computerized, making it easy to locate celestial objects, and relatively lightweight and compact for travel.
Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector:
The StarBlast 4.5 offers good value for its price. It’s a tabletop Dobsonian telescope, making it easy to transport and set up. It provides decent views of both planets and deep-sky objects.
This tabletop telescope provides excellent value for its performance. It’s easy to transport and set up, making it an ideal choice for travelers interested in stargazing.
Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P FlexTube:
This Dobsonian telescope is known for its collapsible design, making it highly portable. It offers a relatively large aperture for its size, allowing for better light-gathering capability and clearer views.
This tabletop Dobsonian telescope offers a good balance between portability and aperture. The design makes it easy to carry, and it provides decent views of the night sky.
Meade Instruments ETX90 Observer:
The ETX90 is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with good optics. It’s lightweight and suitable for both beginners and experienced astronomers. It’s also relatively easy to carry during travel.
The ETX90 is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope that’s easy to take. It offers good optics and is suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observing.
- milky way at dawn
Celestron 21035 Travel Scope 70:
This ultra-compact and affordable refractor telescope is designed specifically for travelers and beginners. While it has a smaller aperture, it’s an excellent introductory option for those looking to explore the night sky during their travels.
It is an ultra-compact and affordable option designed explicitly for travel. It’s a refractor telescope with a 70mm aperture, making it suitable for beginners and casual astronomers.
Vixen Optics A70Lf Refractor:
Vixen Optics is known for its optical quality, and the A70Lf is a compact refractor telescope that provides sharp views. It’s easy to transport and set up, making it suitable for travel.
Vixen is known for producing high-quality optics, and the A70Lf is a compact refractor telescope that’s easy to travel with. It provides sharp views of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain:
The StarMax 90mm is another Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a compact design. It’s praised for its portability and optical performance, particularly for lunar and planetary observations.
Another compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, the StarMax 90mm, offers good portability and optical quality. It’s beneficial for lunar and planetary observation.
Choosing a Telescope for Travel
When choosing a telescope for travel, consider your specific needs and preferences. Factors like the observing you plan to do, the weight and size of the telescope, and budget all play a significant role in your decision. Also, consider investing in accessories like a sturdy tripod, carrying cases, and quality eyepieces to enhance your travel telescope experience.
These telescopes for travel have earned their reputation based on user reviews, expert recommendations, and the specific features they offer. However, the “best” telescope depends on your preferences, budget, and intended use. It’s essential to consider what you want to observe and how portable you need the telescope to be when making your choice. Personal preferences regarding ease of use and setup may also influence your decision.
