Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope

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83%
94%
Portability
89%
Ease of Setup
82%
Optical Quality
92%
Value for Money
75%
Build Quality
67%
Magnification Power
90%
Ease of Use
88%
Included Accessories
78%
Software (Starry Night)
93%
Weight
80%
Customer Support
70%
Durability
More

Overview

The Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope is a great entry-level option for stargazers. This lightweight and compact telescope is designed for easy portability, making it ideal for beginners or anyone looking to explore the night sky. Its 70mm aperture provides clear views of celestial bodies like the Moon and planets, as well as terrestrial landscapes. With a simple setup process, this refractor telescope is a hassle-free way to get started with astronomy. Whether you're a casual observer or a budding enthusiast, this portable telescope is a great choice.

Features & Benefits

This refractor telescope stands out for its fully-coated glass optics, which provide crisp and bright views. The 70mm aperture allows for a wide range of observation, while the included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces offer versatile magnification options. Setup is quick and tool-free, thanks to the included tripod and reflex finderscope. Moreover, the package includes Starry Night software to help users identify stars, planets, and constellations, making it a valuable learning tool. Overall, it offers an excellent balance of quality and ease of use for those new to stargazing.

Best For

The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is an ideal choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use telescope. It is also perfect for families, especially those who want a portable option for travel and outdoor adventures. Whether you're observing the stars or enjoying daytime views like birdwatching, this telescope offers flexibility and convenience. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a great fit for casual stargazers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a simple yet capable telescope for exploration.

User Feedback

Users generally appreciate the portability and ease of setup of this telescope, especially for those new to astronomy. Many find it convenient for both nighttime stargazing and daytime nature watching. However, some note that its magnification is somewhat limited for detailed views of distant objects. Despite this, the image quality, considering the price, receives frequent praise. While it isn't ideal for professional astronomers, the Celestron Travel Scope 70 offers great value for those just starting out or for casual observers.

#Refractors
#Telescopes
#Binoculars & Scopes
#Camera & Photo
#Electronics

Pros

  • The portable design makes it easy to carry and perfect for outdoor adventures.
  • Setup is quick and requires no tools, making it user-friendly for beginners.
  • The 70mm aperture offers bright, clear views of the Moon and planets.
  • Included accessories like the tripod, backpack, and Starry Night software enhance usability.
  • Ideal for casual stargazing and daytime activities like birdwatching or scenic views.
  • Compact and lightweight, it fits easily into small spaces, making it travel-friendly.

Cons

  • Magnification is limited, which may not satisfy users looking for detailed, high-magnification views.
  • The build quality is not suited for heavy-duty use, especially in harsh conditions.
  • Manual focus requires fine-tuning, which might be challenging for users unfamiliar with telescopes.
  • Some users report that the included software is basic and lacks advanced features.
  • The tripod could be more stable for consistent viewing, especially at higher magnifications.
  • Lacks advanced features that more experienced astronomers may expect in a telescope.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple sources, including diverse languages and regions, we provide an honest, aggregated review of the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope. Our scores reflect the overall strengths and areas for improvement as highlighted by real customers. Spam, bot, and off-topic reviews were filtered out to ensure only authentic, high-quality insights are included in the results.

Portability
94%
Many users appreciate how lightweight and compact this telescope is. The included backpack makes it especially convenient for outdoor trips, camping, or travel. It's easy to carry without adding bulk to their gear, which is a big plus for stargazers on the go.
A few users mention that while the telescope is portable, its smaller size may limit the range of features compared to larger, more stationary models. Some find the construction less robust and worry about long-term durability when frequently transporting it.
Ease of Setup
89%
Buyers rave about how easy it is to set up this telescope. The no-tool assembly, along with the included tripod and finderscope, allows users to start stargazing quickly. First-time users particularly enjoy how little time it takes to be ready for use, making it perfect for beginners.
However, a handful of users mention the initial difficulty in aligning the finderscope properly, which can take a little extra time and patience. For some, even with the simple setup, fine-tuning the telescope’s aim isn’t as intuitive as expected.
Optical Quality
82%
18%
The optics are praised for delivering crisp, bright images of the Moon, planets, and terrestrial landscapes. Users appreciate the 70mm aperture, which offers clear views, especially considering the price point. For casual stargazing, this level of optical quality is considered a great balance of affordability and performance.
Some reviewers feel that the image quality doesn’t hold up well at higher magnifications. They report that while the telescope is fine for basic stargazing, it may struggle with more detailed observations, especially when viewing distant celestial bodies.
Value for Money
92%
Most users agree that this telescope provides excellent value for its price. It delivers solid optical performance and portability, making it a fantastic option for beginners. The included accessories, like the tripod and Starry Night software, add even more value for those just starting out in astronomy.
While many are satisfied, a few users feel that the telescope's price could be lower for the features offered. They point out that similar models without extras like software can sometimes be found at a lower price, although they acknowledge that the accessories do add value.
Build Quality
75%
25%
Several users find the build quality to be adequate for the price. The design is lightweight and functional, and the telescope feels solid enough for basic use. The included carrying backpack adds to the overall package, making it practical for occasional transport.
Some users feel the materials feel a bit flimsy, particularly the plastic components. They report occasional concerns about the durability of certain parts, like the tripod and mount, when subjected to frequent use or rough handling.
Magnification Power
67%
33%
For most users, the two included eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) provide adequate magnification for casual stargazing and daytime views. It's easy to switch between them to adjust the view, making it flexible for basic observations.
Some users feel that the magnification power is insufficient for more detailed astronomy. At higher magnifications, the image quality can degrade, and they find that the telescope struggles to provide a clear view of distant objects like planets or deep-space objects.
Ease of Use
90%
Many beginners love the simplicity of using this telescope. With its intuitive manual focus and easy-to-read controls, even those with no prior experience find it straightforward. It’s a user-friendly option for anyone who wants a hassle-free introduction to stargazing.
A few users note that while it's easy to use, the manual focus mechanism can be a little tricky for some, especially when trying to achieve the perfect focus at higher magnifications. They mention it requires a bit of patience and fine adjustments.
Included Accessories
88%
Users love the value provided by the included accessories. The tripod is sturdy enough for basic use, and the carrying backpack makes transport a breeze. The addition of Starry Night software is a bonus, allowing beginners to identify celestial objects easily.
Some buyers wish the tripod were a bit more adjustable or stable for longer viewing sessions. A few also feel that the Starry Night software could offer more in-depth features, as it's geared more toward beginners and lacks advanced options for seasoned users.
Software (Starry Night)
78%
22%
Many find the Starry Night software to be a helpful addition, especially for novice users. It assists in locating celestial objects and provides an easy-to-understand interface for stargazing. It’s a great tool for those who are just starting to explore astronomy.
On the flip side, some users feel the software is too basic and lacks advanced functionality. They mention that it may not be as useful for more experienced astronomers who need more detailed information and tools for in-depth observations.
Weight
93%
The lightweight design is a key selling point for many users. Weighing only 4.2 lbs, this telescope is easy to carry and doesn’t feel cumbersome during use. It's ideal for people who want to bring it on trips or simply need a portable option for casual stargazing.
While the light weight is mostly praised, a few users feel it might compromise some stability during longer viewing sessions, especially in windy conditions. They suggest that heavier models may provide better stability and clearer views under certain conditions.
Customer Support
80%
20%
Many buyers are satisfied with the customer service they receive from the brand. Support is typically responsive to questions, especially when users need help with setup or troubleshooting. The 2-year warranty provides additional peace of mind.
Some users report that customer support can be slow to respond at times, and they feel that the assistance provided doesn’t always resolve their issues. A few even mention that follow-up on more complex inquiries could be improved.
Durability
70%
30%
While primarily used for casual stargazing, some users mention that the telescope feels fairly durable for light use. It stands up well to occasional trips and normal handling, and the plastic construction is not too prone to cracking or breaking.
Others feel that the overall durability is lacking. Frequent use or more rugged conditions might cause wear and tear, particularly on the tripod and other lightweight components. Some worry that it might not withstand years of heavy use without showing signs of deterioration.

Suitable for:

The Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners and casual stargazers looking for an affordable, easy-to-use option. Its lightweight design and compact size make it ideal for users who need a portable solution, such as students with limited space or travelers who want to bring a telescope on camping trips. The included accessories, like the backpack and Starry Night software, enhance its usability for those new to astronomy, allowing them to easily locate celestial objects. Additionally, its simple setup process and user-friendly controls make it perfect for families or individuals who enjoy casual outdoor activities like birdwatching or daytime sightseeing.

Not suitable for:

This telescope may not meet the needs of more experienced astronomers or users seeking high-powered magnification. While it provides clear views at lower magnifications, those looking for detailed, deep-space observations might find it lacking in performance, especially when magnifying distant objects. The build quality, while sufficient for light use, may not hold up well for regular handling in harsh conditions, making it less suitable for frequent or rugged use. Additionally, users expecting advanced features or higher optical quality at this price range may be disappointed, particularly with the limited adjustability of its tripod and the basic nature of the included software.

Specifications

  • Aperture: The telescope features a 70mm aperture, allowing for bright and clear images of the Moon, planets, and landscapes.
  • Focal Length: It has a focal length of 400mm, providing an optimal balance for beginner-level stargazing.
  • Magnification: The telescope includes two eyepieces with magnifications of 20x and 40x for varying levels of zoom.
  • Optical Type: This device uses a refractor optical system, ensuring sharp and clear images.
  • Finderscope: Equipped with a reflex finderscope, this telescope helps users easily locate objects in the sky.
  • Mount Type: The mount type is Altazimuth, offering simple, intuitive control for beginners.
  • Eyepieces: The telescope comes with two eyepieces: 20mm and 10mm for a range of magnifications.
  • Weight: It weighs just 4.2 lbs, making it lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Focus Type: This telescope features a manual focus system, allowing users to adjust the sharpness of their view.
  • Included Accessories: Included in the package are a tripod, backpack, and Starry Night software for celestial object navigation.
  • Warranty: The product comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind for new users.
  • Dimensions: The telescope measures 18 x 7 x 14 inches, making it compact and easy to store.
  • Software: Bonus Starry Night software is included to help users locate and identify celestial objects.
  • Portability: The included backpack allows for easy transport, making this telescope ideal for stargazing on the go.
  • Assembly: The telescope has a quick, no-tool setup process, perfect for beginners with minimal technical experience.
  • Optical Coating: The telescope features fully-coated glass optics, providing sharper and brighter images.

FAQ

This portable telescope is specifically designed with beginners in mind. It features a simple, no-tool setup, and its 70mm aperture provides clear views of the Moon, planets, and landscapes. Its lightweight design and included backpack also make it highly portable, perfect for on-the-go use.

Setting up this refractor telescope is quick and easy. Simply attach the finderscope and tripod, then insert one of the two included eyepieces (20mm or 10mm). No tools are required, making it ideal for beginners. Once set up, align the finderscope with your target and adjust the focus to get a sharp image.

The 70mm aperture of this telescope ensures that it captures enough light to produce bright and clear views of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects. It strikes a good balance between performance and portability, especially for beginner stargazers who want a quality view without the complexity of larger telescopes.

Yes, this portable telescope is not just for stargazing. Its 70mm aperture and lightweight design make it great for daytime activities like birdwatching or enjoying scenic views. Just be sure to adjust the focus for clearer images during the day.

The telescope includes two eyepieces: 20mm (providing 20x magnification) and 10mm (providing 40x magnification). These offer a good range for beginner-level stargazing, though more experienced users may find the magnification a bit limited for detailed views of distant objects.

Yes, this refractor telescope is designed to be lightweight and portable. Weighing just 4.2 lbs, it can easily fit in the included backpack, making it an excellent choice for stargazers who want to take it on the go, whether on trips or to a nearby park.

Yes, the telescope comes with several useful accessories, including a tripod, a finderscope for easy alignment, a backpack for convenient transport, and Starry Night software to help you locate celestial objects. These extras make it even more beginner-friendly.

The telescope features a manual focus system. After setting up the tripod and finderscope, use the focus knob to adjust until you achieve a sharp image. This process is simple, but it may take some practice to perfect, especially for new users.

One limitation that some users mention is its relatively low magnification. While the 20x and 40x magnifications are suitable for beginners, those looking to observe more distant celestial objects in detail might find them lacking. Additionally, the build quality is not as robust as higher-end telescopes.

This telescope is designed primarily for beginners and casual users. Its simple setup and moderate magnification make it ideal for entry-level stargazing but may not meet the needs of advanced astronomers looking for high magnification or more detailed features. It’s great for casual viewing but lacks the advanced capabilities of professional models.