Best Portable Telescopes

Universe has always fascinated us. The mysteries of the sky have always left us mesmerized and the telescopes provide a window to these wonders. That is why It is always great to have the best portable telescopes that we can carry with us anywhere. So that we may enjoy the wonders of the universe wherever we want, whenever we want. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to enjoy the sky’s marvels with a good quality telescope. If you have a good portable telescope, then you can easily and effortlessly set it up outdoors and it would create a wonderful feast for your eyes.

The telescopes give us a beautiful portrayal of the vastness of the universe and the reality of human insignificance against it. It is truly a humbling experience and helps us loose our inflated egos and be in awe of this sparkling marvel that we know as the universe. Since childhood, the mystery of the sky above us had always dazzled us. The best telescope for kids gave our young minds the joy and pleasure of exploring the marvels of the moon, planets and the far galaxies. But a wrong choice of the telescope can destroy this experience and make it bitter. So it is really important that we choose only the best telescopes for enjoying the twinkling sky.

How to choose the best portable telescope?

The difference between a good and bad experience in observing the sky is directly proportional to the quality of the telescope. If the portable telescope is of great quality, you would have experience of the lifetime. If the quality of the telescope is bad then you would start to even have serious doubts about this hobby of observing the sky. So what makes a telescope great. Here are some major factors that you should keep in mind before buying a telescope.

A lot depends upon the type of the telescope:

The telescopes can be broadly divided into 3 types-

Refractor Telescopes: This is the most popular choice among sky gazers. It is economical, can be easily carried and its structure is also great and is of low maintenance. These telescopes are if a curved surface and a parabolic shape. This enables the light to pass through the air to the glass and vice versa. It is a great telescope for less polluted areas and is really great for a night watching the skyline.

Catadioptric Telescopes (compound Telescope): These types of telescopes use lenses and mirrors to get the attention of the light that passes through. It is the most resourceful telescope among the lot. As offers an amazing flexible viewing experience and increases utility.

For Astrophotography, it is the number one choice. It has a huge aperture fixed in a compact tube. It is a computer-operated device and is smooth to operate. The catadioptric telescopes have captured mesmerizing pictures of planets, moon, and far sky objects.

Reflector Telescopes( Newtonian telescopes): If you are interested in planetary viewing and deep star viewing then reflector telescopes are perfect for you. These telescopes have a larger aperture as compare to the other two types of telescopes. The large aperture means that they give a higher resolution. The only drawback they have is that it provides is an upside-down image.

Make sure to check Magnification/ Eyepieces:

For any type of telescope, the eyepiece and the power of magnification are important deterrents. The smaller the size in millimeters of the eyepiece the higher the magnification. The cardinal rule that we should always remember is as the magnification for the eyepiece goes up, the quality of the image it captures goes down.

The Aperture:

The aperture forms the heart of a telescope. The aperture in literal terms means the diameter of the lens and mirror. The lens in the refractor model and mirror in the reflector model. The light collecting ability is what separates a quality telescope from an inferior one. The aperture does this work in the telescopes, therefore you can understand the importance it holds in the telescope. in a nutshell the better the aperture collects light the better you would see the images.

Size of the Telescopes:

When your quest is for finding the best portable telescope, then size carries a lot of weight. Generally, we buy best portable telescopes so that we can carry it outside easily. So the lighter the telescope the better. So always choose a light and compact telescopes, so that you can easily carry it with you anywhere and everywhere. A bulky and heavy telescope can spoil your adventure and can cause you unwanted stress.

Mount Type:

The sky gazing is an adventure and a great hobby. So every aspect related to the telescope is crucial and can make or break your experience. The type of mount is one such aspect. It can make or break your viewing experience. The most common mistake that the new buyers make is neglecting the mount. The best portable telescopes come in two main mount types:

Altazimuth Mount: Although it is the cheaper in the lot it the standard mount. It is a manual mount and the user has to adjust the movement to track the sky. It can move up-down, left and right. Although it has the drawback of not tracking the sky by itself, it is lighter on the pocket.

Equatorial Mount: This type of od mount is perfect for the professionals. It is expensive than the altazimuth mount, but itis really helpful if you are following the stars. It helps you create an accurate map of the same.

Telescope carrying case:

The best portable telescope is all about having a great experience. The focus word in the term best portable telescope is the word “portable”. A convenient carryable case is what makes the carrying of the telescope easy and effortless. If the carrying case is heavy and bulky then the while outdoor experience carrying the telescope becomes a tiresome burden.

Although the whole selection of cases depends upon the type of outing you are planning. If you are a frequent traveler and the travel is usually a bumpy one then it is always advisable to go with the heavy carrying case. But if you are going on a hike or a family outing it is always more fun to carry the telescope in the soft case, that way you carry it light and also eases your ride and outing.

So by keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors and including one very important extra factor the ‘MONEY’ we have assembled for you the best 5 portable telescopes. We have kept in mind the factors that are essential in making a telescope and we have also kept your budget in mind. So please go through our selection and select for you the best-suited telescope for you:

1. Celestron – NexStar 127SLT Computerized Portable Telescope

Compact and Portable – Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design – SkyAlign Technology – Computerized Hand Control – 127mm Aperture

This is the first in the list because the celestron- Nexstar 127SLT is awesome. It is the most popular choice among astronomical photographers. It is really a complete package and is the perfect choice for the best portable telescopes. The factors that make this telescope stand out in the crowd are as under:

• COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it.
• COMPACT AND PORTABLE: A perfect blend for adults and kids alike. It is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere.
• MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL DESIGN: The NexStar 127SLT is the second-largest in the SLT family. The 127mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail.
• FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns with the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
• BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: The NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
• UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

what more can you ask for? So hurry and click below for the pricing and some more amazing features.

2. Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Portable Telescope

Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners – Compact and Portable – BONUS Astronomy Software Package – 127mm Aperture

Amateur astronomers will love the user-friendly features of Celestron’s PowerSeeker series of beginner telescopes. The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful best portable telescope. PowerSeeker Series Celestron telescopes have been designed with a combination of value, quality, power, and user-friendly features to enhance the experience for first-time telescope users. This 127EQ telescope is the perfect choice for families in search of a high-quality telescope that is affordable and provides years of enjoyment.

Powerful magnification and easy-to-use controls allow new astronomers to obtain crisp views of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and Jupiter’s Galilean moons. The telescope’s sturdy and durable mount features large, easy-to-manipulate slow-motion control knobs, allowing users to track objects smoothly. The 3x Barlow lens is added to triple the magnification power of the included 20mm and 4mm eyepieces. This essentially provides you with four eyepieces, giving you the flexibility to view a wide range of outdoor or celestial objects.

They have included an accessory tray to store accessories conveniently and a free download of our BONUS Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software with information on 10,000 celestial objects, printable sky maps, and more. Easily usable software for your Mac, PC or laptop. It’s the best way to learn about the night sky and plan your next observing session. Additional accessories include a travel tripod. You can purchase this Celestron telescope with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960.

You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts. Tom Johnson founded Celestron in 1960 after building a telescope to share the night sky with his sons. Since then, Celestron has established itself as the world’s #1 telescope brand. Celestron telescopes are the first choice of scientists in world-class research observatories and even aboard the International Space Station. Moreover, the additional features are as under:

• PERFECT BEGINNERS TELESCOPE: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. It gives the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power.
• MANUAL GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNT: Navigate the sky with our Newtonian Reflector telescope. It features a German Equatorial Mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to the desired position, then easily secure by tightening the cross knob.
• COMPACT AND PORTABLE: Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
• MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Users can also download BONUS Starry Night Astronomy Software Package.
• UNBEATABLE WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

PowerSeeker 127 EQ – General Features

• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Slow-motion controls for smooth tracking
• Erect image optics – Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• Fully coated glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brightness and clarity
• 3x Barlow lens triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece
• Accessory tray for convenient storage of accessories
• “The Sky” Level 1 planetarium software with 10,000 object database and enhanced images
• 2-year Telescope Warranty

More Details

Celestron PowerSeeker telescopes are a great way to open up the wonders of the Universe to the aspiring astronomer. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power.

Amateur astronomy is a great family hobby that can be enjoyed year-round, and Celestron’s PowerSeekers are the ideal choice for families looking for an affordable and high-quality telescope that will provide many hours of enjoyment for children and adults alike.

PowerSeekers are quick and easy to set up – even for the novice. No tools are required for assembly!

Their sturdy equatorial mounts are perfect for tracking objects in the night sky, and the collapsible alt-azimuth mounts are perfectly suited for terrestrial (land) viewing as well as astronomical use.

All of Celestron’s PowerSeekers include a full range of eyepieces plus a 3x Barlow lens that provides an increase in viewing power hundreds of times greater than that of the unaided eye!

PowerSeekers are designed and manufactured using all fully coated glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brightness and clarity.

Erect Image Optics are ideal for terretrial (land) and astronomical (sky) use.

3. Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope (Black)

The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST reflector telescope is perfect for the more serious beginner or intermediate stargazer in the best portable telescope series. With a 130-millimeter parabolic primary mirror, the 130ST provides great views of deep-sky objects on the included EQ-2 mount and stable tripod.

The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST telescope comes on a sturdy and precise EQ-2 equatorial mount with dual setting circles and slow-motion hand controls. After a simple polar-alignment procedure, the EQ-2 mount allows you to easily track celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky, so you can observe them in detail. The adjustable-height aluminum tripod is strong yet lightweight and includes an accessory tray so you can keep eyepieces, flashlights, and other accessories close by while using the reflector telescope.

The relatively compact SpaceProbe 130ST EQ weighs just 27 pounds once assembled. It’s an easy telescope to take out to your favorite stargazing spot, whether just outside the back door or in a more distant location away from streetlights and light pollution. If you’re looking for a better-quality first telescope or a nicely portable telescope to complement your big Dobsonian, you’ll love the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope.

Features of the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Great Views

This 5.1 inch aperture parabolic reflector telescope gathers an ample amount of light for great views of the planets and Moon, as well as brighter galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters

A Versatile Telescope

24 inch long ‘Short Tube’ optical tube design for easy portability and fast f/5 focal ratio for pleasing wide-field performance makes the SpaceProbe 130ST EQ a very versatile telescope the whole family can enjoy

Includes a Sturdy Mount

Sturdy EQ-2 equatorial telescope mount and adjustable tripod allows manual slow-motion tracking of celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky

Everything You Need

The complete Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ telescope comes with everything you need to explore starry skies! (some assembly required)

25mm Sirius Plossl Eyepiece

The included 1.25 inch Orion 25 millimeter Sirius Plossl eyepiece provides a 26-power view when used with the SpaceProbe 130ST reflector telescope. Using this eyepiece’s moderate magnification is a great way to begin exploring interesting objects in the sparkling night sky. Offering a wide 52° apparent field of view, the 25 millimeter Sirius Plossl eyepiece yields extremely sharp images of impressively high contrast. You’ll be amazed at the crisp, clear views of sights like the cratered surface of the Moon and

10mm Sirius Plossl Eyepiece

When you’re ready to study objects with more magnification, use the included 10 millimeter Sirius Plossl eyepiece. When inserted into the SpaceProbe 130ST reflector telescope, the 10 millimeter Plossl provides a powerful, 65x view with a 52° apparent field of view, so you can inspect interesting objects more closely. We recommend starting out with the lower-power 25 millimeter Plossl, then switching to the 10 millimeter ocular to boost the power of your telescope’s view.

6×30 Finder Scope

Following a simple alignment procedure, you can use the included 6×30 finderscope to accurately aim the SpaceProbe 130ST reflector at objects in the sky like the Moon, bright planets, galaxies and star clusters. Once aligned with the telescope, just peer through the finder scope and move the telescope until the crosshairs are centered on the object you want to see. Look in the telescope, and it’ll be right there!

Starry Night SE Software

Explore starry skies anytime – even when it’s cloudy! The SpaceProbe 130ST reflector telescope includes a free Special Edition of Starry Night astronomy software. With realistic sky simulations and many useful features including telescope control, the user-friendly Starry Night Special Edition software will help you plan your observations and understand what you see. Requires PC running Windows 7, 8 or 10. Requires Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or higher.

4. Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope

Zhumell’s innovative Z Series Dobsonian telescopes have taken the world of amateur astronomy by storm. Now, you can get Zhumell’s unmatched quality and value in a portable tabletop Dobsonian with the compact Z114. It’s the perfect way to get started with astronomy or add a grab-and-go scope to your best portable telescope collection. The Zhumell Z114 Portable Reflector Telescope features a 114mm parabolic primary mirror, a high-end feature not usually found in telescopes of this size.

The parabolic mirror removes visual defects like spherical aberration, providing noticeably sharper views. The primary mirror and all other optical surfaces are coated with Zhumell’s high-reflectivity coatings. You can count on more than 90 percent light transmission, for brighter views of even dim objects like nebulae. Thanks to its industry-leading optical components, the Z114 outperforms other tabletop telescopes of a similar size for a difference you can see and appreciate under the night sky.

With the Z114, Zhumell has put your money where it belongs: into the telescope’s optical system. Z114’s mechanical design is simple and streamlined. Durable, sturdy construction means your Zhumell will stand up to years of use and travel. Thanks to its compact size and weight, you can confidently pack it along for camping trips, vacations, and more. When you arrive at your observing site, the telescope comes together in seconds. Once you’re set-up, swing the scope on its lazy susan-style mount toward your desired object. Center your target in the Red Dot Finderscope, you’re ready to view it through the eyepiece.

Then, make small adjustments to smoothly track objects as they drift across the sky. Whether you’re an experienced amateur astronomer or a brand new stargazer, the Zhumell Z100 brings you the night sky on your terms. This convenient, portable telescope is always at the ready to deliver impressive, detailed images, from a quick peek at the sky in your backyard to a marathon night of stargazing.

Features and Benefits

1.25” Focuser

Industry standard 1.25” focuser, compatible with many different accessories.

Included eyepieces

Changing magnifications is easier than ever with included 17 mm and 10 mm eyepieces.

Red Dot Finder

Easy to use red dot finder makes aiming the Z114 a breeze for any level of user.

Dobsonian Base

The Dobsonian style base allows for smooth motions and easy tracking.

5. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope (Teal)

Here is a fun and compact telescope in the best portable telescope category, that’s sure to inspire the whole family’s natural inclination to explore. The Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope is no toy – it’s a real reflecting telescope that is wonderfully simple to set up and use! A perfect telescope for beginning amateur astronomers, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector is manufactured with the kind of quality you’d expect only to find in much more expensive models. Everyone in the family will enjoy using the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector telescope thanks to its uncomplicated, simple design and high level of performance.

The StarBlast 4.5 will give beginning amateur astronomers hour after hour of fun under the stars and also nurture their interest in the night sky, thanks to its exceptional, high-quality optics. In fact, the optics of the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector are so good that it’s also a very popular choice for more experienced amateur astronomers looking for a compact and portable telescope to use as a grab-and-go alternative to larger, bulkier mounted models that require more setup time and maintenance. With its 4.5-inch aperture parabolic primary mirror, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope will wow the whole family with gorgeous wide-field views of the night sky.

Fascinating craters and mountains on the Moon pop out in crisp detail through the pint-sized StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope, but the fun doesn’t end there. You’ll see more than just the Moon with this capable reflector. On clear evenings, the StarBlast 4.5 can provide pleasing views of giant Jupiter with its orbiting moons and Saturn with its stunning rings. Thanks to its precisely crafted, wide-field f/4 reflective optics and significant 4.5 inches (114mm) aperture, the StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope can reveal intriguing views of bright galaxies, distant cloudy nebulas, and sparkling star clusters for the whole family to enjoy.

Features of Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope

• A great compact grab-and-go telescope designed for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts
• Substantial 4.5″ aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio provides bright, detailed views of solar system targets like the Moon and planets, as well as wide-field celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters
• Ships pre-assembled so you can go from the box to your backyard in minutes
• The stable tabletop base provides smooth altazimuth motion for easy manual tracking of celestial objects
• A great compact grab-and-go telescope designed for entry-level and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts; Focal length: 450mm
• Substantial 4.5-inch aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio provides bright, detailed views of solar system targets like the Moon and planets, as well as wide-field celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters
• Ships pre-assembled so you can go from the box to your backyard in minutes. Glass material: Low thermal expansion borosilicate glass
• The stable tabletop base provides smooth altazimuth motion for easy manual tracking of celestial objects. Age Range-13 years
• Includes two Explorer II 1.25 inch Kellner telescope eyepieces (17mm and 6mm), EZ Finder II reflex sight for easy aiming, eyepiece rack, collimation cap, Starry Night astronomy software, and more!