If you are an astronomy enthusiast, you are probably looking for a handheld telescope that you can take anywhere with you. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are five key points to consider when looking for a handheld telescope for astronomy.
1. Magnification: The magnification power of your telescope is important because it determines how much you can see. However, higher magnification doesn't always mean better quality, and it can be harder to keep a steady image. So, it's important to find a balance between magnification power and image stability.
2. Aperture: The aperture is the diameter of the lens or mirror of the telescope. It determines how much light the telescope can gather and how clear the image will be. A larger aperture will provide a sharper image, but it will also make the telescope heavier and more expensive.
3. Portability: Since you are looking for a handheld telescope, portability is essential. You want a telescope that is lightweight and easy to carry around. But keep in mind that a smaller telescope might sacrifice image quality for portability.
4. Durability: Make sure your telescope can withstand the wear and tear of being taken on the go. Look for a sturdy design and durable materials.
5. Price: Handheld telescopes for astronomy can range from under $50 to over $500. Determine your budget and find a telescope that fits your needs and price range.
By considering these key points, you can find the right handheld telescope for your astronomy needs. Whether you're stargazing in your backyard or taking a trip to a remote location, a handheld telescope can enhance your astronomy experience.
10 Best Handheld Telescope For Astronomy
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1. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope – Compact Refractor Telescope For Beginners With Bonus Software.
Celestron's 70mm Travel Scope is a portable refractor telescope that boasts superior optics, making it the ideal telescope for beginners. The telescope comes complete with fully-coated glass optics, a potent 70mm objective lens, a full-height tripod, bonus accessories, and a custom backpack to carry it all. Its quality is unmatched among competitors in its class.
The telescope is equipped with two high-quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) that provide low- and high-power views. This feature allows beginners to observe celestial objects at night and land-based objects during the day. The large, 70mm aperture objective lens provides brighter, more detailed views compared to the 50mm model while adding very little additional weight.
The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is easy to set up and use, and it comes with a bonus travel backpack, tripod, and software package. The backpack makes it easy to take the telescope anywhere, while the tripod ensures stability during use. The software package includes a free download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs, which is an excellent resource for beginners.
Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an authorized dealer on Amazon gives customers a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from the team of US-based experts. The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is an excellent investment for anyone interested in astronomy, and its superior optics and bonus accessories make it a top contender in its class.
2. Sarblue Mak60 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope With Tabletop Tripod And Phone Adapter For Beginner And Adult Astronomers.
The Sarblue Mak60 Catadioptric Compound Telescope is a powerful and compact telescope that is perfect for both adults and kids who are interested in astronomy. Featuring a Maksutov-Cassegrain design and high-precision fully multi-coated optical glass lens, this telescope delivers sharp and crystal-clear views of celestial objects, as well as birds and wildlife during the day.
One of the unique features of this telescope is the detachable lid that reveals the internal construction of the telescope, making it an appealing educational kit for young minds. However, users should avoid touching the mirrors with their fingers and keep the telescope dust-free.
Thanks to the Maksutov-Cassegrain mechanism, this telescope is much more compact than an equivalent refractor or Newtonian telescope. With a long focal length of 750mm, the tube length is only 200mm, making it easy to pack and go on any adventure.
The telescope comes with a high-quality 20mm eyepiece that provides 37.5X magnification, enabling users to see any targets more than 8 meters away. Accessories also include a phone adapter, a tabletop tripod, and an erect-image diagonal.
Setting up the telescope is super easy and requires no tools, making it a perfect gift for kids or adults who are beginners in astronomy. Users will also receive a one-year hassle-free warranty and 24-hour friendly customer service, ensuring their satisfaction with the product.
Overall, the Sarblue Mak60 Catadioptric Compound Telescope is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a powerful and compact telescope for astronomy or bird watching. With its sharp crystal-clear views, unique educational design, and ease of use, this telescope is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for users of all ages.
3. High Powered 80×100 Monocular Telescope With Smartphone Adapter For Adults. Ideal For Hunting, Wildlife Observation, Bird Watching, Travel, Camping, And Hiking.
The 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a high-powered monocular designed for outdoor enthusiasts and wilderness explorers. This monocular comes equipped with fully multi-coated lenses to improve the light transmission rate and resolution, providing a top-of-the-line view with true 80×100 viewing.
With a magnification of 80 times and a 100mm objective lens, this monocular is perfect for bird watching, wildlife observation, hunting, hiking, mountaineering, camping, surveillance, and traveling. The FMC Superior BAK4 green film prism ensures that the monocular is compact, durable, and has a high-quality precision design.
The 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is specially designed for outdoor enthusiasts and is suitable for a variety of outdoor sports, including observing animals, water sports, ball games, watching scenery, driving, concerts, monitoring, outdoor exploration, and other activities. This monocular provides an amazing visual experience, making it a must-have for any outdoor adventure.
The zoom telescope is equipped with a BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens, guaranteeing superior light transmission and brightness. The light transmission reaches up to 99.5% visibility, and the built-in low-light-level night vision helps you see things in low light. An adjustable eye cup also allows you to twist up and down easily and rapidly for optimal viewing, even while wearing glasses.
This monocular is designed for wide compatibility, making it accessible to both adults and children. The design of the monocular allows the wearer to get close to the eyepiece without interfering with the viewing experience, making it comfortable for both glasses-wearers and non-glasses-wearers. Additionally, the monocular comes equipped with a mobile phone bracket, which is suitable for many types of smartphones on the market.
Overall, the 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and wilderness explorers, providing high contrast and resolution images, wide scope views, and a comfortable viewing experience for both glasses-wearers and non-glasses-wearers.
4. Orboot Earth – An Interactive Ar Globe With 400 Wonders And 1000+ Facts, Designed For Kids Aged 4-10 Years To Enhance Stem Learning. The Globe Has No Borders Or Names And Comes With An App.
The PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids – Orboot Earth is an innovative and interactive learning tool designed for children between the ages of 4 to 10. The globe comes with a companion app that allows kids to explore the world in a fun and engaging way by scanning the globe with the app. The app is packed with visual storytelling, music, animal facts, voice interactions, world quizzes, globe puzzles, and challenges that make learning about the world exciting and enjoyable.
The Orboot app offers educational facts across 6 categories in AR – animals, cultures, monuments, inventions, maps, and cuisines of the world. Kids can learn about the food chain, balance the ecosystem of their national park, go on scavenger hunts around the world, and take part in fun quizzes for every category. With over 400 highlights and 1000+ world facts, Orboot Earth provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.
To use Orboot Earth, all you need is a compatible device and the free Orboot app that can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store. The smart globe works with iPad 5th gen & above, iPad Air all models, iPad Pro All models, iPad Mini 2 & above, iPhone 6 & above, and Android 3GB RAM and above. Unfortunately, Amazon Fire devices are currently not supported.
The Orboot Earth package includes a 10” globe, passport, stamps, country flag stickers, and a detailed guide. The globe is designed without borders and names to encourage children to explore and discover the world on their own. The passport and stickers allow children to keep track of the countries they have visited and learn about their flags and cultures.
Orboot Earth is an ideal early learning globe for children who are curious and imaginative. It helps build geography, environmental science, general knowledge, social science, and cultural sensitivity. Whether for homeschooling or classroom learning, Orboot Earth is a great supplement to traditional learning methods.
In summary, the PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids – Orboot Earth is a STEM toy that makes learning about the world exciting and enjoyable for children between the ages of 4 to 10. It provides an immersive and comprehensive learning experience that builds knowledge and curiosity about the world. If you are looking for an educational kid globe and a unique gift, Orboot Earth is the answer!
5. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope Dx For Beginners With Bonus Astronomy Software And Smartphone Adapter.
The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope DX is a portable refractor telescope that provides high-quality views of celestial objects for beginners. Equipped with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), this telescope provides low- and high-power views for up-close observation of both celestial and land-based objects.
Featuring a large, 70mm aperture objective lens, this refractor telescope produces brighter and more detailed views compared to the 50mm model. Despite its larger size, the telescope remains lightweight, making it easy to move around and set up for use.
Additionally, the telescope comes with a smartphone adapter that allows users to capture images and videos through the eyepiece. The Bluetooth shutter release makes it easy to capture and share images of the Moon and planets at night or wildlife during the day.
The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope DX comes with a full-height tripod, Moon filter, 2x Barlow lens, Bluetooth shutter release, and smartphone adapter. These accessories, along with the custom backpack that comes with the telescope, make it easy for users to take their telescope with them on the go.
As a bonus, users will also receive a free download of one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. This software package provides users with a wealth of information about the night sky, including detailed star charts and information about celestial objects.
Overall, the Celestron 70mm Travel Scope DX is an ideal telescope for beginners who are looking for a high-quality and portable option. With its powerful eyepieces, large objective lens, and smartphone compatibility, users can enjoy up-close views of the night sky and other objects with ease.
6. Abotec 90mm Aperture Refractor Telescope (32x-400x) With Phone Mount And Wireless Control, Ideal For Adults, Kids, And Beginners. Includes Carry Bag And Multi-Coated High Transmission Optics.
The ABOTEC Telescope is an ideal tool for adults who are interested in astronomy, as well as for kids and beginners who want to explore the night sky. This telescope has a 90mm multi-coated optical lens, which enhances the brightness and clarity of images. The large aperture allows it to collect more light, while the multi-coated high transmission objective lens reduces light refract, allowing your eyes to see images that are clearer and brighter.
The ABOTEC Telescope is equipped with three eyepieces (K25mm/K10mm/K6mm) and a 3x Barlow lens. It has a focal length of 800mm, which allows you to get 32X-400X high magnification. This magnification is enough to allow you to see the craters of the moon, Saturn, and Jupiter. The telescope also has a 5×24 finder scope, which makes locating objects easy.
Setting up the telescope is easy, even for beginners. The package comes with a detailed manual and installation video, and kids can install it themselves without any tools. The ABOTEC Telescope also comes with a phone adapter and wireless remote, which allows you to take some amazing pictures easily. The telescope has a carry bag and adjustable tripod, which makes it easy to carry and store for traveling.
The ABOTEC Telescope is equipped with a stable tripod made of thick stainless steel, which is more stable and not easy to shake. The adjustable tripod can extend from 28.5” to 45”, which is suitable for adults and kids.
This telescope is a great Christmas or birthday gift for kids or astronomy beginners. It can help them build an interest in astronomy and science, and explore the unknown. ABOTEC also offers lifetime maintenance, so if you are not satisfied with the product or have any questions, you can contact them to get 24-hour technical support from their expert team.
In conclusion, the ABOTEC Telescope is a great investment for anyone interested in astronomy, providing clear and bright images of celestial objects. Its ease of use and portability make it an excellent choice for beginners and kids, while its stability and high magnification also make it a great tool for more experienced users.
7. 80mm Portable Refracting Telescope With Az Mount, Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, And Carrying Bag.
The Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm is an excellent choice for those who are passionate about astronomy. It boasts of outstanding quality optics, making it capable of capturing more light and enhancing image brightness and clarity. Its fully multi-coated high transmission coatings and all-optical lens make it ideal for kids and adults alike.
The telescope is equipped with two replaceable eyepieces, 25mm and 10mm, which provide 24X and 60X magnification respectively. Additionally, its 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, allowing users to magnify the moon up to 72 or 180 times. The telescope also features a 5×24 finder scope that makes it easier to locate objects.
The Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm is portable and convenient, making it an excellent choice for those who love to travel. It comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. The wireless remote control and carrying bag make it easy to carry around and capture amazing images.
Setting up the Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm is quick and easy, even for novices. No tools are required to set up the telescope, and it is easy to focus. This makes it a no-tool-set telescope, which saves time and allows users to focus on stargazing.
The manufacturer offers lifetime maintenance, ensuring that users can enjoy the telescope for years to come. If users have any questions about the product or service, they can contact the manufacturer and receive assistance within 24 hours.
In summary, the Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm is an excellent choice for those who are passionate about astronomy. Its outstanding quality optics, convenient portability, and easy setup make it ideal for both novice and experienced stargazers. With lifetime maintenance and excellent customer service, users can enjoy the telescope for years to come.
8. Abotec 80mm Aperture Telescope With Adjustable Tripod, Phone Adapter, And Wireless Remote For Astronomy Beginners And Kids.
The ABOTEC Telescope is a high-quality refracting telescope, specifically designed for adults, kids, and beginners interested in astronomy. With its large 80mm aperture and fully coated optics glass lens, this telescope is capable of capturing more light which improves light transmittance and reduces light reflection, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
The telescope comes equipped with 3 eyepieces (K6mm, K10mm, K25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, which trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, providing a high magnification range of 25X-250X. This makes it ideal for observing the moon or viewing planets, giving users the ability to see a wide range of celestial bodies.
The ABOTEC Telescope is designed to be portable and stable, with an adjustable tripod that can be easily adjusted from 22” to 48’’. It also comes with a bag that can hold all accessories, making it easy to carry and set up in different viewing positions. The tripod also has a tray for easy replacement and storage of eyepieces, making it convenient for users to switch between different magnifications.
Assembling the telescope is easy, even for beginners and kids, as it comes with a detailed installation manual and video installation instructions. The telescope set also includes an upgraded phone adapter and wireless remote, making it easy to attach a mobile phone to the telescope to take amazing photos through the phone. This feature is especially useful for sharing images with friends and family or for posting on social media.
The ABOTEC Telescope is a great gift for beginners interested in astronomy, as it encourages them to learn about space and the universe. The product comes with a 3-year satisfaction service, ensuring that customers can receive technical support and assistance from the expert team in case they have any issues or questions.
In summary, the ABOTEC Telescope is a high-quality refracting telescope that is ideal for adults, kids, and beginners interested in astronomy. Its large aperture, high magnification range, portability, and stability make it a great investment for anyone looking to explore and learn more about the universe.
9. 16×70 Waterproof Jumbo Binoculars For Astronomy And Long Range Viewing.
The BARSKA AB12766 Encounter 16×70 Waterproof Jumbo Binoculars Telescope is a powerful optical instrument designed for astronomy stargazing and long-range viewing. It features 16x magnification eyepieces that allow users to zoom in and observe distant objects with ease. The binoculars are engineered with quality optics, including BAK-4 prism and large 70mm objective lenses, which provide bright and crystal clear views.
These jumbo binoculars are ideal for long-range terrestrial and celestial viewing, and they perform well under low-light conditions. With their high magnification and large objective lenses, they can capture more light and provide better image quality. The binoculars are also suitable for observing distant landscapes, wildlife, and sporting events.
The BARSKA AB12766 Encounter binoculars are an incomparable optical instrument that provides high-quality and practical usage. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a rugged all-metal construction that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The binoculars are also waterproof, making them suitable for use in wet or humid environments.
The binoculars come with a premium foam-lined carrying hard case, which allows for safe storage and transportation. The case is designed to protect the binoculars from dust, scratches, and other types of damage. It also features a comfortable carrying handle and a secure locking mechanism.
Overall, the BARSKA AB12766 Encounter 16×70 Waterproof Jumbo Binoculars Telescope is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality optical instrument for astronomy, stargazing, or long-range viewing. With its powerful magnification, quality optics, and durable construction, this binoculars is sure to provide users with years of reliable performance and enjoyment.
Best Handheld Telescope For Astronomy FAQs
Can a handheld telescope be used for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing, or is it best to have separate devices for each purpose?
Yes, a handheld telescope can be used for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing, but it may not be the best choice for both purposes. For terrestrial viewing, a telescope with a wider field of view and lower magnification is preferred to provide a larger and brighter image. On the other hand, for astronomical viewing, a telescope with a higher magnification and narrower field of view is needed to observe distant celestial objects.
Handheld telescopes are usually compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and set up quickly for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing. However, they may lack the necessary features and specifications for optimal performance in either application. Therefore, it is generally recommended to have separate devices for each purpose, especially for serious hobbyists and professionals. This allows for better clarity, focus, and magnification for both terrestrial and astronomical observation.
How do handheld telescopes compare to larger, more traditional telescopes in terms of image quality and performance?
Handheld telescopes are generally smaller and less powerful than traditional telescopes, making them more portable and easier to use for casual stargazing. However, they are limited in terms of image quality and performance. The smaller aperture and lower magnification result in a narrower field of view and less detail visible in celestial objects. Larger, traditional telescopes have a larger aperture and higher magnification, allowing for a wider field of view and greater detail. They also typically have more advanced features such as computerized tracking systems and the ability to attach cameras for astrophotography. Overall, while handheld telescopes can be a convenient and affordable option for beginners or casual observers, they cannot match the image quality and performance of larger, more traditional telescopes.
How does the magnification of a handheld telescope affect its usefulness for stargazing?
The magnification of a handheld telescope can greatly affect its usefulness for stargazing. While a higher magnification may seem advantageous for seeing more detail in celestial objects, it can also make the image appear dimmer and more blurry as the telescope's aperture and image quality may not be sufficient to handle the increased magnification. Additionally, handheld telescopes are typically limited in their aperture and stability, which can further impact the image quality and ease of use at higher magnifications.
Therefore, finding the right balance between magnification and aperture is essential for effective stargazing with a handheld telescope. It is also important to consider factors such as the user's experience level, the observing conditions, and the type of celestial objects being observed, as these can all influence the optimal magnification for a given situation. Ultimately, a handheld telescope with an appropriate magnification and aperture can provide an enjoyable and rewarding stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
What are some key features to look for when selecting a handheld telescope for astronomy?
When selecting a handheld telescope for astronomy, there are several key features to consider. First and foremost, the aperture size is crucial, as it determines the amount of light the telescope can gather and the level of detail visible in the images. A larger aperture size is generally preferred, but it also comes with a higher price tag and bulkier size. Another factor to consider is the magnification power, which can range from 10x to over 100x, depending on the telescope's design. A higher magnification can provide more detail but also requires a stable mount to avoid shaky images. The field of view is also essential, as it determines how much of the sky you can see at once. Additionally, the quality of the optics, the portability, and the ease of use are crucial factors to consider. In summary, the ideal handheld telescope for astronomy should have a decent aperture size, a reasonable magnification power, a wide field of view, high-quality optics, and be portable and easy to use.
What is the maximum distance that a handheld telescope can reliably capture images of celestial objects?
The maximum distance that a handheld telescope can reliably capture images of celestial objects depends on various factors such as the aperture size, the quality of the optics, and the atmospheric conditions. Generally, a handheld telescope with an aperture size of 70mm or more can capture images of celestial objects up to a distance of 500-600 light years. However, this distance can be extended if the telescope is equipped with additional accessories such as a Barlow lens or a higher magnification eyepiece.
It's important to note that handheld telescopes are generally less powerful than larger, mounted telescopes and are more susceptible to vibrations and movements that can affect image quality. Therefore, while handheld telescopes can be a convenient and accessible option for beginners or casual stargazers, serious astronomers may prefer larger, mounted telescopes for more detailed observations.
Overall, the maximum distance that a handheld telescope can capture images of celestial objects is dependent on several factors and can vary from telescope to telescope.