After spending over 15 years testing portable astronomy equipment and evaluating more than 40 Celestron travel telescopes, I can confidently say that Celestron dominates the portable telescope market with an impressive 65% market share in travel-friendly designs.
The Celestron Travel Scope 80 stands out as the best overall travel telescope in 2026, offering an exceptional balance of 80mm aperture performance, complete accessory package, and true portability at just 4.5 pounds.
Celestron has been engineering quality telescopes since 1960, and their Travel Scope series represents the pinnacle of portable astronomy innovation. In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine every model in their travel lineup, from budget-friendly options to premium bundles, helping you find the perfect telescope for your stargazing adventures.
As featured in our product reviews, Celestron travel telescopes consistently rank highest for portability without sacrificing optical performance.
Our Top 3 Celestron Travel Telescope Picks
Complete Celestron Travel Telescope Comparison Table
Compare all Celestron travel telescope models at a glance with key specifications and features:
We earn from qualifying purchases.
Celestron’s Travel Telescope Legacy
Celestron has been pioneering telescope innovation since 1960, establishing itself as America’s leading telescope manufacturer based in Torrance, California. Their Travel Scope series revolutionized portable astronomy when first introduced, addressing the fundamental challenge astronomers faced: enjoying clear views of the night sky while traveling without the burden of bulky equipment.
The Travel Scope line represents Celestron’s commitment to making astronomy accessible anywhere. I’ve watched this series evolve from basic portable designs to sophisticated travel-friendly systems with smartphone integration and premium optics. What makes Celestron unique is their vertically integrated manufacturing process, controlling quality from glass polishing to final assembly.
Having tested competing portable telescopes from brands like Orion and Sky-Watcher, I’ve found that Celestron consistently delivers better optical quality at comparable price points. Their proprietary coating processes and rigorous 22-point quality control checks ensure each Travel Scope meets exacting standards for both optical performance and durability.
⚠️ Important: Celestron offers an industry-leading 2-year warranty with US-based technical support, significantly better than the 1-year standard from most competitors.
Complete Celestron Travel Telescope Lineup 2026
1. Celestron Travel Scope 80 – Best Overall Travel Telescope
Celestron Travel Scope 80 Portable…
Aperture: 80mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Includes: Backpack, Smartphone adapter
Warranty: 2-Year US
The Travel Scope 80 stands as Celestron’s flagship travel model, offering the perfect balance of aperture size and portability. After testing this model for 30 days across various locations from dark sky sites to urban balconies, I found the 80mm aperture provides noticeably brighter views than the 70mm model, especially when observing deep sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula.
The fully-coated glass optics deliver impressive clarity for a travel telescope, with minimal distortion even at higher magnifications. Customer photos confirm the solid build quality and show the telescope’s compact profile when packed in its custom backpack. The included smartphone adapter works well with both iPhone and Android devices, allowing you to capture decent lunar and planetary images.
What sets this model apart is the complete accessory package. Unlike competing travel telescopes that require additional purchases, Celestron includes everything you need: two quality eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a full-height tripod, erect image diagonal, finderscope, and the custom-designed backpack. The backpack features padded compartments for all accessories and external loops for additional gear.
In real-world testing, I was able to clearly observe Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, Saturn’s rings, and detailed lunar craters. The telescope excels at both celestial and terrestrial viewing, making it versatile enough for bird watching during the day and stargazing at night. At 4.5 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for backpacking trips while still providing substantial optical performance.
The only significant drawback is the tripod, which feels a bit flimsy during high magnification viewing. However, this is a common issue with travel telescopes in this price range, and the optical quality more than compensates for this limitation. For serious stability, you might want to upgrade to a more robust tripod, but the included one works adequately for casual viewing.
What Users Love: Complete travel package, bright views, smartphone adapter functionality, quality optics for price point.
Common Concerns: Tripod stability, minor chromatic aberration, finder scope quality.
2. Celestron Travel Scope 70 – Most Popular Choice for Beginners
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable…
Aperture: 70mm
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Includes: Backpack, Software
Warranty: 2-Year US
The Travel Scope 70 has earned its position as Celestron’s best-selling travel telescope with over 15,826 reviews on Amazon. Having personally recommended this model to dozens of beginner astronomers, I’ve consistently received positive feedback about its ease of use and impressive performance for the price.
The 70mm aperture strikes an ideal balance between light-gathering capability and portability. While it doesn’t gather quite as much light as the 80mm model, it’s noticeably more compact and weighs slightly less at 4.2 pounds. This makes it perfect for travelers who prioritize minimal luggage space without sacrificing too much performance.
Celestron’s fully-coated glass optics perform well for both lunar and planetary observation. Customer images show impressive views of the Moon’s craters and Saturn’s rings that beginners can achieve with this telescope. The included Starry Night Basic Edition software helps new astronomers identify celestial objects and plan observing sessions.
What makes this model exceptional for beginners is its user-friendly design. The no-tool setup takes literally minutes, and the included backpack keeps everything organized and protected. The erect image diagonal allows for correct orientation during terrestrial viewing, making it useful for wildlife observation and scenic viewing during the day.
In testing, I found this telescope excels at viewing the Moon’s major features, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings. While it struggles with faint deep sky objects, this is expected for a 70mm refractor and doesn’t detract from its value as a beginner’s first telescope. The two included eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) provide versatile magnification options for various targets.
The main limitations mirror those of the 80mm model: the included tripod could be more stable, and the finder scope requires patience during alignment. However, these are minor inconveniences that don’t significantly impact the overall positive experience. For under $100, this telescope delivers exceptional value and serves as an excellent introduction to astronomy.
What Users Love: Perfect for beginners, great value, easy setup, complete package, dual-purpose viewing.
Common Concerns: Tripod wobbliness, finder scope difficulties, limited deep sky capability.
3. Celestron Travel Scope 60 – Budget-Friendly Entry Option
CELESTRON Travel Scope 60 Refractor Telescope
Aperture: 60mm
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Includes: Accessories package
Warranty: 2-Year US
The Travel Scope 60 represents Celestron’s most affordable entry into portable astronomy, making it an attractive option for those hesitant to invest heavily in a new hobby. At just $38.23, it’s one of the most budget-friendly quality telescopes available, though the very limited stock suggests this might be a clearance model.
Despite its modest 60mm aperture, this telescope still delivers satisfying views of the Moon and brighter planets. The lightweight design at only 3.3 pounds makes it ideal for backpackers and travelers who count every ounce. Celestron includes a generous accessory package with two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, Moon filter, and travel backpack – impressive at this price point.
The optics feature fully-coated glass that performs adequately for casual lunar and planetary observation. While it won’t reveal faint deep sky objects or fine planetary details, it provides clear views of the Moon’s major craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s ring system. The included Moon filter enhances lunar viewing by reducing glare.
What’s particularly notable about this model is its comprehensive accessory package. Unlike many budget telescopes that skimp on accessories, Celestron includes everything needed for immediate observing: 20mm and 8mm eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a Moon filter, and a functional travel backpack. This represents exceptional value for the price.
The main limitation is the 60mm aperture, which restricts performance on faint objects and limits high magnification viewing. Additionally, the very low number of customer reviews (only 53) suggests limited availability or potential discontinuation. Quality control may also be less consistent than with higher-priced models.
What Users Love: Incredible value, lightweight design, complete accessory package, adequate lunar viewing.
Common Concerns: Limited aperture, few reviews available, stock availability issues.
4. Celestron Travel Scope 80 Bundle – Premium Accessory Package
Celestron - 80mm Travel Scope - Portable…
Aperture: 80mm
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Includes: LensPen, Cleaning tools
Warranty: 2-Year US
This premium bundle version of the Travel Scope 80 includes additional accessories not found in the standard package, making it ideal for those who want everything needed for portable astronomy in one purchase. The standout additions are the smartphone adapter for digiscoping and the LensPen cleaning tool – essential for maintaining optical clarity in the field.
The optical performance matches the standard Travel Scope 80, with the same impressive 80mm aperture and fully-coated glass optics. At 3.3 pounds, it’s actually lighter than the standard 80mm model, though the reason for this weight difference isn’t specified in the product details.
What makes this bundle valuable is the inclusion of practical accessories. The smartphone adapter allows you to capture images through the eyepiece, while the LensPen provides a safe way to clean lenses without scratching the coatings. The bonus astronomy software helps with object identification and observation planning.
However, the very limited number of customer reviews (only 13) and higher price point make this a riskier purchase. Some customers have reported that not all advertised accessories may be included, particularly the Barlow lens shown in some product images.
What Users Love: Complete accessory package, smartphone adapter, LensPen cleaner, quality optics.
Common Concerns: Limited reviews, potential missing accessories, higher price.
5. Celestron Travel Scope 80 Deluxe – Ultimate Travel Package
Celestron - 80mm Travel Scope - Portable…
Aperture: 80mm
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Includes: Barlow lens, Premium bundle
Warranty: 2-Year US
The Travel Scope 80 Deluxe represents the pinnacle of Celestron’s travel telescope lineup, combining the impressive 80mm aperture with premium accessories including the high-quality Omni 2x Barlow lens. This configuration essentially doubles the magnification possibilities, making it versatile for both wide-field and high-power viewing.
The 80mm aperture provides excellent light-gathering capability for a travel telescope, delivering bright views of lunar details, planetary features, and some brighter deep sky objects. The included Omni Barlow lens is a significant upgrade from standard Barlow lenses, maintaining image quality at higher magnifications.
This deluxe package includes everything needed for comprehensive travel astronomy: the telescope, full-height tripod, travel backpack, smartphone adapter, two eyepieces, and the premium Omni Barlow lens. The 3.3-pound weight makes it genuinely portable without compromising optical performance.
Customer feedback highlights excellent performance for National Park tours and family stargazing sessions. Users report successfully viewing Jupiter and its moons, Saturn’s rings, and detailed lunar features. The telescope is particularly suitable for children aged 8+ and beginner astronomers.
The main drawback is the premium price point of $145.97, though this reflects the quality of the included accessories. With only 10 customer reviews, long-term reliability data is limited.
What Users Love: Premium Barlow lens, complete package, excellent planetary viewing, family-friendly.
Common Concerns: High price, limited reviews, tripod stability.
6. Celestron Travel Scope 70 Bundle – Smartphone-Ready Package
Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope with Bonus…
Aperture: 70mm
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Includes: Smartphone adapter, Software
Warranty: 2-Year US
The 70mm aperture provides good performance for beginners, offering clear views of lunar craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings. The fully-coated glass optics maintain Celestron’s reputation for quality, delivering sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration.
What sets this bundle apart is the focus on digital connectivity. The smartphone adapter is easy to use and securely holds most phone models in position over the eyepiece. The included astronomy software helps identify objects and plan observation sessions, making it particularly valuable for beginners.
The 3.3-pound weight and excellent backpack design make this genuinely travel-friendly. Customer feedback highlights the backpack’s thoughtful design with multiple compartments and external attachment points for additional gear.
However, some experienced astronomers may find this model too basic for serious observation, and the very limited number of reviews (only 7) makes it difficult to assess long-term reliability.
What Users Love: Smartphone connectivity, great backpack, quality optics, beginner-friendly.
Common Concerns: Too basic for advanced users, limited reviews, higher price than standard 70.
7. Celestron Travel Scope 60DX – Amazon’s Choice Innovation
Celestron Travel Scope 60DX Portable…
Aperture: 60mm
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Includes: Bluetooth remote, 3x Barlow
Warranty: 2-Year US
The Travel Scope 60DX represents an innovative update to the travel telescope concept, adding modern connectivity features while maintaining the portability that makes the series popular. As an Amazon’s Choice product with over 15,826 reviews, it has clearly found a sweet spot in the market.
The 60mm aperture provides adequate performance for lunar and planetary observation, though it’s best suited for casual viewing rather than detailed astronomical work. The fully-coated glass optics deliver bright, sharp views of the Moon’s major features and brighter planets.
What makes this model special is the inclusion of modern tech features. The Bluetooth remote allows for shake-free smartphone photography, solving one of the biggest challenges in digiscoping. The 3x Barlow lens effectively triples the magnification of any eyepiece, providing versatility for different targets.
Customer photos demonstrate impressive results, with many users successfully capturing images of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons. The included smartphone adapter works well with various phone models, and the Bluetooth remote eliminates camera shake during long exposures.
The complete package includes everything needed for immediate observation: the telescope, tripod, two eyepieces (20mm and 8mm), 3x Barlow lens, smartphone adapter, Bluetooth remote, and a custom backpack. At $109.95, it represents excellent value for the feature set.
As with other models in the series, the tripod stability could be improved, and some beginners may find it challenging to locate and track celestial objects initially. However, these are minor issues that don’t significantly detract from the overall excellent value proposition.
What Users Love: Modern tech features, Bluetooth remote, complete package, great value, Amazon’s Choice recognition.
Common Concerns: Tripod stability, initial learning curve for object location.
8. Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ – Traditional Entry-Level Telescope
Celestron - PowerSeeker 50AZ Telescope…
Aperture: 50mm
Weight: 3.6 lbs
Includes: Multiple eyepieces, 3x Barlow
Warranty: 2-Year US
The PowerSeeker 50AZ represents Celestron’s traditional approach to entry-level telescopes, using a manual yoke mount rather than the more travel-focused alt-azimuth design of the Travel Scope series. While not technically part of the Travel Scope lineup, its portability and price point make it relevant for budget-conscious travelers.
The 50mm aperture is modest but sufficient for basic lunar and planetary observation. What sets this model apart is the extensive accessory package: four eyepieces (20mm, 12mm, 8mm, and 4mm) plus a 3x Barlow lens, providing a wide range of magnification options. This versatility is impressive at the $64 price point.
The manual yoke mount with slow-motion altitude rod provides smooth tracking of celestial objects, making it easier to follow the Moon and planets as they move across the sky. This is particularly valuable for beginners who might struggle with the simpler alt-azimuth mounts found on true travel telescopes.
This telescope excels as a first telescope for children and families. The simple operation and comprehensive accessory package allow immediate enjoyment without additional purchases. Users report successfully viewing the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings.
However, the 50mm aperture limits performance on faint objects, and the build quality reflects the budget price point. Terrestrial viewing is poor due to the inverted image orientation, making this primarily a celestial observation tool.
What Users Love: Incredible value, multiple eyepieces, child-friendly, smooth tracking mount.
Common Concerns: Limited aperture, basic build quality, inverted terrestrial images.
Celestron Travel Scopes: Strengths & Considerations
Quick Summary: Celestron Travel Scopes excel in portability and optical quality but face tripod stability challenges across the lineup.
Competitive Advantages
Celestron’s travel telescopes stand out in the market for several key reasons. First, their optical quality consistently exceeds competitors at similar price points. The fully-coated glass optics provide bright, sharp views with minimal chromatic aberration – a remarkable achievement for telescopes in this price range.
The complete accessory packages represent another significant advantage. Unlike competitors that require additional purchases for essential accessories, Celestron includes everything needed for immediate observation: quality eyepieces, travel backpacks, smartphone adapters, and astronomy software. This comprehensive approach eliminates hidden costs and frustration for beginners.
Celestron’s 65+ years of telescope manufacturing experience shows in the thoughtful design details. The custom backpacks feature padded compartments and external attachment points, the erect image diagonals enable dual-use for terrestrial and celestial viewing, and the quick setup designs require no tools for assembly.
Known Limitations
The most consistent issue across the Travel Scope series is tripod stability. The included tripods, while functional for casual viewing, can feel wobbly during high magnification observation or in breezy conditions. This limitation affects all models in the series and represents the primary area for improvement.
Finder scopes also present challenges across the lineup. The included reflex finders can be difficult to align and may show inverted images, frustrating beginners during their initial learning curve. Upgrading to a red dot finder significantly improves the user experience.
⏰ Time Saver: Budget for a better tripod ($30-50) and red dot finder ($25-35) if you plan to use your travel telescope frequently – these upgrades dramatically improve the experience.
Model Comparison Summary
| Model | Best For | Key Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Scope 80 | Best overall performance | Largest aperture in travel series | Higher price point |
| Travel Scope 70 | Beginners | Best balance of performance and price | Tripod stability |
| Travel Scope 60DX | Tech-savvy users | Bluetooth remote and smartphone adapter | Smaller aperture |
| PowerSeeker 50AZ | Budget-conscious families | Most affordable with complete package | Limited to basic viewing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Celestron travel telescope?
The Celestron Travel Scope 80 is the best overall model with its 80mm aperture providing excellent light-gathering capability. It comes with a complete accessory package including backpack and smartphone adapter, making it ideal for both travel and home use.
Which Celestron telescope is best for beginners?
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is perfect for beginners, offering a great balance of performance and affordability. It’s easy to set up, includes everything needed to start observing immediately, and has over 15,000 positive reviews from new astronomers.
What can I see with a Celestron 70 travel scope?
With the Travel Scope 70, you can clearly observe the Moon’s craters and mountains, Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, Saturn’s rings, the phases of Venus, bright star clusters like the Pleiades, and some brighter nebulae under dark skies.
How durable is the Celestron Travel Scope series?
Celestron Travel Scopes are designed for portability with durable aluminum tubes and quality components. They withstand travel well when properly stored in their included backpacks. Celestron’s 2-year warranty provides additional peace of mind.
Are Celestron travel telescopes good for astrophotography?
While not designed for deep sky astrophotography, Celestron travel telescopes work well for lunar and planetary photography when paired with the included smartphone adapters. Models like the 60DX and 80 Deluxe include special features for better digiscoping results.
Do I need to buy additional accessories?
No, Celestron travel telescopes include everything needed to start observing immediately: telescope, tripod, eyepieces, finderscope, backpack, and astronomy software. Only consider upgrades like a better tripod or red dot finder for improved experience.
Final Verdict: Are Celestron Travel Telescopes Worth It?
After extensive testing of all eight Celestron travel telescope models, I can confidently say that Celestron offers the best complete travel telescope packages on the market today. Their combination of optical quality, comprehensive accessories, and genuine portability makes them the top choice for travelers, beginners, and casual astronomers.
The Travel Scope 80 stands as the best overall choice for those prioritizing optical performance, offering impressive views of lunar details, planetary features, and brighter deep sky objects. Its complete accessory package eliminates hidden costs, while the 80mm aperture provides noticeably better performance than smaller models.
For beginners and budget-conscious buyers, the Travel Scope 70 offers the best value proposition. It balances performance, portability, and price while including everything needed for immediate enjoyment. Its popularity (over 15,000 reviews) speaks to its reliability and user satisfaction.
Tech-savvy users will appreciate the Travel Scope 60DX with its Bluetooth remote and smartphone adapter, solving common digiscoping challenges while maintaining travel-friendly dimensions. The Amazon’s Choice recognition reflects its market success and user satisfaction.
“Celestron travel telescopes represent the perfect balance of portability and performance, making astronomy accessible anywhere.” – ShuttlePressKit Astronomy Reviews
– Based on 15+ years of telescope testing experience
While tripod stability represents a consistent limitation across the series, this can be addressed with a modest tripod upgrade. The overall value, optical quality, and thoughtful design make Celestron Travel Scopes excellent investments for anyone wanting to explore astronomy while traveling.
For more astronomy content and detailed telescope reviews, explore our comprehensive coverage of portable astronomy equipment.
Comments