10 Best Portable Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Gskyer Telescope is well-suited for beginners and kids interested in astronomical observations. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent optical quality, allowing users to explore stars and the moon with clear and bright images. The fully coated optics glass lens enhances image clarity and protects the eyes.

This telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, providing versatile magnification options, and a 5x24 finder scope to help locate objects easily in the night sky. The wireless remote and smartphone adapter are great for capturing and sharing celestial images, making the experience interactive and fun. Additionally, the adjustable tripod and carry bag enhance the portability aspect, making it convenient for travel and storage.

However, the Altazimuth mount, while easy to use, may not be as stable or suitable for advanced astronomical tracking compared to more sophisticated mount types. At 5.7 pounds and with dimensions of 24.8 x 4.92 x 8.46 inches, it's lightweight and compact, adding to its portability. This telescope is a solid choice for those starting out in astronomy, offering a good balance of features and ease of use at a beginner-friendly price point.

The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor is a solid choice for both budding astronomers and experienced astrophotographers. One of its standout features is the excellent optical quality due to the matched doublet objective with synthetic fluorite, which offers outstanding color correction and sharp images. This is a big plus for users looking to capture detailed photographs or enjoy clear visual observations. Its 10:1 dual-speed focuser makes it easy to achieve precise focus, which is particularly helpful when switching between eyepieces or cameras.

In terms of portability, the EvoStar 120 is reasonably lightweight at around 13.9 pounds, making it manageable for transport. It comes with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, ensuring safe storage and travel. The dimensions (44”D x 15”W x 14”H) also contribute to its compact nature, making it suitable for users who want a telescope they can easily take on the go.

There are a few points to consider. While the telescope is versatile, some users may find the manual focus system less convenient compared to automatic options found in more advanced models. This may require a bit more practice, particularly for beginners. Additionally, the fiber optic mount type may not offer the same level of stability as some sturdier mounts, which could be a concern during windy conditions or for long exposure astrophotography.

For those who prioritize portability without sacrificing optical performance, the EvoStar 120 is an excellent choice. It evolves with your skills, making it a long-term investment for astronomy enthusiasts. However, if ease of use and a more automated experience are essential, you might want to explore other options.

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope designed for both beginners and more advanced users. One of its key strengths is its 130mm aperture, which allows for detailed views of celestial objects like Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon. The computerized hand control with a database of over 4,000 celestial objects makes locating and tracking stars and galaxies straightforward, while the SkyAlign technology simplifies initial setup. This makes it user-friendly, even for those who are new to stargazing.

The Newtonian Reflector design ensures good optical quality for both planetary and deep-sky observations. Additionally, the included StarPointer red-dot finderscope aids in manually locating objects before switching to computerized tracking. Portability is a major advantage, given its compact design and lightweight build at 11.4 pounds, making it suitable for camping trips and quick setup at different viewing sites.

However, the Altazimuth mount, while easy to use, might not provide the stability and precision required for more detailed astrophotography compared to an equatorial mount. The manual focus and reliance on battery power could also be seen as drawbacks for some users. With a free Starry Night software download and a strong two-year warranty backed by Celestron’s customer support, it offers good value. This telescope is best suited for those looking for a portable yet powerful device that's easy to set up and use, particularly for casual and moderately serious observing.