10 Best Portable Telescopes 2025 in the United States

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 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 Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is a portable telescope designed for beginners and smartphone users. Its standout feature is the StarSense sky recognition technology, which works with the StarSense app to help you easily locate and view stars, planets, and other celestial objects. This technology makes the telescope extremely user-friendly, even for those with no prior experience.

The 114mm aperture and Newtonian reflector design ensure decent light-gathering ability, allowing you to see details such as the craters on the Moon and major planets like Jupiter and Saturn. The manual altazimuth mount with a slow motion rod facilitates smooth tracking of objects in the night sky, guided by the app's on-screen arrows. This telescope is quite portable, weighing just 10.4 pounds and featuring a compact optical tube. However, it relies on a battery-powered system, which may require frequent replacements.

The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide versatile viewing options, but some users might eventually want more advanced accessories for enhanced observation. While the optical quality is good for its category, more experienced astronomers might find it lacking compared to higher-end models. The telescope's build and functionality are designed with convenience in mind, making it an excellent choice for casual stargazers and those new to astronomy.