Welcome to my Celestron Travel Scope 80 Telescope Review
As an avid stargazer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of testing countless telescopes.
Ahead of a trip I was taking, I recently, I decided to invest in Celestron’s most powerful travel scope – the Travel Scope 80.
After putting it through its paces under various night skies while away, I’m excited to share my insights with you here today.
Quick Verdict
The Celestron Travel Scope 80 is a solid choice for beginners and travelers, offering good value at around $100.
It’s well-suited for portable stargazing and quick observing sessions.
With its straightforward setup and lightweight design, it’s convenient for on-the-go astronomy.
The included accessories, particularly the carrying backpack, add to its practicality.
While not suitable for deep-space astronomical observations, it’s a capable instrument for casual observers interested in viewing the moon, bright planets, and wide-field stargazing.
The Travel Scope 80 provides an accessible entry point to astronomy, especially for those prioritizing portability and ease of use.
Understanding The Numbers: What Does 80 Mean?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s decode the telescope’s name.
The “80” in Travel Scope 80 refers to its 80mm (3.1-inch) aperture.
In the world of telescopes, aperture is king. It’s the diameter of the main lens, which determines how much light the telescope can gather.
Here’s a quick aperture breakdown:
- Larger aperture = More light collected
- More light = Better visibility of faint objects
The Travel Scope 80 outshines its smaller siblings (like the Travel 70 or 50) in terms of optical power.
However, remember that this scope is designed for portability, which means it compromises on lens size compared to some heftier models.
Design and Setup: Quick and Easy
One of the things I love most about the Travel Scope 80 is its user-friendly design.
It’s a true point-and-shoot telescope that even beginners can master quickly.
Key Design Features:
- Lightweight at just 4 lbs (2kg)
- Easy-to-use pan handle for positioning
- Pre-assembled tripod for quick setup
Setting up the Travel Scope 80 is a breeze. In just 5-10 minutes, you can go from packed to stargazing. Here’s what you need to do:
- Extend the tripod legs
- Attach the optical tube to the tripod
- Install the erect image diagonal
- Add the eyepiece and finderscope
- Align and focus
The whole process is so simple that I often find myself setting it up for quick peeks at the night sky, even on busy evenings.
What’s in the Box?
Celestron has thought of everything with this package. You’ll get:
- The telescope itself
- A travel backpack with compartments for all components
- Two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm)
- An erect image diagonal (which flips the image right-side up)
I particularly appreciate the included backpack. It makes transporting the scope a breeze, whether I’m heading to my backyard or a dark sky site miles away.
Pros and Cons of the Travel Scope 80: Honest Insights
After using the Travel Scope 80 for several months, here’s my candid assessment:
Pros
- Rapid setup and ease of use
- All-inclusive package
- Budget-friendly
- Enjoyable user experience
- Durable enough for worry-free use
- Adjustable tripod suits users of all heights
Cons
- Limited use beyond moon, planets, and distant stars
- Not suitable for serious astrophotography or high-magnification views
- Lightweight design can be challenging in windy conditions
What Can You See With The Travel Scope 80?
Let’s get to the exciting part – what celestial wonders can you observe with the Travel Scope 80?
The Moon: A Stellar Performer
The moon is where this telescope truly shines.
On a clear night, the level of detail you can see is breathtaking.
Craters, mountains, and seas are all visible with stunning clarity.
One night, I set up the scope during a waxing gibbous phase and was awestruck by the shadows cast by the lunar mountains.
It felt like I could reach out and touch the moon’s surface.
Planets: A Glimpse into Our Solar System
While you won’t see the rings of Saturn in great detail, you can definitely spot them.
Jupiter’s bands and its four largest moons are also visible on a good night.
I remember the first time I showed my nephew Jupiter through this scope.
His eyes lit up when he realized he was seeing actual moons orbiting another planet.
It’s moments like these that make astronomy so rewarding.
Stars and Clusters: Wide-Field Views
The Travel Scope 80 excels at providing wide-field views of the night sky.
Star clusters like the Pleiades are a joy to observe, appearing as a sparkling handful of diamonds against the black velvet of space.
Smartphone Astrophotography
With the included smartphone adapter, you can capture some impressive shots of the moon.
The quality will depend on your phone’s camera, but even with a mid-range smartphone, you can get photos that will impress your friends on social media.
Who Is The Celestron Travel scope 80 Telescope Best For?
Based on my experience, the Celestron Travel Scope 80 is ideal for:
- Astronomy newcomers looking to test the waters
- Travelers who want a portable scope for on-the-go stargazing
- Parents searching for an educational gift for their kids
- Casual observers who enjoy impromptu skygazing sessions
- Moon enthusiasts who love lunar photography
My Personal Experience
I’ve taken the Travel Scope 80 on several camping trips now, and it’s been a fantastic companion.
Its portability means I can easily toss it in the car without sacrificing much space.
One memorable night, while camping in the mountains, I set up the scope and invited fellow campers to take a look.
We spent hours passing around the eyepiece, marveling at the moon’s craters and picking out constellations.
The telescope became the centerpiece of an impromptu star party, sparking fascinating conversations about space and our place in the universe.
Conclusion: A Stellar Choice for Beginners and Travelers
The Celestron Travel Scope 80 strikes an impressive balance between portability, ease of use, and optical quality.
While it won’t satisfy the needs of advanced astronomers looking for deep-sky objects, it’s an excellent choice for beginners, casual stargazers, and those who prioritize portability.
Its ability to provide clear views of the moon, basic planetary observations, and wide-field stargazing makes it a versatile tool for exploring the night sky.
The quick setup and user-friendly design mean you’ll be more likely to use it regularly, which is crucial for developing a lasting interest in astronomy.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the vast ocean of astronomy without breaking the bank or sacrificing portability, the Celestron Travel Scope 80 is a stellar choice.
It might just be the telescope that ignites a lifelong passion for the cosmos.
Remember, the best telescope is the one you’ll use most often.
With its ease of use and portability, the Travel Scope 80 might just become your go-to window to the stars.
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Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.