10 Best 22 Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Celestron Travel Scope 80 is a beginner-friendly refractor telescope that stands out for its portability and ease of use. With an 80mm aperture and fully coated glass optics, it delivers bright and clear views of the Moon, planets, and even daytime scenes. It comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) offering different magnification levels, which gives users both wide and detailed views. The field of view is about 1.7 degrees, which is decent for spotting larger celestial objects or landscapes.

The telescope uses a simple altazimuth mount, making it easy to point and adjust manually, though it relies on manual focus and does not have advanced parallax adjustment features. As a basic model, it suits casual viewing rather than extended sessions requiring comfort optics. Its build is lightweight at 4.5 pounds, with a sturdy tripod and weather-resistant design suitable for travel and outdoor use. The included smartphone adapter and backpack make it a convenient choice for those who want to capture images or take the telescope on the go.

Not designed for professional astronomy or high magnification, this telescope is a solid pick for families, beginners, and travelers who want an accessible and enjoyable introduction to stargazing and nature observation.

The Celestron Travel Scope 70DX is a solid choice for beginners and casual stargazers who want a portable and easy-to-use telescope. Its 70mm objective lens is decent for a travel scope, allowing bright and sharp views of the Moon, planets, and some daytime objects. The fully coated glass optics help deliver clear images, while the included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces provide versatile magnification options for both wide and close-up views. Setup is quick and tool-free, and the lightweight design with a backpack makes it great for taking outdoors or on trips.

It includes handy extras like a smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote for capturing images, which is a nice bonus for beginners exploring astrophotography. Since it uses a simple altazimuth mount and manual focus, it may not offer the smoothest tracking or most precise adjustments that more experienced users seek. The telescope lacks specific features such as eye relief or parallax adjustment, which can contribute to comfortable and accurate viewing.

Durability-wise, it’s designed for travel but it is not specified as weather-resistant, so care is needed in rough conditions. This scope meets the needs of families and newcomers looking for an affordable, user-friendly introduction to astronomy without complicated setup or heavy gear.

The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is a beginner-friendly refractor telescope designed for easy use and travel. With a 70mm aperture and fully coated glass lenses, it offers bright and sharp views of the Moon, planets, and even daytime wildlife. It comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), providing a good range of magnification for both wide-angle and close-up viewing. The 1.43-degree field of view helps you spot celestial objects without too much difficulty. Eye relief is comfortable, making it easier for most users to see the image clearly without straining.

Parallax adjustment isn’t specifically highlighted, which is typical for entry-level scopes, so focusing might require slight manual adjustments. The altazimuth mount and included tripod are stable enough for beginner use, and the whole setup is lightweight and quick to assemble—perfect for travel or casual observing sessions. Durability is decent with weather-resistant features, but it’s best kept dry and handled carefully since it’s primarily made for portability rather than harsh outdoor conditions.

The included backpack and software add value by helping users identify stars and planets, making it a great educational tool for families or those new to astronomy. The 70mm lens limits how much faint detail you can see compared to larger or more advanced telescopes, and manual focusing means some patience is needed. This scope balances simplicity, portability, and decent optics, making it a solid choice for beginners wanting a versatile and easy-to-use telescope.