Trying to find a telescope that won’t wreck your budget or weigh you down? The Celestron Travel Scope 50 might just fit the bill for your stargazing adventures.
This little telescope squeezes a 50mm aperture and fully-coated glass optics into a lightweight body, barely tipping the scales at just over two pounds. The best part? Everything tucks right into its custom backpack, so you can toss it over your shoulder and go.
You get two eyepieces for different magnifications, plus a Barlow lens that triples your viewing power. Setup is crazy fast and doesn’t need any tools. The full-height tripod gives you a steady base for checking out both celestial sights and daytime scenery.
People who’ve tried it say it really is beginner-friendly. Most folks love how easy it is to set up and carry around. Of course, you’ll want to keep your expectations in check—this isn’t a $1,000 telescope, and the 50mm aperture does have its limits.
Overview of the Celestron Travel Scope 50
This telescope offers solid performance in a travel-friendly package. The 50mm aperture pulls in more light than some smaller beginner scopes, and the fully-coated glass lenses give you sharp images whether you’re checking out birds or the Moon.
Key Features:
- Two eyepieces (20mm and 8mm) for different magnification
- 3x Barlow lens for extra zoom
- Full-height tripod included
- Custom backpack for easy carrying
- No-tool setup in seconds
The Travel Scope 50 shines for lunar viewing and daytime use. People say they see nice crater details on the Moon and get solid results watching wildlife. At only 2.2 pounds, it’s easy to grab and go.
But let’s be honest—this scope isn’t going to blow your mind with planetary detail or deep-space views. Light pollution makes a big difference, so it’s best for basic astronomy, not chasing faint nebulae.
The included software and accessories add some value, though the finder scope could be more accurate. For casual users, it strikes a nice balance between portability and optical quality.
Portability and Design
Easy transport really is the Travel Scope 50‘s biggest selling point. The telescope breaks down into compact pieces and everything fits into the padded backpack—eyepieces, Barlow, diagonal, all of it.
You won’t need tools for setup. The tripod and telescope tube snap together in seconds, so you’re up and running fast. It’s super handy for camping trips or just heading out to the backyard.
The 50mm aperture keeps things light but still lets in enough light for clear views. The coated lenses help keep images sharp without adding bulk.
Storage is easy thanks to the custom backpack. Every accessory has its own spot, and the padded inside keeps your optics safe while you’re on the move.
Carrying this telescope is a breeze, though a few people mention the tripod can get a bit wobbly if it’s windy.
Optical Performance
With a 50mm aperture, this telescope sits firmly in the “starter” category. You’ll get clear views, but don’t expect it to compete with larger, pricier scopes. The fully-coated glass optics cut glare and brighten up your images.
What it does well:
- Crisp moon views and lunar craters
- Solid for birdwatching and scenery
- Coated lenses keep light scatter down
Where it falls short:
- Planets look tiny
- Not much deep-sky action, especially with light pollution
- Needs dark skies for best results
The lens quality is decent for the price. You’ll get nice lunar and daytime views, but don’t expect to spot the rings of Saturn in detail or faint galaxies.
City lights will wash out a lot, so you’ll want to find a dark spot for the best experience. The scope’s portability makes it perfect for travel, and the optics stay protected in the backpack.
Ease of Setup
Getting the Travel Scope 50 ready takes just a few minutes. You don’t need any tools—just attach the tube to the tripod, and you’re set.
The tripod unfolds in a snap, and everything clicks together without any fuss. Most beginners can have it ready to go in under five minutes.
Why setup is easy:
- No screws or tools required
- Tripod extends to full height quickly
- Telescope tube attaches with a simple mount
- All parts pack back into the backpack
Some users say the tripod feels a little light, which means it can shake if the wind picks up. Still, the simple design keeps things straightforward.
The included backpack keeps everything organized, so you’re not scrambling for parts. You just grab what you need and assemble it fast.
Versatile Viewing Experience
You get two eyepieces that let you switch up your views. The 20mm eyepiece gives you a wide field so you can find things easily. The 8mm eyepiece zooms in for more detail.
The Travel Scope 50 works both day and night. At night, the Moon’s craters pop out, and in the daytime, you can spot birds or far-off scenery. The 3x Barlow lens bumps up the magnification when you want a closer look.
What’s good:
- Two eyepieces for different styles of viewing
- Works for sky and land
- Barlow lens adds more power
Could be better:
- Not enough juice for deep space
- City lights make night viewing tough
The 50mm lens pulls in enough light for basic astronomy, but don’t expect to see faint galaxies. Most people use it for the Moon or daytime nature watching.
Included Accessories and Software
You get everything you need to start observing right out of the box. The two eyepieces give you different views—20mm for wide, 8mm for zooming in.
A 3x Barlow lens adds even more magnification. There’s a star diagonal and a finderscope to help you aim.
Accessories you’ll find:
- Full-height tripod that sets up quick
- Padded backpack for carrying
- Starry Night software download
The backpack is actually pretty nice. It fits all your gear and makes it easy to take the telescope anywhere. The software helps beginners learn the ropes and plan their viewing.
Since you don’t need tools, you can get started right away. When you’re done, everything packs neatly back into the backpack.
Warranty and Customer Support
When you’re buying your first telescope, it’s good to know you’ve got solid support. The Travel Scope 50 comes with a 2-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
What’s covered:
- Manufacturing defects
- Optical problems
- Mechanical failures
Celestron’s US-based team offers unlimited support by phone or email. They’ll help you with setup, troubleshooting, or any questions about your telescope.
Celestron has been around since 1960, so they know their stuff. People often say their support team is helpful and gets back to you quickly.
Support options:
- Phone support during business hours
- Email help
- Online manuals and resources
- Video tutorials
The warranty only covers defects, not damage from drops or accidents. You’ll need your receipt and should register your telescope to use the warranty.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down what makes this scope worth considering—and where it might let you down.
Pros
Easy Setup and Portability
You can set up the Travel Scope 50 in minutes, no tools needed. It’s light, and the included backpack makes it easy to carry anywhere.
Good Value for Beginners
This scope delivers real optical performance at a price that won’t sting. The coated glass lenses give clear views of the moon and planets, and you get dual eyepieces plus a Barlow lens for variety.
Complete Package
Everything’s in the box: tripod, backpack, eyepieces, and software. The 2-year warranty and customer support are nice bonuses.
Versatile Viewing
Use it for astronomy or daytime viewing. It’s handy for wildlife, landscapes, and celestial stuff.
Cons
Limited Light Gathering
With a 50mm aperture, this scope can’t pull in much light. Galaxies and nebulae will be tough to spot, and planets look small.
Basic Tripod
The tripod can get shaky, especially if there’s wind. That makes it harder to keep things in focus.
City Viewing Challenges
Light pollution means you’ll mostly see the moon and bright planets in the city. For stars and deep sky, you’ll need to head somewhere darker.
Small Size Limitations
Portability is great, but the compact design limits what you can see. More experienced users might find the views underwhelming.
Ready to give stargazing a shot? Check out the Travel Scope 50 on Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Customer Reviews
People keep coming back to the Travel Scope 50 because it really does what it promises. Sure, you’re not going to get Hubble-level images, but that’s not the point. Most folks say it nails its job as a portable viewing scope, and that’s what matters.
What customers like:
- Setup is a breeze, and it barely weighs anything
- The front lens feels surprisingly solid for the price
- The included backpack makes it easy to grab and go
- It’s a great starter scope, especially for beginners
Common concerns:
- Sometimes a piece or two goes missing in the box, which is annoying
- City lights really limit planetary viewing
- Honestly, it works better for checking out landscapes than for deep space
Experienced users seem to appreciate its compact 12-inch size and practical build. A lot of parents pick up this model because it’s a real telescope, not just some toy, for their kids who are curious about the stars.
With more than 15,000 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, most buyers seem happy with what they get—once they know it’s meant as an entry-level travel scope.
Want to give stargazing a shot? Check out the Travel Scope 50 on Amazon to see what it’s going for right now.
Conclusion
Honestly, after digging into the details, I think the Travel Scope 50 does what it promises. You get a lightweight telescope you can toss in a backpack and set up in just a few minutes. That 50mm lens? It’ll show you the moon and some of the brighter stuff up there pretty well.
Of course, it’s not perfect. Don’t expect to spot jaw-dropping features on planets or faraway galaxies. The mount tends to wobble if you bump it, which can get annoying. Still, for beginners or kids who just want to check out the night sky, this little scope gets the job done.
The Good:
- Super portable and light
- Comes with all the basics
- Setup’s a breeze
The Not So Good:
- Viewing power feels limited
- Mount gets a bit wobbly
- Not ideal for hardcore astronomy fans
For the price, you’re getting a real telescope—way better than those toy models. If you’re curious about astronomy but don’t want to drop a lot of cash, this might be a solid pick.
Check out the Travel Scope 50 on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.