Are you hunting for your first telescope that won’t empty your wallet or weigh you down? The Travel Scope 70DX really stands out as a solid entry-level option—it’s portable, and you don’t have to give up too much performance to get it.
This compact refractor comes with all the basics you need to get started. Inside the kit, you’ll find two eyepieces, a smartphone adapter, and even a backpack to haul everything around.
You can set up the scope in just a few minutes, and you won’t need any tools. The fully coated glass optics give you pretty decent views of the moon and planets, especially if you’re just starting out. But, honestly, the tripod feels a bit flimsy, and focusing gets tricky at higher magnifications—lots of folks mention this.
Bottom Line
The Travel Scope 70DX gives beginners good value if you want to dip your toes into astronomy.
Sure, the tripod could be sturdier, but the all-in-one package makes it super easy to start observing right away.
Curious to get started? Check out the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon and see what the night sky has in store for you.
Overview of the Celestron Travel Scope 70DX
This portable refractor telescope is aimed at beginners and families who want to check out both day and night views. Weighing just 3.3 pounds, the Travel Scope 70DX fits neatly into its custom backpack for easy transport.
You get a 70mm aperture and fully coated glass optics, so images are brighter than what you’d see with smaller models. It comes with two eyepieces for different magnification levels, plus a Barlow lens to double your viewing power.
Key components:
- Full-height tripod for stable viewing
- Star diagonal for comfortable positioning
- Moon filter to cut down glare
- Smartphone adapter with Bluetooth remote
- Free astronomy software download
You can put everything together in seconds, no tools needed. Some users say the tripod wobbles a bit during high-magnification viewing. Still, the scope works well for checking out moon craters, planets, and even wildlife during the day.
The deluxe kit feels like a good deal, since you get all the accessories you need right out of the box. The included backpack keeps things organized for travel or storage.
Want to see what’s out there? Check out the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon for the latest price and availability.
Portability and Quick Assembly
You can move this telescope around easily thanks to its light weight and the included backpack. The Travel Scope 70DX is much lighter than bigger telescopes but still gives you quality views.
Setup is honestly quick. No tools needed—just snap the tripod and tube together and you’re ready to go. Perfect for spontaneous astronomy sessions or trips.
The custom backpack keeps everything tidy. All the bits—eyepieces, star diagonal, smartphone adapter—fit inside, so you’re not juggling loose parts.
Assembly perks:
- No tools required
- Full-height tripod sets up fast
- Everything fits in one backpack
- Ready to use in minutes
If it’s really windy out, the lightweight tripod might wobble a bit. But in most cases, the quick setup and portability make this scope a great pick for beginners who want to try different spots.
Thinking about stargazing on the go? See the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon and find out how easy portable astronomy can be.
Optical Performance and Image Quality
With its 70mm aperture, this scope gathers a decent amount of light for the price. You’ll spot craters on the moon, Jupiter’s bands, and Saturn’s rings without much trouble. The fully-coated optics cut glare and boost contrast.
Planetary viewing is decent, but here’s what you get:
- Mars shows up as a tiny orange dot
- You’ll need steady hands for fine details
- Higher magnifications make things dim
The scope really shines on bright objects like the moon and major planets. If you’re hoping to see deep-space stuff, the smaller aperture just doesn’t cut it. Nebulae and distant galaxies look pretty faint or not visible at all.
Stick to lower magnifications for sharper images. If you crank up the zoom, the view gets a bit fuzzy and harder to focus. The optics are good for the price, but you won’t get pro-level clarity.
Curious about what you’ll see with the Travel Scope 70DX? Check the current price and availability on Amazon and start your own sky adventure.
Versatile Viewing Options
The dual eyepieces give you options for different situations. The 20mm eyepiece is great for finding objects and getting wide views of star fields or daytime landscapes.
If you want to zoom in, the 10mm eyepiece brings things closer. You can start wide to find what you’re after, then swap to higher magnification for detail.
Key features:
- 20mm eyepiece — Wide field for finding stuff
- 10mm eyepiece — Higher magnification for details
- 2x Barlow lens — Doubles the power of both eyepieces
- Moon filter — Cuts glare from the Moon
The Travel Scope 70DX works for both night sky and daytime viewing. You can watch birds or scenery during the day, then check out the stars after dark.
The Moon filter is a nice touch—it makes the Moon less blinding and brings out more surface detail.
Want to see how versatile this scope can be? Check the latest price and availability on Amazon.
Photography and Smartphone Integration
Taking photos of your stargazing sessions is a breeze with the included smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote. Just attach your phone to the eyepiece and snap away or shoot some video.
The kit includes a 2x Barlow lens so you can double your magnification for photos—handy for getting close-ups of the moon’s craters or distant planets.
A Moon filter helps cut glare when you’re photographing the Moon, so you don’t end up with overexposed shots. It’s a small thing, but it really helps you capture lunar details.
The Bluetooth remote lets you trigger your camera without touching your phone, which means less shake and fewer blurry photos.
What works:
- Simple phone attachment
- Bluetooth remote cuts down on camera shake
- Barlow lens boosts magnification for photos
What’s not perfect:
- Phone adapter might not fit every phone model
- Photo quality depends on your phone’s camera
Ready to try some astrophotography? See the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon for price and availability.
All-Inclusive Travel Accessories
When you pick up the Travel Scope 70DX, you get all the gear you need for instant stargazing adventures. The complete accessory package means you don’t have to buy extras.
What’s in the box:
- Custom padded backpack for easy carrying
- Smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote
- 2x Barlow lens for more magnification
- Moon filter to cut glare
- Star diagonal for comfy viewing
- Full-height tripod that sets up fast
The backpack makes the whole kit genuinely portable. Everything fits inside, so you won’t lose pieces or fight with zippers.
The smartphone adapter lets you snap photos and videos right through the eyepiece. The Bluetooth remote helps keep your shots steady.
You also get a free download of Starry Night astronomy software to help you find stuff in the sky and plan viewing sessions.
Some accessories feel a bit basic if you compare them to high-end telescope kits. The tripod does the job, but it’s not as solid as heavier models.
Want an all-in-one kit for your sky adventures? See the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon for the latest price and availability.
Warranty and Customer Support
Celestron covers the Travel Scope 70DX with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects, so you can buy with a bit more confidence.
You can reach their US-based customer service team for support. It’s nice not having to deal with overseas call centers—you can get help during normal business hours.
Warranty details:
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Covers material and workmanship defects
- US-based customer support team
People have mixed experiences with response times—some get quick help, others have to wait longer. If you need repairs or replacements, the warranty process is pretty straightforward.
Just keep in mind, the warranty doesn’t cover drops or rough handling. Since this is a travel scope, accidents might happen when you’re on the go.
Want a scope with reliable warranty protection? See the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon for current pricing.
Pros and Cons
If you’re weighing whether this telescope is worth your money, the Travel Scope 70DX has some clear upsides and a few drawbacks.
Pros
The fully-coated glass optics give you surprisingly sharp views for the price. You’ll see crisp lunar craters and bright planets like Jupiter and Saturn. The 70mm aperture brings in enough light to make stargazing fun for beginners.
Setup is a breeze. You can have it ready to go in under five minutes, no tools needed. The included backpack means you can take it anywhere—camping, your backyard, wherever.
Two eyepieces for different views:
- 20mm eyepiece for wide views
- 10mm eyepiece for closer looks
The bonus accessories actually add value. You can take photos through the telescope with the smartphone adapter, double your magnification with the Barlow lens, and use the moon filter to cut glare for lunar viewing.
Cons
The tripod causes the biggest headaches here. Honestly, a lot of people think it feels too flimsy, especially when you crank up the magnification. The telescope shakes a lot and just doesn’t want to stay pointed at what you’re looking at.
The mounting system struggles with stability too. If you’re trying to track something across the sky, the telescope sometimes slips out of place. Keeping planets in view at high zoom? Not easy.
Build quality seems pretty basic in spots. The adjustment knobs and fastening bits just don’t feel all that sturdy. After a while, some parts might start to loosen up if you use the telescope regularly.
Curious about what’s out there tonight? Check out the Celestron Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon for the latest price and to see what other people think.
Customer Reviews
People have mixed reactions to this telescope’s performance and build. Plenty of buyers like the Travel Scope 70DX for being lightweight and super easy to take anywhere. Several folks say it works just fine for basic planetary viewing or spotting distant things.
The optics deliver clear images, which is a nice surprise at this price point. New users usually have no trouble setting it up and getting started.
But yeah, the tripod gets a lot of complaints. More than a few buyers call it flimsy and unstable, especially if you try higher magnifications. Some people just swap it out for a sturdier camera tripod.
The fastening mechanisms get knocked for being a bit loose, which lets the telescope drift off target. Quite a few reviewers suggest grabbing a 3x Barlow lens to boost your viewing experience.
With over 4,900 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, the telescope seems to keep most people happy despite these common issues.
Want to see what the Travel Scope 70DX can do? Check current pricing and availability on Amazon.
Conclusion
So, after digging into the details, I think the Travel Scope 70DX makes a pretty good pick for beginners who want something simple and easy to carry around. You’ll get some nice views of the moon and planets with it. The phone adapter? That’s a fun little extra if you want to snap photos.
But let’s be real, the tripod just doesn’t feel sturdy. It can get annoying when you’re trying to keep things steady and in view. Honestly, a lot of folks end up grabbing a sturdier mount or just using a camera tripod.
The Good:
- Lightweight, easy to carry
- Beginner-friendly
- Handy extras included
The Bad:
- Tripod can be wobbly
- Might want to upgrade for a smoother experience
This telescope gives you a solid start in astronomy without emptying your wallet. Just keep in mind, you might want to swap out the tripod down the line.
Curious to see what’s out there? Check out the Travel Scope 70DX on Amazon for the latest price and availability.