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Best 70mm telescope

Last Updated: 28.03.24

 

70mm telescopes – Buying guide & Comparison

 

If you’re short on time and you just want to find the best 70mm telescope, this short paragraph should help you get exactly the model you need. According to our findings, the iOptron 6002 is the best because it can be used both efficiently and easily by beginners and amateur astronomers as it will allow them to have a peek at planets, bright stars, as well as the Moon. The model has been outfitted with an equatorial mount boasting a slow motion control that enables you to discover and track those celestial objects that are of interest to you. The diagonal and eyepiece provided in the box can let you get the most of the product by allowing you to use it both for astronomical and terrestrial observation. If the iOptron 6002 is unavailable, your second option should be the Orion 10034.

 

 

Comparison table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

Getting your first telescope can be a challenging task, which is why we are going to give you several pieces of advice that you can rely on in the future, whenever you intend to upgrade or replace your chosen device. We’ll tackle some of the critical factors you have to consider in our comprehensive buyer’s guide. Check it out below.

 

Choosing a type

There are three typical kinds of telescopes that are available on the market today. Some are refractors, others are reflectors, and the last and possibly, the most powerful alternatives, are catadioptric telescopes. If you’re looking for a reasonable 70mm choice, chances are that you’d benefit from considering refractors as the aperture they usually come with ranges from 50 to 150mm.

Reflector telescopes traditionally have an aperture of 114mm to 400mm. Catadioptric alternatives are thought of as hybrids as they often combine the attributes of reflectors and refractors, but they ensure superb optical performance. These models have apertures ranging from 90mm to 400mm.

The lower the aperture of the device, the less likely it is to cost a pretty penny. The best 70mm refractor telescope is a good choice for beginners, but it might fail to satisfy users who have already learned the basics of using such a device or who have become accustomed to the celestial objects they can observe. Because of this aperture, you will have no means of seeing deep-sky objects, galaxies, or nebulae as this kind of telescope will fail to provide a clear picture of such subjects.

 

Mounting system

Most of the models we have come across come with mounts of their own, which means that you won’t have to purchase one separately. This is a beneficial aspect of giving some thought to as you won’t be forced to spend more money or be bothered by an extensive research that you might have to perform to make sure that the mount is entirely compatible with your telescope.

Mounts can be of two types. The altazimuth design is quite common nowadays as it enables owners to perform both horizontal and vertical movements. The altazimuth of some cutting-edge models is computerized and maybe even features a GPS system, which ca both mean the world to a complete beginner.

German Equatorial mounts can be found in some models, but they need a bit more care as they have to be aligned perfectly. As with their altazimuth counterparts, such mounts can be computerized or motorized.

Focal length

It goes without saying that, if you ended up here, you’ve already decided on the aperture that you want your telescope to come with, which is why this will not be a topic that we are going to tackle. The focal length and the magnification of the eyepieces, however, need to be addressed so that you know what to expect from the unit.

Typically, most people tend to think that longer focal lengths are always better, but that is not always the case. A shorter one might be an excellent choice if what you intend to do is look at large patches of the night sky. A mid focal length provides clear images of certain celestial bodies such as planets and the moon. Telescopes with long focal lengths are necessary if a greater magnification is what you are focused on, so you can have a chance at seeing deep-sky objects, galaxies, and nebulae.

The aperture is by far the most important factor to bear in mind, and if you can’t afford to purchase any telescope that comes with a great aperture than 70mm, you’ll have to be aware of its limitations.

 

 

5 Best 70mm Telescopes (Reviews) in 2024

 

To make it easier for you to settle on one model or the next, we’ve compiled a list of the critically acclaimed choices out there. Based on what we found, these units have gathered some of the best 70mm telescopes reviews.

 

 

1. iOptron 6002 900X70 Refractor Telescope

 

If you’re in need of a decent beginner’s telescope and haven’t found one that best meets your requirements, perhaps you should consider this iOptron unit. It comes with a 70mm aperture and a focal length of 900mm which both work together in providing excellent images of the Moon, stars, and planets.

The iOptron 6002 is a great choice for people who would like to teach their kids how to use a telescope, in general, although the EQ-2 German equatorial mount might be a bit harder to explain. Nonetheless, since the mounting system has been equipped with a slow-motion control and setting cycles, you won’t have that much trouble discovering and tracking your favorite celestial objects.

One of the other advantages made possible by the design of this product is that it is lightweight and easy to use, so much so that you will be able to set it up in as little as under a quarter of an hour.

 

Pros

With its awesome 900mm focal length coupled with the 70mm aperture, this telescope enables you to carry out detailed observations of the Moon, the planets, and the bright stars in optimal weather conditions.

The innovative EQ-2 German equatorial mount provides slow-motion controls and allows you to set the cycles for quick yet accurate locating and tracking of celestial objects for a comprehensive study every night.

The erect diagonal and eyepiece work together to enable a comfortable viewing experience so images can be viewed upright and not bottom side up for an easier observation.

The scope is equipped with fully-coated glass optics that ensure the delivery of sharp and clear images for optimal viewing every time.

With its 10-minute easy setup, this scope enables you to get on with your astronomical observations without spending too much time setting up the device properly for use.

 

Cons

The instructions for the setup of the scope are not made rather well but fortunately, the device itself comes with an intuitive assembly and functionality.

 

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2. Orion 10013 GoScope 80mm TableTop Refractor Telescope

 

Despite being somewhat more affordable than other units we have come across while completing our research process, this Orion will never disappoint you when you need it the most. The neat thing about this kit is that, in spite of being so budget-friendly, it comes with the tripod, an Orion Moon Map, as well as a set of accessories which all manage to increase the value offered by this alternative.

The core difference between this model and that which we have showcased above consists of the focal length as the Orion 10034 comes with a 400mm one. What this means is that while it is a good choice for typical sky watching, it might also prove to be a handy assistant for other activities, as well.

If, for example, you like viewing wildlife, doing a bit of birdwatching, or just looking at the scenery nearby your vacation destination, this model is a winner when it comes to versatility. While you won’t be able to look at deep-sky objects with the help of this unit, it will inevitably prove its worth if you intend to look at bright planets and the moon.

 

Pros

This grab-and-go day-and-night refractor telescope is ideal for families and stargazers on the go thanks to its lightweight aluminum tripod that facilitates its problem-free setup anywhere.

The rugged, specially-crafted backpack provides an efficient means of carrying the 70mm instrument along with the other viewing essentials in the package that include the tripod and all other accessories.

This telescope set comes with a variety of items for real value for money such as the tripod, 5×24 finderscope, two 1.25-inch telescope eyepieces, and an Orion Moon Map 260 so you can start viewing sky objects immediately.

This telescope is perfect for daytime viewing purposes such as birdwatching, wildlife and scenery viewing, as well as the casual nighttime study of the Moon and the planets.

The included finderscope makes the instrument easy to aim at the object for viewing while the supplied eyepieces provide the exact magnification you need for powerful views every time.

 

Cons

Like most other tripods for scopes, the supplied one in the package tends to wobble or shake when you make adjustments on the scope so make sure it stands on a stable surface.

 

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3. Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope

 

This Celestron 70mm telescope is another option you might have to give some thought to. Why’s that? For one, it has garnered the appreciation of over five hundred owners who have taken to the internet to express their satisfaction with regard to the way this model functions. Secondly, it comes with everything you might need in order to get it up and running.

Since this product is mostly designed to be a portable alternative, setting it up will most certainly not be a nuisance. In actuality, it has been outfitted with a quick-release dovetail attachment, which practically means that you won’t require any tools whatsoever in order to set it up and disassemble it.

As with the other products in this line, the 21061 comes with the same 70mm aperture. What seems to make it stand out from the crowd is the fact that it is accompanied by a pan handle altazimuth control with a clutch, which will enable you to point at your favorite objects both accurately and smoothly.

 

Pros

Engineered with erect image optics, this telescope can be used confidently for astronomical and terrestrial viewing purposes so it makes a versatile piece of gear for the avid outdoors person.

The device is easy to put together and set up right from the package and you won’t even need special tools or skills to ensure it can be assembled properly for optimal use.

The permanently-mounted StarPointer makes it easy to aim and align the scope for the accurate viewing of deep-sky objects so you wouldn’t need to figure out by yourself how to find the object you are looking for.

The quick-release dovetail attachment makes it easy to mount the telescope on the rugged, pre-assembled tripod that also comes with 1.25-inch steel tube legs to deliver a stable and strong-enough platform for viewing.

Get smooth and accurate pointing of the telescope thanks to the pan-handle altazimuth control with a clutch.

 

Cons

One buyer who gave this telescope as a gift was disappointed that it didn’t come with a battery.

 

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4. Celestron 21037 PowerSeeker 70EQ Refractor Telescope

 

Available either as a telescope only pack and as an accessory bundle, this Celestron alternative is another unit to consider if you’re looking for something that offers a bit more performance. In that sense, it should be noted that the focal length of this model is 700mm, thus surpassing that of many of its competitors.

What’s more, the Celestron PowerSeeker boasts a 3x Barlow lens which ensures that the magnification can be multiplied without you having to change the eyepiece all the time. Furthermore, it is said that the optics employed in the construction of this telescope are of the highest quality, which appears to have a significantly favorable impact on those that have used it before.

Since a correct-image diagonal can also be found in the box, you’ll be able to utilize this telescope for terrestrial viewing purposes, as well. An edition of TheSkyX astronomy software is also part of the deal.

 

Pros

This instrument is best for beginner astronomers who are excited to see the stars because of its easy, tool-free setup so it is ready for use after a bit of minor assembly that involves simple steps: unpack the telescope and tripod, attach the two pieces, put in the preferred eyepiece, and start viewing the celestial objects.

A definite favorite among beginner astronomers, this device provides clear views of the planets and the Moon with its focal length of 700mm and aperture of 70mm for an impressive, light-gathering capacity.

The supplied finderscope attachment facilitates the effortless locating and centering of objects for viewing so you are not left on your own to figure out how to get started with celestial observations.

The supplied Barlow lens amplifies the magnifying power of the eyepieces three times for clearer, brighter images every time.

The telescope’s surprisingly good optics are supplemented by the ingenious 1.25-inch star diagonal that presents an upright image for the comfortable, hassle-free viewing of targets.

 

Cons

This scope is best for the casual observation of sky objects and can be upgraded to deliver professional views with the integration of eyepieces with a higher magnification that can be bought separately like what one customer has done.

 

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5. Meade Instruments Infinity 70AZ Refractor Telescope Metallic Blue

 

In many respects, this Meade 70mm telescope somewhat resembles the Celestron PowerSeeker we’ve tackled above. It has the same focal length of 700mm. However, the fact of the matter is that what sets the difference between one and the other is that the Meade model is accompanied by an Altazimuth mount instead of a German Equatorial mount.

The slow motion control rod that the mounting system has been equipped with enables you to track your preferred celestial objects with ease. Both low and high magnification eyepieces are provided in the pack, as is a 2x Barlow lens.

Since this product is one of the most reasonably priced ones we have managed to track down, it might be an excellent option for those looking for a beginner’s telescope that’s worth its weight in gold. The red dot viewfinder even allows you to point the scope at your subjects. Plus, both an instructional DVD and astronomical software can be found in the box, thus enabling you to learn a bit about astronomy before starting to use your first telescope.

 

Pros

This telescope is equipped with an aperture of 70mm that is adequate for the casual observation of celestial objects in the night sky and provides a great way to introduce kids to the science of astronomy.

The rack-and-pinion focuser makes it easy to find the right setting to view the celestial objects with enough clarity and brightness on clear nights.

The altazimuth mount provides a good enough platform for positioning the scope on a less shaky stand compared to just holding the device in the hand, while the slow-motion control rod enables the precise tracking of objects night and day.

Get the exact magnification you want thanks to the supplied low and high magnification eyepieces that accommodate a variety of viewing conditions.

The provided Barlow lens delivers twice more power for the magnification eyepieces for a better clarity or greater amount of detail, as preferred by the user.

 

Cons

This device does not ship with an erect-image diagonal or mirror so viewed images appear upside down when seen through the eyepiece.

 

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Ioana Moldovan

Ioana’s professional experience in the optics field has helped her understand the value of passing her knowledge forward. Her curious personality helps her gather useful information for her readers and her goal is to make technical information fun and accessible to everyone.

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