Alex ChenTelescopes5 products
If you want the best all-rounder, the CELTICBIRD 80/600 is your best bet for solid lunar views and portability. For those on a stricter budget, the Omegon 70/700 is a reliable workhorse for learning the ropes without breaking the bank.
Families and budding astronomers
Frequent travelers and hikers
Compact travel enthusiasts
Budget-conscious beginners
Stable backyard observations
| Feature | CELTICBIRD 80/600 | EACONN 80/600 | Celestron Travel Scope 80 | Omegon 70/700 | Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €143.99 | €129.99 | €169.99 | €116.90 | €197.99 |
| Aperture SizeThe 80mm models capture significantly more light, which is critical for seeing dimmer celestial objects. | 80 mm (winner) | 80 mm | 80 mm | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| PortabilityThe EACONN comes with a dedicated backpack, making it the clear winner for hikers and travelers. | Includes carry bag | Includes backpack (winner) | Lightweight travel design | Standard setup | Heavy duty |
| Ease of UseAll these models are designed for beginners, but the CELTICBIRD offers the most seamless out-of-the-box experience. | Tool-free assembly (winner) | Tool-free assembly | Intuitive setup | Simple assembly | Tool-free setup |
Families and budding astronomers
A solid, portable performer that excels at clear lunar shots. It is easy to pack and even easier to set up for a night under the stars.
Frequent travelers and hikers
This telescope is built for those who can not sit still, featuring a great backpack for hauling it to remote dark-sky locations. It offers decent magnification for the price.
Compact travel enthusiasts
A legendary name in the game, this scope is designed specifically for portability. It is perfect for those who want a reputable brand name in their kit.
Budget-conscious beginners
A no-nonsense refractor that gets the job done for simple planetary and lunar observation. It is a classic entry-level choice for anyone testing the waters.
Stable backyard observations
A more robust build than the travel options, making it a great choice if you have a permanent spot in the garden. It handles terrestrial viewing quite well too.
When you are miles from civilization and the Milky Way pops out, you need gear that does not rattle like a bag of bolts. The CELTICBIRD and EACONN are your best friends here. Both pack down into bags that won't ruin your back, and they are quick to set up when you are chasing the last light of dusk.
On the other hand, the Celestron Travel Scope 80 leans heavily into the travel aesthetic, though its tripod can be a bit jittery if you catch a breeze. If you are staying closer to home, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ offers a more substantial build that feels like it could survive a few knocks, even if it is not the most graceful thing to carry up a mountain.
The real difference lies in what you are actually trying to see. The 80mm scopes like the CELTICBIRD and EACONN give you that extra bit of light-gathering power for better detail on the moon. If your goal is just to see the rings of Saturn and you are watching your wallet, the Omegon 70/700 is the champion of simplicity.
If you are serious about getting into astronomy, grab the CELTICBIRD 80/600 for its perfect balance of optical clarity and portability. It is the kind of gear that lasts long enough for you to actually learn the sky.
For those just dipping their toes in or needing a low-cost gift, the Omegon 70/700 is the best value pick that keeps the barrier to entry low and the frustration factor non-existent.
Prices on amazon.es as of October 8, 2026. Prices may change.
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