Alex ChenTelescopes4 products
For a reliable entry into astronomy, Celestron is the industry benchmark. If you are on a strict budget and just want a fun, portable kit for the backyard, the EACONN is your best bet.
Budget-conscious family fun
Backyard lunar observation
Close-up planetary viewing
Serious hiking and travel
| Feature | EACONN 70400 | BNISE 150X | FAMIROSA 50070 | Celestron Travel Scope 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CA$59.99 | CA$64.99 | CA$69.99 | CA$139.64 |
| ApertureAll four models use the same 70mm aperture for light gathering. | 70mm | 70mm | 70mm | 70mm |
| Focal LengthFAMIROSA offers the longest focal length, providing higher potential magnification. | 400mm | 300mm | 500mm (winner) | 400mm |
| PortabilityCelestron provides the most proven, travel-ready ecosystem for hikers. | 1.9 kg with backpack | 1.2 kg with backpack | Not listed weight | 1.91 kg with backpack (winner) |
Budget-conscious family fun
A solid, no-nonsense starter kit that gets you looking at the moon immediately. It is lightweight, simple to assemble, and includes a handy carrying backpack.
Backyard lunar observation
This telescope offers a wide range of magnification options for its size. It is extremely light, making it a decent choice for quick backyard sessions.
Close-up planetary viewing
With a 500mm focal length, this scope pulls in a bit more detail than the competition. It is a capable, basic tool for those wanting to try out stargazing.
Serious hiking and travel
This is the classic, reliable choice for a reason. While the tripod is light, the optics and build quality stand out for those who want a trusted brand.
When you are out in the backcountry or just dragging your gear to a dark field, you want a telescope that does not feel like a boat anchor. The EACONN and Celestron both hit the sweet spot for weight, coming in around 1.9kg, while BNISE is even lighter. FAMIROSA offers the longest focal length, which is a nice touch for pulling in planetary detail, but portability is where the battle is truly won or lost.
Celestron remains the standard for a reason. Even if the tripod is a bit spindly, the build quality of the optical tube is something you can rely on for years. The other options are perfect for those who want to spend less while still getting a view of the lunar craters, but they might not survive the same kind of trail abuse as a seasoned pro's secondary setup.
If you are just dipping your toes into the hobby, do not obsess over the 150x magnification claims. At this aperture, clarity matters more than raw power, and you will find that the Celestron optics tend to perform more consistently. For those who just want to get the kids excited about the moon on a quiet Friday night, any of these will do, but the EACONN is a wallet-friendly champion for that specific mission.
If you want the most reliable experience and plan on traveling often, spend the extra on the Celestron Travel Scope 70. It is the gold standard for a reason and will serve you well until you are ready for a much larger, more permanent rig.
If your budget is tight and you just want to see if the kids take to astronomy, the EACONN provides the best overall value for money to get started without the sticker shock.
Prices on amazon.ca as of September 26, 2026. Prices may change.
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