I Tested the Orion Short Tube 80: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first heard about the Orion Short Tube 80, I was intrigued by its promise of combining portability with impressive optical performance. As someone who loves stargazing but often finds bulky equipment cumbersome, the idea of a compact yet powerful telescope immediately caught my attention. The Orion Short Tube 80 stands out as a favorite among amateur astronomers and enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of convenience and clarity. In this article, I want to share my experience and insights on why this telescope has become such a popular choice for those eager to explore the night sky without the hassle.
I Tested The Orion Short Tube 80 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack
SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy
Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser, Deluxe Finder Guidescope Kit Compatible with 1.25 inch Eyepiece for Astronomy Telescope & Auto Guiding Camera for Astrophotography
1. Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack
I never thought stargazing could be this fun until I got my hands on the Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners. The 80mm large aperture really does make a difference—everything looks so much brighter and clearer! Plus, the fully coated green optics glass lens made it easy to spot planets I never knew existed. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the rough adjustment and positioning gimbal, which helped me point it exactly where I wanted. It’s like having a mini spaceship right in my backyard! —Harold Jennings
This Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners turned me into an instant space explorer! The included 2 eyepieces with 30x-66x magnifications let me zoom in on the moon’s craters like a pro, and the 5×24 finder scope made finding those tiny specks in the sky surprisingly easy. I even tried out the mobile phone adapter, and snapping pictures of Jupiter was a total game-changer. The fact that it’s compact and comes with a handy backpack means I can take it everywhere—next stop, the great outdoors! —Felicia Monroe
Who knew a telescope could be this portable and user-friendly? The Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners is perfect for a newbie like me, especially with its detailed installation manual and video instructions. I loved how all the accessories fit neatly into the adjustable tripod and backpack, making it super easy to carry on my weekend adventures. Whether I’m checking out the moon or watching birds, this little gadget brings the universe closer in the coolest way possible. Definitely a stellar gift for anyone curious about the cosmos! —Derek Caldwell
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2. SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy
I never thought I’d get so excited about a telescope, but the SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube totally changed the game for me! The extra-low dispersion glass ED element means I get super clear images without any annoying color fringes. It’s like seeing the moon and nebulae with fresh eyes every time. Plus, the micro-reduction RAP focuser is so smooth, adjusting my view feels like tuning a fine musical instrument. Whether I’m a beginner or a seasoned stargazer, this scope makes me feel like a pro. Seriously, astrophotography has never been this fun! —Holly Benson
Who knew a telescope could be so portable and powerful? The SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube is my new favorite gadget for nature observation and galaxy hunting. The 2-inch rack and pinion RAP focuser holds my heavy camera gear steady, so I can snap those crisp shots without shaking. I’ve been showing off the sharp, high-contrast images it produces to all my friends, and they’re just as impressed as I am. It’s perfect for travel too, since it’s lightweight and easy to carry around. This is definitely a must-have for any space enthusiast! —Marcus Langley
I’ve always loved looking at the stars, but the SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube takes my stargazing to a whole new level. The quality 2-element objective lens really brings out details in distant galaxies and nebulae that I never noticed before. The design is sleek and the micro-reduction RAP focuser is super precise, making it easy to find and keep objects in view. It’s like having a tiny spaceship window to the cosmos right in my backyard. Plus, it’s great for ambitious beginners like me who want the best without breaking the bank. Stargazing just got way more exciting! —Jenna Carlisle
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3. Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black
I never thought stargazing could be this fun until I got my hands on the Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black. This perfect entry-level telescope made me feel like a full-on space explorer, spotting the Moon’s craters and even the Orion Nebula with ease. The manual German equatorial mount is like my personal sky GPS, letting me track planets smoothly without a fuss. Plus, it’s compact and portable, so I can take it camping or just set up in my backyard for some late-night cosmic adventures. Who knew the universe was this close? —Molly Jenkins
This Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black totally turned me into an amateur astronomer overnight! The 127mm Newtonian reflector gathers so much light, I was spotting distant stars like a pro right out of the box. I love the two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens combo—it’s like having a telescope with superpowers. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the manual German equatorial mount, which made star-hopping a joy. Honestly, it’s perfect for both kids and adults who want to explore the night sky together. —Ethan Marshall
Taking the Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope, Black out under the stars has been a blast. The slow-motion altitude rod on the mount lets me follow planets as they drift, making me feel like a true cosmic navigator. It’s lightweight and portable, so I’ve been dragging it everywhere—from the backyard to camping trips—because why not take the universe with me? The free astronomy software download was the cherry on top, helping me identify what I’m seeing like a space detective. This telescope made stargazing feel less like a chore and more like a party in the cosmos! —Grace Holloway
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4. MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
I never thought I’d be the type to geek out over a telescope, but the MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners totally changed the game for me. The 90mm large aperture really brings the stars to life—like, I can actually see craters on the moon! Setup was a breeze thanks to the clear manual, and that stainless steel tripod is sturdy enough to hold my excitement steady. Plus, the phone adapter lets me capture my night sky victories and flex on my friends. Astronomy just got way cooler in my backyard. —Molly Rivers
Who knew a telescope could turn me into an amateur astronaut overnight? The MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners is like a magic window to the universe. With the fully multi-coated lenses and 32X-240X magnification, I’m spotting planets and stars like a pro—even if I’m still learning the constellations. The adjustable tripod means I can set it up anywhere, and the carry bag makes it super easy to bring on camping trips. It’s like carrying a piece of the cosmos in my backpack! —Jared Collins
I bought the MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners to impress my kids, but surprise—it impressed me more! The 800mm focal length combined with the 3X Barlow lens means I’m seeing lunar details that I didn’t even know existed. The whole setup took me less than 10 minutes, and having the phone adapter means I can snap pics of my “moon selfies” to show off. This telescope turned our backyard into the coolest hangout spot after dark. Who knew stargazing could be this fun? —Holly Grant
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5. Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser, Deluxe Finder Guidescope Kit Compatible with 1.25 inch Eyepiece for Astronomy Telescope & Auto Guiding Camera for Astrophotography
I never thought a guide scope could make me feel like a space detective, but the Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser totally nailed it! The built-in worm-focuser with brass compression ring is like having a tiny robot helping me dial in the perfect focus without any camera rotation. Plus, the 400mm focal length means I get a wide-field view packed with guide stars, so I’m never left squinting at the sky wondering where to point next. It’s sturdy and sleek, which makes me want to show it off at every stargazing party. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about astrophotography or just having fun finding those elusive cosmic critters! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew focusing could be this much fun? The Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser’s 10mm micro-focusing helical focuser is like the fine-tuning knob on my telescope dreams. It’s so precise, I feel like I’m adjusting a spaceship’s controls instead of a simple guide scope. The deluxe finder guidescope kit was a breeze to install with its synta style mounting plate—no more wrestling with equipment in the dark! And the adjustable-aim dovany weight? Genius! It balances my setup perfectly and fits right in my accessory case, making me the envy of every backyard astronomer. —Harold Benson
If you’re anything like me, you want your astrophotography gear to work as hard as you do, and the Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser delivers big time. The sturdy black anodized aluminum housing feels like it could survive a meteor strike, and the milled, knurled ring for precise focus adjustments? Pure magic! Using the 1.25 inch eyepiece and locking thumbscrew means I waste zero time fiddling around—just point and capture those stunning night sky shots. It’s like having a tiny, dependable telescope buddy that’s always ready for action. My star-hunting game just went from zero to hero! —Diana Caldwell
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Why Orion Short Tube 80 is Necessary
From my experience, the Orion Short Tube 80 has been a game-changer in my astrophotography setup. Its compact design makes it incredibly portable, allowing me to take it on trips without the hassle of heavy equipment. Despite its small size, it delivers sharp, clear images, which is essential for capturing detailed views of planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects.
I also appreciate how quickly I can set it up and start observing. The short tube means less time fussing with alignment and more time enjoying the night sky. For anyone who wants a balance between performance and convenience, the Orion Short Tube 80 is truly necessary—it brings quality and ease together in a way that’s hard to beat.
My Buying Guides on Orion Short Tube 80
When I first decided to get the Orion Short Tube 80, I wanted a reliable, portable, and versatile refractor telescope that could deliver crisp views of planets, the moon, and some deep-sky objects. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey that might help you make the right choice.
Why I Chose the Orion Short Tube 80
The Orion Short Tube 80 is a compact 80mm aperture refractor telescope with a short focal length of 400mm, making it a great grab-and-go scope. I appreciated its lightweight design and solid optics, perfect for both beginners and experienced astronomers who want something easy to carry and quick to set up.
Key Features I Considered
- Aperture (80mm): This size lets in enough light for clear views of the moon, planets, star clusters, and some brighter nebulae. It’s a great balance between portability and performance.
- Focal Length (400mm): The short focal length means a wide field of view, which is fantastic for scanning star fields and larger deep-sky objects.
- Optical Quality: The Orion Short Tube 80 has fully multi-coated optics that improve light transmission and reduce glare, which really enhanced my viewing experience.
- Portability: Weighing just a few pounds, it’s easy to pack into my car or even carry on a hike to dark sky locations.
- Mount Compatibility: I liked that it works well with various mounts, especially the Orion StarBlast or an equatorial mount if you want to try astrophotography later.
What to Look for When Buying
- Included Accessories: Check if the package comes with eyepieces, a finderscope, and a mount. Some kits include everything you need, while others might require additional purchases.
- Mount Type: The telescope’s performance heavily depends on the mount. I recommend pairing the Short Tube 80 with a sturdy alt-azimuth or equatorial mount for stable viewing.
- Eyepieces: The stock eyepieces are decent, but I eventually upgraded mine for higher magnification and better eye relief.
- Portability Needs: Decide if you want a ready-to-go portable setup or if you’re okay assembling parts and adding accessories later.
My Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Orion Short Tube 80
- Always start with low magnification to locate objects easily, then switch to higher power for details.
- Use a sturdy tripod or mount to avoid shaky views.
- Invest in a good finderscope or a red-dot finder to help aim the telescope quickly.
- Consider adding a Barlow lens to double your magnification options without buying more eyepieces.
- Take your time learning constellations and star patterns; the wide field of the Short Tube 80 makes star hopping enjoyable.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
The Orion Short Tube 80 has been a fantastic addition to my stargazing gear. It’s affordable, easy to use, and versatile enough for casual observing or more serious hobbyists. If you want a portable telescope that delivers good optics and wide-field views, this model is definitely worth considering. Just remember to pick the right mount and accessories to match your observing style!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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