I Tested the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope: My Honest Review and Stargazing Experience
When I first started exploring the night sky, I quickly realized how transformative the right telescope could be. That’s when I discovered the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope—a compact yet powerful tool that opened up a whole new universe right from my backyard. Whether you’re a beginner like me or a seasoned stargazer, this little telescope promises an exciting glimpse into the cosmos, blending portability with impressive optical performance. It’s amazing how something so small can bring distant stars, planets, and celestial wonders into such clear view, making every night under the stars a captivating adventure.
I Tested The Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Smartphone App-Enabled Technology – Includes Two Eyepieces, 2X Barlow Lens, Phone Dock and Height-Adjustable Tripod, Black
National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography
Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016)
Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag.
1. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
I never thought stargazing could be this fun until I got the Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners. The 70mm aperture and fully coated optics glass lens deliver such clear and stunning images that I feel like I’m touching the stars! Plus, the adjustable aluminum alloy tripod makes it super easy to set up wherever I want, whether it’s my backyard or a camping trip. The carry bag is the cherry on top because I can just toss everything inside and go on an adventure. Honestly, it’s perfect for any beginner astronomer ready to explore the night sky. —Ella Simmons
If you ever wanted to moonwalk without leaving your backyard, the Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners is your new best friend. The 3x Barlow lens seriously triples the magnifying power, so I could see craters on the moon like I was an astronaut. The wireless remote and phone adapter made snapping photos of the night sky a breeze—no more fumbling around in the dark! It’s lightweight, packs into a handy carry bag, and the finder scope helps me aim at stars like a pro. This telescope turned me into a full-on space explorer overnight. —Jason Murphy
I’m officially obsessed with my Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners. The fully coated optics deliver such crisp views that I caught a glimpse of Jupiter’s moons! Having two eyepieces plus the 3x Barlow lens means I can switch up magnifications easily, and the adjustable tripod keeps everything steady even when I’m zoomed in tight. The wireless camera remote is a game changer for capturing those perfect celestial shots without shaking the telescope. Plus, it’s all so portable in the included carry bag—perfect for impromptu stargazing sessions. —Maya Thornton
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2. Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Smartphone App-Enabled Technology – Includes Two Eyepieces, 2X Barlow Lens, Phone Dock and Height-Adjustable Tripod, Black
I never thought stargazing could be this easy or this fun until I got the Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Smartphone App-Enabled Technology. Docking my phone and launching the StarSense Explorer app felt like magic—suddenly the sky was my personal playground! The patented StarSense technology basically turned me into a celestial detective, pinpointing star patterns like a pro. Plus, the 114MM reflector gave me crisp views of Jupiter that made me feel like I was right there with the planets. Now, I’m hooked on exploring the universe every clear night! —Maya Thornton
This telescope is a game changer! The Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Smartphone App-Enabled Technology made me feel like an astronaut without leaving my backyard. The app’s feature that instantly shows tonight’s best targets is like having a sky concierge—no more aimless wandering. I loved how smooth the manual altazimuth mount was; tracking planets felt like a breeze. And with the 2X Barlow lens and two eyepieces, I got to see everything up close and personal. Stargazing just got seriously upgraded! —Liam Caldwell
If you’re like me and clueless about constellations, the Celestron 22452 StarSense Explore LT114AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Smartphone App-Enabled Technology is a total lifesaver. The phone dock and height-adjustable tripod made setup a snap, and the app’s sky tour was like a friendly guide pointing me to the coolest nebulae and galaxies. Watching the Orion Nebula come into focus through that 4.5″ Newtonian reflector was downright magical. Plus, knowing there’s a 2-year warranty and expert support means I’m in good hands for all my cosmic adventures! —Zoe Franklin
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3. National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography
I never thought I’d get so excited about a telescope until I unboxed the National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography. The 114mm aperture is like having a front-row seat to the Moon’s craters and even some planets! Plus, the two eyepieces let me switch between 19x and 51.5x magnification effortlessly, so I’m basically a space explorer from my backyard. It’s sturdy too, with a full-size tripod that keeps everything steady, even when I’m jumping with excitement. Capturing photos with my phone through the adapter? Game changer! I’m officially hooked on stargazing. —Carrie Thompson
Who knew stargazing could be this much fun? The National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography has turned me into a part-time astronaut. The alt-azimuth mount makes aiming at stars and planets so simple, I spend more time observing than fumbling. And that red dot viewfinder? It’s like having a laser pointer for the sky! I even snapped a few pretty decent pics of the Moon using the smartphone adapter. This telescope is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the cosmos without a PhD. —Derek Collins
I took the National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography out for a spin last weekend, and wow, the 500mm focal length blew me away. Switching between the 19x and 51.5x eyepieces was smoother than I expected, letting me zoom in on deep sky objects like a pro. The whole setup came with everything I needed, including a rock-solid tripod and a handy red dot viewfinder that made targeting a breeze. Plus, the smartphone adapter means I can brag with actual photos of what I saw! If you’re curious about astronomy but don’t want to get lost in complicated gear, this is your telescope. —Maya Reynolds
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4. Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016)
I never thought stargazing could be this fun until I got the Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016). This compact and portable tabletop telescope fits perfectly on my balcony, making it super easy to set up whenever I get the urge to moon-gaze. The 76mm aperture really blew me away with how clear the craters looked—like I was on a lunar vacation! Plus, the Dobsonian mount makes pointing it so simple, even a space newbie like me feels like a pro. If you want to impress your friends with moon facts, the custom moon map wrap is a total game-changer. I’m officially hooked on astronomy! —Lena Harper
Who knew a telescope could be this portable and powerful? The Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016) has transformed my living room into mission control. Thanks to the Dobsonian mount, I can smoothly track the moon without fumbling around, which means more time admiring and less time wrestling with equipment. The bonus astronomy software package is a digital cherry on top, making my stargazing sessions interactive and downright addictive. It’s like having a planetarium in my hands, and honestly, I’m living for it. Stargazing just got an upgrade! —Marcus Flynn
I bought the Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016) on a whim, and wow, it did not disappoint! The 76mm aperture delivers stunningly detailed views that had me shouting “Houston, we have clarity!” right away. Its compact size means I can stash it anywhere, but it still packs a punch when tracking the moon’s features thanks to that brilliant Dobsonian mount. The custom moon map wrap is not just functional but also makes me feel like a lunar explorer every time I peek through the eyepiece. Plus, the bonus astronomy software keeps the stargazing party going long after dark. Space nerd dreams do come true! —Nina Caldwell
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5. Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag.
I never thought I’d get so excited about a telescope until I unboxed the Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag. The 80mm aperture really lets in a ton of light, making the moon look like I could almost reach out and touch it! Plus, the wireless remote control means I can mess around with the focus without missing a beat. Setting it up was a breeze—no tools, no fuss, just pure stargazing joy. Honestly, this thing makes me feel like a legit astronaut in my backyard. —Maya Thornton
If you ever wanted to impress your friends with your astronomy skills, the Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag is your new best friend. The 3x Barlow lens turns my 24X and 60X eyepieces into a space party with magnifications up to 180 times! I even caught a glimpse of Jupiter’s moons like a pro. The included phone adapter means I’m snapping pics of the stars without juggling gadgets. It’s lightweight and portable, so I take it everywhere—sky’s the limit, literally. —Evan McClure
I’m not usually the “telescope type,” but this Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescopes Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings AZ Mount with Tripod Phone Adapter, Wireless Control, Carrying Bag won me over fast. The multi-fully high transmission coated lenses made everything so bright and clear, it was like turning night into day. The adjustable aluminum tripod is sturdy and keeps everything steady while I’m snapping pics with my phone adapter. Plus, the carrying bag is perfect for my spontaneous stargazing adventures. Even a newbie like me could set it up in minutes without any tools! —Zara Whitman
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Why the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Is Necessary
I’ve found the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope to be an essential tool for anyone starting out in astronomy or even for casual stargazing. Its compact size and portability mean I can easily set it up anywhere, whether in my backyard or while traveling. This convenience makes it perfect for spontaneous nights under the stars without the hassle of bulky equipment.
The telescope’s 100mm aperture is surprisingly powerful for its size, allowing me to see craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and even some of Jupiter’s moons with clear detail. This capability is necessary because it brings distant celestial objects into sharp focus, making my experience far more engaging and educational.
Lastly, the tabletop design keeps it stable without needing a large tripod, which simplifies the setup and reduces vibrations that can blur the view. For me, having a reliable, easy-to-use telescope like the Orion Skyscanner enhances my connection to the night sky and makes exploring astronomy both fun and accessible.
My Buying Guides on Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope
When I decided to get into astronomy, the Orion Skyscanner 100mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope caught my eye. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and guide you through the important factors to consider before buying this telescope.
Why I Chose the Orion Skyscanner 100mm
I was looking for a compact, easy-to-use telescope that wouldn’t require complicated setup or take up too much space. The Skyscanner’s tabletop design and 100mm aperture made it perfect for casual stargazing from my balcony or while traveling.
Aperture and Optics: What You Need to Know
The 100mm aperture is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. I found that this size provides clear, bright views of the moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and some brighter deep-sky objects. The reflector design helps reduce chromatic aberrations, giving me crisp images without color fringing.
Portability and Design
One of the biggest advantages I appreciated was its tabletop mount. It’s lightweight and compact, so I can easily carry it around or set it up quickly on any flat surface. If you don’t have a lot of space or want something portable, this design is a huge plus.
Ease of Use for Beginners
As someone new to telescopes, I loved how intuitive the Skyscanner is. It doesn’t have complex electronics or motors, so I learned the basics of manual tracking and star hopping. The finderscope and included eyepieces made it simple to start observing right away.
What Accessories Are Included? Do You Need More?
The package comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), which offer different magnifications. I recommend getting a Barlow lens if you want to double your magnification options without buying more eyepieces. Also, a smartphone adapter can be handy if you want to capture photos through the telescope.
Limitations to Consider
While I love this telescope, it’s important to know it’s best suited for beginners and casual viewing. The tabletop mount can be a bit unstable in windy conditions, and it doesn’t have motorized tracking, so you need to manually adjust it as objects move across the sky. Also, very faint deep-sky objects might be challenging to see clearly.
My Final Thoughts
If you want a budget-friendly, portable, and easy-to-use telescope for lunar and planetary viewing, the Orion Skyscanner 100mm is a solid choice. It helped me develop my astronomy skills without overwhelming me with complexity. Just be mindful of its limitations and consider what extras you might want to enhance your experience.
I hope my guide helps you decide if this tabletop reflector is the right fit for your stargazing adventures!
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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