Celestron TravelScope 80 Refractor Telescope with Backpack
Item #22030
A portable 80mm wide-field refractor telescope with everything you need to explore the sky—or the world around you—right out of the backpack.
The Celestron TravelScope 80 is proof that a serious optical instrument doesn’t have to be heavy, complicated, or stuck in one place. Designed with portability, ease-of-use, and versatility in mind, this 80mm refractor is an ideal grab-and-go telescope for stargazers, nature lovers, travelers, students, and anyone who wants to explore the world around them—day or night.
From the lunar surface to the distant peaks of your next camping trip, the TravelScope 80 delivers crisp, bright views through fully coated glass optics. It sets up in seconds without tools and packs down just as easily into its included custom backpack, which has dedicated space for the optical tube, tripod, eyepieces, and accessories.
A Capable Refractor That Travels Light
With an 80mm aperture and f/5 focal ratio, this compact refractor telescope gathers over 130 times more light than the naked eye, revealing rich detail in bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, open star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the full range of lunar features. It also makes an excellent terrestrial spotting scope, thanks to the included 45° erect image diagonal, which provides a correctly oriented view of land-based targets.
The aluminum optical tube measures just 18 inches long and weighs under 2.5 lbs, making it lightweight enough for hikers, travelers, and kids to carry comfortably. Yet despite its featherweight design, it’s optically sharp and mechanically sound—a true telescope, not just a toy.
Smooth Movement, Adjustable Height
The manual alt-azimuth mount features a pan-handle clutch control, allowing you to smoothly sweep the sky or follow a bird in flight with intuitive, fluid motions. The included tripod adjusts from 22 to 52 inches in height, making it comfortable to use from a seated position, picnic table, or standing stance. The rectangular aluminum legs provide stability while remaining lightweight, and a center accessory tray helps keep your gear organized during your observing session.
Everything You Need, Right in the Backpack
Celestron includes a complete set of accessories so you can begin observing immediately. Two 1.25" eyepieces—a 20mm (20x) and a 10mm (40x)—offer low and medium magnification options. A 5x24 finderscope helps you locate your targets quickly, and a manual and software suite (including the SkyPortal app and Starry Night Basic Edition) gives you the tools to learn and navigate the night sky.
Also included is a smartphone adapter that clamps securely to either eyepiece, allowing you to take images of the Moon, planets, or scenic landscapes through your phone’s camera. It fits most phones and eyepieces up to 45mm in diameter and provides a fun introduction to basic astrophotography or nature imaging on the go.
The entire kit weighs just over 4 pounds—light enough to sling over your shoulder and head for the nearest dark sky site, trailhead, or observation point.
Observing Tip
The TravelScope 80 is a particularly good choice for wide-field views. Use it under dark skies with the 20mm eyepiece to sweep across the Milky Way or frame the entire Pleiades cluster in a single view. During the day, try turning it toward the horizon from an overlook—you’ll be surprised by how much distant detail comes into focus with a steady hand and a clear line of sight.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re introducing a child to astronomy, looking for a take-anywhere telescope, or adding a portable wide-field refractor to your collection, the Celestron TravelScope 80 checks all the boxes. With its generous aperture, user-friendly design, and complete accessory package—including a custom-fit backpack—it’s an excellent companion for any sky-watching or nature-viewing adventure.
