Telescope Reviews: Travel scope opinions

Hi engchris:

I went down this road a while back. I started looking at the table top models and bought the Starblast 4.5. It's a nice scope and I don't think you can do much better for the price. So if your price limit is pretty solid, that's what I'd recommend.

BUT ... I ended up getting rid of it. One of the problems with table top models is that they require a very stable table if you want to use them at reasonable magnifications. Either that or you're kneeling on the ground. The other problem is that I was used to the quality of the views in the 8SE and the Starblast just fell too far short for me. It had very noticeable coma in the outer 30-40% of the view.

These smaller scopes do not perform well on DSOs ... obviously because of the limited aperture. They also won't do too well on planets because you need high mag and it's hard to get the needed stability without either a very solid (large/heavy) tripod or sore knees. They're great for low mag wide field views.

So what did I end up getting? Well, I have 2 "travel scope" setups but unfortunately neither one is $200. The first is an Orion EON 72mm ED refractor on a Vixen Mini Porta mount. It can fit almost anywhere for lightweight travel. I'm not really excited about the Mini Porta, but it is very small and is acceptable (if a bit touchy) at up to 150x or so. Like the Starblast, it's best for lower mag wide views.

The second travel scope is actually a 5SE. You may not realize it, but the SE mounts can be used without a tripod as a table-top model if desired. The 8SE is a bit top heavy for this mode, but the smaller models work well. In fact, the 5SE is actually smaller than the Starblast 4.5 when used this way! Here's a photo comparing the two when I owned both:

Yes it does require power, but you can use the internal battery compartment, or do what I do and use a small NiMH rechargeable battery pack that is stuck to the top of the base with velcro:

I too was looking for a $200-ish scope to toss in the car for quick use. But after trying several setups, I began to realize that I'd rather spend the money to have a scope I'm happy with.

So, if money is your primary limitation, then the Starblast 4.5 is a reasonable choice. If you're looking for the ultimate in portability, a small refractor on a lightweight alt/az mount might do the trick but will cost more. If you're willing to spend the bigger bucks, then the 5SE provides a lot for the money. Excellent views, 5" of aperture, goto and tracking, tabletop or tripod use ... very versatile - but not cheap!

-Dan