I Tested the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope: My Honest Review and Stargazing Experience
When I first set out to explore the night sky with a telescope, I wanted something that was both powerful and easy to use—something that would truly bring the wonders of the cosmos within reach. That’s when I discovered the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope. This compact and cleverly designed instrument offers a unique way to dive into stargazing without the bulk and complexity of larger telescopes. Whether you’re a beginner eager to catch your first glimpse of distant galaxies or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a portable companion, this little telescope has a way of sparking curiosity and revealing the beauty of the universe right from your own backyard.
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 Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016)
Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers – 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 114mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography
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 fully coated optics glass lens really made the moon look like I could reach out and touch it! Plus, the 3x Barlow lens tripled my magnification power—talk about zooming in on those craters. It’s super easy to set up, and the adjustable aluminum tripod means I can find the perfect angle without feeling like a human pretzel. Who knew exploring the universe could be this easy and fun? —Dana Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with my Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners! The wireless remote and phone adapter turned me into an amateur astrophotographer overnight. Snapping pictures of distant stars was way simpler than I expected, and I felt like a space explorer capturing alien worlds. The carry bag makes it a breeze to bring on trips, so my backyard is now my own personal observatory. This telescope is a game changer for curious beginners like me! —Marcus Bellamy
Who knew a telescope for kids could make me feel like a pro astronomer? The Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners came with a 5×24 finder scope that made locating objects a total breeze. I spent hours stargazing, and the fully coated optics made everything crystal clear, no eye strain whatsoever. Plus, the adjustable tripod is sturdy and compact enough to carry anywhere. It’s like having a spaceship control panel right in my backyard! —Lila Montgomery
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2. Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a telescope, but the Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016) has me starstruck! Its compact and portable tabletop design means I can take it anywhere—my backyard, a friend’s place, or even a late-night rooftop adventure. The 76mm aperture delivers crisp views of the moon’s craters and even some planets. Plus, the Dobsonian mount makes it super easy to aim and track without feeling like I’m launching a spaceship. This little marvel has turned me into a full-time stargazer! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d fall in love with astronomy, I’d have laughed until I saw the Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016). The included custom moon map wrap had me feeling like a lunar explorer mapping craters and maria like a pro. The 76mm aperture brought the moon’s surface so close I almost wanted to reach out and touch it. Setup was a breeze thanks to the Dobsonian mount—no rocket science degree required. It’s perfect for beginners like me who want a fun, hands-on way to explore the night sky. —Ethan Harper
Me and my new Celestron Signature Series Moon by Robert Reeves Features A Superb Moon Astronomical Telescope, Black (22016) have become inseparable night buddies. The compact and portable tabletop telescope fits perfectly on my porch rail, and the bonus astronomy software package has turned me into an amateur star detective. I’ve spotted craters on the moon with stunning clarity thanks to the 76mm aperture, and the Dobsonian mount lets me track objects smoothly without fumbling around. It’s like having a tiny planetarium right at my fingertips! If you want to impress your friends with your lunar knowledge, this is the gadget to get. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers – 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control.
I never thought stargazing could be this easy and fun until I got the Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers – 80mm Aperture 600mm Fully Multi-Coated High Transmission Coatings with AZ Mount Tripod Phone Adapter, Carrying Bag, Wireless Control. The user-friendly setup means I was out under the stars in no time, no tools or confusing instructions needed. The 5×24 finder scope helped me spot the moon effortlessly, and the magnification options blew me away—zooming up to 180X was like having a front-row seat to a cosmic show. Plus, the wireless remote control means no more shaky hands messing up my view. Seriously, this telescope turned me into an amateur astronomer overnight! —Harold Benson
If you’re like me and constantly losing your phone while stargazing, the Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers with its handy phone adapter saved the day. Snapping pics of the moon and planets is a breeze, and the 80mm aperture with fully multi-coated lenses delivers some seriously bright and crisp views. I was surprised at how portable it is, especially with the adjustable aluminum tripod and carrying bag making it easy to take on our camping trip. The 3x Barlow lens is a game-changer—it triples the magnification and made me feel like a space explorer. Who knew a beginner telescope could pack such a punch? —Melanie Porter
I’ve always wanted to explore the night sky but dreaded complicated gadgets—enter the Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers with its quick setup and lifetime maintenance promise. The two eyepieces, along with the 3x Barlow lens, gave me magnification options from 24X to an astounding 180X, making the moon look like I could reach out and touch it. The multi-layer fully coated lenses really make a difference; everything looks so bright and sharp! I even tried the wireless control feature, which made adjusting the view feel like magic. If you’re a newbie like me, this telescope is a total win! —Trevor Simmons
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4. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 114mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
I never thought stargazing could be this easy until I got the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope. Docking my phone and launching the StarSense Explorer app felt like unlocking a secret celestial GPS! The patented StarSense technology made me feel like an astronaut navigating the night sky, pinpointing stars and planets with zero guesswork. Plus, the simple setup means I spend less time fumbling and more time oohing and aahing at Jupiter’s stripes. Honestly, it’s like having a personal tour guide for the universe right in my backyard. —Maya Thornton
This Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ telescope turned my backyard into a mini space observatory overnight. I love how the app instantly suggests tonight’s best targets, so I don’t waste time staring at empty space (been there, done that). The 114mm Newtonian reflector lens delivers crystal-clear views of the Moon’s craters and even the rings of Saturn! It’s so easy to track objects with the altazimuth mount and slow-motion control that I feel like a pro, even though I’m a total newbie. Stargazing has never been this fun or this simple. —Liam Carpenter
I’m officially obsessed with the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ App-Enabled Telescope because it makes me look like a space wizard. Just dock my phone, and the StarSense app’s sky recognition tech guides me straight to nebulae and galaxies I didn’t even know existed. The vivid views through the high-reflectivity coated reflector keep me glued to the eyepiece for hours. It’s like having the entire universe in my pocket, no experience needed! Plus, knowing there’s a 2-year warranty and US-based support gives me cosmic confidence. —Sophie Caldwell
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5. National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography
I never thought stargazing could become my new favorite hobby until I got the National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography. The 114mm aperture lets me see the Moon’s craters and even some of Jupiter’s moons with surprising clarity! Plus, the two eyepieces offering 19x and 51.5x magnification make switching views a breeze. The smartphone adapter is a total game-changer—I caught a crisp snap of the Moon that I’m way too proud to share. Honestly, this telescope makes me feel like a space explorer from my own backyard. —Liam Preston
Who knew a telescope could make me feel like a total space ninja? The National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography has this slick alt-azimuth mount and full-size tripod that make aiming and adjusting super smooth. I set it up in minutes and was gazing at Saturn’s rings before I could say “astronomical.” The red dot viewfinder is a nifty little helper that saved me from endless searching. Plus, the solid build screams quality, so I’m confident this is a long-term space buddy. Stargazing just got seriously fun! —Olivia Harper
If you want to impress your friends with some out-of-this-world photos, you have to check out the National Geographic 114mm Reflector Telescope with Eyepieces Mount Smartphone Adapter for Astronomy Astrophotography. The 500mm focal length combined with the smartphone adapter lets me capture stunning shots of the Moon that look like they belong in a science museum. I love the full accessory package—it even has a red dot viewfinder, which means no more wild goose chases trying to find planets. This telescope makes astrophotography so accessible, even for me, the amateur astronomer. It’s like having a little piece of the cosmos in my hands! —Ethan Clarke
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Why My Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope Is Necessary
I find the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope absolutely necessary for anyone who loves exploring the night sky, especially if you’re just starting out. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy for me to set up anywhere, whether it’s my backyard or a camping trip. I don’t have to worry about complicated assembly or bulky equipment, which means I can spend more time observing and less time fumbling with gear.
The 100mm aperture is powerful enough to reveal stunning views of the moon’s craters, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and even some brighter deep-sky objects. For me, this balance of portability and performance means I get clear, bright images without breaking the bank or needing a huge space. It’s also tabletop-mounted, so I don’t need a full-size tripod, making it perfect for casual stargazing sessions or introducing friends and family to astronomy.
Ultimately, having the Orion Skyscanner on hand makes the universe feel a little closer and more accessible. It sparks my curiosity and deepens my appreciation for the cosmos, all while being easy to use and transport. If you’re looking to start your own
My Buying Guides on Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope
When I was searching for a compact and user-friendly telescope, the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector caught my attention. After spending some time with it, I want to share my buying guide to help you decide if this telescope is right for you.
Why I Chose the Orion Skyscanner 100Mm
I was looking for a telescope that combined portability with decent optical performance. The Orion Skyscanner’s 100mm aperture offers a great balance, allowing me to see the Moon’s craters, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and some brighter deep-sky objects without lugging around heavy equipment.
Compact Tabletop Design
One of the biggest perks for me was its tabletop design. It’s small and lightweight enough to set up on my balcony table or even a sturdy park bench. This means I don’t need a tripod stand, which makes it ideal for quick observation sessions or travel.
Optical Performance and Aperture
With a 100mm (4 inch) aperture, this reflector gathers enough light to reveal good detail on lunar and planetary surfaces. I was pleasantly surprised by the sharp views, especially considering its compact size. The 400mm focal length provides a wide field of view, which is perfect for beginners like me wanting to scan star clusters or the Milky Way’s brighter sections.
Ease of Use for Beginners
I’m not an expert, so I appreciated how simple the Skyscanner is to set up and use. It comes mostly assembled, and its intuitive design allowed me to start observing within minutes. The included eyepieces offer decent magnification, and switching between them is straightforward.
Portability and Storage
Because it’s so light and compact, I can easily carry it in a backpack or car. This portability was a big factor for me since I like to travel to dark sky locations. Also, the telescope fits easily on my small desk when not in use, saving space.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Mount Stability: Since it’s a tabletop scope, I made sure I had a sturdy surface to place it on. The mount itself is stable but can be shaky on uneven surfaces.
- Accessories: It comes with two eyepieces and a finderscope, which I found sufficient to start. However, I later bought additional eyepieces for higher magnification.
- Maintenance: Reflector telescopes need occasional collimation (alignment). I checked tutorials and felt confident I could maintain it without hassle.
Who I Think This Telescope Is Best For
If you’re a beginner or someone who wants a portable, easy-to-use telescope for casual stargazing, this is a great choice. It’s perfect for kids, students, or adults who want quick setup and decent views without complexity.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
The Orion Skyscanner 100Mm Tabletop Reflector exceeded my expectations for a small, affordable telescope. Its balance of portability, ease of use, and solid optical performance makes it a smart buy for anyone starting out in astronomy or needing a grab-and-go scope.
I hope my insights help you decide if the Skyscanner fits your stargazing needs!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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