Are you looking for a high-quality viewing experience? Telescopes are the perfect way to observe stars, planets, and galaxies. But before making your purchase, it is important to consider what type of telescope best suits your needs. Tabletop reflector telescopes offer great value and portability with features such as motorized tracking; allowing you to track celestial bodies easily and accurately. In this blog post, we will discuss our picks for the best tabletop reflector telescopes on the market today with detailed reviews on their features and design so keep reading.
List of 8 Best Tabletop Reflector Telescopes
Tabletop reflector telescopes are a great option for stargazers who want a portable and easy-to-use telescope. They typically have a compact design that makes them ideal for traveling or for use in areas with limited space. Here is the list of the 8 best tabletop reflector telescopes available today.
Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope
Looking for an ideal entry-level reflector telescope that won’t break the bank, but still offers impressive views? Check out the Orion 10012 SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope. With a parabolic primary mirror optics diameter of 100mm (3.9″), this telescope is capable of capturing plenty of light from the cosmos, revealing craters on the moon, planets, and deep-space nebulas in stunning detail. And thanks to its intuitive swivel base, maneuvering and pointing the telescope is easy for everyone in the family.
Plus, the SkyScanner comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), an EZ Finder II aiming device, a glare-reducing Moon filter, and Orion’s MoonMap 260. Weighing just 5.3 lbs when fully assembled, and standing 16″ tall when aimed at the zenith, this telescope is perfect for taking with you on your next outdoor adventure.
Specifications:
- Brand: Orion
- Objective Lens: 100 Millimeters
- Optical Tube Length:15.7 Inches
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 9.5″D x 9.5″W x 14″H
Featuring a large 100mm primary mirror
EZ Finder II aiming device makes it easy to find objects in the sky
Weighs just 5.3 lbs and stands 16″ tall
[/i2pros][i2cons]Fixed Mount[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
It’s the telescope that every amateur astronomer has been waiting for – the Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope! This compact and lightweight telescope is perfect for beginners, allowing you to explore the night sky like never before. Its industry standard 1.25” focuser and easy to use Red Dot Finder are ideal for any level of user. With this one-of-a-kind product, you can clearly observe star clusters, galaxies, nebulas, and other celestial bodies in crisp detail.
Changing magnifications is easier than ever with included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces. Now you can watch objects come alive in ways you never imagined possible! Whether observing planets, stars, or comets, the Zhumell Z130 will take your appreciation of the night sky to heights you never knew existed. Indulge your passion for astronomy like never before – order your very own Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope today.
Specifications:
- Brand: Zhumell
- Eye Piece Lens: Altazimuth
- Objective Lens Diameter:130 Millimeters
- Weight: 18.6 Pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 24″D x 18″W x 18.5″H
Includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces
Easy to use red dot finder
Make aiming a breeze with the included red dot finder.
[/i2pros][i2cons]The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces may not be sufficient for more advanced observations.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
The Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is the perfect companion for stargazers of any level. Featuring an industry standard 1.25” focuser, it is compatible with a variety of useful accessories to help make your observations even more detailed and complete.
With included 10mm and 17mm eyepieces, adjusting magnifications has never been easier, allowing you to get the exact view you desire. And with an easy to use red dot finder, aiming your telescope with accuracy couldn’t be simpler. So why wait? Let the Zhumell Z100 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope let you explore the stars like never before.
Specifications:
- Brand: Zhumell
- Eye Piece Lens: Altazimuth
- Objective Lens Diameter:100 Millimeters
- Weight: 5.25 Pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 14.5″D x 11″W x 11.75″H
Included eyepieces for different magnifications
Find your target with ease
Easily change magnification to get the perfect view.[/i2pros][i2cons]The telescope’s narrow field of view may make it difficult to locate and track objects in the sky, especially for beginners.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
The Zhumell Z114 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope is the perfect tool for aspiring stargazers looking to view galaxies beyond our atmosphere with ease and precision. Whether you are a novice or an experienced astronomer, this telescope allows for spectacular views of celestial events and offers unmatched versatility. Its industry standard 1.25” focuser is compatible with many different accessories, making it an ideal entry-level telescope for any eyepiece or attachment combination.
Changing magnifications is easier than ever with the included 17mm and 10mm eyepieces so you can quickly switch between stunning images of star clusters, meteor showers, planets, and more! And the intuitive red dot finder makes aiming the Z114 a cinch – zoom in to discover galaxies billions of light years away in no time at all! Get your hands on this amazing reflector telescope today and get to know worlds beyond ours like never before.
Specifications:
- Brand: Zhumell
- Objective Lens Diameter:114 Millimeters
- Weight: 9.85 Pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 18.5″D x 13.5″W x 16.25″H
Change magnifications quickly and easily.
Bring the wonders of the universe into your own backyard.[/i2pros][i2cons]Limited mount stability.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
The Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope provides a powerful and affordable way for astronomy enthusiasts to explore the night sky with ease and clarity. This compact yet substantial telescope will allow you to see stars and other celestial bodies under the dark canopy of the night with incredible detail thanks to its 4.5″ aperture and fast f/4 focal ratio. With a low-profile swivel base that comes pre-assembled, you’ll have easy manual targeting and tracking of any objects while enjoying smooth altazimuth motion as you move it around.
Plus, it’s lightweight at only 10.9 lbs and stands 21″ tall when set up, making it perfect for taking along anywhere you go! You don’t need to worry about accessories either because this package comes with 20mm (22.5x power) and 10mm (for 45x power) 4-element eyepieces, an EZ Finder II aiming device, eyepiece rack, glare-reducing Moon filter, an Orion’s MoonMap 260, all you need for a successful journey into the world of astronomy.
Specifications:
- Brand: Orion
- Objective Lens Diameter: 114 Millimeters
- Optical Tube Length: 18 Inches
- Weight: 13 Pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 23.5″D x 18.5″W x 25″H
Portable and easy to set up.
Affordable price.
Stargaze with your family and friends.[/i2pros][i2cons]The 4.5″ aperture may not be sufficient for capturing fainter celestial objects, making it challenging for advanced astronomers who are looking for more detailed views of space.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
The Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain is the highest quality telescope you’ll find on the market! Thanks to its EXPERTLY MATCHED OPTICS, this telescope has crisp and sharp views with charcoal-black skies as its perfect backdrop. Without a doubt, your sky gazing experience will be superior with a 94% REFLECTIVITY rating in its mirrors using a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat.
Setting up is easy too since it comes with a VIXEN-STYLE DOVETAIL, an industry standard dovetail plate for astronomy. It also features a ¼-20 tripod thread under each dovetail bar so you can mount it onto most photographic tripods. Lastly, this telescope utilizes FULLY BAFFLED TUBE to reduce stray light and maximize image contrast. Get ready to explore the universe like never before invest in the Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain now.
Specifications:
- Brand: Sky Watcher
- Model: Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrain 127mm
- Objective Lens Diameter: 127 Millimeters
- Weight: 12.22 Pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 28″D x 10″W x 10″H
Charcoal-black skies.
Capture beautiful celestial scenes.[/i2pros][i2cons]Not suitable for astrophotography.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Carson SkySeeker Newtonian Reflector Telescope
Discover the wonders of the stars in detail with the Carson SkySeeker Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Dobsonian Mount. This incredible telescope offers unparalleled observation of the moon and planets, allowing you to immerse yourself in your own personal star gazing excursion. With its impressive 15x to 37.5x magnification and 76mm (3.0 inch) aperture lens, each image will be incredibly crisp and clear, making your journey through the night sky a fascinating one.
You’ll appreciate that this telescope is incredibly easy to use, not requiring any complicated assembly or know-how. The innovative dobsonian mount makes it easy for anyone – no matter their experience – to successfully navigate the stars and feel as though they are an astrologer for a night. And with its lightweight design and gorgeous metallic blue color, you’ll feel like an astronomer every time reach for this telescope. Don’t wait for another second reach for the stars with this amazing Carson SkySeeker telescope today.
Specifications:
- Brand: Carson
- Model: SkySeeker™
- Objective Lens Diameter: 76 Millimeters
- Weight: 4.84 pounds
- Mount Type: Altazimuth Mount
- Dimensions: 8″D x 8″W x 14″H
Compact and easy to use – no assembly required.
The precision optics offer great images.[/i2pros][i2cons]The lightweight design of the telescope may make it easy to transport and set up, it may also make it more susceptible to wind.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope
Whenever stargazers are ready to explore the night sky, the Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope has all your viewing needs covered! This compact reflector telescope is designed for hands-on ease of use, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer. With its big 102mm primary mirror that collects enough light to view the Moon, Saturn, and bright star clusters in wondrous detail, you’ll be able to observe different constellations and nebulas with clarity. Just think of all the planets and galaxies you’ll be able to explore. But it doesn’t stop there, this telescope is conveniently portable and comes with a built-in carry handle so you can take it anywhere. 
Plus, we’ve included quality 25mm Kellner and 10mm Plossl eyepieces that offer 26x and 64x magnifying power for a more detailed viewing experience, as well as a 3x Barlow lens to triple your magnifying power. To help get started, we also include a red dot LED finder scope and Orion’s MoonMap 260 which will help identify craters, mountains, and other features on the lunar surface. So why wait? Start your journey into the night sky today with the Orion SkyScanner BL102mm Tabletop Reflector Telescope.
Specifications:
- Brand: Orion
- Eye Piece Lens: Barlow
- Lens Coating: Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 Millimeters
- Weight: 15.25 pounds
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
Take it anywhere with the built-in handle
Enjoy viewing the moon, saturn, and bright star clusters[/i2pros][i2cons]Manual Tracking.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
You can check reviews of telescopes here
- Best Dobsonian Telescopes
- Best Computerized telescope
- Best Telescope for Astrophotography
- Best Dobsonian Telescope for beginners
- Best Telescope For Viewing Planets and galaxies
Buying Guide On Best Tabletop Reflector Telescopes
Here are some factors to consider when purchasing the best tabletop reflector telescope:
Aperture
The aperture of the telescope, which is the diameter of its main mirror or lens, is perhaps the most critical factor to consider. A larger aperture generally means more light can enter the telescope, resulting in brighter and clearer images. A tabletop reflector telescope typically has an aperture of between 3 and 6 inches, but larger models are available.
Focal Length
The focal length of a telescope refers to the distance between the main lens or mirror and the point where the image is formed. A longer focal length generally means a higher magnification and narrower field of view, making it easier to observe distant objects like planets.
Durability
A tabletop reflector telescope should be well-built and durable enough to withstand regular use. Look for models that are made of sturdy materials and have a solid base to ensure that the telescope remains stable and won’t wobble while in use.
Ease of Use
As a beginner, it’s important to choose a tabletop reflector telescope that is easy to set up and use. Many models come with detailed instructions and may even come pre-assembled. Consider also if the telescope has a finder scope or red dot sight that can help you locate objects in the sky more quickly and easily.
Price
Finally, consider your budget when selecting the best tabletop reflector telescope. While less expensive models can still provide great views of the night sky, higher-end models usually have more advanced features that can enhance your observing experience.
Conclusion
After carefully considering these factors, some of the best tabletop reflector telescopes on the market today include the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ, the Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope, and the Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor Telescope. Ultimately, the best tabletop reflector telescope for you will depend on your observing needs, budget, and skill level.
FAQs
What is a tabletop reflector telescope and how does it work?
A tabletop reflector telescope is a type of telescope that uses mirrors to reflect and focus light. Light enters through the opening at the top of the telescope and reflects off a curved mirror that sits at the bottom. The reflected light then travels up the telescope, through a second mirror, and into the eyepiece.
What are the benefits of using a tabletop reflector telescope?
Tabletop reflector telescopes are ideal for beginners or individuals who want a portable, easy-to-use telescope. They are lightweight, compact, and can be easily placed on a table or other sturdy surfaces. Additionally, tabletop reflector telescopes provide clear and bright images of celestial objects like stars, planets, and galaxies.
What should I look for when selecting the best tabletop reflector telescope?
When selecting a tabletop reflector telescope, it’s important to consider factors like aperture size, magnification, focal length, and portability. Aperture size determines how much light the telescope can collect, while magnification and focal length determine the level of detail and clarity of the images. Portability is also an important factor if you plan on taking your telescope on the go.
How do I take care of my tabletop reflector telescope?
Proper maintenance and care are important for ensuring the longevity and performance of your tabletop reflector telescope. To keep your telescope in good condition, make sure to keep it clean, protect it from moisture and dust, and store it in a dry and safe place when not in use. It’s also important to follow manufacturer instructions for assembly and use.
Can I use a tabletop reflector telescope for astrophotography?
While tabletop reflector telescopes are not specifically designed for astrophotography, they can be used to capture images of celestial objects with the right equipment and technique. To use your tabletop reflector telescope for astrophotography, you will need a camera adapter and a stable mount to prevent shaking or blurriness in your images. It’s also important to use correct exposure and focus settings to capture clear and detailed images.