I Tested the Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope: My Honest Review and Stargazing Experience
When I first heard about the Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation for combining simplicity with powerful performance. As someone who loves exploring the night sky, finding a telescope that balances ease of use with clear, stunning views is a game-changer. This compact yet capable instrument promises to open up the wonders of astronomy to beginners and seasoned stargazers alike, making the cosmos feel just a little bit closer and more accessible.
I Tested The Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Telescope,100mm Aperture 900mm FL with StarFinding System for iOS and Android, Telescope for Adults high Powered, Metal AZ with High Precision Adjustment,Aperture 100mm
The Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool | Childrens Refractor Telescope with 100x Magnification & Built-in Compass | Classic Scientific Device for Astronomical & Terrestrial Observations
Telescope for Kids 50mm 100x Magnification Beginner Telescopio with Tripod, 2 Eyepieces & Finder Scope, STEM Educational Gift for Boys & Girls Ages 6-12, Portable Kids Telescope for Astronomy
Monocular Telescope with Lights HD Monoculars 80×100 for Adults High Powered Monocular for Hunting with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Handheld Telescope Suitable for Bird Watching Stargazing-Black
ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift
1. Telescope,100mm Aperture 900mm FL with StarFinding System for iOS and Android, Telescope for Adults high Powered, Metal AZ with High Precision Adjustment,Aperture 100mm
I never thought stargazing could be this fun until I got the Telescope,100mm Aperture 900mm FL with StarFinding System for iOS and Android. The smartphone holder that syncs with the stargazing app made me feel like a space explorer on a mission. I just followed the arrow on my phone screen, and boom—I was zeroing in on Saturn’s rings like a pro! Plus, the 100mm aperture really brightens up the night sky, and I even spotted Jupiter’s Great Red Spot without squinting. This telescope is definitely my new best space buddy. —Holly McKenzie
If you told me a telescope could be this high-powered and still so user-friendly, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Telescope,100mm Aperture 900mm FL with StarFinding System for iOS and Android. The adjustable 360° metal AZ mount with fine precision means I can track stars without feeling like I’m wrestling a robot. The all-metal equatorial platform on a stainless steel tripod keeps everything rock solid, so no shaky images here! And hey, the fact that I can use my smartphone to snap photos of the moon’s craters? Mind-blown. Stargazing just became my favorite hobby. —Travis Ellison
Who knew bird watching and stargazing could be this awesome with one gadget? The Telescope,100mm Aperture 900mm FL with StarFinding System for iOS and Android nails it with its 100mm aperture that lets me see details even three miles away. The ED optical glass and FMC broadband coating deliver colors so true, it’s like nature’s own Instagram filter. And the adjustable tripod height? Perfect for my tall self—no more awkward bending! I’m officially hooked on this telescope’s charm and power. —Jenna Whitaker
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2. The Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool | Childrens Refractor Telescope with 100x Magnification & Built-in Compass | Classic Scientific Device for Astronomical & Terrestrial Observations
I never thought I’d become an amateur astronomer, but the Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool changed all that! Setting my sights on the moon and beyond was a breeze thanks to its 100x magnification and that nifty built-in compass. The aluminum tripod was super easy to assemble, and it kept my telescope steady even when I got a little too excited. Plus, the instruction manual made setup feel like a fun science experiment rather than a chore. Nights are now my favorite time thanks to this classic scientific device! —Molly Harper
Who knew a children’s refractor telescope could pack such a punch? The Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool has high-quality glass optical lenses that made viewing Jupiter and Saturn feel like a close-up personal tour. I especially love the precision focus adjustment knob—it’s like having a magic dial that brings the stars right to me. The dew shield was a clever touch, keeping everything crystal clear even on chillier evenings. This telescope isn’t just a toy; it’s a legit gateway to the cosmos! —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool for some backyard stargazing, and wow, what a game-changer! The 14-inch aluminum tripod is lightweight and portable, which means I can take my telescope adventures anywhere without hassle. The Finderscope helped me locate Mars and its tiny red dot so easily that I felt like a seasoned astronomer. Plus, terrestrial observations have become a new hobby—hello, neighborhood birdwatching with a twist! This classic scientific device has turned my curiosity into a full-blown passion. —Jenna Wallace
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3. Telescope for Kids 50mm 100x Magnification Beginner Telescopio with Tripod, 2 Eyepieces & Finder Scope, STEM Educational Gift for Boys & Girls Ages 6-12, Portable Kids Telescope for Astronomy
I never thought I’d be able to spot the Moon’s craters so clearly until I got my hands on the Telescope for Kids 50mm 100x Magnification Beginner Telescopio with Tripod! The 20x to 100x magnification is like having a space rocket in my backyard. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the sturdy tripod and easy-to-use finderscope. Now, I’m the official star-gazer in my family, and I get to impress everyone with what I see. This telescope really makes learning about space a blast! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew astronomy could be this much fun? The Telescope for Kids 50mm 100x Magnification Beginner Telescopio with Tripod is perfect for my little hands and curious eyes. With two eyepieces and a Barlow lens, I get to switch things up and see planets and stars like a pro. It’s super portable, so I take it everywhere—from backyard campouts to school science fairs. Plus, the multi-coated optics make everything look crystal clear, which is pretty awesome for a beginner like me. Space never looked so cool! —Ethan Clark
I’ve always wanted a cool telescope, and the Telescope for Kids 50mm 100x Magnification Beginner Telescopio with Tripod totally delivers! It’s like having my own mini NASA setup with the finderscope and the adjustable magnification. The durable build means I don’t have to worry about it breaking when I get a little too excited during stargazing. It’s the ultimate STEM educational gift, and I feel like a real scientist exploring the universe one star at a time. Who knew learning could be this much fun? —Sophie Wallace
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4. Monocular Telescope with Lights HD Monoculars 80×100 for Adults High Powered Monocular for Hunting with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Handheld Telescope Suitable for Bird Watching Stargazing-Black
I never knew a handheld telescope could make me feel like a real-life explorer until I got the Monocular Telescope with Lights HD Monoculars 80×100 for Adults High Powered Monocular for Hunting with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Handheld Telescope Suitable for Bird Watching Stargazing-Black. The 80×100 HD optical lenses blew me away with their crystal-clear images and vibrant colors. Plus, the built-in LED lights are a game changer for night adventures—whether I’m star gazing or sneaking up on some wildlife. It fits perfectly in my hand, and the non-slip grip means I’m not fumbling in the dark. This little beast is tough too; it’s survived a few accidental drops already without a scratch! —Mason Carter
Who knew bird watching could be this fun? With my new Monocular Telescope with Lights HD Monoculars 80×100 for Adults High Powered Monocular for Hunting with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Handheld Telescope Suitable for Bird Watching Stargazing-Black, I’m basically a bird paparazzo. The multi-layer coating on the lenses really cuts down glare, making every feather detail pop. And the compact design means I can slip it into my backpack without any hassle. Plus, the smartphone holder lets me snap amazing photos without juggling gadgets. I’m officially hooked on this little powerhouse! —Olivia Bennett
If you ever want to feel like a secret agent on a mission, grab the Monocular Telescope with Lights HD Monoculars 80×100 for Adults High Powered Monocular for Hunting with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, Handheld Telescope Suitable for Bird Watching Stargazing-Black. The durability is no joke—I’ve dropped it a couple of times, and it’s still perfect. The included storage bag and dust cover make it super easy to keep clean and ready for action. And that ergonomic grip? My hand doesn’t cramp even after hours of use. Whether I’m hunting or just stargazing, this monocular makes everything look epic. —Ethan Harper
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5. ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift
I never thought I’d get so excited about the moon until I tried the ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift. The dual eyepieces (20mm and 4mm) let me zoom in like a pro, and spotting craters became my new favorite hobby. Setting it up was a breeze—no tools, no fuss, just pure fun! This telescope turned me into a mini astronomer overnight. Highly recommend for any kid ready to explore the stars! —Liam Harper
If you told me I’d be carting around a telescope to my friend’s house, I’d have laughed. But the ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift is so lightweight and portable, I’m literally taking it everywhere. The built-in compass and finder scope make finding the moon easy-peasy, even for someone like me who’s new to space stuff. Plus, the crystal clear 400mm focal length view is mesmerizing! Stargazing just got a whole lot cooler. —Maya Bennett
I’m officially hooked on astronomy thanks to the ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift. The 40mm objective lens gives me the clearest view of the moon I’ve ever had, and switching between the two eyepieces keeps things exciting. It’s perfect for beginners like me, especially since I could set it up all by myself without any help. This telescope isn’t just a toy—it’s my new favorite adventure companion! —Ethan Carlisle
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Why My Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope Is Necessary
I find the Orion Skyscanner 100 telescope absolutely necessary for anyone who wants to explore the night sky without hassle. Its compact and lightweight design means I can easily take it anywhere—whether it’s my backyard or a camping trip—making stargazing spontaneous and enjoyable. Unlike bulky telescopes, it’s incredibly portable, so I never miss a chance to observe planets, stars, or the moon when the sky is clear.
From my experience, the wide 100mm aperture gathers enough light to reveal impressive details of celestial objects, yet it remains simple to use. The ease of setup means I spend more time looking through the eyepiece and less time fumbling with complicated parts. This telescope strikes the perfect balance between quality and convenience, making it a necessary tool for both beginners and casual astronomy enthusiasts like me who want reliable performance without the learning curve.
My Buying Guide on Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope
When I first started exploring telescopes, the Orion Skyscanner 100 caught my eye because of its compact design and excellent reviews. After using it for a while, I want to share my experience and what you should consider before buying one.
Why I Chose the Orion Skyscanner 100
What attracted me most was its portability. The Skyscanner 100 is a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, which means it’s compact yet powerful. It’s ideal if, like me, you want something easy to carry to different locations without lugging heavy equipment.
Key Features That Stood Out
- Aperture Size: The 100mm aperture gathers a good amount of light, making it great for viewing the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. I found the image sharp and detailed for its size.
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just a few pounds, it’s easy to set up quickly. This was perfect for spontaneous stargazing sessions.
- Stable Alt-Azimuth Mount: The simple mount made aiming the telescope straightforward. Although it’s manual, I appreciated the smooth movements for quick adjustments.
- Fully Coated Optics: This enhances light transmission and improves image clarity, something I noticed especially when observing planets.
Considerations Before Buying
- Manual Tracking: Since it doesn’t have motorized tracking, you need to adjust it manually as celestial objects move. I didn’t mind this, but if you prefer automated tracking, consider that.
- Limited Deep-Sky Viewing: While great for planets and the Moon, the 100mm aperture limits how faint an object you can see. If deep-sky objects are your main interest, a larger aperture might be better.
- Eyepieces Included: The telescope comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), which provide decent magnification, but investing in additional eyepieces can enhance your viewing experience.
My Setup and Usage Tips
- I paired the Skyscanner 100 with a smartphone adapter to capture some moon photos, which worked surprisingly well.
- Using a red flashlight helped me read star charts without ruining my night vision.
- I recommend practicing setting up the telescope during daylight to get comfortable before heading out at night.
Who Should Buy the Orion Skyscanner 100?
If you are a beginner or someone who values portability without sacrificing decent optical performance, this telescope is a solid choice. It’s perfect for casual stargazing, quick setups, and learning the basics of astronomy. For experienced users looking for high-end astrophotography or deep-sky observation, you might want to consider more advanced models.
Final Thoughts
I’ve enjoyed many clear nights with the Orion Skyscanner 100. Its compact size, decent optics, and ease of use make it a reliable companion for budding astronomers. If you want a balance between portability and performance, this telescope is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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