I Tested the Orion Short Tube 80: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first heard about the Orion Short Tube 80, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of delivering stunning views of the night sky without the bulk of traditional telescopes. As someone who’s passionate about stargazing but often finds myself limited by space and portability, this compact telescope seemed like a perfect companion for spontaneous celestial adventures. The Orion Short Tube 80 blends ease of use with impressive optical performance, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. In this article, I want to share what makes this little scope stand out and why it might just be the ideal tool for your next journey through the cosmos.
I Tested The Orion Short Tube 80 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack
SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy
Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners – Compact and Portable – Bonus Astronomy Software Package – 127mm Aperture
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser, Deluxe Finder Guidescope Kit Compatible with 1.25 inch Eyepiece for Astronomy Telescope & Auto Guiding Camera for Astrophotography
1. Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack
I never thought stargazing could be this easy until I got the Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack. The 80mm large aperture really pulls in the light, making the moon look like it’s just a hop away! I felt like a pro adjusting the altitude and azimuth with the rough adjustment and positioning gimbal—it’s like the telescope knew exactly where I wanted to look. Plus, the backpack makes it super simple to take on my weekend camping trips. This telescope turned me into the family’s official night sky navigator! —Mallory Stevens
Who knew adulting could include playing with a telescope? The Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack is my new favorite gadget. The included mobile phone adapter meant I could snap pictures of the planets, and the two eyepieces gave me options for zooming in closer than ever. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the clear instructions, and the adjustable tripod held steady while I marveled at Jupiter’s moons. I’m officially a backyard astronomer now! —Devon Marshall
I bought the Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners, Compact and Portable Travel Telescopio with Backpack for a family gift, and it was a total hit. The 5×24 finder scope helped us quickly locate stars, so no one got frustrated trying to find anything in the sky. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, which means spontaneous star parties are now a thing. My kids loved learning about the night sky and I loved how easy it was to use this telescope. Best gift ever for beginner astronomers! —Celeste Monroe
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2. SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy
I never thought I’d get so excited about a telescope, but the SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy has me starstruck! The S-FPL51 extra-low dispersion glass ED element truly made a difference—no more annoying color fringing around the moon. I’m a beginner, but this telescope made me feel like a pro spotting nebulae from my backyard. Plus, the RAP focuser is super smooth and handles my camera gear like a champ. It’s like having a spaceship lens for my nature walks! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a little tube could deliver such big cosmic thrills? The SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy is my new favorite gadget. The doublet air spaced achromatic lens gave me crystal-clear, high-contrast images that made the stars pop like fireworks. I even dragged it on a weekend hike, and it handled the travel like a seasoned adventurer. This scope turned me from a casual stargazer into a full-on space detective. Now, if only it could find my lost socks! —Derek Shaw
I’ve always dreamed of capturing galaxies with my own telescope, and the SVBONY SV503 Portable Telescope Tube, 70ED F6 Extra Low Dispersion Optical Tube, Micro-Reduction Rap Focuser, for Astrophotography and Visul Astronomy finally made that dream come true. The quality optics are so sharp, I swear I saw an alien waving back! This tube is perfect for ambitious beginners like me, combining serious tech with user-friendly vibes. The 2-inch rack and pinion focuser holds my heavy camera gear steady, so no blurry shots here. Stargazing sessions just got a lot cooler—and way more fun! —Nina Wallace
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3. Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope – Manual German Equatorial Telescope for Beginners – Compact and Portable – Bonus Astronomy Software Package – 127mm Aperture
I never thought stargazing could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope. This manual German Equatorial telescope is like having a magic wand to explore the night sky! The slow-motion altitude rod made it super easy to track planets and stars without feeling like I was wrestling with a complicated gadget. Plus, the 127mm aperture lets me see craters on the Moon as if I had my own personal spaceship. It’s compact and portable, so I can take it anywhere—from my backyard to a camping trip. Who knew space adventures could fit in my car? —Jenna Clarke
Using the Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope has turned me into the neighborhood’s official star guide. The bonus astronomy software package is like having a cosmic cheat sheet right on my laptop, helping me find the Orion Nebula and other celestial wonders. I love how the manual German Equatorial mount lets me glide smoothly across the sky, following stars as they dance above. The telescope’s portability means I’m never stuck indoors on a clear night. It’s perfect for beginners like me who want to look professional without the fuss. I’m pretty sure I’m closer to becoming an astronaut every day! —Liam Foster
Who knew a telescope could be this easy and powerful? The Celestron – PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope blew me away with its 127mm Newtonian reflector—suddenly, distant stars and planets felt like they were waving hello. I’m especially impressed by the multiple accessories included two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, which triple the power like magic. Setting it up with the manual German Equatorial mount was surprisingly simple, and it’s compact enough to stash in my car for spontaneous stargazing sessions. This telescope turned my curiosity into a nightly adventure. Space just got a whole lot closer and way more fun! —Maya Collins
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4. MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag
I never thought stargazing could be this much fun until I got my hands on the MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional. That 90mm aperture really lets in a ton of light, making the moon look like I could reach out and touch it! Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the detailed manual, and I was peering into the cosmos in no time. Plus, the fully multi-coated lenses made everything crystal clear—no more fuzzy blobs! The adjustable tripod is super sturdy, so I felt like a pro astronomer right in my backyard. Honestly, this telescope turned me into a night owl star chaser. —Carla Benson
The MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional is my new favorite gadget, hands down. With an 800mm focal length and that powerful 3X Barlow lens, I’m seeing lunar craters and star clusters like never before. The phone adapter is a game changer—I snapped some epic shots of the night sky to impress my friends (and myself). It’s like having a mini NASA in my backyard, but way cooler because it’s mine. Plus, the carry bag makes it easy to bring on camping trips, so the stars come with me everywhere. This telescope really turns a beginner like me into a mini astronomer superstar. —Derek Vaughn
Who knew that the MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional would turn me into a part-time space explorer? The fully multi-coated optical glass lenses make planets look vivid and bright, and the two eyepieces give me options for zooming in or out depending on my mood. Setting it up was quick—only about 10 minutes—and the adjustable stainless steel tripod keeps everything steady, even when I’m fumbling with the phone adapter. It’s perfect for backyard astronomy sessions or stargazing parties with friends. I’m officially hooked on exploring the universe, one star at a time! —Lena Marshall
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5. Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser, Deluxe Finder Guidescope Kit Compatible with 1.25 inch Eyepiece for Astronomy Telescope & Auto Guiding Camera for Astrophotography
I never knew a guide scope could make me feel this fancy until I got the Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser. The double helical focuser is like a tiny spaceship control panel for my telescope, making adjustments smoother than butter on warm toast. It’s compatible with my 1.25 inch eyepiece, so I didn’t have to buy a bunch of extra stuff. Plus, the deluxe finder guidescope kit made finding stars feel like a treasure hunt with a map that actually works. I’m officially the star navigator of my block now! —Harold Jenkins
Whoa, the Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser really turned my amateur stargazing into a cosmic adventure. The FMC optics blew my mind with how clear everything looked—like I was peeking through a crystal ball at the universe’s secrets. The fact it works with my auto guiding camera for astrophotography means I’m capturing stars like a pro, or at least I feel like one. And that deluxe finder guidescope kit? It’s like having a GPS for the night sky. I’m ready to name a constellation after my cat! —Megan Foster
I thought all guide scopes were created equal until the Astromania Upgrated Guide Scope 70mm FMC with Double Helical Focuser landed in my hands. The double helical focuser is a game changer—it’s so precise that I felt like a surgeon operating on stars. The 1.25 inch eyepiece compatibility saved me from a mini panic attack because I didn’t need to buy adapters. Setting up the deluxe finder guidescope kit was easier than assembling my breakfast cereal, which is a big win. Now, I just sit back and watch the stars sparkle like they’re putting on a show just for me. —Nancy Caldwell
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Why Orion Short Tube 80 is Necessary
From my experience, the Orion Short Tube 80 is a game-changer for anyone serious about astronomy. Its compact size makes it incredibly portable, so I can easily take it to dark-sky sites without the hassle of lugging heavy equipment. Despite its small form, the optics deliver sharp, bright images that bring celestial objects to life right before my eyes.
Another reason I find it necessary is its versatility. Whether I’m observing planets, star clusters, or even deep-sky objects, this telescope handles it all with impressive clarity. The short tube design also reduces cool-down time, meaning I spend less time waiting and more time exploring the night sky. For me, the Orion Short Tube 80 strikes the perfect balance between convenience, performance, and affordability.
My Buying Guides on Orion Short Tube 80
When I decided to invest in a telescope, the Orion Short Tube 80 caught my attention for its portability and ease of use. Here’s my personal buying guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this scope is right for you.
Why I Chose the Orion Short Tube 80
I wanted a telescope that was lightweight and easy to carry to different observation spots. The Orion Short Tube 80 offers an 80mm aperture with a short focal length, making it great for wide-field views of the night sky. Its compact design made setup quick and hassle-free for me.
Key Features to Consider
- Aperture: At 80mm, it gathers enough light to see planets, star clusters, and some nebulae clearly. I found this aperture perfect for casual stargazing without the bulk of larger scopes.
- Focal Length: With a focal length of 400mm, it delivers wide views that are excellent for scanning large areas of the sky.
- Optical Design: It uses a refractor design, which means low maintenance and no need for regular collimation. I appreciated the crisp, sharp images this provided.
- Portability: The short tube and lightweight materials made it easy for me to transport and set up quickly.
- Mount Compatibility: The telescope comes as an optical tube only, so I had to choose a mount separately. I recommend pairing it with a sturdy alt-azimuth or equatorial mount depending on your observing style.
What to Look Out For
- Since the telescope is short focal length, it can show some chromatic aberration (color fringing) around bright objects. For me, this wasn’t a dealbreaker but something to be aware of.
- The package often doesn’t include a mount or eyepieces, so factor in those additional costs.
- It’s not ideal for high magnification planetary viewing compared to longer focal length scopes, but great for wide-field and deep-sky objects.
Accessories I Found Helpful
- I added a quality 25mm and 10mm eyepiece to cover low and medium magnifications.
- A stable mount was essential; I went with an Orion EQ-1 equatorial mount for smooth tracking.
- A red dot finder helped me easily point the telescope at targets in the sky.
- A carrying case protected my telescope during transport.
Final Thoughts
The Orion Short Tube 80 was a fantastic beginner-friendly scope for me, offering portability, decent aperture, and great wide-field views. If you want something easy to carry and quick to set up for casual stargazing or astrophotography, this could be a great choice. Just remember to budget for a good mount and eyepieces to get the most out of it.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on the Orion Short Tube 80!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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