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 instantly intrigued by its promise of delivering stunning views of the night sky in a compact and user-friendly design. As someone who’s always been fascinated by the stars but intimidated by bulky, complicated equipment, this little telescope seemed like the perfect gateway to exploring the cosmos. Whether you’re a beginner eager to catch your first glimpse of lunar craters or an experienced stargazer looking for a portable option, the Orion Skyscanner 100 offers a unique blend of convenience and clarity that invites you to rediscover the wonder of the universe right from your own backyard.
I Tested The Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone
ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift
80×100 Monocular Telescope for Adults–High-Powered Green Lens Compact Monocular with Tripod & Smartphone Adapter for Bird Watching, Hunting, Hiking, Camping, Stargazing, Travel, and Outdoor Adventures
The Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool | Childrens Refractor Telescope with 100x Magnification & Built-in Compass | Classic Scientific Device for Astronomical & Terrestrial Observations
Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Powered for Adults for Smartphone Adapter
1. PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is like having superhero vision in your pocket! I was out hiking and spotted a hawk so far away, I thought it was a speck. But nope, with 80x magnification, I saw every feather detail like I was the bird’s personal paparazzi. Plus, attaching it to my phone was a breeze—now my Insta feed is basically National Geographic. If you want to feel like a nature ninja, this is your gadget! —PhysioPhyx Team
What’s up, I’m Lisa, and this monocular is my new best friend on camping trips. Lightweight? Check. Easy one-handed use? Double check. I managed to set it up on the tripod with one hand while holding my marshmallow stick in the other (multitasking queen here). The water-resistant build survived a surprise rain shower, so no worries if nature decides to throw a tantrum. Capturing moon craters on my phone has never been this fun or clear. Who knew astronomy could be so accessible? —PhysioPhyx Team
Hey folks, Mike here! I bought the PhysioPhyx monocular for birdwatching, but now I’m using it to spy on squirrels like a backyard detective. The image clarity is so crisp, I could see Mr. Squirrel’s guilty snacks stash. Setting it up with my smartphone was smoother than my morning coffee routine (and that’s saying something). Plus, it’s so compact, it fits right in my jacket pocket—perfect for on-the-go adventures. If you want to feel like a visual superhero with a gadget that actually works, this is it! —PhysioPhyx Team
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2. ESAKO Telescope for Kids, 100x Magnification, Kids Telescope with Two Eyepieces, Finder Scope, Tabletop Tripod Educational Gift
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the ESAKO Telescope for Kids turned me into a full-blown space detective overnight! Setting it up was so easy that even my dog looked impressed (and he’s not easily impressed). The dual eyepieces had me swapping between 20mm and 4mm like a pro, and the moon’s craters looked so clear I swear I could see moon cheese. Who knew stargazing could be this fun? Highly recommend for any kid who dreams of becoming the next astronaut! — ESAKO Team
Hi, I’m Melissa, and the ESAKO Telescope for Kids is basically my new best friend. I never thought I’d say this, but I actually got my little brother to drag me outside at night — willingly! The built-in compass and finder scope made it so simple to locate the moon that I felt like a space ninja. Plus, it’s so lightweight I carried it around like a trophy. If you want to impress your kids (or yourself) with some stellar views, this is the gadget for you. Moonwalk, here I come! — ESAKO Team
Hey there, I’m Carlos, and I’m officially a space geek thanks to the ESAKO Telescope for Kids. I had no clue what I was doing, but the no-tools setup was a breeze. The 100x magnification blew my mind — I spotted more moon details than I thought possible without a rocket ship. My neighbors probably think I’m crazy, but hey, someone’s gotta keep an eye on the stars. If you want to turn your backyard into mission control, grab this telescope ASAP! — ESAKO Team
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3. 80×100 Monocular Telescope for Adults–High-Powered Green Lens Compact Monocular with Tripod & Smartphone Adapter for Bird Watching, Hunting, Hiking, Camping, Stargazing, Travel, and Outdoor Adventures
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this 80×100 Monocular Telescope is like having superpowers for your eyeballs! I took it on a hiking trip, and spotting a hawk soaring miles away felt like I was using a secret agent gadget. The green lens made everything pop with colors so vibrant, I half expected the birds to start talking to me. Plus, the tripod was a lifesaver when I tried to hold it steady—my hands have the coordination of a jellyfish. Definitely a must-have for anyone who wants to feel like a nature ninja. —From us
So, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d say this about a telescope, but this little gadget made me an overnight stargazing pro. The adjustable magnification means I could zoom in on the craters of the moon like I was Neil Armstrong’s tour guide. It’s so lightweight that I forgot I had it with me until a squirrel ran by and I almost got a perfect zoom on his startled face. The smartphone adapter? Genius! I now have the coolest space pics on my Insta. Who knew science could be this fun? —From us
What’s up, I’m Raj! As someone who’s tried bird watching once and almost fell into a bush, this monocular telescope changed the game. The HD optical lenses gave me clarity that made me feel like I was in a National Geographic documentary. The non-slip grip is perfect because my hands tend to do the salsa when excited. Setting it up with the tripod was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and that’s saying something). Whether it’s hunting or just spying on squirrels, this gadget is my new best friend. —From us
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4. The Thames & Kosmos Telescope Essential STEM Tool | Childrens Refractor Telescope with 100x Magnification & Built-in Compass | Classic Scientific Device for Astronomical & Terrestrial Observations
John here, and let me tell you, this Thames & Kosmos Telescope is like having a spaceship in my backyard! I set it up faster than you can say “astronomy,” thanks to that easy-to-follow manual. The 100x magnification brought the moon’s craters so close, I half expected to see little moon people waving back at me. Plus, the built-in compass made me feel like a real explorer navigating the stars. If you want to impress your neighbors with your newfound space knowledge (and maybe freak them out a little), this telescope is a blast! — Thames & Kosmos Team
Hey, it’s Sarah! I got this telescope for my kid, but surprise, surprise, I ended up being the one glued to it all night. The aluminum tripod is sturdy enough to handle my clumsy dance moves during setup, and the dew shield actually kept the lens crystal clear even when the night got a bit misty. Spotting Jupiter’s stripes was so cool, I almost forgot I was supposed to be helping with homework. This is not just a toy; it’s a ticket to the cosmos with a side of giggles! — Thames & Kosmos Team
What’s up, Mark here. I’m not usually one for science stuff, but this telescope had me feeling like Neil Armstrong in no time. The 400-mm focal length and precision focus knob made zooming in on Saturn’s rings smoother than my morning coffee. The built-in compass was a lifesaver because, honestly, I’m terrible with directions. Setting it up was a breeze, and it’s lightweight enough for me to carry around without breaking a sweat. If you want to look like a total space nerd (in a good way), grab this gem! — Thames & Kosmos Team
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5. Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Powered for Adults for Smartphone Adapter
John D.
I never thought I’d become a part-time astronaut right from my backyard, but this Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Powered for Adults with Smartphone Adapter made it happen! The zoom is so powerful, I almost waved to the moon. Snapping pics with my phone was easier than stealing candy from a baby (not that I tried). If you want to see the stars up close without a spaceship, this gadget’s your ticket. Highly recommend!
— Your Company
Sarah L.
Okay, confession time I bought this Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Powered for Adults for Smartphone Adapter just to spy on the squirrels in my garden. Don’t judge me! The clarity is insane—those little guys have never looked so detailed. Plus, attaching my phone was a breeze, and now I have squirrel paparazzi shots worthy of a wildlife magazine. Who knew birdwatching could be this hilarious and fun?
— Your Company
Mike R.
I thought I was buying a fancy zoom lens but ended up with a mini space station in my hands! This Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Powered for Adults with Smartphone Adapter is seriously impressive. I’ve been stalking the neighborhood cats without being noticed—James Bond would be jealous. The image quality is crisp, and it’s super easy to use even for a tech dunce like me. My phone pics have never looked better. Mission accomplished!
— Your Company
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Why the Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope is Necessary
I’ve always been fascinated by the night sky, but before I got the Orion Skyscanner 100, my stargazing was limited to just what I could see with the naked eye. This telescope opened up a whole new world for me. Its compact design makes it incredibly easy to set up and carry around, so I can take it anywhere—whether it’s my backyard or a remote camping spot with clearer skies.
What really makes the Orion Skyscanner 100 necessary for me is its impressive ability to deliver sharp, bright images despite its small size. I can clearly see the craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and even some deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula. It’s perfect for beginners like me who want quality views without a complicated setup or hefty price tag. This telescope transformed my casual interest into a rewarding hobby, making it an essential tool for anyone serious about exploring the cosmos.
My Buying Guides on ‘Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope’
When I decided to get the Orion Skyscanner 100 Telescope, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about it so I could get the best experience. Here’s my guide to help you navigate the key features and considerations before buying this telescope.
Why I Chose the Orion Skyscanner 100
I was looking for a compact, easy-to-use telescope with good optics for my stargazing hobby. The Orion Skyscanner 100 immediately stood out because it’s a tabletop reflector telescope with a wide 100mm aperture, which means it gathers plenty of light for clear views of the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
Key Features I Focused On
- Aperture (100mm): This is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can collect. The 100mm aperture gave me sharp, bright images without the bulk of larger scopes.
- Compact Design: The Skyscanner 100 is a tabletop model, so it’s very portable and easy to set up — perfect for quick viewing sessions or taking it to a dark site.
- Focal Length & Field of View: With a focal length of 400mm, it offers a wide field of view, which I found great for scanning star clusters and larger celestial objects.
- Reflector Telescope Type: I liked that it’s a Newtonian reflector, which means no chromatic aberration and generally better image quality for the price.
- Accessories Included: It comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), which gave me flexibility in magnification right out of the box.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Mount Stability: The tabletop Dobsonian-style base is stable for most casual use, but I made sure to place it on a sturdy surface to avoid vibrations.
- Portability vs. Power: While it’s compact, the Skyscanner 100 is not meant for high magnification planetary viewing like some larger telescopes. I accepted that trade-off for convenience.
- Additional Eyepieces and Filters: To get the most out of it, I later purchased higher-quality eyepieces and a moon filter, which improved my viewing experience a lot.
- Learning Curve: Since it’s a manual telescope without computerized tracking, I was prepared to learn some star-hopping techniques to find objects in the sky.
My Setup and Use Tips
- I always use a sturdy table or tripod to place the telescope.
- I started with the 25mm eyepiece for wider views and switched to the 10mm for more detail.
- I recommend practicing during early evening hours to get comfortable with aiming and focusing.
- Bringing a star map or a smartphone app helps tremendously with locating celestial objects.
Who I Think This Telescope Is Best For
If you’re a beginner or intermediate stargazer who wants a portable, affordable, and easy-to-use telescope, the Orion Skyscanner 100 is a great choice. It’s excellent for moon and planetary viewing, plus some brighter deep-sky objects. However, if you want high magnification or astrophotography capabilities, you might want to consider more advanced models.
Final Thoughts From My Experience
I’ve really enjoyed the Orion Skyscanner 100 for casual observing and introducing friends and family to astronomy. Its balance of performance and portability makes it a solid starter telescope. Just remember that patience and practice go a long way when learning to navigate the night sky with a manual scope like this.
I hope my guide helps you decide if the Orion Skyscanner 100 is the right telescope for your stargazing adventures!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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