Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50mm Refractor Telescope (White/Black) $58.99 + Free Shipping

mac4lyfe

Jul 27, 2026 4:07 PM

787 Comments

Joined Jul 2011

mac4lyfeJul 27, 2026 4:07 PM

787 Comments

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This is an inexpensive way to get into solar astronomy. The tripod is a bit flimsy but you can get good views of the sun. You can also attach a cellphone to take pictures. Another cheap option is to get a piece of solar film and use your phone to look at the sun as well. But if you're really interested in the hobby I highly recommend looking into a SeeStar 30 or 50. You might be able to find one used for a couple hundred dollars. You can view the sun, planets, stars, nebula and can also do bird watching. It tracks sky objects and connects to your phone. An incredible smart telescope.

2

ThisIsATest1

Jul 27, 2026 4:11 PM

331 Comments

Joined Oct 2017

ThisIsATest1Jul 27, 2026 4:11 PM

331 Comments

Quote from mac4lyfe

:

This is an inexpensive way to get into solar astronomy. The tripod is a bit flimsy but you can get good views of the sun. You can also attach a cellphone to take pictures. Another cheap option is to get a piece of solar film and use your phone to look at the sun as well. But if you're really interested in the hobby I highly recommend looking into a SeeStar 30 or 50. You might be able to find one used for a couple hundred dollars. You can view the sun, planets, stars, nebula and can also do bird watching. It tracks sky objects and connects to your phone. An incredible smart telescope.

Blinded by the light.

1

sarcasmogratis

Jul 27, 2026 4:48 PM

15.9K Comments

Joined Feb 2007

sarcasmogratisJul 27, 2026 4:48 PM

15.9K Comments

Quote from mac4lyfe

:

This is an inexpensive way to get into solar astronomy. The tripod is a bit flimsy but you can get good views of the sun. You can also attach a cellphone to take pictures. Another cheap option is to get a piece of solar film and use your phone to look at the sun as well. But if you're really interested in the hobby I highly recommend looking into a SeeStar 30 or 50. You might be able to find one used for a couple hundred dollars. You can view the sun, planets, stars, nebula and can also do bird watching. It tracks sky objects and connects to your phone. An incredible smart telescope.

Does this one actually work for things other than the sun?
It says the sun filter is non removable.

"Solar Telescope Filter
The dual-lens, non-removable glass solar filter conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E), Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun"

1

mac4lyfe

Jul 27, 2026 5:23 PM

787 Comments

Joined Jul 2011

mac4lyfeJul 27, 2026 5:23 PM

787 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote from sarcasmogratis

:

Does this one actually work for things other than the sun? It says the sun filter is non removable. "Solar Telescope Filter The dual-lens, non-removable glass solar filter conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E), Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun"

Strictly for viewing the sun. The tripod mount is too unstable to view anything smaller. The focuser is also too cheap to narrow in on anything but the sun. The case/bag is also pretty cheap. This is okay to cheaply get into looking at the sun but temper your expectations. You can also look at the sun with those cheap paper eclipse glasses. I've taped those glasses to my iPhone and have taken good sun pics as well. The eyepieces with this scope gives you some pretty nice views of the sun.

1

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cathmandan

Pro

Jul 30, 2026 6:19 AM

694 Comments

Joined Oct 2006

cathmandan

Pro

Jul 30, 2026 6:19 AM

694 Comments

Quote from mac4lyfe

:

Strictly for viewing the sun. The tripod mount is too unstable to view anything smaller. The focuser is also too cheap to narrow in on anything but the sun. The case/bag is also pretty cheap. This is okay to cheaply get into looking at the sun but temper your expectations. You can also look at the sun with those cheap paper eclipse glasses. I've taped those glasses to my iPhone and have taken good sun pics as well. The eyepieces with this scope gives you some pretty nice views of the sun.

You seem to know what you're talking about.
Have you ever used a Lunt H-alpha? I used to have the entry level 40mm. It's now a bucket list goal of mine to get one of the big ones for $$$. When you see the sun like that for the first time it's mind blowing.

RebeccaS1802

Jul 30, 2026 11:41 PM

66 Comments

Joined Nov 2013

RebeccaS1802Jul 30, 2026 11:41 PM

66 Comments

Quote from sarcasmogratis

:

Does this one actually work for things other than the sun? It says the sun filter is non removable. "Solar Telescope Filter The dual-lens, non-removable glass solar filter conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E), Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun"

50mm can be used for land-based viewing but not great for astronomy. You *can* see things but not much and not well.

This being Celestron makes it a decent deal. I used to work for a telescope private label company and wouldn't trust most to look at the sun, but Celestron knows what theyre doing

Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50mm Refractor Telescope (White/Black) $58.99 + Free Shipping

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