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The Orion GoScope 80mm TableTop is a compact, entry-level refractor for wide-field viewing and bright targets—not a high-magnification telescope or a complete tripod setup. Orion’s 2012 manual specifies an 80mm aperture, 350mm focal length and f/4.3 focal ratio, with a tabletop alt-azimuth base, two eyepieces and a red-dot finder. Its appeal is portability and straightforward aiming; the trade-offs are modest supplied magnifications and the need for a stable surface.
What this review covers
This is the older GoScope 80 TableTop, identified in Orion’s documentation by model numbers #10013 and #9549. It is not the later GoScope 80 Backpack, model 52596. The TableTop has a 350mm focal length, f/4.3 optics and a tabletop base; the backpack configuration has different specifications and accessories. [Orion’s 2012 manual] [High Point Scientific’s listing for the separate backpack model]
What comes with the GoScope 80 TableTop?
Orion describes it as an air-spaced, fully coated achromatic refractor. The 90-degree prism diagonal accepts standard 1.25-inch eyepieces. The supplied 20mm and 10mm eyepieces provide 18x and 35x magnification, respectively, and an EZ Finder II reflex sight helps you point the telescope. The finder is a non-magnifying red LED sight, not a second telescope. [Orion’s 2012 manual]
Recommended Free Tools
The simple alt-azimuth mount moves up and down and left and right. Orion lists the total telescope-and-mount weight as 5.7 lb in its 2012 manual: 2.9 lb for the tube and 2.8 lb for the mount. The tube can be removed from the base. Its mounting block fits Orion dovetail mounts and 1/4-20 photo tripods, giving you an alternative to setting the base on a table.
#1 Best Overall
- BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS ANYWHERE: Unlike many beginner telescopes, this quality refractor features fully coated glass lenses and a 80mm aperture for crisp, clear views of the Moon, planets, and daytime scenery—all in a lightweight, travel-ready design
- PERFECT FIRST TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: Designed for adults and kids to enjoy together, this beginner-friendly telescope sets up in minutes and delivers rewarding views with no prior experience required
- EASY NO-TOOL SETUP: No complicated assembly or tools needed. The full-height tripod and telescope tube set up in seconds and pack neatly into the included backpack—so you’re always ready to observe on the go
- DUAL EYEPIECES FOR VERSATILE VIEWS: Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces for wide and close-up views of celestial and terrestrial targets. Spot craters on the Moon at night or wildlife during the day
- BONUS BACKPACK AND SOFTWARE: Includes a padded backpack with room for accessories, a finderscope, star diagonal, eyepieces, a smartphone adapter, and a free download of Starry Night software to help you identify celestial objects and plan your next stargazing session
What can you see through it?
The Moon and planets
Orion says observers should be able to see lunar craters, Jupiter’s bands, Saturn’s rings and the phases of Venus. The 18x and 35x supplied eyepieces are useful for getting started, but they set a modest magnification range. For the Moon, Orion notes that partial phases can reveal more surface detail because shadows make features stand out; an optional Moon filter can reduce brightness for more comfortable viewing.
Never point the telescope at the Sun without a professionally made solar filter designed for the instrument. A Moon filter is not a solar filter. Orion warns that viewing the Sun through an unfiltered optical instrument can cause permanent eye damage. [Orion’s 2012 manual]
Rank #2
- Optimum Magnification: Our telescope for kids and adults is quipped with two replaceable excellent-quality eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) for 24X and 60X magnification. 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. magnificate moon up to 72 or 180 times. Also with 5x24 finder scope makes locating objects easy.
- Excellent Quality Optics: This telescope is 600mm(f/6.7) focal length and 80mm aperture, 80mm aperture to capture more light picture and multi-fully high transmission coated all-optical lens enhance image brightness and clarity.
- Portable And Convenient: Comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod. Wireless remote control and carrying bag make it easier for you portable and capture amazing images.
- Easy To Set Up: In order to save your time. Even for novices, no tools are required to set up the telescope. quick and easy to focus. Truly realize a no-tool-set telescope
- Satisfaction Quality: Lifetime maintenance. If you have any questions about the product and service, please feel free to contact us, we will do our best to help you in 24 hours. c
Bright deep-sky objects and wide-field scanning
The short 350mm focal length and supplied low magnifications suit broad views and scanning across the sky. Orion says the telescope can show many bright deep-sky objects, but faint objects will appear subtle; they will not look like the saturated-color images produced by long-exposure photography. It is best to approach those targets as visual observations, not expect astrophotography-style detail.
How much magnification is realistic?
Orion’s 2012 manual gives about 2x per millimeter of aperture as a useful general limit, or about 160x for this 80mm telescope. That is guidance, not a promise of a sharp view at 160x in all conditions. The manual emphasizes that “Moderate magnifications are what give the best views.” The telescope is supplied at 18x and 35x, and the more useful view will often be at a moderate power rather than the theoretical upper limit.
Rank #3
- 80mm Large Aperture - EACONN astronomical telescopes have a true 80mm aperture and a fully coated green optics glass lens. The big aperture can capture more light, the high transmission optics lens can improve light transmittance and reduce the reflection of light, so the telescopes for adults astronomy will bring you more bright and clear images.
- Using Rough Adjustment and Positioning Gimbal - EACONN telescope is equipped with a rough adjustment and positioning gimbal with scale, it can help you easy to adjust the altitude and azimuth. That will more comfortable to help you move wherever you want to point it.
- All You Need Accessories - Fully loaded with 2 eyepieces (K20mm and K9mm) with 30x-66x magnifications, 5x24 finder scope with a crosshair to locate the objects easily. We have equipped this telescope with a customized mobile phone adapter. Its two end positions are respectively prepared for K20 and K9 eyepieces, which can quickly and accurately locate the eyepiece and telescope. You only need to select the corresponding eyepiece according to the lettering on the adapter to use.
- Easy to Use and Carry - The telescope is easy to assemble even for astronomy beginners and kids. We have a detailed installation manual and video installation instructions to help you. Our refractor telescope has a bag and an adjustable tripod. All accessories can be packed into the bag, which is convenient for you to carry out. A carrying backpack makes it easier for you to portable and capture amazing images.
- Incredible Astronomy Gift - Perfect Christmas Gift for astronomy beginners and kids 8-12. Whether Keep it at home observing the moon or viewing planets, or bring this travel telescope on the road for bird watching and landscape viewing, it’s a great gift for beginners and it will enjoy various family fun times.
Is it a good beginner telescope?
It can be a sensible beginner choice if you want a lightweight, uncomplicated instrument for the Moon, bright planets and wide-field exploration, and you have a stable place to set it. The two-axis mount is easy to understand, and the basic observing accessories are included. Astronomy Trek also characterizes the model as portable and beginner-friendly, though its review does not establish a test method or independent image-quality measurements. [Astronomy Trek’s review]
It is a less suitable choice if you expect a freestanding tripod in the box, want high magnification from the supplied eyepieces, or expect faint nebulae and galaxies to show strong detail. The tabletop base also means the support surface is part of the observing setup: a low, wobbly or awkwardly placed table can make aiming and viewing uncomfortable.
Rank #4
- Equipped with advanced optical technology, this high-powered monocular delivers impressive magnification and a large viewing range, allowing you to easily observe distant landscapes, wildlife, sports events, and outdoor scenery with more details.
- Featuring high-quality BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lenses, the monocular enhances light transmission, reduces glare and image distortion, providing bright, sharp, and high-definition viewing even in different lighting conditions.
- The ergonomic handheld structure features a non-slip rubber exterior and smooth focus adjustment, allowing you to quickly achieve precise focus while enjoying a stable and comfortable viewing experience.
- The included tripod provides extra stability for extended observation, helping reduce hand shake and delivering smoother viewing when capturing distant objects or recording memorable moments.
- Designed with a versatile phone adapter, this monocular allows you to connect most smartphones easily, turning your device into a powerful telephoto camera for capturing and sharing distant views.
Does it come with a tripod?
The TableTop version comes with a tabletop base, not a full-length tripod. You need a firm, appropriately raised surface to use that base comfortably. If you want to mount the tube on a tripod instead, Orion specifies compatibility with 1/4-20 photo tripods and Orion dovetail mounts. Check that a tripod is stable and suitable for the telescope before relying on it; the manual’s compatibility statement does not identify a particular third-party tripod.
Setup and use
Orion says the telescope arrives almost fully assembled; setup mainly involves installing the visual accessories. Before observing, align the EZ Finder II with the telescope in daylight, then check the alignment again before a session. Because the mount is manually operated, you will need to nudge it to follow objects as Earth’s rotation carries them across the sky. Objects drift through the eyepiece’s field more quickly at higher magnification. [Orion’s 2012 manual]
Best Value
- 【Compatible Models】: For Orion GoScope 80mm 2011–Present
- 【Performance】: High quality oxford cloth,made with coating,The plated outer layer provides extra protection from prevents internal heating,and keeps the temperature of the equipment stable
- 【Function】: The adjustable bottom drawstring securely fastens the closure to shield your optical instrument from everyday environmental elements while standing on the tripod apparatus
- 【Easy Installation】: The lightweight design slips over the viewing apparatus quickly and fastens securely at the base without requiring any additional tools or complex steps for daily setup
- 【After-Sales Service】: If you encounter any problems,please feel free to contact us.We will reply as soon as possible and provide assistance
- Choose a stable support. Set the base on a level, firm surface at a comfortable height, or mount the removable tube using a compatible connection.
- Install the diagonal and eyepiece. Start with the 20mm eyepiece, which gives the wider, lower-power view.
- Align the finder in daylight. Point the telescope at a distant, stationary object and adjust the EZ Finder II so its red dot points to the same spot.
- Locate a target and track it manually. Use the finder to aim, then make small up/down and left/right adjustments as the object drifts.
- Try the 10mm eyepiece when useful. It raises magnification from 18x to 35x, narrowing the view and making objects drift across it faster.
Eyepiece and accessory compatibility
The manual specifies a 1.25-inch eyepiece format, so look for eyepieces in that barrel size. The supplied eyepieces are 20mm and 10mm, providing 18x and 35x. Any additional eyepiece should be chosen with realistic expectations: Orion’s general guidance is about 160x as a useful limit for an 80mm telescope, not a guarantee that very high magnification will produce a clear image. The manual also supports a Moon filter for lunar comfort and a compatible photo tripod as an alternate support; verify connection details for any accessory before buying.
Buying the correct GoScope model
Confirm the model identity before buying, especially in used listings. The older TableTop is #10013/#9549 and has a 350mm focal length, f/4.3 optics, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, a 90-degree prism diagonal and a tabletop mount. The retailer listing for model 52596 describes the distinct Backpack version: 400mm focal length, f/5, 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, a 45-degree correct-image diagonal, an aluminum tripod, a MoonMap 260, a Moon filter and a backpack. Those specifications and included items should not be attributed to the TableTop. [Orion’s 2012 manual] [High Point Scientific’s listing for model 52596]
The TableTop is an older model. For a used or marketplace listing, verify that the item is actually the TableTop configuration, inspect what accessories are included, and confirm its condition and availability rather than assuming a listing matches the manual.
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