The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 has never been more important. With North America about to have two solar eclipses, an annular “ring of fire” on October 14, 2023, and total on April 8, 2024, sales of solar eclipse gear are on the rise. However, for those who want some magnification, there is a choice – a pair of solar binoculars or a solar telescope.
Strongly in the latter category, the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 also comes with a backpack, which will lure eclipse-bound stalkers on a road trip to either (or both) eclipses. Even without an eclipse, the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 arrives when the sun reaches solar maximum, with sunspots appearing across its surface on a daily basis.
A travel-friendly solar telescope that offers up to 18x magnification, which is very useful when observing sunspots, and the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 has a permanent solar filter across its optics.
This ensures that no errors occur when leaving solar filters on or off, making this a good option for children (as well as forgetful adults). However, it is also best thought of as an all-in-one that is easy to use and does not require any other accessories. Here’s everything you need to know about the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50.
Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 review
Design: Celestron EclipSmart Solar Travel Scope 50
- Fragile tripod and fragile build quality
- Alt azimuth mount
- Meets ISO 12312-2 safety standards
The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is aimed at those who want an all-in-one solar telescope for occasional and casual use only. After all, the optics of this refractor are permanently covered by a glass sun filter that cannot be removed. This makes it safe, but greatly restricts this product in terms of what it can be used for.
The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 can be set up in minutes. Half of the backpack that ships is occupied by the tripod, which is a lightweight aluminum body that weighs just 1.1lbs / 500g. It feels flimsy and fragile. It connects to the telescope using a standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread, so it can be interchanged very easily.
to set
Visual design: refractory
slot: 2 in / 50 mm
Focal Length: 4 in / 360 mm
focal ratio: f/7.2
Lens focal length: 0.8 in / 20 mm (18×)
set total weight: 2 lbs / 918 g
Mounting type: Manual alternate azimuth
The star attraction, of course, is the non-removable glass sun filter that fits in the front of the dichroic objective lens at the end of the telescope tube. Conforms to ISO 12312-2, blocks both infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV and 99.99% visible sunlight) radiation.
Also in the box is a 20mm Kellner lens that offers 18x magnification as well as a diagonal star. The latter means that you do not have to bend over at the end of the telescope tube and can look at the sun while sitting behind it.
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Because the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is designed to travel well, the included small canvas backpack is also crucial. Includes hook-and-loop straps for securing the telescope tube and tripod, with a zippered pocket for the eyepiece and diagonal star.
Celestron EclipSmart Solar Travel Scope 50: Performance
- Blue and white views of the solar disk
- Clear images
- Very slight color fringing
Although it’s low in price, compact, and designed primarily for occasional use and portability, we had high hopes for the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50. That’s because it’s a refracting telescope known for sharper views of the sun’s disk than reflecting telescopes.
When the Sun’s disk is stationary in its view, the solar surface takes on a bright bluish-white appearance. During my observation sessions, we saw a group of sunspots including AR 3418, AR 3421, and AR 3422 and were able to see details in and around them.
The 18x magnification proved fine for observing prominent sunspots and following eclipses, although you could still use the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 perfectly. On a still day and on a hard surface it was no problem at all, although any kind of wind brings trouble. I noticed a very slight blue line around the top of the sun and a yellow line at the bottom, but the problem was trivial.
Functionality: Celestron EclipSmart Solar Travel Scope 50
- The sun is easy to find
- Finder-style bullseye
- tripod can struggle
Celestron Eclipsmart Solar Travel Scope 50
Keeping him trained in the sun is a little trickier. The main problem is that the Sun appears to be moving as the Earth rotates, of course, but the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 replacement azimuth mount and poor quality tripod contribute to this.
Keeping the sun in the telescope’s view comes down to basic precision control of pan and tilt—one handle and one twist lever, but there’s a lot of overhang that makes it difficult to lock into position. It requires constant attention. A tripod is an essential item for photography, and it wobbles in any kind of wind. So much so, that it would be wiser instead to pair him with one best mounts For a more stable view. Since the telescope is so lightweight, you can even use a compact tabletop tripod.
Should you buy the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50?
The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is for a very special kind of eclipse chaser. Go view the eclipse with experienced observers and you’ll see a mix of people carrying expensive telescopes – many for photographic purposes and others happy to view it through eclipse glasses.
The Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 isn’t very good for photos (we tried using a smartphone through the lens, but the results were poor). It is also obviously much larger than a pair of cardboard solar eclipse glasses, but compared to any other telescope it is very lightweight.
Alternatively, you can use any refracting telescope and make your own solar filter using it Safety Film Padre Astro Solarbut we think the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 has a place.
Appealing to the casual user who wants a fuss-free (and safe) close-up during a solar eclipse and perhaps an occasional view of sunspots on the sun, the low-priced Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 has its weaknesses but overall a good value. If nothing more, it’s a convenient way to travel to get more from our star than just sunshine.
If the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 isn’t for you
Although the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is the only product of its kind in the Celestron EclipSmart range, it also includes 10×2510×42 12×50 And a 20×50 solar eclipse binocular. The obvious competitor to the Celestron EclipSmart Travel Solar Scope 50 is the pricier one. Lunt’s LS50THa/B600PT Hydrogen Alpha Solar Telescope, which allows you to see only a very narrow bandwidth of light. This allows views of the sun chromosphere where Solar prominence It is happening. It also has a 2″/50mm hole and can be moved easily.