Early Black Friday Deals & DoorbustersEnds Nov. 8.Shop now

Skip to contentGo to Product Search
Main Content

National Geographic - 70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App - Black

Model: 80-30070
SKU: 6443004
Sold byBest Buy

About this product

Embark on a fascinating adventure through our solar system and beyond with National Geographic’s StarApp70mm 80-30070 telescope. This refractor is great for lunar, planetary and deep sky observing and has a special mount that allows users to attach their smart phone to the telescope and use the ARTelescope App to locate and learn about constellations and planets. As observers move the telescope across the night sky, they will hear facts about the constellations and planets in the app’s database as they come into view. The telescope comes with two interchangeable eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens to provide a versatile range of magnifications.

Features

  • Panhandle alt-azimuth mount

    Allows you to steer the telescope smoothly and accurately.

  • 26mm and 9.7mm eyepieces

    Produce images with excellent definition and contrast.

  • 26.9x - 124x magnification range

    A perfect portal into the realm of deep-sky observation.

  • 700mm focal length

    Shortens exposure times for deep-sky photography.

  • Additional accessories

    Include two eyepieces and diagonal, 2x Barlow lens, tripod, and smartphone mount. Phone not included.

Specifications

  • Brand
    National Geographic
    Model Number
    80-30070
    Product Name
    70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App
    Color
    Black
    Recommended Minimum Age
    10 years
    Objective Lens Diameter
    70 millimeters
Sponsored

Reviews

Rating 3.8 out of 5 stars with 25 reviews

76% would recommend to a friend

Top Mentions

  • Ease of Use (6)
  • Optical Quality (4)

Customer Images

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Unlocking the Cosmos: National Geographic 70mm R

    I recently delved into the awe-inspiring realm of stargazing with the National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope, a remarkable instrument that has completely revolutionized my perspective on the universe. Purchased from Best Buy in Bellingham, this telescope not only offers breathtaking celestial views but also supports the exceptional programming of National Geographic, an organization dedicated to exploration, education, and conservation. The National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope is a marvel of engineering, designed to provide enthusiasts like myself with unparalleled clarity and detail when observing the night sky. With its 70mm aperture and high-quality optics, this telescope captures the beauty of distant celestial objects with remarkable precision. Whether I'm observing the moon's craters, the rings of Saturn, or distant galaxies, each viewing experience is truly mesmerizing. One of the standout features of this telescope is its compatibility with the National Geographic astronomy app. This app serves as a valuable companion, offering interactive sky maps, celestial events calendar, and educational content to enhance my stargazing sessions. With the app's guidance, I can easily locate and identify constellations, planets, and other celestial phenomena, enriching my understanding of the cosmos. Setting up the National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope was a straightforward process, thanks to its user-friendly design and clear instructions. The sturdy tripod provides stable support, ensuring steady observations even on windy nights. Additionally, the telescope's lightweight and portable design make it convenient to transport to different observing locations, allowing me to explore new celestial wonders with ease. Beyond its impressive performance, purchasing this telescope from Best Buy in Bellingham holds special significance for me. By supporting National Geographic's mission of exploration and education, I feel a sense of connection to the larger scientific community and contribute to initiatives that promote a greater understanding of our world and beyond. In conclusion, the National Geographic 70mm Refractor Telescope is a stellar investment for anyone passionate about astronomy and eager to explore the wonders of the cosmos. With its exceptional optics, user-friendly features, and support for National Geographic's educational endeavors, it truly embodies the spirit of discovery and exploration. I highly recommend this telescope to fellow enthusiasts and budding astronomers alike.

    Posted by JessieR

  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Good starter telescope.

    For the price this is a very good buy. You need a little patience to set up but not overly difficult. The included Ap and three D presentation makes it a lot easier. Looks good in my Den great views of the moon. Will need a clear night to see the planets. Good sizeable tripod. Four stars!

    Posted by FrankC

  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Not worth the buy

    Not easy to use. Not easy instructions to follow for set up. We thought this was going to be hit. But its a dust collector. We're going to have to look for another brand of telescope for our home. It has good hardware, but the lenses are hard to concentrate.

    Posted by BacaFamily

  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Garbage

    Most of the reviews here are paid or made by bots. I made the huge mistake to buy this today and I can tell you, dont throw your money away on this garbage. The lenses were even dirty as if someone else had used it and returned it. The app is the worst app for it. All the pics and the advertising is a scam. I feel truly scammed by Best Buy. Never buying a telescope in Best Buy again.

    Posted by Will

  • Rated 3 out of 5 stars

    JM review

    I probably shouldn’t be reviewing this yet since I need to watch some videos on telescopes for beginners. The instructions to assemble weee vague and there really aren’t instructions on using and viewing. It advertises for beginners which is totally me but you’re pretty much on your own with this.

    Posted by Joni

Compare similar products

National Geographic - 70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App - Black
National Geographic - 70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App - Black
3.8(25)

Embark on a fascinating adventure through our solar system and beyond with National Geographic’s StarApp70mm 80-30070 telescope. This refractor is great for lunar, planetary and deep sky observing and has a special mount that allows users to attach their smart phone to the telescope and use the ARTelescope App to locate and learn about constellations and planets. As observers move the telescope across the night sky, they will hear facts about the constellations and planets in the app’s database as they come into view. The telescope comes with two interchangeable eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens to provide a versatile range of magnifications.

Celestron - Travel Scope 70 DX Portable Telescope - Gray/Black

Get a new perspective on nature and the Universe with the ideal day-to-night telescope, Travel Scope 70 DX. This refractor telescope includes a full height tripod and lots of bonus accessories, include a smartphone adapter so you can capture images and video through the eyepiece. It all packs up into a high-quality custom backpack—ready to go wherever your adventures take you. Whether you take it along on your next camping trip or enjoy an impromptu backyard stargazing session, setting up the telescope is a breeze. Even on your first time out, you can assemble the telescope and its accessories in just a few minutes. The adjustable tripod legs allow you to customize the telescope’s height or place it on raised surfaces like a picnic table. By night, Travel Scope 70 DX delivers great views of the planets, the Moon, star clusters and brighter deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy. During the day, Travel Scope 70 DX doubles as a spotting scope. Enjoy amazing views of birds, wildlife, boats on the water, migrating whales, and so much more. The entire telescope kit weighs just 3.3 pounds, so you can take it anywhere, hassle-free. Smartphone adapter and Bluetooth shutter release Create your own stunning images and video of celestial or terrestrial objects with the smartphone adapter. With its light, rigid frame, this accessory allows you to connect any smartphone to your Travel Scope’s eyepiece. The additional magnification provided by the eyepiece allows your phone to capture great images of the Moon and planets. This smartphone adapter installs easily by clamping over the top of an eyepiece. The smartphone is held in position with the help of tightening knobs that securely lock your phone in place. To capture the best image, Celestron has also provided a Bluetooth shutter release that allows you to trigger the camera’s shutter on any Android or iOS smartphone remotely, without disturbing the placement of your phone and telescope. NOTE: Some large and/or bulky phone cases (including folio style cases) may need to be removed for the phone to fit in the adapter. Manual Alt-Azimuth telescope Navigate the sky confidently with Travel Scope 70 DX’s intuitive pan handle. The Alt-Az control with clutch allows for smooth tracking and accurate pointing. Like a photographic tripod, you can move the clutch in an up/down, left/right fashion to follow your object in the eyepiece. Deluxe Accessories Included In addition to the smartphone adapter and Bluetooth shutter release, Travel Scope 70 DX includes a full selection of optical accessories, including two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), an erect image diagonal, a finderscope, a 2x Barlow lens, and a 1.25” Moon filter. The two eyepieces offer different magnifications so you can view your subject at low or high power. The erect image diagonal allows for more comfortable viewing and right-side-up images. The permanently mounted finderscope will help you locate objects and quickly center them in your telescope’s eyepiece. Lastly, the Moon filter reduces glare and increases contrast on the surface of the Moon. Travel Backpack Pack up your optical tube, tripod, eyepieces, and accessories safely and securely in the included custom backpack. Starry Night Software Download Celestron’s Starry Night Software and learn about the night sky, celestial objects, and how to plan your next observing session. Celestron Starry Night Software is the premier astronomy software package on the market, providing detailed information, plus tips and tricks for viewing our Solar System and beyond. Downloadable Robert Reeves’ Lunar Landscapes eBook Familiarize yourself with the Moon, our neighboring world, with Robert Reeves’ Lunar Landscapes eBook. This fascinating guide will take you on a tour of the Moon’s top geographical features, from the crater Tycho to the Sea of Tranquility where Apollo 11 astronauts landed.

Celestron - Starsense Explorer LT 114AZ Telescope App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope - Silver/Black

Celestron has reinvented the manual telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first telescope that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time. StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners thanks to the app’s user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It’s like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. Dock, Launch, Explore. Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you’ll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app. After aligning your phone to the telescope’s optics (a quick, 2-minute procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear onscreen, guiding you as you to move the telescope. When the object is ready to view, the bullseye turns green. Smartphone Compatibility-StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones; it is compatible with Android 12 and later, as well as iOS 18 and newer, including iPhone XR and newer models. Users with older phones can still use this app, but will not be able to reinstall the app if they uninstall it. Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology-StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database. While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone’s gyros and accelerometers, which aren’t as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece. Sturdy Altazimuth Mount, StarSense Explorer LT’s simple altazimuth mount makes it easy to move the telescope to find your target. An altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod helps you fine tune the telescope’s pointing position and follow targets as they appear to drift across the night sky. It’s all anchored by an adjustable, full-height tripod.Dazzling Views with High Quality Optics. With a large 114mm (4.5”) objective lens, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites. Even if you live in a light polluted city location, StarSense Explorer is advanced enough to be able to pick out Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, the Orion Nebula, double stars, and a few more of the most famous celestial objects. But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 4.5” Newtonian and relatively dark skies, the Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Open Star Cluster, and so many more are easily within your reach. The entire telescope kit weighs just 10.4 pounds, so it’s perfectly portable and easy to bring on your next camping trip or to a remote observing site.Everything You Need to Observe Immediately. When you unbox your new StarSense Explorer LT, you’ll find:114mm Newtonian reflector optical tube, StarSense dock for your smartphone, Low powered (25mm) and high powered (10mm) Eyepiece, 2x Barlow lens to double the power of each eyepiece, StarPointer red dot finderscope, perfect for using the telescope during the day or without the StarSense Explorer app, Altazimuth mount with slow motion control rod, Full-height tripod with an accessory tray to keep you organized

Universalfun - 70mm HD Refractor Telescope for Kids & Beginners with Tripod, 3 Eyepieces, Phone Adapter, Ages 8+ - White
4.0(12)

If you've been hunting for a telescope that's actually good enough for a curious kid to see the craters on the moon and the rings of Saturn — but simple enough that they can set it up themselves without an engineering degree — the Universalfun 70mm Astronomical Telescope hits that sweet spot. Built for kids and beginners ages 8 and up, this refractor telescope uses a 70mm large-aperture objective lens with fully coated optical glass that pulls in far more light than the cheap toy scopes you'll find at big-box stores, delivering sharp, bright, high-contrast views of the moon, nearby planets, star clusters, and even some deep-sky objects on clear nights. Three interchangeable eyepieces (H20mm, H10mm, and H6mm) let young astronomers switch between wide-field views and zoomed-in detail, while the included red and blue color filters cut glare and bring out features on bright objects like the moon and Jupiter. The optical finderscope makes it easy to actually find what you're looking at — no more 20-minute frustration sessions trying to locate the moon — and the universal smartphone adapter turns the eyepiece into a camera so kids can capture photos and videos to show off at school or share with grandparents. The whole setup sits on a sturdy alloy tripod that adjusts up to 150 cm (about 59 inches) and rotates a full 360°, so it grows with your child and tracks objects smoothly across the night sky. Whether it's a birthday gift, holiday surprise, or a "let's get them interested in something other than a screen" purchase, this is the kind of telescope that turns a casual curiosity into a real love for science.

Pros for National Geographic - 70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App - Black
Ease of Use, Optical QualityEase of use, Assembly, Quality, Moon Viewing, SizeEase of use, Assembly, Overall Performance, Price, SetupThere were no pros for this product—
Cons for National Geographic - 70mm Refractor Telescope with Astronomy App - Black
There were no cons for this product—Tripod Stability, Focus, Magnification, Instructions, WeightMagnification, Tripod Stability, Focus, App, AlignmentThere were no cons for this product—

Specs

Questions & Answers

  • What comes with this telescope?

    The telescope includes two eyepieces, a diagonal, a 2x Barlow lens, a tripod, and a smartphone mount.

    This question and answer was generated by AI based on customer and product data.
  • Does this National Geographic telescope come with a tripod?

    Yes, the telescope comes with a tripod for easy viewing.

    This question and answer was generated by AI based on customer and product data.
  • How many eyepieces are included with the telescope?

    The telescope comes with two eyepieces (26mm and 9.7mm).

    This question and answer was generated by AI based on customer and product data.
  • What type of mount does the telescope use?

    This telescope uses a special panhandle alt-azimuth mount for smooth and accurate steering.

    This question and answer was generated by AI based on customer and product data.
  • What is the magnification range of this telescope?

    The telescope offers a magnification range of 26.9x to 124x.

    This question and answer was generated by AI based on customer and product data.
Ask a question
No content

Customers often buy these together

Sponsored