Thanks to its sturdy altazimuth mount and quality refractive optics, the Orion Observer 70mm refractor telescope works well for both daytime terrestrial viewing and nighttime astronomical use. The included altazimuth mount offers intuitive up/down (altitude) and left/right (azimuth) motion to make maneuvering the telescope easy. Thanks to its versatility and simple, easy-to-use design, the Observer 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope is well suited to beginning astronomers. It is a very lightweight and compact telescope, weighing just 6.5 lbs. once assembled, so it's easy to carry to any observing location, be it out on the lawn or an hour's drive into the hills.
The telescope's glossy black refractor optical tube is made of seamless aluminum and outfitted with a smooth-action rack-and-pinion focuser which accepts 1.25" accessories and eyepieces. Housed inside the telescope tube is a multi-coated, achromatic glass objective lens that is 70mm in diameter, with a focal length of 700mm (f/10). This lens takes in 36% more light than a 60mm lens, meaning you'll be able to see more detail on both celestial and terrestrial objects. Compared to a 60mm refractor, the Orion Observer 70mm and its larger optics will reward you with brighter images and a larger repertoire of astronomical objects to see. You'll enjoy outstanding looks at the Moon's cratered surface, Jupiter's cloud bands and moons, Saturn and its rings, the majestic Orion Nebula, and the mind-boggling Andromeda Galaxy, to name just a few of the treasures you can see. A dew and glare shield on the objective end (or front of the telescope) helps prevent dew from forming on the optical lens and also helps block unwanted stray light. The specially engineered altazimuth telescope mount and tripod provides much greater stability than standard "off the shelf" altazimuth mounts found in many department stores. It has an altitude micro-motion control to allow very fine aiming adjustments. The refractor telescope tube and mount are supported on a sturdy aluminum tripod that adjusts to comfortable heights for the whole family to use.
The Observer 70mm Telescope Kit comes with everything you need to start observing the night sky right away:
The included telescope eyepieces provide two different magnification options right out of the box! We recommend starting with the 25mm ocular to obtain wide, 28x views. Then for closer looks, you can boost the power all the way up to 70x by using the 10mm telescope eyepiece. An included accessory tray for the tripod provides a convenient spot to keep your eyepieces ready for action.
Following a simple alignment procedure that parents can help with, you can use the EZ Finder II sight to accurately aim the Observer 70mm telescope at objects in the sky like the Moon and bright planets. Once aligned with the telescope, just turn on the EZ Finder II and peer through the sight's small circular viewing window so you see the red dot, and move the telescope until the red dot is on the object you want to see. Look in the telescope, and it's there!
A diagonal bends the light path of a telescope so you can view the sky comfortably. Without a diagonal, you'd have to look straight-through the telescope, which can be tricky and downright uncomfortable when looking at certain areas of the sky. Bending the light collected by the Observer 70mm telescope at a 90° angle lets you look down into the eyepiece so you can relax and enjoy the view.
Use the Shorty 2x Barlow with the 25mm eyepiece that comes with the telescope to enjoy 56x magnification compared to 28x, and the combination of the 10mm eyepiece and Barlow bumps the magnification from 70x to a powerful 140x view for closer looks. Use the included MoonMap 260 to properly identify lunar features you see through the telescope. Read the included Orion Telescope Observer's Guide book to learn how to locate and observe over sixty interesting objects to explore in the telescope. Use the Star Target Planisphere to see what constellations and objects will be visible on any day of the year. The RedBeam Mini flashlight makes it easy to refer to charts and books while observing, and it helps you see small parts and knobs without disrupting dark-adapted vision.
To make the Orion Observer 70 perform as a high-quality daytime telescope to scan scenery, wildlife and more, an optional 45° correct-image diagonal can be used. This optional accessory will make the Observer 70 yield a view with correct, non-reversed daytime orientation. Correct-image 45° diagonals are sold separately by Orion.
The Orion Observer 70 Altazimuth Refractor is a telescope that will keep any observer entranced for years. With the extra accessories included in this value-packed kit, you'll be ready for out-of-this-world stargazing adventures. Get in on the fun today!
Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.
Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more
Orion 70mm f/10.0 refractor telescope optical tube assembly
25mm Orion Explorer II telescope eyepiece (1.25")
10mm Orion Explorer II telescope eyepiece (1.25")
90º mirror star diagonal
Tripod legs
Altazimuth yoke mount
EZ Finder II finder scope
Orion finder scope bracket
Tripod accessory tray
Dust cap
Altitude micro-motion control rod and thumbwheel
Tripod attachment screws
Wing nuts
Washers
Accessory tray attachment wing screws
Leg lock knobs
Yoke knobs
Starry Night SE astronomy software digital download insert
Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25"
Orion Star Target planisphere
Orion MoonMap 260
Orion Telescope Observer's Guide book
Orion RedBeam Mini LED keychain flashlight
Orders received by 1pm Eastern Standard Time for in-stock item the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.
A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.
Standard Delivery: $0.00
3 Day Delivery: $55.00
2 Day Delivery: $55.00
Next Day Delivery: $68.00