The Gskyer AZ70400 70mm and AZ80400 80mm refractor telescopes are the most popular of the Gskyer telescope lineup. These scopes are popular primarily because of their inexpensive price, included accessory package, and easy portability.
Table of Contents
Telescope Specifications
| Type of telescope | Refractor |
| ⭐ Objective lens aperture | 70mm (2.75″) or 80mm (3.15″) |
| ⭐ Focal length | 400mm (f/5.7) |
| ⭐ Type of mount | Altazimuth |
| ⭐ Eyepiece magnification | 25mm(16X) & 10mm(40X) |
| ⭐ Maximum magnification | 120X |
| ⭐ Tripod | Adjustable 65cm aluminum tripod |
Gskyer Telescope Review
Both of these telescopes are what would be considered to be very inexpensive dual-purpose telescopes. This means that they are both for astronomy and terrestrial viewing. This is because of their small size, image erecting prism (the image is corrected in so that you see things right-side-up instead of the typical upside-down), and lightweight.
The 70mm Gskyer AZ70400 is the most portable and the most likely to be used as a travel telescope. It does not perform as well as the AZ80400 80mm telescope in astronomy, as the 80mm collects more light and seems to provide a sharper image. Either scope will work equally well for daytime use.
The 80mm does have a nicer mount, which I found easier to use and much more stable. It is, however, heavier, which makes it less suitable for younger viewers, or those who have issues with heavier items.
Both telescopes use the same accessories except the finder. The 80mm uses a standard finder shoe (where it attaches to the telescope) like their AZ90600 and 130EQ telescopes. The 70mm and their dedicated travel telescope, the AZ60350, use a much cheaper finder setup. This cheaper finder doesn’t really have a negative effect on its use, just on the ease of replacing it with something nicer. I doubt many people looking for a cheap travel telescope would be that interested in a nicer finder anyway.
The Gskyer AZ80400 80mm tends to do a better job with the 10mm eyepiece than the 70mm variant, providing quite a bit sharper views. Although this is to be expected because of the larger aperture size, it appeared to me that it was even better than that, leading me to believe the glass used in the lens was either better formed or used better materials.
Review Conclusions
I really liked the performance increase of the 80mm over the 70mm, but I am a little unsure that the price increase was worth what most people would get out of the upgradable finder, and the increase in size and stability. For me, it was worth it, but for the average newcomer who was making the purchase? Maybe and maybe not.
Overall, I would probably recommend the 80mm over the 70mm if the prices were closer. This leads me to suggest you look for the 80mm used to get a good price.
Videos
Here is a video that covers assembly, use, accessories, and much more for these telescopes. It is a bit long, but worth the watch.
Best Gskyer Telscope Alternatives
There are some alternatives if you can’t find one of these telescopes, or if you decide that the Gskyer is just not for you. Below are a few that I think are excellent substitutes.
70mm refractors
If you can’t get, or don’t want the Gskyer 70mm then the best bang-for-your-buck in the 70mm category has got to be the Celestron 70mm travel scope. US-based support and a 2-year warranty top off the free astronomy software and much better than average quality accessories making this a winner.
80mm refractors
To save a few dollars and get a slightly better telescope with US-based support and some excellent astronomy software, I would pick up a Celestron 80mm travel scope. While the accessories and scope are a little better than the Gskyer, the mount is more like the Gskyer 70mm, a little cheap.
