Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector
$272.59 price checked August 2026
If you need a portable telescope that stays under 16 inches tall, this is the one to price-check.
What the SkyScanner 100mm Is, and Who For
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector is for the beginner who needs to resolve lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly, as its 100mm aperture clears the 70mm minimum diameter threshold.
Finding a telescope that produces sharp images of the moon without frustrating blurriness can be difficult for new observers. Many entry-level models fail to resolve distinct lunar craters or the banding on Jupiter because their mirrors are too small.
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector solves this by providing a 100mm parabolic primary mirror. This size allows for clear planetary views while remaining compact enough to sit on a stable surface.
We selected this model from the telescope options we evaluated for this category based on a systematic analysis of technical specifications and user ratings. This review is for first-time buyers who need a portable, high-clarity setup for backyard use.
How RecommendedOptics picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed telescope listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 67 qualified. This product is one of 15 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
The Short Answer on the SkyScanner 100mm
Best for: you need a portable reflector that can resolve lunar craters and the Andromeda Galaxy without a complex equatorial mount setup.
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm is a strong choice for this use case at around $272.59.
- Pro: The 100mm aperture clears the threshold required to resolve lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly.
- Pro: The 100mm primary mirror meets the 100mm aperture threshold for reliably viewing the Andromeda Galaxy.
- Pro: It includes both 10mm and 20mm 4-element eyepieces for 40x and 20x power.
- Con: The 100mm aperture falls short of the 130mm threshold required for high-resolution planetary imaging and deep-sky detail.
- Con: The 16-inch height at the zenith limits its use in areas with low overhead clearance.
Don’t buy this if: you require high-resolution planetary imaging that requires an aperture of at least 130mm.
Price assessment: The $272.59 price point is fair for a 100mm reflector that includes a swivel base and multiple eyepieces.
RecommendedOptics score: 7.5/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
If you need more aperture, see our full Classic 200 Dobsonian review.
The Numbers on the Spec Sheet
| Aperture | 100mm (3.9″) |
| Mount Type | Altazimuth Mount |
| Optical Tube Length | 15.7 Inches |
| Weight | 6.2 pounds |
| Height | 16″ |
| Eyepieces | 20mm (20x power) and 10mm (40x power) |
| Finderscope | Reflex |
The 100mm aperture clears the 100mm threshold required for a refractor to reliably show the Andromeda Galaxy.
Consider the SV503 Optical Tube spec breakdown for a different focal length.
Before You Buy: SkyScanner 100mm Checklist
The first thing to check is whether you have a flat, stable surface large enough to support the telescope during use.
- ☐ Confirm the swivel base fits your space — 16″ height when aimed at the zenith
- ☐ Verify the total weight for your table — 5.3 lbs fully assembled
- ☐ Check the included magnification — 20x and 40x power eyepieces
- ☐ Measure the primary mirror size — 100mm (3.9″) parabolic primary mirror
- ☐ Budget for the purchase price — around $272.59
You should not buy this telescope if you require high-resolution planetary imaging or deep-sky detail, as the 100mm aperture falls short of the 130mm entry point for those specific tasks.
For a more compact option, look at the Slokey Discover Telescope review.
Performance in Practical Terms
Compact Zenith Height
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector stands 16″ tall when aimed at the zenith. This height allows you to set up the telescope on a stable table or balcony without needing to clear a large amount of floor space, making it easier to get pointed at the moon by yourself in a backyard setting.
Parabolic Mirror Optics
The SkyScanner 100mm features a 100mm (3.9″) parabolic primary mirror. This 100mm aperture clears the 70mm threshold required to resolve lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons clearly, and it also clears the 100mm threshold where a refractor can reliably show the Andromeda Galaxy.
Because the mirror is parabolic, the SkyScanner 100mm provides sharper images than spherical designs. You can expect to see significant detail on the lunar surface because the 100mm aperture provides the necessary light-gathering power for high-contrast planetary observations.
Dual Power Eyepieces
The SkyScanner 100mm includes 20mm and 10mm 4-element eyepieces. These provide 20x and 40x power respectively, allowing you to switch between a wider view of the lunar surface and a higher-magnification look at specific craters.
The 4-element design helps reduce optical distortions at the higher 40x power level. You can use the included EZ Finder II aiming device to quickly align the telescope before swapping eyepieces to find your target.
How the SkyScanner 100mm Compares to Alternatives
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm ranks first on rating among the telescope options we compared with a 4.5 score from 747 buyer ratings.
- The Orion SkyScanner 100mm costs the same price as the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ.
- The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope features a 130mm aperture, which is the entry point for high-resolution planetary imaging and deep-sky detail.
- The Gskyer 130EQ Professional Astronomical Reflector Telescope features a 5.1 inch aperture, while the SkyScanner 100mm provides a larger 3.9 inch primary mirror.
- The Celestron 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope is the cheapest option at $259.98, making the SkyScanner 100mm $12.61 more expensive.
- The Celestron 114LCM Computerized Newtonian Telescope costs $297.49, which is $24.90 more than the SkyScanner 100mm.
If you need high-resolution planetary imaging and deep-sky detail, you should choose the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Telescope because the SkyScanner 100mm falls short of the 130mm aperture threshold.
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm is a solid starter telescope for beginners because it clears the 100mm aperture threshold required to reliably show the Andromeda Galaxy. While you might eventually want a larger aperture for deep-sky detail, the 100mm parabolic primary mirror provides a capable bridge for learning the basics of astronomy.
New users should consult our guide to the best telescope for beginners.
You can also view the best astronomy telescope for adults compared.
What the Price Buys
The Orion SkyScanner 100mm sits at the $272.59 mark, which is $1 below the $274 average of the similar telescope products we compared it against. At this price point, you get a 100mm parabolic primary mirror that clears the 100mm aperture threshold required to reliably show the Andromeda Galaxy. Because it is a tabletop reflector, you trade the high-resolution deep-sky detail of a 130mm aperture for a 5.3 lb fully assembled unit that is easy to move and store.
You should choose the Orion SkyScanner 100mm if you prioritize portability and ease of use over large-scale imaging. It is worth the price for a beginner because the 100mm mirror provides a significant jump in light-gathering over entry-level models without the cost of a larger 130mm system. If you plan to upgrade to a larger mirror later, this model serves as a capable intermediate step that provides clear views of lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons today.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 67 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.5 rating places it #7, on 747 ratings – above the 210-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 30 of them.
Questions Buyers Ask About the SkyScanner 100mm
Do I need to buy extra accessories just to make it usable?
No, the SkyScanner 100mm includes several essential components like a 20mm eyepiece, a 10mm eyepiece, an EZ Finder II aiming device, and a moon filter. You can begin observing immediately with the included 4-element eyepieces and MoonMap 260 guide without purchasing additional starter gear.
Is the Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector easy to set up?
The SkyScanner 100mm features a swivel base and weighs 5.3 lbs fully assembled, making it easy to position on a stable surface. Its 16″ height when aimed at the zenith allows for comfortable viewing from a table or tripod mount.
Can the Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector show the Andromeda Galaxy?
Yes, the SkyScanner 100mm clears the 100mm aperture threshold required to reliably show the Andromeda Galaxy. The 100mm parabolic primary mirror provides the light-gathering power necessary to resolve this galaxy clearly.
Is the Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector good for high-resolution planetary imaging?
The SkyScanner 100mm falls short of the 130mm aperture threshold required for high-resolution planetary imaging and deep-sky detail. While it clears the 70mm threshold for lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons, you may need a larger aperture for professional-level planetary shots.
Is the SkyScanner 100mm Right for You?
The SkyScanner 100mm suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 3 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the SkyScanner 100mm is for, and what it does well
Who the SkyScanner 100mm suits
- Parents of school-aged children — the 5.3 lbs weight and swivel base make it easy for kids to handle and move
- Apartment dwellers — the 16 inch height and compact 100mm aperture allow for storage in small living spaces
- Beginner backyard astronomers — the included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces provide immediate usability out of the box
- Moon enthusiasts — the included Moon filter and MoonMap 260 provide a complete starter kit for lunar study
- College students on a budget — the $272.59 price point offers a 100mm parabolic mirror for a low entry cost
What the SkyScanner 100mm handles well
- Viewing lunar craters — the 100mm parabolic primary mirror provides sharp detail
- Tracking the moon’s surface — the included Moon filter reduces glare for better visibility
- Learning basic constellations — the EZ Finder II aiming device simplifies target acquisition
- Observing bright planets — the 10mm eyepiece provides 40x power for larger views
- Quick setup stargazing — the swivel base allows for rapid manual positioning
What the SkyScanner 100mm is the wrong choice for
- Deep-sky astrophotography — the Altazimuth mount and 100mm aperture are insufficient for long-exposure tracking
- High-magnification planetary study — the 40x power limit of the 10mm eyepiece is low for fine detail on distant planets
- Tracking fast-moving objects — the manual swivel base lacks the motorized tracking needed for long-duration tracking
What to budget alongside the SkyScanner 100mm, and what to skip
Worth buying at the same time
- Sturdy table or tripod — the swivel base requires a flat, stable surface to remain steady
- Red flashlight — necessary for reading the MoonMap 260 without ruining night vision
- Astronomy chair — needed for comfortable long-term viewing since the telescope is a tabletop model
- Star chart app — complements the MoonMap 260 for identifying non-lunar objects
What you can skip
- Additional moon filter — already included in the package
- Basic finder scope — the EZ Finder II aiming device is already included
- Starter moon map — the MoonMap 260 is included in the box
To narrow your search, read our guide to the best telescope for stargazing.
If a traditional scope isn’t right, explore the alternatives to a telescope.
Where to Buy the SkyScanner 100mm
These retailers sell Telescope generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- High Point Scientific (online only) — specialist technical advice and high-end equipment
- Costco (online and physical stores) — bulk-buy options and membership-based pricing
- Amazon (online only) — wide selection of entry-level and mid-range brands
- Walmart (online and physical stores) — physical availability for budget-friendly starter models
- Target (online and physical stores) — convenient in-store pickup for basic beginner scopes
- B&H Photo Video (online only) — specialist photography and optics expertise
Final Verdict on the SkyScanner 100mm
If you need a telescope that can resolve lunar craters and show the Andromeda Galaxy clearly while remaining portable enough for a tabletop, the Orion SkyScanner 100mm is the right choice at around $272.59.
The SkyScanner 100mm ranks well for beginners because its 100mm parabolic primary mirror clears the 70mm threshold for lunar detail and the 100mm threshold for viewing the Andromeda Galaxy.
Skip it if: you require high-resolution planetary imaging and deep-sky detail, as this 100mm aperture falls short of the 130mm entry point for those specific observations.