Science Can Telescope for Kids — 70mm Aperture (16X–120X) Review

This Science Can refractor aims to introduce children to astronomy. It advertises a 70mm aperture and a wide magnification range from 16X up to 120X. The set includes an adjustable tripod and a phone adapter for basic astrophotography. In plain terms: it is a starter telescope built for curious kids and families who want an inexpensive way to explore the sky.

What it does

The telescope gathers light with its 70mm objective lens. That makes the Moon, Jupiter’s bands and Io’s transits, and bright star clusters visible under a dark sky. The included eyepieces and a 3X Barlow lens produce the advertised magnifications. The tripod helps steady the view, and the phone adapter lets you take simple photos through the eyepiece.

Pros

• Reasonable 70mm aperture for an entry-level refractor; good for lunar and planetary viewing.
• Wide magnification range (16X–120X) for experimenting with different eyepieces.
• Adjustable tripod is lightweight and easy to set up.
• Phone adapter included — useful for sharing images with kids quickly.
• Clear, approachable design that is child-friendly and portable.

Cons

• Mount and tripod are basic; fine tracking is difficult at higher magnifications.
• At high power (near 120X) image quality can degrade. Expect soft edges and some chromatic aberration.
• Assembly and alignment require patience—young children will need adult help.
• Limited low-light performance compared to larger amateur telescopes.

Who should consider this telescope

This model suits families and beginners who want a budget-friendly way to explore astronomy. It is a good pick if you want a simple Moon-and-planet viewer and a learning tool for children aged 8–12. The phone adapter makes it handy for classroom demonstrations or casual sharing of images.

Who should look elsewhere

If you want serious deep-sky observing or crisp, high-contrast planetary views, consider a larger aperture or a telescope with a sturdier equatorial or alt-az mount. Experienced hobbyists will likely outgrow this model quickly. Also, if you plan long exposure astrophotography, this kit is not designed for that purpose.

Brief comparison with similar beginner scopes

Compared to other 70mm beginner refractors (for example, some entry-level models from Celestron or Gskyer), the Science Can unit is comparable in aperture and accessories. It generally matches peers on price and portability. Where you may notice differences is build quality and mount stability. Some competing kits offer slightly better tripods or simpler finder scopes. If tripod stiffness matters to you, look for kits that highlight a metal tripod with better tension controls.

Practical tips

• Start with the lowest magnification to find your target, then increase power slowly.
• Use the Moon and bright planets to practice focusing before trying dimmer targets.
• Take your time with the phone adapter; aligning the camera to the eyepiece can be fiddly.
• Observe from a dark site for the best views of star clusters and nebulae.

Final verdict and recommendation

The Science Can Telescope for Kids is a reasonable beginner package. It offers a genuine hands-on way to learn basic astronomy. The 70mm aperture is useful for lunar and planetary observing, and the phone adapter adds family-friendly value. However, do not expect high-end optics or stable, precision tracking at high magnifications. If you want a casual starter telescope for an 8–12 year old, this model is a practical option. If your goals include detailed planetary imaging or deep-sky work, consider stepping up to a larger aperture scope and a more robust mount.

Overall: good for curious beginners and families. Not ideal for advanced observing or astrophotography hobbyists.