Amazon Basics BT1818 (Bluetooth Remote) Telescope Review
Our verdict
The Amazon Basics BT1818 is a 70mm refractor at $59.84 with a Bluetooth remote included, backed by 192 reviews at a 4.2-star average. It is one of the most accessible entry points in this category and has a large enough review base to make the rating meaningful.
Check price on AmazonBest for
First-time buyers, children, or casual observers who want a basic telescope to explore the Moon and brightest planets without a large financial commitment.
Skip if
You want detailed planetary views, plan to progress quickly to astrophotography, or expect the same optics quality as mid-range instruments at $200 and up.
- Objective lens 70 Mm
- Focus Manual Focus
- Dimensions 31.1 X 36.22 X 63.78 In
- Weight 5.91 lb
- Priced 88% below the category median ($499.99 across 15 tracked models)
- Weight of 5.91 lb - heavier than 62% of the 15 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 192 owner ratings
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Popularity4.3/5
192 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
["At $59.84, the BT1818 is priced to remove the barrier to entry entirely. The 70mm objective is the standard aperture for beginner refractors and will show the Moon in reasonable detail, the four Galilean moons of Jupiter as small dots, and Saturn's rings as a distinct oval shape. Bright star clusters and the Orion Nebula as a faint smudge are also within reach.", 'The Bluetooth remote is an unusual inclusion at this price and is primarily useful for reducing vibration when taking smartphone photos through the eyepiece, a common technique called afocal photography. The assembled dimensions of 31.1 by 36.22 by 63.78 inches are large for a sub-$60 telescope, suggesting a traditional refractor tube on an adjustable tripod. The 5.91-pound total weight is manageable for adult users.', '192 reviews at 4.2 stars puts this in a realistic position: good enough for casual use, with enough buyers to expose the limitations. A 4.2 average in the budget scope category typically means the majority of buyers got usable views, while a minority ran into alignment, mount stability, or accessory quality issues. Those are normal tradeoffs at this price.']
Pros
- One of the lowest prices in the category at $59.84
- Bluetooth remote is a useful addition for afocal smartphone photography
- 192 reviews at 4.2 stars is a credible, well-populated sample
- 70mm aperture shows Moon detail, Jupiter moons, Saturn rings
- Lightweight enough for kids to manage with adult supervision
Cons
- 70mm aperture limits performance on faint objects and high-power planetary detail
- Budget tripod and mount will show vibration on higher magnifications
- Optics and coatings at this price point do not match mid-range or premium scopes
- Large assembled dimensions (31 x 36 x 63 in) can be awkward to store
Specifications
| Objective lens | 70 Mm |
|---|---|
| Focus | Manual Focus |
| Dimensions | 31.1 X 36.22 X 63.78 In |
| Weight | 5.91 lb |
Performance notes
The 70mm objective is the standard beginner aperture. It gathers enough light to show the Moon clearly, the phase and disk of Venus, Jupiter with up to four moons, Saturn's rings and Cassini Division under steady skies, and bright star clusters. At higher magnifications the limits of budget optics and a light-duty mount become apparent as image softness and vibration. Manual focus is the adjustment mechanism. The Bluetooth remote pairs with a smartphone to fire the camera shutter without touching the scope.
What buyers say
192 reviews at 4.2 stars is the most populated dataset in this group of scopes. That volume of feedback reliably distinguishes the common experience from outliers. The score suggests the scope is well-matched to first-time use expectations and that most buyers are getting functional views. Critical reviews typically cite mount stability and eyepiece quality as the main weak points.
Similar optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars to consider
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Amazon Basics BT1818 a good first telescope for a child or teenager?
It is a reasonable starting point for introducing a child to the night sky. The Moon is an immediately impressive target, and with help finding Jupiter and Saturn the experience can be memorable. The main caveat is that cheap mounts vibrate easily, so set up on a stable surface and use lower magnifications for steadier views. If interest grows quickly, a step up to a 90mm scope or a 6-inch Dobsonian is the natural next move.
What does the Bluetooth remote actually do?
The Bluetooth remote connects to a smartphone and acts as a wireless shutter trigger. You place your phone against the eyepiece using a basic smartphone adapter, frame the Moon or a bright planet, and fire the shutter remotely so you do not shake the scope by tapping the phone screen. It does not computerize the mount or provide goto functions. It is a simple, practical tool for afocal photos.
How does a $60 telescope compare to a $200 to $300 model?
The gap is real and noticeable on demanding targets. A 90mm refractor at $300 collects about 65 percent more light, has better optical coatings for contrast, and typically rides a more stable mount. On bright, easy targets like the Moon the difference is less dramatic. If you are unsure whether astronomy will hold long-term interest, the BT1818 is a low-stakes starting point. If you already know you want a serious instrument, start at the $200 to $300 tier.