5 Best Telescope Battery Packs & Power Tanks; Reviews
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The best telescope battery packs and power tanks reviewed in this article are perfectly suitable for the needs of astrophotographers and astronomy enthusiasts before anyone else, especially if you own a computerized telescope that requires power to operate.
These portable power supplies for your telescope will allow you to enjoy more than one night of uninterrupted star watching with your telescope while also charging your other electronic devices like a smartphone or a flashlight.
Best Telescope Battery Packs
Comparison Table
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PowerTank 17, 12v 17Ah | See on Amazon | |
 | Celestron - PowerTank Lithium Telescope Battery – Rechargeable Portable 12V Power Supply for Computerized Telescopes - 10 hour capacity/86 Wh - Red/White LED Flashlight - 2 USB Ports | See on Amazon | |
 | Celestron - PowerTank Lithium Pro Telescope Battery – Rechargeable Portable 12V Power Supply for Computerized Telescopes – 17 hour capacity/ 158.74Wh - Red/White LED Light - 2 USB Ports, Black(18768) | See on Amazon | |
 | Celestron - PowerTank Lithium LT Telescope Battery – Rechargeable Portable 12V Power Supply for Computerized Telescopes - 8 hour capacity/73.3 Wh - 1 USB Ports | See on Amazon | |
 | PowerTank, 12v 7Ah | See on Amazon |
Best Telescope Battery Packs - Reviews
1. Celestron PowerTank 17, 12v 17Ah
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY TELESCOPE POWER SUPPLY: For the true enthusiast, our largest capacity telescope battery features 17-amp hours (204 Wh) of portable power—enough for multiple nights of stargazing!
- WORKS WITH A VARIETY OF DEVICES: Includes one 12V output cigarette lighter port compatible with all Celestron computerized telescopes and other popular astronomy gear. PLUS, two USB ports for charging other devices in the field.
- EASY AND CONVENIENT TO USE: Includes a removable red LED flashlight to help you stay organized while observing and a bright white LED that can illuminate your site at the end of the night for easy cleanup.
- AN EMERGENCY KIT ESSENTIAL: Keep PowerTank charged and ready for unexpected power outages. It’s equipped with an AM/FM radio and a siren for emergencies. Positive & negative terminals even let you use PowerTank 17 to deliver a boost to your car battery.
- CABLES INCLUDED: Cigarette lighter and 110 V/220 V switchable universal AC adapter included.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications
- 17 Ah capacity
- Two 12 VDC car/vehicle plugs with adapter cord
- Two 5V USB ports to charge small electronics
- Built-in AM/FM Radio and Siren
- Removable red filtered flashlight
- Energy-efficient LED spotlight
- Handy jump-start system
- Switchable 110v-220v AC adapter
This portable battery pack for your telescope lets you enjoy extended observing and imaging sessions worry-free with 17 amp-hours of power in one convenient package.
It features two 12VDC car/vehicle plugs to power the telescope and peripherals, plus two USB ports to charge small electronics such as phones or GPS sets.
To help get you to your observation spot, it is equipped with a powerful spotlight and a smaller magnetic-backed red-filtered flashlight that lights your way without affecting your night-adjusted vision.
The battery when fully charged will allow you to power your telescope for a very long time, we’re talking upwards of 20 hours (longevity will vary depending on what’s plugged in).
The extra-large PowerTank 17 is more than just a telescope accessory; it’s also an essential roadside assistant. Keep your Power Tank fully charged in the trunk, and you’ll have enough power on hand to jump-start weak car batteries using the booster terminals.
2. Celestron - PowerTank 86.4Wh
- PORTABLE POWER MADE FOR ASTRONOMERS: The perfect solution for most computerized telescopes, PowerTank Lithium features a 12V connection, 10 hours of battery life, an onboard red/white LED flashlight, USB ports, and more. Mounts directly to the tripod leg.
- SMALLER, LIGHTER, SAFER: Unique Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry makes this battery smaller and easier to maintain compared to sealed lead acid batteries, and safer than lithium cobalt batteries. Does not use toxic heavy metals.
- 10 YEARS OF DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE: Unlike other batteries with limited lifespans, PowerTank Lithium will be your companion for years of astronomy adventures; it is rated to withstand up to 2000 charge cycles.
- WORKS WITH A VARIETY OF DEVICES
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications
- 86.4 Wh capacity
- Charge Time (from flat): 3 hours
- Lithium iron phosphate chemistry
- Environmentally friendly
- No toxic metals
- Dedicated Celestron mount power port
- Two 5V DC USB charging ports
- Separate white and red flashlights
- High/Low outputs for each light
- IP65-Rated, weather and dustproof
This Celestron PowerTank is an 86.4 Wh (watt-hour) lithium Phosphate battery that is specifically designed to power your computerized GoTo telescopes for up to 10 hours of use.
The Lithium Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry has significant advantages over other battery chemistries.
The LiFePO4 has an un-recharged shelf life of 10 years compared to 3 years for the Lithium-Ion and 6-9 months for a Sealed Lead-Acid battery.
The battery performance of the PowerTank Lithium degrades at a much slower pace than other chemistries.
The LiFePO4 can be charged and discharged 2000 times compared to only 500 for a Lithium Ion battery and 300 for sealed lead-acid designs.
On top of that this portable power tank for telescopes comes with a tripod strap to attach it to your device and is very portable coming in at 22.86 x 20.32 x 10.16 cm whilst weighing in at a very lightweight 2.25 lbs.
An integrated white LED flashlight, with two output settings, gives you the illumination you need to get to your observation point and set, and a separate red LED light allows you to perform tasks like swapping eyepieces or attaching filters without affecting your night-adjusted vision.
You can keep your telescopes, smartphones, tablets, GPS systems, cameras, and other USB-powered devices as active as you are with this telescope battery pack.
3. Celestron - PowerTank 158.74Wh
- PORTABLE POWER MADE FOR ASTRONOMERS: The perfect solution for most computerized telescopes, PowerTank Lithium Pro features a 12V connection, 17 hours of battery life, an onboard red/white LED flashlight, USB ports, and more. Mounts directly to the tripod leg
- SMALLER, LIGHTER, SAFER: Unique Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry makes this battery smaller and easier to maintain compared to sealed lead acid batteries, and safer than lithium cobalt batteries. Does not use toxic heavy metals
- 10 YEARS OF DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE: Unlike other batteries with limited lifespans, PowerTank Lithium Pro will be your companion for years of astronomy adventures; it is rated to withstand up to 2000 charge cycles
- WORKS WITH A VARIETY OF DEVICES
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications
- Large 159Wh capacity
- Battery Life: 17 hours
- Charge Time: 6 hours
- Lifespan: 2000 charge cycles
- Dedicated Celestron mount power port
- Two 5 VDC USB charging ports
- 12 VDC Car/Vehicle port
- Separate white and red flashlights
- High/Low outputs for each light
- IP65-Rated, weather and dustproof
- Compact and lightweight
The 158 Wh integrated battery capacity allows the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro to power any computerized telescope with a 12V port for up to 17 hours, meaning more than one night of stargazing on one single charge.
It also gives you a lot of room to charge your other devices, like your smartphone or camping lantern, while also retaining enough juice to power your telescope for at least one night.
It’s entirely up to you to decide how to distribute the available battery capacity.
Two USB ports are ideal for small electronics, while a more powerful car/vehicle port can power larger devices.
An integrated white LED flashlight with two output settings gives you the illumination you need to get to your observation point and to help you during set-up.
A separate red LED light allows you to perform tasks like swapping eyepieces or attaching filters without affecting your night-adjusted vision.
Moreover, this one of the best telescope battery packs uses eco-friendly Lithium iron phosphate chemistry that is capable of up to 2000 charging cycles.
The Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro has five different ports. There are two 12V tip positive connectors and two USB ports.
All of them are used for charging different types of devices. There’s also a 16V power port, which is only used for charging the PowerTank with the supplied charger.
4. Celestron - PowerTank 73.3 Wh
- PORTABLE POWER MADE FOR ASTRONOMERS: The perfect solution for most computerized telescopes, PowerTank Lithium LT features a regulated 12V connection, 8 hours of battery life, a USB port, and more. Mounts directly to the tripod leg.
- SMALLER, LIGHTER, SAFER: Unique Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide chemistry which delivers a steady charge over long periods and requires less maintenance than a traditional sealed lead-acid battery.
- 5 YEARS OF DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE: Unlike other batteries with limited lifespans, PowerTank Lithium LT will be your companion for years of astronomy adventures.
- WORKS WITH A VARIETY OF DEVICES: 12V connection works with all current Celestron computerized telescopes. PLUS, one USB port.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications
- Compact and lightweight power solution
- Rechargeable Li(NiCoMn)O2 battery
- 12 VDC 3A telescope power port
- Standard 5V DC 2.1A USB charging port
- Tripod leg mount with strap
- Multiple protection circuitries
- Auto-Off
- 6.5-foot Power Cable
This is the most compact, lightweight, and portable lithium power pack from Celestron.
Designed specifically for the unique needs of computerized telescopes, the Celestron PowerTank Lithium LT Power Pack is built with a rechargeable lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide [Li(NiMnCo)O2] battery that delivers a steady charge over long periods and requires less maintenance than traditional sealed lead-acid batteries.
If you need to power your telescope and charge electronic devices simultaneously, the PowerTank Lithium LT features two output ports: one 12V DC port for the telescope and one fast-charging 2.1A USB charging port for smartphones and tablets. This USB port can also support any accessories that require 5V USB power.
The PowerTank comes with a 6.5-foot telescope power cord and an AC charger.
The built-in 12-volt regulating circuit Provides your telescope with up to 8 hours of consistent power at the proper voltage for optimum telescope performance.
It also comes with a fast charge USB port for charging your electronic devices quickly in the field.
5. Celestron PowerTank, 12v 7Ah
- THE ORIGINAL TELESCOPE POWER SUPPLY: Enjoy extended astronomy sessions with this 7-amp hour sealed lead acid power supply with 84 Wh capacity.
- WORKS WITH A VARIETY OF DEVICES: Includes two 12V output cigarette lighter ports that are compatible with all Celestron computerized telescopes and other popular astronomy gear. PLUS, two USB ports for charging other devices in the field.
- EASY AND CONVENIENT TO USE: Includes a built-in red LED flashlight to help you stay organized while observing and a bright white LED that can illuminate your site at the end of the night for easy cleanup.
- CABLES INCLUDED: Cigarette lighter and 110 V/220 V switchable universal AC adapter includ
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Specifications
- 7 amp-hour battery
- Two 12V output cigarette lighter ports
- Two USB charge ports
- 3V, 6V, and 9V outputs for accessories
- Built-in flashlight with red filter cap
- Energy-efficient LED spotlight
- Built-in circuit breaker for safety
- Cigarette lighter adapter and AC adapters for charging
This is a tremendous all-around power supply for telescopes, no matter if you’re into casual astronomy or the long hours of astrophotography.
The Celestron Power Tank 7 contains a rechargeable, 7 amp-hour battery to provide long-lasting power in a lightweight, grab-and-go package.
The Power Tank includes two onboard flashlights, a small red safety light that preserves night vision while stargazing and a bright white LED spotlight that makes cleanup easy.
At the end of your observing session, plug Power Tank into your car’s cigarette lighter socket or a regular AC outlet to recharge.
This portable battery pack for your telescope takes around 16 hours to fully charge from flat however, a single charge will last you roughly 10 hours, which is, of course, more than enough for most astronomers and will last for 4 solid 2+ hour sessions.
It also has a built-in circuit breaker that protects all your equipment and devices from damage.
The bulkiness of this Celestron Power Tank is one of its key drawbacks. It has more significant proportions than some other power supply options.
Not only useful for setting up and powering your scope, but this telescope power supply can also be useful as an emergency roadside accessory as it includes an emergency light, and booster terminals in place to start weak car batteries.
An included DC adapter is located in the rear back panel of the PowerTank.
Battery Packs For Telescope: Buyers Guide
Whether you’re using a telescope from home or out in nature, you want to ensure your motorized equipment will work without a hitch for the entire session. Here are a few features that you should look for in your best telescope battery packs & portable power supply.
Features To Look For In A Portable Telescope Power Tank
1. Battery Capacity
The more battery capacity a power tank has, the longer you can extend your stargazing session out in nature. But remember that more powerful power tanks typically tend to cost more. So, you’ll have to decide how much you want to spend on a portable power supply for your telescope depending on how long your typical viewing session lasts.
2. Charging Time
The faster you can charge your power tank sooner you can take your telescope out in the open for your viewing session.
3. Dual “Red And White” Flashlights
Being a flashlight is not a primary function of a telescope’s battery tank, but it’s useful to have when you’re in the dark, and you want to quickly make some precise adjustments to the position of your telescope or some of the settings on your camera.
This is why it’s important that the red light feature is included, since it will allow you to preserve your night vision, meaning that it will be a much less jarring change for your eyes to adjust to the dark once again after you turn off the light than it would be with a more traditional white light.
4. Number Of Power Ports
The more power ports your power tank has, the more devices you can charge and operate simultaneously.
The power tanks generally come with 12V tip positive connectors and USB ports. All of them are used for charging different types of devices.
Some also have a 16V power port, which is only used for charging the PowerTank with the supplied charger.
These ports are also used to be plugged in your car’s cigarette lighter output and charge the PowerTank itself.
5. Resistance And Durability
Another factor that you should look into is the build quality and durability of your power tank. Branded, good quality portable telescope battery packs like the Celestron PowerTanks reviewed in this article will be able to resist dust and water, as well as survive any accidental drops thanks to its tough and tightly assembled outer shell.
6. Portability
Also, make sure that the battery pack that you select for your telescope should be lightweight and portable. The PowerTank should easily fit in any backpack or carrying case, so you’ll be able to have it with you wherever you go. It also shouldn’t be too heavy for your tripod if you decide to attach it to one of its legs.
7. Ease Of Use
Your choice of portable power supply for your telescope should also be easy and simple to use.
There should be a minimum number of buttons on the device to avoid confusion. Make sure that the power tank also has some way to let you know how much juice is left in the tank, maybe with the help of status LEDs.
8. Compatible Devices
The telescope battery pack should have many different ports with universal nature so that they can be compatible with most USB rechargeable electronic devices and telescopes with standard power ports.
To connect the battery to your telescope, there should be a 12V DC power port, which most computerized telescopes on the market have.
The included USB ports will allow you to charge additional lighting sources like flashlights and lanterns, smartphones and tablets, a GPS unit, or even your camera if it supports USB charging.
Conclusion
Depending on your needs, there are plenty of power supplies to choose from on the market.
I have reviewed the five best portable power tanks that cover a wide range of features for many different types of telescopes.
Whether you’re stargazing from home or going out in nature for a deeper look into space, you want to ensure your power requirements are met without fault.
Written by:
Prakash Chandra
I am a science and technology enthusiast who is curious about emerging concepts in spaceflight, aerospace, and robotics. My passion for astronomy started in my childhood, and my craze for writing started when my works got published in my school's newspaper.
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