Astronomy Telescopes

July 29th, 2010 by admin Leave a reply »

Astronomy Telescopes

Astronomy & Telescopes : How to Use a Telescope With Setting Circles


Shopping for An Astronomy Telescope

When we were children we were often taught that we could wish upon the first star that we saw in the evening sky. After that wish was made and if we believed hard enough our wish would come true. Eventually, our childhood fantasies gave way to fact as we became more educated. This education was accomplished through astronomy classes, space exploration and other educational means.

The word astronomy is comprised of two Greek words.  The Greek word astro means star shaped or star and pertains to outer space. The word onomy literally means the study of. Therefore, astronomy is the study of the stars.

One of the major tools that assists amateur and professional astronomers in understanding and respecting the galaxy is the astronomy telescope. When looking to purchase a good astronomy telescope there are a number of factors that you can keep in mind. First, of all consider some practical suggestions, remember it is about the diameter of the lens, and make sure your telescope has a solid stand.

Practical Suggestions

Before you purchase your astronomy telescope it is important to conduct your research. One way of conducting this research can be accomplished by accessing the Internet and learning more about telescopes. Some of the questions that you should endeavor to answer surround what features to look for in a telescope, approximate cost, recommended brands, etc.

Another practical suggestion, before you purchase your astronomy telescope, is to "test drive" a telescope. This can be accomplished by joining an astronomy club. Often these clubs will have a stargazing event which will allow you to peer through the telescopes owned by the various members.

Another way of conducting research, prior to purchasing an astronomy telescope, is to ask the members in the club as to what telescope they would recommend. The key is education. Listen for the features they recommend, brand names, the diameter of the lens, price, etc.

Also, you may come across a member of the club who is considering the purchase of a new telescope. If so, you may be able to purchase their used telescope.

Diameter Of The Lens

When considering the purchase of an astronomy telescope it is important to remember what is the key feature surrounding your purchase. That key feature should focus on the diameter of the lens of the telescope and not its advertised magnification.

This is because the diameter of the lens equates to the amount of light that can be received by the telescope. Therefore, the larger the diameter of the lens the more light that is captured. This in turn allows for the image that you are viewing to become more visible.

Solid Base

Another very important feature when considering the purchase of your astronomy telescope is to ensure that it has a solid base. Generally, these bases or mounts are tripods.

It is important that when the telescope is mounted on these bases that the telescope does not shake or move. Obviously, any movement by the telescope, when peering into space, will distort the image being viewed and provide a negative experience.

Celestron 21037 PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope
Celestron 21037 PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope
List Price: $162.95
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Description

70mm (2.8") diameter refractor, 700mm focal length (f/10), German equatorial mount with RA and DEC slow-motion controls and setting circles, 5x24 finderscope, 20mm eyepiece (35x) - 1-1/4", 4mm eyepiece (175x) - 1-1/4", erect image diagonal - 1-1/4", Barlow lens 3x - 1-1/4", adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory tray, "The Sky Level 1" CD-ROM. Metallic charcoal black tube color.

Reviews

Plastic Here And Plastic There

by M. Sabo from on 2010-08-01
Came in a big cardboard box. Opened it up and found it in it's display box. Opened it up and there where two long boxes for the scope and tripod. More smaller boxes were in there as well but not all boxes were filled. There were two empty boxes. Everything was there. Perhaps the boxes are for other models. The weight during shipping crushed the empty boxes.Took a look at the scope and it had a plastic shade for the objective. Pulled it off as it is slip fit and there's more plastic. I see screws holding things together. Can even see the screws through the lens. Looking at the focuser end more plastic all attached to the tube with screws. Not much of a slip fit as the eye pieces drop right in and are secured with two screws that apply side pressure. Attaching the Barlow I'd wish for a better fit on everything. Way too much plastic for me. What's the plastic going to look like in a few years? I've seen too much plastic go bad too soon.I put it all back in the box and thought of returning it and decided instead to give it away. Called my nephew and told him to come pick up a big box. I wonder what a real metal and alloy telescope costs? LOL.


This is not for kids as usability is concerned

by B. B. Talukdar from San Jose, CA USA on 2010-05-13
I ordered this item for my nephew who is around 12 year old. I set it up myself first and realized that it would be too hard for a kid to use it to its effectiveness. It's a good product for the price you pay especially the build quality is really good. I would like the eye-pieces to be little more advanced to help to see things easily in case of much ambient light around the user. Focusing this telescope this is not an easy job for the beginners. One has to spend time with it to actually make use of it. I had to return it.


Great Beginners Scope

by N. B. Dyches from Southern U.S. on 2009-01-07
I bought this as a christmas present and also wound up putting it together and checking it out.You can see the moon very clearly and very vividly, but that is about it. Any other stars are simply too far away to really get a good view of. As a beginners scope this is fantastic. Relatively easy to put together, fun to look through. Highly recommended for astral enthusiasts.


BARSKA 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod And Carrying Case
BARSKA 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod And Carrying Case
List Price: $127.50
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Description

Max power: 300x, Focal Length (mm) 400, Finder scope: 5x24, Draw Tube (inch): 1.25, Eyepiece#1:SR4, Eyepiece #2: K20, Diagonal: 45°, .

The Barska 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod and Carrying Case is an ideal telescope for the aspiring amateur astronomer. Ideal for students or those interested in learning more about the night sky, the 70mm objective lens can zoom up to 300x power. Use one of the interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x power Barlow lens for increased viewing capability. A pan-head mount and tripod is included with the telescope along with a handy carrying case. Take this portable telescope outdoors at night and the stars will open up before your eyes.

Features

  • Portable refractor telescope for aspiring astronomers
  • 300x maximum power with 70mm objective lens
  • Eyepieces with 3x Barlow lens
  • Includes pan-head tripod and carrying case
  • Includes tripod and carrying case

Reviews

Great Bargain

by Saundra Barrett from Miami on 2010-02-11
Very happy with the quality. Great telescope for a real beginner. Price was definitely right!!


Worst telescope product ever.

by Bryan Ditman from on 2010-02-07
This may look cool from the picture, but don't be fooled. It is expensive for a cheap scope and does not work. We messed with it for an hour or more and could not get an image - nothing. Not even a blurry color green when we pointed it at the grass. The spoting scope image was upside down. This is truly a sad product. It is from China and to think of all of the people that made great scopes that worked for companies that these cheapo Chinese products put out of work is sad. I don't know why anyone would buy this.


GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY!

by Martin V. Hanson from Jacksonville, AL USA on 2010-01-25
I think this is perhaps the best value for the money to be had in a small, short tube, inexpensive portable scope. Images are crisp and clear for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. The included 1.25" lenses and 45 degree diagonal work well enough. One can, of course, use higher quality lenses and 90 degree diagonals for a better viewing experience.A big advantage of this scope is that the included tripod has fine motor controls for horizontal and vertical movement, making it much easier to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. It appears to be identical to the Celestron Tabletop Tripod that sells alone for $20.95 here on Amazon. It's made of light plastic, but the controls work well enough. Most other short tube scopes in this price range that I'm aware of don't have tripods with this capability.The Barska 40070 is definitely worth your consideration!


waste of money , terrible service by optics planet

by Dissatisfied customer from Los Angeles on 2009-06-17
Optics planet emailed me and coaxed me into removing my negative feedback on this useless telescope(read similar reviews) with a useless manual.Then they broke every agreement we had on how to ship, exchange, etc. They sent me a link and that was it . No personal service even though I asked them up front for it. Don't buy from this company.


great telescope very powerful

by Trish Collins from old town maine on 2008-10-12
This telepscope is a very good telescope.very powerful and clear.easy to use even for a beginner.the only complaint may be the tripod is small and you need to have a sturdy base to set it on for it is too small to use by itself.but if you have a sturdy deck or outside patio or just happen to have a full sized tripod of your own this makes an excellent telescope for astronomers of all ages and skill levels.


BARSKA 900114 Starwatcher Reflector Telescope
BARSKA 900114 Starwatcher Reflector Telescope
List Price: $295.50
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Description

Max power: 675x, Focal Length (mm) 900, Finder scope: RED DOT, Draw Tube (inch): 1.25, Eyepiece#1:SR4, Eyepiece #2: K20, Diagonal: No

Features

  • 675x Max Power with 114mm Objective lens
  • Equatorial Mount with setting circles and dual slow moting adjustment cables
  • Interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x Barlow lens to increase viewing power
  • Refractor optical system
  • Includes tripod and carrying case
Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope (Black)
Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope (Black)
List Price: $477.95
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Description

Automatically Locates The Wonders Of The Universe With Its Motorized System & On Board Computer! All glass, fully coated optics reveal the depths of our solar system and the wonders of the Universe. Fully adjustable tripod features a convenient accessory tray. Easy to use computerized hand control allows user to locate objects at the touch of a button.

Features

  • High qulaity 114 mm (4.5") refractor
  • Quick-release computerized base, optical tube and accessory tray for quick no tool set up
  • Database allows telescope to locate over 4,000 celestial objects
  • Lightweight Computerized Mount
  • Includes "The SkyX" Planetarium software

Reviews

My first telescope

by D. Hong from Philla, Pa on 2010-06-19
I am a novice "astronomer" and this is my first telescope. I laughed at reviews that said get binoculars first. Well...I should have listened. Even though the moon is in the sky and I can see it with my eye, I had a super hard time trying to find it in the telescope and focusing it. It definitely took some practice. But once I got it working, the view is fantastic. I could see the craters on the moon. I thought I could see something cool by just pointing it randomly at the sky, but sadly it doesn't work like that. It really needs precision.All in all, this is a fantastic telescope. If you are starting out, definitively go with a nice pair of powerful binoculars and then get a telescope.Remember to turn the star finder off when not in use because the battery dies FAST. Also, get the Ac adapter with it.


Celestron Nexstar 114GT  114mm Go-To Reflector Telescope
Celestron Nexstar 114GT 114mm Go-To Reflector Telescope
List Price: $598.00
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Description

Celestron NexStar 114GT Specifications **Brightness Rating of 3.5 **Limiting Stellar Magnitude of 12 -- **114mm (4.5") Reflector -- **1000mm f/9 Focal Length -- **Star Pointer Finderscope -- **Motorized Altazimuth Mount -- **25mm SMA (40x) and 10mm SMA (100x) Eyepieces -- **Accessory Tray -- **Fully Computerized -- **4,000 Object Database -- **Assembled Weight: 15.5 lbs. -- The NexStar 114 Newtonian reflector has 265 times the light gathering power of the average human eye, revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. This compact design brings objects into view with a 114mm aperture, 1000mm focal length capable of achieving magnifications of 40x and 100x with the included eyepieces. -- Its large 4.5" diameter outshines smaller scopes. Polar caps on Mars become visible along with the cloud belts on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn are clearly visible. Most exciting is the wide variety of deep sky objects (stars, clusters, nebulae). Because of their optical design, reflectors are best suited for astronomical use. -- All you need to know is the general direction of North, your closest major city (included in the instruction manual), plus the date and time, and you will be observing planets, stars and more within moments. -- NexStar computerized telescopes are so straightforward, astronomers at all levels can locate over 4,000 pre-programmed stars, planets, and other celestial objects right out of the box. Plus, fully assembled tripod ad pre-installed electronics make set up quick (taking only seconds) and simple. -- All of our NexStar Telescopes come equippped with 2- 1.25" eyepieces and everything you need including the hand controller. -- Limited Quantities Available - On Sale Now!

Amazon.com Product Description Celestron likes to say, "the only simple thing about NexStar is its operation," and we have to agree. The sophisticated NexStar 114 GT is quite easy to assemble, even for a complete novice. Once you put the scope together and mount it on the sturdy aluminum tripod (also included), simply take the hand control with illuminated dual 16-character LCD display, and dial in the date, location, and position of north. Using its quiet, high-precision servo motor, the NexStar automatically aligns itself with the night sky. Reflectors     This is a reflector telescope. Reflectors (also known as Newtonian reflectors or catoptrics) capture light with a mirror at the bottom of a tube, which sends the image to the eyepiece at the top of the tube.    First-time telescope users sometimes have difficulty with the idea of looking through the side of a telescope, but the big draw for reflectors is that they are by far the cheapest to manufacture--and thus offer the best value--of all telescope types. They also generally have zero chromatic aberration.    Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide From there it is a breeze to select what you want to see using the computerized hand control, which features automatic slewing to over 4,000 celestial objects, as well as manual high-speed slewing and fine-centering at the touch of a button. Even a beginner can master this telescope within just a few observing sessions. Also provided: a Star Pointer finderscope designed to help you point the telescope while scanning the sky with both eyes, the Sky Level I CD-ROM with a database of 10,000 celestial objects, and a sturdy, adjustable aluminum tripod with an accessory tray. Featuring a 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector with a focal length of 1,000mm (focal ratio of f/9), this telescope affords approximately 265 times the light-gathering power of the naked eye. And, with the two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) included here, it offers maximum magnifications of 40x and 100x, making it capable of revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. The NexStar 114 Newtonian reflector has 265 times the light gathering power of the average human eye, revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. This compact design brings objects into view with a 114mm aperture, 1000mm focal length capable of achieving magnifications of 40x and 100x with the included eyepieces. Its large 4.5" diameter outshines smaller scopes. Polar caps on Mars become visible along with the cloud belts on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn are also clearly visible. Perhaps most exciting is the sheer variety of deep sky objects (stars, clusters, nebulae). Because of their optical design, reflectors are best suited for astronomical use. Specifications summarized: 114mm (4.5") diameter Newtonian Reflector Focal Length of 1000mm Focal Ratio of f/9 Weight: 15.5 Lbs. Standard accessories for the NexStar 114 GT: 25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25" SMA Eyepieces Star Pointer Finderscope The Sky Level I CD-ROM Sturdy, Adjustable Aluminum Tripod with Accessory Tray GT models come with the complete Go-To computer hand control Moon viewing 101 The moon is often one of the first celestial objects a beginner will look at through his or her telescope. Here are a couple hints for you once you get your hands on your new NexStar 114. Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full. At this time, the face we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering. In addition, little or no contrast can be seen during this phase. One of the best times to observe the Moon is during its partial phases (around the time of first or third quarter). Long shadows reveal a great amount of detail on the lunar surface. At low power you will be able to see most of the lunar disk at one time. The optional Reducer/Corrector lens allows for breath-taking views of the entire lunar disk when used with a low power eyepiece. Change to higher power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area. Choose the lunar tracking rate from the NexStar's MENU tracking rate options to keep the moon centered in the eyepiece even at high magnifications. Observing the Planets Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You will be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at moderate power. Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on how much planetary detail will be visible. So avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney. The Nuts and Bolts of the NexStar 114 GT Lens Cover Optical Tube Fork Arm Tripod Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder Hand Control Collimation Adjustment Knobs Tube Ring Eyepiece Star Pointer Finderscope

Features

  • Star Pointer finderscope
  • 25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25-inch SMA eyepieces
  • 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector
  • Adjustable aluminum tripod
  • Complete go-to computer hand control

Reviews

Hand Controller is a joke.

by Joyce Staubs from on 2009-08-15
I've owned this telescope for years, and for most of those years its been sitting in my closet collecting dust because it simply refuses to align. I've done everything to align this thing, and finally after years of this abuse, I've given up and called Tech Support which is another joke. They refuse to help me not simply because its out of warranty(no problem for me, I expected to have to pay), but because apparently they dont know exactly what the problem is.


Great Scope

by David from New Mexico on 2007-12-17
I have been an amateur astronomer for 30 years - my first scope being a Criterion RV6. I bought this scope two years ago mainly due to the GoTo tracking and the Celestron name. Despite knowing the location of a few hundred objects, this telescope has opened the sky for me. I take it camping and throw it in the car whenever I think I might find clear dark skies.The hand controller is packed with information about each of the objects in its inventory. The info scrolls across the LCD once the object is located.The GoTo feature is a MUST for beginner astronomers. As a first timer, you will NOT be able to locate even a fraction of the objects with a Dobsonian (as suggested in an earlier review). Your frustration will kill your enthusiasm - but this scope will keep you interested and happy for a long time.I would suggest purchasing the Celestron 9 piece eyepiece set for $100 (a great deal) and the AC adapter (the drive eats batteries).


Nexstar 114GT

by K. Kennard from Georgia on 2007-02-18
I have owned this telescope for a few years now. It is very nice and probably the most used between all the telescopes I own. At 114mm it is just the right size for ease of use and yet still collects enough starlight to go quite far into deep sky objects. The Go-to feature is very nice however can probably be difficult to use for first time users. It will take some getting used to... aligning the scope, setting it level.. etc etc. When using the scope I actually usually prefer to just control it manually, I find that searching for the objects oneself is half the fun of astronomy. Many objects are easily attainable with this scope... the planets especially highlighting Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter you can see the main moons as well as cloud detail in the bands including the GRS. Saturn is visible with its brightest moons and a fairly trained eye should be able to pick out the cassini division in the rings. As far as deepsky objects, all the bright ones such as M13, M27, M31, M42, M45, M57, etc are easily visible with some detail. This telescope is not limited to just the messier catalog, it can go deep! I would strongly recommend this telescope to anyone interested in astronomy.


A Nice telescope for a beginner

by Chess Player trying to improve from on 2006-07-20
I bought this telescope about 2 or 3 years ago. I am not disappointed with it. For a decent price, you get a 4.5 inch reflector telescope with 2 eyepieces(10 mm for 100x and 25mm for 40x)and the nexstar tracking system. Set up was easy, and the optics were good. I have seen other reviews say that you can get a 6 or 8 inch dobsonian for the price of this. While this is true, I needed the tracking system, because I live in a light polluted area where "star hopping" just isn't going to work. The tripod is steady and is adjustable. The optics are good and clear.This isn't to say I don't have any complaints. One is the battery pack. The batteries slip out, and mine broke so I couldn't power the scope. I had to use a backup car battery jumpstarter to power it. Also, if you don't have a power source, there is no way to move it. It doesn't allow you to move it manually, only electronically. Finally, the accessories tray was very flimsy.But despite all this, I was satsified. I also recommend getting the celestron accessory kit.


Good and affordable motorized telescope!

by Tiziana Rubatto from Moss Beach, CA, USA on 2004-08-28
I bought the Nestar 114GT as my first telescope and I'm really having a great time! Affordable for a motorized telescope and pretty powerful. Easy to set up, light, easy to transport. You can easily spot all the planets, even Pluto!!(.. if the sky is clear and your eyes are good), for the rings... well, that's different...you'll need a more powerful scope. The cons: - the manual: even if the scope is easy to set up and it's kind of "self-explanatory", I noticed that the manual is poor and not very helpful... you learn day by day. - the motorized arm: when sleughin to stars or planets, sometimes it "skips" a gear or two so that the alignment is not perfect. I don't know if this happens with every scope or just with mine. Some advice: don't expect the scope to do everything for you. You still need to know which star you're looking at and where to find it. The computerized alignment is not always perfect and you might ended up looking at Arcturus while thinking of Polaris. Buy accessories! The scope comes with two eye-pieces: a 10mm and a 15mm. They are good, but if you want to check some detail you need more powerful eye-pieces. I bought the set that contains planet filters (great for Moon-viewing!) and eye-pieces (with a good 2x Barlow lens). This set is sold at Amazon as well. If you like to see the Sun and its sun-spot, then you can buy a solar filter and you'll be stocked!!! And don't forget the AC adapter!!!


Celestron 60LCM Computerized Telescope (Black)
Celestron 60LCM Computerized Telescope (Black)
List Price: $357.95
Sale Price: $199.00
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Description

Automatically Locates The Wonders Of The Universe With Its Motorized System & On Board Computer! All glass, fully coated optics reveal the depths of our solar system and the wonders of the Universe. Fully adjustable tripod features a convenient accessory tray. Easy to use computerized hand control allows user to locate objects at the touch of a button.

Features

  • High quality 60 mm (2.4") refractor
  • Quick-release computerized base, optical tube and accessory tray for quick no tool set up
  • Database allows telescope to locate over 4,000 celestial objects
  • Lightweight Computerized Mount
  • Includes "The SkyX" Planetarium software
Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars
Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars
List Price: $332.95
Sale Price: $99.89
You save: $233.06 (70%)
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Description

The SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars from Celestron offer phenomenal performance for astronomical viewing. They are also a great choice for terrestrial use, especially over long distances. All models feature high quality BAK-4 prisms and have multi-coatings for enhanced contrast. The 80 and 100mm models are waterproof and feature structural reinforcement of the main body for maximum stability and secure optical alignment - in addition, they have a built-in super-rigid photo tripod adapter.

When it's time to gaze at the stars or take in some long-distance or low-light terrain viewing, look no further than the Celestron 71018 SkyMaster 20 x 80 binoculars. Featuring high quality BAK-4 prisms, multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast, a diopter adjustment for fine focusing, and large apertures, these binoculars offer phenomenal performance. The Celestron 71018 features a 20x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 80 millimeters, giving it a 4-millimeter exit pupil. (The exit pupil size -- the diameter of the objective lens divided by the magnification -- determines the amount of light available to your eye. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image obtained will be. A three-millimeter exit pupil is generally sufficient for daytime use, five-millimeters is suitable for daytime and twilight, and seven-millimeters is generally necessary for maximum nighttime or astronomy use.) The Celestron 71018 also includes an integrated tripod adapter rod, a deluxe padded soft carrying case, and Celestron's No Fault Limited Lifetime Warranty. What's in the Box Celestron 71018 Binoculars and deluxe padded soft carrying case

Features

  • Multi-coated optics for a clear view
  • Water-resistant body
  • High-quality BAK-4 prisms
  • Large aperture perfect for low light conditions and stargazing
  • Features integrated tripod adapter rod

Reviews

Wow!

by S. DiCastro from Princeton, MA USA on 2010-05-22
I bought these binoculars on the recommendation of a well-respected book. Wow!I had originally made the mistake of looking at the half-moon through a screen: Lots of distortion, flare, etc. It finally occurred to me that the screens were likely the problem, so I went outside, and...BAM! Amazing. All problems resolved. Super-clarity, no distortion, etc.I'm impressed with the performance, especially considering the low cost. These two 80mm objectives have very nearly the light-gathering capacity of a 114mm telescope (I did the math).They are heavy, of course, and so a tripod is a necessity. But all in all, a very good deal for the money.


Awesome value

by R. Dunn from Montana on 2010-04-26
I bought these binoculars to view the wildlife in Yellowstone. I was amazed at the quality and crisp image quality. I highly recommend these binoculars.


Wonderful Binocs

by Shmuel Goldstein from Revava, D.N. Lev HaShomron Israel on 2010-02-15
These puppies are big. The main objective lenses, that is. What can I say, but that I *like* this binoc. Although they are big, they are not as heavy as I expected them to be. I *can* hand-hold them for general viewing, if I don't need to read stuff in the viewfinder. But you should use these with a tripod to get the most out of them. On a good tripod (I used the Slik U212 Deluxe, which is fine for these), I can read a license plate half a mile away. Don't forget the twilight capabilities the large objectives give.In short, if you want a gift that is really good, and won't break the bank, get this.


Skymaster 20X80

by Robert K. Baldwin from on 2010-02-12
More than worth the money. Easier to hold steady than I thought they would be. Yet they are larger than I thought they would be. They are HUGE. Great glass, very clear.


Great Binoculars

by J. T. Ortiz from on 2009-10-24
This is a gret product, I just recomend a heavy tripod, it is because the binos are heavy to hold after a few minutes. The optical are very good, I was looking Jupiter and the 4 moons, It was very good choice.


Celestron 21068 SkyScout Scope 90mm Telescope with Sky Scout Mounting Braket
Celestron 21068 SkyScout Scope 90mm Telescope with Sky Scout Mounting Braket
List Price: $432.95
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Description

90mm (3.5”) diameter refractor, 660mm focal length (f/7), altazimuth mount with pan handle and built-in clutch, 6x30 finderscope, 40mm eyepiece (16.5x) - 1.25”, 10mm eyepiece (66x) - 1.25”, adjustable SkyScout mounting bracket, erect image fully coated optics, adjustable height stainless steel leg tripod with accessory tray, “The Sky Level 1” CD-ROM

Features

  • 90mm refractor optical design with all coated glass optics and 660mm (f/7) focal length for crisp, clear images
  • Quick and easy no tool setup
  • Erect image 6x30 finderscope with quick-release bracket
  • Erect image optics are ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
  • Convenient pan handleccurate pointing with built-in clutch for easy targeting and smooth motion.

Reviews

Nice telescope.

by Douglas Meadow from Concord, CA USA on 2009-11-22
I bought this telescope to replace my 110 pound cassegrain. It was a chore taking it outside. This scope had a decent aperature and a decent price. PROS - Great price. Good for 90mm - Mounts a Celestron Skyscout. - Lightweight and easy to travel with. - In my neighborhood I easily saw Jupiter and Saturn. The moon looks great through the scope.Cons - Lots of cheap plastic parts. - Hard to track an object because when you tighten the locking handle the tripod moves a lot. Overall I am happy with my purchase. It is great for the occasional weekend peak into the sky.


Great for beginning star geeks

by Hubble Hugger from Texas/Montana on 2009-11-13
First time was exciting-Saw Jupiter's red spot-Look forward to viewing more when I can get to a darker area. Only one small problem-Altitude lock won't hold on its own in a horizontal position,so as to switch users without re-adjustment. Other than that I love it.


Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope
Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope
List Price: $438.95
Sale Price: $227.73
You save: $211.22 (48%)
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Description

130mm (5”) diameter Newtonian reflector, 650mm focal length (f/5), German equatorial mount (CG-3) with RA and DEC slow-motion controls and setting circles, built-on Star Pointer finderscope, 20mm erect image eyepiece (33x), 10mm eyepiece (65x) 1.25”, adjustable height 1.25” steel leg tripod withaccessory tray, “The Sky Level 1” CD-ROM.

Features

  • Motor Drive for the automatic tracking
  • Quick and easy no-tool setup
  • Permanently mounted StarPointer
  • Erect image optics - Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
  • Quick release dovetail attachment - no tool setup

Reviews

Astro Mmaster 130EQ MD

by Berksglh from on 2010-07-19
Nice Scope for the price. decent optics. Tripod is a bit flimsy, there is some play in one axis (loose gear mesh). Motor drive can't be engaged at any position, and is sometimes hard to get at the screw to do so.Was hoping for more viewing power to see the planets, Saturn is a fuzzy dot with a line through it, and the 1.25" focuser is to small for good camera use.Wishing I would have bought a larger scope, with a 2" focusing system, and better mount and tripod.But it is a decent entry level scope, and not overly expensive.


Great telescope but it needs a real finderscope.

by doudou1229 from Irvine, CA United States on 2010-05-16
This is a nicely built telescope overall, with included dual-axis motor drive and a pretty steady EQ mount. Its optics are pretty sharp too. For the price on Amazon, it's really a great deal.However, my biggest problem with this is its red dot finder. I've used a large dobsonian for a long time, and it's crucial to have a good finderscope so you can navigate the night sky easily. Sometimes it's crucial for star hopping to a deep-sky object. However, the red dot finder does not have any magnification, making it useless for star hopping under urban sky. What's even more annoying is the battery powered red dot finder sometimes is so bright that it makes it harder to find objects. The two dark circles that are supposed to help locate the object in the center of the finder can't be easily seen at night. Celestron should seriously consider using an ordinary 7x50 finderscope on this otherwise great telescope.


Green Laser Pointer 25 mW Professional Military Astronomy Grade
Green Laser Pointer 25 mW Professional Military Astronomy Grade
List Price: $69.99
Sale Price: $8.47
You save: $61.52 (88%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Average Rating:

Description

This product is primarily intended for use in Astronomy, Military or Professional Applications.

Features

  • Projected Green Beam Visability 9-10 Miles Continuous Wave
  • Max Output:
  • Pre-Programmed Manufactored Inset Meets 3M Standards For Reliability
  • Length 6.3" (16cm) X Diameter 0.55" (1.4cm) Uses 2 AAA Alkaline Batteries(Included Free)
  • Fitted Jeweler's Gift Box Is Suitable For A Corporate Gift

Reviews

Phenomenal!

by Vincent B. Crosbie from Syracuse, NY on 2010-09-03
I'd read it was powerful, but I hadn't realized it was THAT powerful. No, on second thought, it's not THAT powerful. It's PHENOMENALLY powerful, a green shotgun compared to the derringer of regular red laser pointers. Like the other reviews say, it's visible 30 to 40 meters away in summer noon sunshine. At night, its green point is clearly visible on walls nearly a half mile away and is impossible to use discretely. If you're looking for something to use in a classroom or conference room, it's overkill, albeit fun overkill.


Just does not work - save your money

by J. feldman from on 2010-08-29
I was looking for a really strong and well priced green laser pointer to point out stars at night and hoped this fit the bill.The unit was not too big and seemly solid. It came along with some cheap batteries never heard of.There is 2 problems, one is it was dead on arrival, I contacted the company who told me to do some basic thing (including to shake it) but still nothing.They never replaced it and I out the money spend.Would rather have given money to charity than buy this product. If you are thinking about buying it, it may not work and there is no real company behind it, save your money ( or at least donate it to an animal shelter instead)DOA + no replacement = 1 star


Laser

by Swaie from on 2010-08-23
I bought this mostly because I just wanted a laser where I could see the beam! I didnt expect it to be so bright in some places! it is visible in broad daylight and definitely goes atleast half a mile clearly visible. I give this 4 stars because the button on this thing is crappy and lately mine has been weaker, probly because I used it alot but the button is definitely loose. But for $11 i dont think I could have asked for more!


My 17 Year Old Son Thinks it's Great

by Andrea Sue from Bethesda, MD on 2010-08-09
I bought this for my 17 year old son who "had to have" one of these. Can't complain - he thinks it's great and the price was right.


BEST LASER

by TPOT543 from on 2010-07-26
When I got this i the mail and opened it i was amazed at the quality of this laser. Only problem was mine didnt come with any batterys. In my opinion Duracell batterys work better. This is such a powerfull laser for the money I spent. Great product from CE Compass


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