The Celestron brand is a well-respected manufacturer in amateur astronomy circles, and while this product may not be on a par with their more expensive instruments it might suit a beginner. The optics are great, I've seen Jupiter's moons with no problem at all. The portability is a great feature, and the whole setup can be packed away in the rucksack provided to take hiking etc. The weak link in the chain is the tripod which is decidedly flimsy, but it has standard camera fixings so could be replaced with any decent compact camera tripod (I suggest you do so - you might even get one that will also fit in the rucksack). Pros: * compact size due to high focal ratio * stunning optics for the price with decent aperture that isn't stopped off * extremely portable so you can easily take it to a star party / dark sky site * Celestron branded if you care about that sort of thing * nice selection of accessories (lenses, erector prism, finder etc.) * standard camera tripod fixing Cons: * supplied with probably the flimsiest camera tripod I've ever seen * slightly fiddly to assemble in the dark, but it can be done (red light torch might help) Please note that no amateur telescope in this class can compete with pictures from professional observatories, space telescopes, long exposure photographs etc. Don't be disappointed if you can't compete with the Hubble Space Telescope (it cost slightly more)! The challenge is to see what you can see, without any digital intermediary; the light reaching your eye from this instrument has never been through a digital process and comes direct to you from space! Also, NEVER ATTEMPT TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. The best and safest way to do this is the projection method, or possibly using a good quality sun filter from a reputable source. Finally do contact your local astronomy club, they can give lots of help and advice.Read full review
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The optics are good, telescope has cheep feel, but at this price point that’s ok. The tripod is awful and not a stable platform. Finder scope poor. I would rather pay £20 more and have better accessories. That said, my daughters joy at first look at the craters on the moon; priceless! Get a good tripod on eBay though.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Bought for my 10 yr old Grandson for Christmas, he's just learning to use it, but is estactic that he can see the Moon so clearly. Now looking for other Planets! I bought the travelscope as he loves Birds too and can take it out and about in the backpack on walks etc
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We tried to use it a couple of times. It’s impossible to focus on celestial bodies. Very flimsy stand. May be ok for bird watching.
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The scope itself is surprisingly good for the money, the tripod is not much use unless it's not extended and sat on a table, then it does ok but still easy to wobble with your face while looking through the scope. I would recommend upgrading the tripod and look at purchasing a 90 degree star diagonal if you want this for astronomy, but I have had some fantastic views of the moon as it comes out of the box!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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