Have never used a telescope before. Just retired and want to get into some star gazing. Do u suggest this one for the beginner? I
822765
I purchased this unit for using to view things on the water as I live on the waterfront. I found it a challenge for that purpose as the magnification was a bit more than I have ever used in the past. I am definitely not an astrometry expert but a sailor. I believe that the more modern design using mirrors would have been a better choice for viewing celestial bodies. Hope this is a help. Ed Walsh
822766
This is a good one to use, but may require a little research on specifics of function. I have enjoyed using mine. It is actually not intended for beginners, but it is a nice device.
345122
First you will not see the moons of Jupiter.I have a 8" scope and 3ea 3&1/2" scopes.There is too much light fog in my area so I use the Binocs and enjoy the stars,the moon and I don't have to set up the scops. There are not too many clear nights. If you have a dark sky area You should enjoy star gazing. Also. Binoculars are less costly than scops. your choice. Have fun.
1454107
This kind of mount is very convenient for simply hand tracking as you observe. The scope is not intended to be used for photography (which is a specialized task that is not for someone to just buy a telescope and start). The mount has teflon surfaces, and moves to your gentle pressures, fairly smoothly. If you know little about astronomy, but want a self-tracking telescope, try the Meade "lightswitch" series, which sees the stars and aligns itself, and even talks to you. it costs about 4 times as much of course. In bang for the buck, this Orion XT8 is terrific, but you will have to guide it. This kind of mount is very convenient for simply hand tracking as you observe. The scope is not intended to be used for photography (which is a specialized task that is not for someone to just buy a telescope and start). The mount has teflon surfaces, and moves to your gentle pressures, fairly smoothly. If you know little about astronomy, but want a self-tracking telescope, try the Meade "lightswitch" series, which sees the stars and aligns itself, and even talks to you. it costs about 4 times as much of course. In bang for the buck, this Orion XT8 is terrific, but you will have... » Read More This kind of mount is very convenient for simply hand tracking as you observe. The scope is not intended to be used for photography (which is a specialized task that is not for someone to just buy a telescope and start). The mount has teflon surfaces, and moves to your gentle pressures, fairly smoothly. If you know little about astronomy, but want a self-tracking telescope, try the Meade "lightswitch" series, which sees the stars and aligns itself, and even talks to you. it costs about 4 times as much of course. In bang for the buck, this Orion XT8 is terrific, but you will have to guide it. « Show Less
730729
Yes and no. It depends on what you want to do. This is a great starter scope. If your ideal night is looking out and seeing nothing more than planetary objects, then this will be the scope for you. If you have no experience with other telescopes, and this'll be the scope for you. I enjoyed this telescope however there are two big drawbacks. One is the telescope will only hold a 1.25 inch eyepiece. Once again this is ideal if you're just looking at planetary objects, however larger objects like Andromeda will require at least a 25mm to 35 mm eyepiece. The other drawback is the tripod, unfortunately it's very shaky despite what you do. When trying to look at things through the eyepiece a simple bump or even a little wind will knock it around, this is something that you would adjust to overtime. The upside are that it is very portable, Gives you a fundamental idea of how to use a telescope if you have no idea, and it has good imaging. I would highly recommend investing into new pieces as the two that come with it are very poor. Remember, your telescope is only as good as your eyepieces. If you are newer to telescopes then I would suggest this one, it's a cheap way to get an idea of what you're doing and will give let you know if you want to invest more into this fairly pricey hobby.
2078405
I think so. I bought it for my husband. He's a novice astronomer and he loves it. :-)
64203
Unfortunately with only a 5 inch mirror the only thing you'll be able to see of the furthest planets is what looks like a star only it will be slowly moving across the sky. You should get a fairly decent view of Jupiter and Saturn, also Mars and Venus will look good. My problem was I just didn't have the money I needed to get the size I wanted. Most astronomers recommend getting something not quite so large and learning how to use it properly before moving larger. It all depends on your own expertise and your financial situation as to what you purchase. Just remember that the larger telescopes are fairly heavy and if you intend to transport it anywhere it will take quite awhile to set up plus you will probably have to collimate it each time you set it up. Hope this helps you and good luck in finding the right scope. It's a great hobby.
1527056
I have a Meade ETX70 with Autostar. I find the included alignment system to be too time consuming. The SkyScout does a pretty decent job in locating my objects of interest. I then point the telescope to that area and fine tune the location until I have it centered. For the price I find it to be a worthwhile investment.
1159085
The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are getting a lot more light gathering power to see faint objects. Many people into stargazing will have both binoculars and a larger telescope. The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are... » Read More The site http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/25 has a very nice comparison of all of Canon's IS binoculars for stargazing. In summary, these are not the authors favorites (he prefers the 10x42 Ls or 15x50) but they will certainly work. I am considering these due to their combination of high magnification, decent (not great) optics, and light weight.By going to a telescope (and I mean a decent sized reflector, not a tiny $50 refractor from a department store) you are not necessarily getting a large increase in magnification; it depends on the eyepiece being used. But you are getting a lot more light gathering power to see faint objects. Many people into stargazing will have both binoculars and a larger telescope. « Show Less
1411682
I agree, with adult supervision it's one of the better starter scopes out there, especially for the price. Whatever you do, don't get fooled into those "high magnification" scopes some advertise. Something with a short focal length like this one is much easier to manage, especially by a 5 year old.
1795397
You truly need to be an experienced astronomer. If not this telescope is not for you It is difficult to set up use even with the computer attachment Customer service people are friendly but they they have day time hours which makes it extremely difficult to trouble shoot. Hope this info was helpful Nickyg
1058013
The Dob will definitely give you more deep space objects than the refractor. I got my son one of those last Christmas. It is rather large in comparison to the refractor, but rotates well on its base. His is not computerized and he has gotten very adept at finding nebulae and Messier objects. I think the refractor is more for planets and moons in our close by system. Visual tracking is okay, remember that the image is reversed in the Dob.
1860433
WOW! When you ask to see the whole Solar System, you're talking something the Hubble Telescope can't see. As far as the telescope being a great product and perfect for the beginning astronomer, curious adventurer and future explorer, then you are buying the perfect telescope. It's easy to set-up, easy to use and will excite imaginations - young and old.
989237
This was my sister's first telescope, and it was a piece of cake for her to use. May be the best beginner's telescope ever. Better yet, it will still serve you after you move up to bigger, more powerful telescopes (bigger telescopes are a bigger pain to carry and set up. The StarBlast 4.5 can sit on a shelf, then be set up in seconds.) It also has a heck of a good price.
401789
It's a basic spotting scope. The eye piece does not come off to adapt a camera. For photography you will need a higher quality lens. It's ok at 20 power for birdwatching or using it at the range but gets fuzzier at higher powers. Mine was very inexpensive $48. I use it for nature watching. For astronomy you will need a higher power telescope built for star watching. I have a couple of them at home but they don't have camera adapters. Even a student scope works pretty decent for looking at the moon. This scope would be ok for looking at the moon but that's about it.It won't be super sharp or zoomed in like one used for astronomy. When you are outdoors, you don't want something expensive because there's a good chance of it getting dirty or breaking. Photography is hard to find something inexpensive. My wife has lots of lenses and they are not cheap.
989235
Not at all. It's as simple as it gets. Just point, focus, and enjoy. Just make sure the table you use as a base is steady. I think Orion also has a 6" table top for around $270. One thing I always enjoy is to slowly scan parts of the sky that appear empty. I'm always amazed at how much more I can see with a little help. Your best first target, IMHO, is the moon when it's not full. Look along the transition from shadow to light. The 3D effect will blow you away!
57363
The way it is, no. You'll have to add a 3rd party accessory. If this is your primary intention, prefer to buy a telescope.
1066004
I think either one would do fine, IF you have a good tripod mount. You need to get one specifically designed for binoculars and for stargazing, not terrestrial viewing. The weight of the binoculars will get tiring fast. :-( Personally, if I were a beginner stargazer I would get a telescope. Better magnification and, due to the size of the optics, more light.