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The Celestron FirstScope 76mm tabletop "Baby Dobsonian" is normally listed as a beginners telescope. It is easy to use, but there are some minor issues with the design. First, the location of the focuser. In the earlier design, like this one, it is located perpendicular to the altitude axis. While this seems like it would be easy to use, in fact it isn't; you have to lean over the instrument to look into the eyepiece. On the later models this was corrected by rotating it 45°, which makes it far easier. The other issue with this version are the included eyepieces, a 20mm H and 4mm SR. While the 20mm eyepiece is somewhat usable, the 4mm is not. For a "fast" (that is to say, short) telescope like this, you want lower power eyepieces (also, due to the mirror's shape you are somewhat restricted). While the literature that first announced this telescope said that it was capable of up to 180x magnification, in practice that is far from the case. I would hesitate to take it above 50x, which means using a 6mm eyepiece. However, when used with lower power eyepieces, such as a nice 20mm Plossl or Kellner, the views are good. Even a 6mm Plossl will allow you to see Jupiter's Galilean moons and Saturn's rings, though of course not in great detail. There is also no finder scope included, though there is a mount for one. My advice when purchasing this telescope is to buy better eyepieces, perhaps some inexpensive Plossl's and Kellner's, with no less than 6mm focal length. and no higher than 25mm. The newer models rectify some of the design flaws, but there are still plenty of older ones out there, and with simple changes, it has the potential to be a nice little sky sweeper.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
perfect size ,secondary mirror had a big finger print on it, didn't come with the 4mm eye piece or finder scope.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was looking for a beginners telescope that would be easy to use and compact enough to carry on our boat also. The FirstScope fitted all our needs. We get great views of the moon and also of the mountains out our back door. I love how sturdy it is and that it pivots easily on its own base. Took a little getting used to seeing everything upside down tho. Very easy to use. Very compact so easy to take with us on the boat also. Only had a short time but have really enjoyed, but it just made me hunger for a better more powerful telescope. Would like to see the rings of Saturn someday.
I bought this telescope a while ago for my granddaughter 7th birthday. I had to add to it the "FirtsScope Accessory Kit" (That is sold separately) to complete the telescopes' abilities. The little girl, who takes great interest in astronomy can't get away from this telescope. It is simple to operate, doesn't need too complected gentling and dismantling, shows clear pictures of the sky, and together with the disc, (supplied in the extra kit), provides valuable information of what you see and on different occurring in the stars and Galaxy. All of that, plus its light wight and simple, but clever built, make it a remarkable educational and fun instrument for a begging astrologist. Highly recommended for those who show interest and look for the right way to begin.
I bought this for the 13 year old in my life as a birthday present, and the astonishment when he first looked at the moion through it, made it worthwhile. Even with some cloud cover, and a bit of froth around the moon he still found it cool to be able to see the moon so close. As an interest developer, this is an excellent unit, though with only a 3" tube it has many limitations, but it is a great way to see if the current thinking of installing a $3,500 Schmidt-Cassegrain from Celestron, is a good plan. I recomment it to anyone who has been asked for a telescope, to try the water, before launching out and getting the full monty. Definite 4Star investment for us. And yes, we will likely get the fully computerised, 6" Celectron red tube.
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