Product ReviewsVivitar TEL-50600 50mm Refractor Telescope

"Hit with local amateur astronomers"

We purchased this product to be raffled on "Summer Solstice" for a Star Gazing event at our Desert Archeological Museum . Owning many Vivitar products we felt that for the price we would be presenting a participant with the opportunity to take home a quality, and useful entry level telescope. I must say they were a hit, the overall design was pleasing to the eye,with the silver scope body and contrasting black components. Our museums instructor pointed out the construction of all the components were top-notch and constructed in the same manner as much more expensive models. The lens quality allowed us to clearly view the moon , which was Full, some of the planets and larger stars were cool. The eyepiece angle allowed for comfortable viewing. The tripod although functional needed some tweeking from our resident amateur astronomer to make it more stable. They were a big hit with our nearly 200 guest, and treasured by the lucky winners. Another surprise was that even though a entry level unit upgraded accessory lens were available. We would be confident in purchasing this item in the future if we hosted a similar event. Thanks.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thehoneyroasted...

Very cheap telescope.

I ordered this telescope so my daughters and I could view the rings of Saturn. Supposedly, you only need 25x power to see them. The lenses are so poor quality on this telescope, the best you can get is a fuzzy, blurry ball. We could just barely, if you squint and hold your breath, see the barest hint of the shadows on either side of Saturn demarking the separation between the planet and the rings, but nothing definite. Jupiter was even more ludicrous. It looked like a "blurry rainbow ball" according to my 16 year old. What's worse, you can't see the moons on maximum magnification. I have 6x binoculars that can see 5 of Jupiter's moons, but this 120x scope can't pull it off. Super disappointment. Don't waste your money.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: buy_great_deals

More of a toy

Product arrived, and tripod leg latch was busted.
( not sellers fault, as it was factory sealed package--) not worth paying shipping to return
Barely any instructions, ( but really are not needed).

It is good for a kid, to introduce them. But be prepared to buy another better quality, if they like it.
If it makes it to the end of the summer, I will be amazed.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: oforia*deals

The name Vivitar, will impress, but the Scope wont,,

Made of Plastic, the Aluminum description is rather deceptive, it's just painted Aluminum. Plastic parts bind when turning, or raising the scope for viewing, and at the end of raising or turning, the bind makes it pop up enough to cause the object in view to leave the viewing area, you can easily be miles off view because of this. If the lens is not in the vertical position, and you are not looking straight down into it, objects will be upside down, lens must be vertical to view, don't know if all scopes are like this or not. The Scope is probably intended for children, but as difficult as it is to use, I think they would soon give up on the idea of seeing anything other then a dust collector. One positive note, it looks good sitting in the front window. All in All, like they say, " you get what you pay for" Makes a cheep gift, where the "thought is what counts"Read full review...

Not to bad

Not a bad little setup works good until about 2 hours into it and the mounting base broke off. Some JB weld and just like new again. I like the view it produces.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thehoneyroasted...

CHEAP CRAP, WILL PUT IN BOX AND GIVE TO A 5 YEAR OLD, CAN SEE MORE WITH BINOCULIARS.

HARD TO SPOT SOMETHING, cans see more with bare eyeball, good for a tree 500 feet away that's it.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thehoneyroasted...

Bad lens quality

Everything else is good the only bad thing are the lenses, you can't really see out of them it's too blurry even if you pointed to the moon, if you could make better lens quality it would a 5⭐ product

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thehoneyroasted...

Iffy

My wife and I spent 2 days trying to gaze at the moon.didnt matter which lens we put in we couldn't get it to focus.

works great for the beginner very good product..

This was a gift for 16 year old. They were so excited the first use when they saw the craters on the moon. very light weight and easy to use. would recommend for starter before spending big $$$ on high powered scope. Just to make sure they stay interested.Read full review...

Perfect for light useage

I use it to take pictures with my cell phone

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: thehoneyroasted...