Telescope Great Beginner
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Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Sale Price: $99.99 |
DescriptionOrion's surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two very good Explorer II eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), an adjustable altazimuth tripod, a good red-dot finder, a student edition of "The Sky" planetarium program, and a well written manual. The package even includes the tools you'll need to assemble the telescope and align the optics. The Spaceprobe 3 is a Newtonian reflector. That means it uses mirrors instead of lenses. Newtonians are primarily used for astronomy because the images are upside-down. Orion includes a collimation tool and good directions for aligning the mirrors. The reward for aligning the mirrors is seen in images that snap into sharp focus. My Spaceprobe 3 arrived properly aligned right out of the box. With its Explorer II eyepieces, this telescope consistently delivers fine views. Using the 25mm eyepiece (28x magnification) the Pleiades cluster is simply wonderful, showing dozens of stars. From a rural location with a dark sky, the Orion Nebula is a big ghostly glow, and when I zoom in with the 10mm eyepiece, the Trapezium resolves into four tiny pinpoints. The double star Gamma Andromeda becomes two beads of light, one gold, the other one pale blue. Moon and planet images are crisp, with none of the false color I see in low cost refractors. When I look at the Moon I see mountains and terraced walls inside the larger craters. With the 10mm eyepiece (about 70x), Saturn's rings are sharply separated from the planet, and I can even pick out the planet's shadow on the rings. The Altazimuth mount included with this telescope is light and easy to use; it may be the best choice for a young astronomer. If you want motorized tracking of the stars and planets, Orion's Spaceprobe 3 EQ is available with an equatorial mount, and Celestron sells essentially the same optical system with the computerized NexStar 76GT. -Jeff Phillips Pros: Best in class optical performance Two good Explorer II eyepieces Complete accessory package Cons: Small 76mm aperture Upside-down terrestrial images If you're looking for an affordable entry-level telescope for that beginning astronomy enthusiast, our SpaceProbe 3 Altaz is the perfect choice. Great for all-around stargazing, this highly portable, uncomplicated scope is just the right size and weight for the entire family, and just the right price for parents. This is a quality telescope, with a 3" (76mm) glass primary mirror mounted in a sturdy Neptune Blue Metallic aluminum tube. The rack-and-pinion focuser accepts standard 1.25" eyepieces. Two Explorer II eyepieces, a low-power 25mm (28x) and a high-power 10mm (70x), are included. An EZ Finder II finder scope mounted on the tube helps zero-in on the sky target. The altazimuth mount is lightweight and easy to use. To aim it, simply move it up or down or left or right. An adjustable, aluminum tripod with accessory tray is also included. One-year limited warranty. Features
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Characteristics to consider when selecting a telescope for Children
Children are naturally curious and exploration, and have an imagination cool. This makes continuous enthusiasm for new hobbies and interests. particular, very few children at any age can become interested in One is astronomy. If your child is interested in looking at the stars, which possibly can be in the market for a telescope for children.
There many producers of telescopes for children and a lot of great products available. However vary greatly, and like many products, usually is somewhat unclear to buy for parents. Not only are several basic types of telescopes, but also a number of features that may or may not possibly come with a particular model.
The first factor is to understand the various forms of telescopes for children offered. The basic types are reflector and refractor. Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to capture a picture and let it become a much bigger much easier to see. You also hear about Newtonian reflector telescopes, which can be comparable, but used a concave mirror and a secondary mirror to further enhance the images.
A refractor telescope mirror using lenses to capture light from an image and enlarge it. Again, with many variations, but all refractors Use power of the lenses in the exact same general way. The key point is the fact that either the variety is good for children's telescopes.
Things to think about is the scale at the telescope. The larger the size, the largest increase you will get. For the reflecting telescope, you should make an effort to get one that has a minimum size of 114 mm (4.5 inches). For any telescope refractor telescope, the minimum size should be 70 mm (2.4 inches). You can go bigger (and more expensive), but if you stick to the following minimum dimensions, your child will be ready to see a lot of wonderful things within the night sky.
Increasing your telescope depends on the size to get (note), but also the increased power in the eyepiece. It is proposed that just bought a telescope with at least two eyes. You will use a lower rate of increase (eg x2) when initially found one object and another for much more (Figure x4). This gives children the telescope more flexibility and capacity.
The Telescope mount or standing telescope is also essential. Keep a telescope perfectly still and motionless with its use is essential to see things clearly. This means getting a very good base which is certainly solid and stable. Ideally, perhaps, the possibility of a telescope that has a light assembly that will establish quickly and is usually used either the ground or a higher platform, such as a table. Most importantly, something that is robust and stable.
You will discover other capabilities in the telescopes of children, as automatic movement (to move the telescope slightly to remain focused on an object as the Earth rotates), which are all good, but really personal preference. If you focus on the type, size, extension, and mount, it will do well in buying a telescope for children.
About the Author
Looking to buy your children their first telescope? At www.ChildrensTelescopeFinder.com you can learn about and buy the best childrens telescopes available today.
I want to buy a telescope or good pair of binoculars, I am a beginner?
I've never had a pair of binoculars and have never looked in a telescope. Am very interested in astronomy / space, I really want a telescope or a good pair of binoculars. If this is my first time, should I start with binoculars? I was thinking about how to obtain these perhaps: http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/bird-watching-binoculars/10x50nikonactionextremeatb.cfm # ReviewHeader addition, some tips you can give me? Thanks
It's a good idea to start with Binos. The reason? First, with Binos, is more or less forced to learn the night sky by observation and star charts / maps. Once you have a solid knowledge of the stars and their positions, it will require a telescope with a go "" or GPS. Being able to identify the stars with the naked eye is a great asset. Especially if you decide to buy later, a type Dobsonian scope will require jump star on your part. Secondly, suppose that you lose interest in all this? If you bought a telescope for a few hundred dollars, will trying to sell on eBay or sit in your garage collecting dust. However, if you lose interest and have only invested in Binos, then you can always use these Binos for other things (like the game of football or baseball!)
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Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope
Sale Price: $99.99 |
DescriptionOrion's surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two very good Explorer II eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), an adjustable altazimuth tripod, a good red-dot finder, a student edition of "The Sky" planetarium program, and a well written manual. The package even includes the tools you'll need to assemble the telescope and align the optics. The Spaceprobe 3 is a Newtonian reflector. That means it uses mirrors instead of lenses. Newtonians are primarily used for astronomy because the images are upside-down. Orion includes a collimation tool and good directions for aligning the mirrors. The reward for aligning the mirrors is seen in images that snap into sharp focus. My Spaceprobe 3 arrived properly aligned right out of the box. With its Explorer II eyepieces, this telescope consistently delivers fine views. Using the 25mm eyepiece (28x magnification) the Pleiades cluster is simply wonderful, showing dozens of stars. From a rural location with a dark sky, the Orion Nebula is a big ghostly glow, and when I zoom in with the 10mm eyepiece, the Trapezium resolves into four tiny pinpoints. The double star Gamma Andromeda becomes two beads of light, one gold, the other one pale blue. Moon and planet images are crisp, with none of the false color I see in low cost refractors. When I look at the Moon I see mountains and terraced walls inside the larger craters. With the 10mm eyepiece (about 70x), Saturn's rings are sharply separated from the planet, and I can even pick out the planet's shadow on the rings. The Altazimuth mount included with this telescope is light and easy to use; it may be the best choice for a young astronomer. If you want motorized tracking of the stars and planets, Orion's Spaceprobe 3 EQ is available with an equatorial mount, and Celestron sells essentially the same optical system with the computerized NexStar 76GT. -Jeff Phillips Pros: Best in class optical performance Two good Explorer II eyepieces Complete accessory package Cons: Small 76mm aperture Upside-down terrestrial images If you're looking for an affordable entry-level telescope for that beginning astronomy enthusiast, our SpaceProbe 3 Altaz is the perfect choice. Great for all-around stargazing, this highly portable, uncomplicated scope is just the right size and weight for the entire family, and just the right price for parents. This is a quality telescope, with a 3" (76mm) glass primary mirror mounted in a sturdy Neptune Blue Metallic aluminum tube. The rack-and-pinion focuser accepts standard 1.25" eyepieces. Two Explorer II eyepieces, a low-power 25mm (28x) and a high-power 10mm (70x), are included. An EZ Finder II finder scope mounted on the tube helps zero-in on the sky target. The altazimuth mount is lightweight and easy to use. To aim it, simply move it up or down or left or right. An adjustable, aluminum tripod with accessory tray is also included. One-year limited warranty. Features
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Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope
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DescriptionThis tried-and-true refractor goes the extra distance in introducing the novice to the wonders of the night sky. The Observer 70 features a 70mm fully anti-reflection coated achromatic objective lens, which provides 36% more light-gathering ability than a 60mm. Its 700mm focal length (f/10) will show you the stark beauty of the lunar surface, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's atmospheric belts, or the billowy clouds of the Orion Nebula. The included EQ-1 equatorial mount comes equipped with dual slow-motion controls for manual star tracking and adjustable aluminum tripod. Includes an EZ Finder II finder scope to help you zero in on your celestial targets, two eyepieces - 25mm (1.25") and 10mm (1.25") - and 90-deg star diagonal. One year limited warranty. Orion’s Observer 70 EQ combines the solid optical performance of a classic achromatic refractor with a German style equatorial mount. The Observer 70 features very good optics and 36 percent more light gathering power than 60mm beginner scopes. The complete accessory package includes high and low power eyepieces, a 90 degree star diagonal, a red-dot finder, illustrated instructions, and Orionâs Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software. The Observer 70 EQ features very good optical performance. Achromatic refractors have a two piece objective lens, the second lens element compensates for “chromatic aberration”, the false color or blue fringes seen in low cost telescopes. In daylight tests I see very little blue fringing with the standard equipment 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification), and none at all with the 25mm eyepiece (28X). Stars and planets show up very nicely with the Observer 70. The quadruple star in the Orion Nebula known as the Trapezium is cleanly split into four components with the 10mm eyepiece (70X magnification). When I combine the 10mm eyepiece with a 2X Barlow lens for 140X magnification, I’m treated to lovely views of Saturn’s rings and the little orange disk of Mars. My view of the Moon is delightfully crisp and clear; the 25mm eyepiece nicely frames the Lunar disk, and using the 10mm eyepiece I can easily see mountain peaks and terraced walls inside the crater Copernicus. The Observer 70 EQ also features an aluminum tripod and an EQ-1 equatorial mount. The equatorial mount is a little more complicated to balance and align than the Observer 70 AZ , but the reward is better slow motion control and tracking at magnifications over 100X. Simply point the equatorial axis at Polaris, the North Star, and the telescope tracks celestial objects by turning one slow motion knob. This makes it much easier to use a high power eyepiece while viewing the Moon and Planets. The “EZ Finder II” works by shining a red LED on a small window; just look through the window and line up the red spot with your target. This works OK for bright objects like the Moon and planets but not so well for finding galaxies and deep space objects. Orion’s Observer 70 EQ is simply a very good entry level telescope for a student or family. The good quality 70mm optics produce an image that is significantly sharper and brighter than 60mm beginner scopes, and the package includes a solid mount, two good eyepieces, and fully illustrated instructions. --Jeff Phillips Pros: Reliable refractor design Good views of the Moon and planets Complete accessory package Starry Night software included Cons: Finder only works for bright objects Features
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Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector
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DescriptionThe Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector is a Newtonian reflector telescope packaged with a sturdy equatorial mount, two Explorer II eyepieces, a 6x30 finder scope, and Orionâs Starry Night Special Edition software. Invented by Sir Isaac Newton, reflector telescopes provide more light gathering power per dollar than any other telescope design. With 130mm (5.1 inches) of aperture, the SpaceProbe 130 produces images that are twice as bright as 90mm telescopes and more than four times brighter than 60mm beginner scopes. The Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector with its Explorer II eyepieces serves up bright, clear images of the Moon, the planets, and even deep space objects like star clusters and galaxies. The 25mm eyepiece magnifies the image by 36 times; when I look at the Pleiades or Seven Sisters cluster at 36X the SpaceProbe 130 shows me a bright open cluster with dozens of point-like stars filling the field of view. When I use the 10mm eyepiece (90X magnification) the lunar disk fills the field of view and the rings of Saturn are plainly resolved. And when I use an optional Ultima 2X Barlow with the 10mm eyepiece for 180X magnification I can see the cloud bands of Jupiter and pick out individual stars in bright globular clusters like M13. The EQ2 equatorial mount included with the Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector comes partially assembled, but it shouldn’t take long to set up. The trick to using an equatorial mount is to point the polar axis at Polaris, the North Star. Once the mount is aligned and balanced, the telescope tracks stars and planets at high power with just a turn of one slow motion knob. You can even add an optional motor drive for hands free tracking. The Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a simply a great value. The Explorer II eyepieces deliver bright sharp images of the Moon, the planets and the stars, and the EQ2 mount can be motorized for hands free tracking. --Jeff Phillips Pros: More than 4 times brighter than 60mm scopes Includes two eyepieces and a 6x30 finder Solid equatorial mount and aluminum tripod Starry Night software and SkyTheatre DVD included Ships to the U.S. including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Orion SpaceProbe 130 EQ Reflector Telescope An affordable but very capable telescope130mm aperture and 900mm focal length for great all-around viewing performanceIncludes sturdy tripod and equatorial mount for hands-free celestial trackingIncludes two eyepieces, finder scope, focuser, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy softOne-year limited warranty A lot of folks shopping for their first telescope tell us that they have always had a fascination with the stars. They've been wanting to get a telescope for a long time, they say. We understand very well the lure of the night sky. It has intrigued mankind for millennia with its beauty and mysteriousness. And still does. So it's only natural to want to know more about it, to get a closer look. If you share this fascination, and are ready finally to spring for that telescope, then consider the affordable but very capable Orion SpaceProbe 130mm EQ Reflector Telescope. Sporting the classic long-tube Newtonian design, the Orion SpaceProbe 130mm provides great all-around viewing performance. One minute you can be studying lunar crater formations at high power; the next, the ethereal glow of a nebular star factory. A few minutes later, the ringed visage of Saturn. All served in crisp detail by way of the SpaceProbe's light-gathering 130mm (5.1") primary mirror of 900mm focal length (f/6.9). The mirror lies at the base of the rolled-steel optical tube, which is outfitted with a smooth rack-and-pinion focuser. It accepts 1.25" telescope eyepieces, including the two fully coated Explorer II telescope eyepieces that come standard with the Orion SpaceProbe 130mm: a 25mm for low-power viewing at 36x and a 10mm for higher-power looks at 90x. Also standard is a 6x30 achromatic finder scope to help home in on celestial targets. The mount is our sturdy EQ-2 equatorial model, with adjustable aluminum legs and accessory tray. Slow-motion controls allow fine Features
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The 100 Best Astrophotography Targets: A Monthly Guide for CCD Imaging with Amateur Telescopes (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series)
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DescriptionAny amateur astronomer who is interested in astrophotography, particularly if just getting started, needs to know what objects are best for imaging in each month of the year. These are not necessarily the same objects that are the most spectacular or intriguing visually. The camera reveals different things and has different requirements. What objects in the sky tonight are large enough, bright enough, and high enough to be photographed? This book reveals, for each month of the year, the choicest celestial treasures within the reach of a commercial CCD camera. Helpful hints and advice on framing, exposures, and filters are included. Each deep sky object is explained in beautiful detail, so that observers will gain a richer understanding of these astronomical objects. This is not a book that dwells on the technology of CCD, Webcam, wet, or other types of astrophotography. Neither is it a book about in-depth computer processing of the images (although this topic is included). Detailed discussions of these topics can be found in other publications. This book focuses on what northern latitude objects to image at any given time of the year to get the most spectacular results. |
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Vivitar Telescope with Tripod
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DescriptionVivitar Telescope with Tripod 50-600DG Features
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Orion 15x70 Astronomy Binoculars
Sale Price: $89.99 |
DescriptionThese refreshingly affordable astronomical binoculars will gobble up photons from night-sky objects without eating through your wallet. With big 70mm objective lenses and 15-power magnification, our new Orion 15x70 Astro-Binocular is an excellent choice for those looking for bright, high-power views of the night sky. See the moons of Jupiter, craters and mountains of the Moon, and hundreds of deep sky objects from dark skies. These big binoculars are also great for chasing open star clusters, even from less than inky-black urban skies. Light transmission through the 15x70 Astro-Binocular and view contrast is optimized by virtue of high quality BAK-4 prisms, fullymulti-coated optics, and internal baffling. Eyeglass wearers can enjoy the view through these affordable performers without removing their corrective lenses, thanks to a luxurious 18mm eye relief. Foldable eyeguards provide helpful protection from distracting peripheral light sources, and they conveniently fold down for comfortable use with eyeglasses. Features
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Nature 20-60x60 Spotting Scope in Green
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DescriptionHT3641 Features: -Spotting scope.-Fully multi coated optics.-Tough rubber coating.-Protective lens covers.-Waterproof.-Hard storage case.-Great for beginners.-Fully adjustable aluminum tripod.-Model: 20-60x60.-Prism: BAK7.-Field of View: 115-52 ft@1000yds.-Eye Relief: 0.7''.-Near Focus: 23 ft. Color/Finish: -Color: Green. Warranty: -Worldwide warranty. Features
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Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope
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DescriptionTE3)CELESTRON ASTROMASTER 70AZ SCOPE Features
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Celestron 21041 60mm PowerSeeker Telescope
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DescriptionCelestron's value priced Powerseeker 60 telescope takes a basic "just the facts" approach to affordable entry level telescopes. The package includes an adjustable aluminum tripod with an alt-azimuth mount and stabilizer, a Kellner type K20 eyepiece, a Ramsden type SR4 eyepiece, a 3x barlow lens, and a 5 power cross-hair finder scope. The Powerseeker 60 comes disassembled in a compact box, but it won't take long to put everything together. Go ahead and try it out in the daytime, that's the best time to align the finder scope while looking at a distant tree or telephone pole. My first view of Saturn's rings and star cluster M13 in Hercules came with a 60mm telescope, and I enjoy celestial viewing with the Powerseeker 60 to this day. The secret is to use the low power K20 eyepiece and only extend the tripod legs half-way. This gives me sharp and steady views, whether I'm looking at nearby hills, craters on the Moon, the Double Cluster in Perseus, or even the Andromeda Galaxy! With a 1.25" focuser and diagonal mirror, it's easy to add better eyepieces. The Kellner type K20 eyepiece yields a 1.1 degree true field of view, better than the Huygens or H-type eyepieces still found in many beginner scopes. Adding an optional Celestron 25mm E-Lux eyepiece is better still. With nearly 2 degrees true field of view, the 25mm E-lux makes it much easier to find objects, either on land or in deep space. The SR4 eyepiece is less impressive; it's like peeking through a pin-hole. Adding the 3x barlow to the SR4 to get that 525x proclaimed on the box is peeking through a dim, fuzzy pin-hole. I'm surprised that a telescope this inexpensive can be this good. It's good enough to show me Saturn's rings at night or a Steller's Jay at 100 yards during the day. In my opinion, the Powerseeker 60 would be an even better bargain if it came with a K10 eyepiece in place of the 3x barlow and the SR4 eyepiece. Also take a look at Celestron's Firstscope 60AZ; it's only a little more expensive, but it includes two useable eyepieces, a red-dot finder, and planetarium software for your computer. Jeff Phillips Pros: Low cost Decent optics Accepts 1.25" eyepieces Cons: Too small for serious astronomy Only one good eyepiece Offering exceptional value, these telescopes feature portable yet powerful designs with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy. Features
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GSI Super Quality Land And Sky 50mm Refractor Telescope With TP-8 Aluminum Tripod - 72x Power Magnification - Optical Glass Lens and Metal Body - Includes 2 Eyepieces, For Terrestrial And Astronomical Use
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DescriptionThis Great New Telescope From GSI Will Meet And Exceed Your Expectations! Easy, User-friendly Setup, And Unbelievable Views Through The Ultra Clear Lens, You Will Discover The World Like Never Before. Extremely Affordable, It Is A Great Alternative To Other Pricier Models Out There! Features
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