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Our research indicates that this offer is $40lower (36.36% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $110.
About this store:
Details of Adorama's return policy can be found here.
This is not a particularly great telescope, but for the price this is about the best you can get/expect for refractor telescopes which is NOT an endorsement. I tend to recommend a really good pair of astronomy binoculars at this price point, but those do demand a steadier hand than is required for something like a telescope with its own tripod.
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend[telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank The_Love_Spud
This is not a particularly great telescope, but for the price this is about the best you can get/expect for refractor telescopes which is NOT an endorsement. I tend to recommend a really good pair of astronomy binoculars at this price point, but those do demand a steadier hand than is required for something like a telescope with its own tripod.
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend[telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.
I'd go with the Explore Scientific over the two you listed. I expect the optics of the ES refractor to be fine... and I expect the mount to be between somewhat tolerable (yet very annoying) to completely terrible.
For $150 or less, I'd suggest folks look for local deals on CL or Facebook and get a used scope. Sometimes $75-$125 will even get you a 4.5-6" dob, if you are lucky.
At $70 or less, look for 80-100mm refractors with somewhat reasonable AZ mounts (meaning non-yoke style) and slow motion knobs.. They'll likely still be troublesome, but possibly somewhat acceptable.
I like the reflector tabletops too for beginners, and pre-covid you could find 114-130mm tabletop reflectors at $150-$200 brand new. But unfortunately they are more expensive now. For those w/ $250 or so, this is a considered a good starter scope -- https://shop.astronomerswithoutbo...-telescope
Last edited by Namelessme April 27, 2022 at 01:10 AM.
This is not a particularly great telescope, but for the price this is about the best you can get/expect for refractor telescopes which is NOT an endorsement. I tend to recommend a really good pair of astronomy binoculars at this price point, but those do demand a steadier hand than is required for something like a telescope with its own tripod.
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend[telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.
Good luck!
Jon
What telescope would you recommend for a backyard star gazer? Back when we had the Great Conjunction around Christmas 2020 (I believe) I organized a watch party. About 20 of us went out to the beach away from the lights, and one guy brought a really nice telescope that was about 10" in diameter. As the Sun started going down, he got Jupiter and Saturn lined up and we all took turns looking through the scope. To a person, everyone would come look through the scope and say, "WOW!" We could clearly see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. I've wanted a good scope since then.
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Quote
from Florabamaboy
:
What telescope would you recommend for a backyard star gazer? Back when we had the Great Conjunction around Christmas 2020 (I believe) I organized a watch party. About 20 of us went out to the beach away from the lights, and one guy brought a really nice telescope that was about 10" in diameter. As the Sun started going down, he got Jupiter and Saturn lined up and we all took turns looking through the scope. To a person, everyone would come look through the scope and say, "WOW!" We could clearly see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. I've wanted a good scope since then.
I'll throw in my two cents... I expect the other poster to have good suggestions as well.
A 6-8" Dobsonian would get my vote. That is, so long as you don't mind it being a little bulky to move around.
Celestron Starsense Explorer (102, 130, 150mm) models are kind of neat too, for the smartphone finder capability.
And for those on a budget (and secure table to use), the scope I mentioned above, the Onesky tabletop.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank jiari
Quote
from Florabamaboy
:
What telescope would you recommend for a backyard star gazer? Back when we had the Great Conjunction around Christmas 2020 (I believe) I organized a watch party. About 20 of us went out to the beach away from the lights, and one guy brought a really nice telescope that was about 10" in diameter. As the Sun started going down, he got Jupiter and Saturn lined up and we all took turns looking through the scope. To a person, everyone would come look through the scope and say, "WOW!" We could clearly see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. I've wanted a good scope since then.
I'm not Jon either, but agree with Namelessme. I am a newbie and like you, have always wanted to get into astronomy, but haven't until early this year. I now own a 10 inch Dob (which is the same size as the one you mentioned that wow'd you) and a 6 inch tabletop (6 inch version of the 5 inch OneSky Namelessme mentioned). The 10 inch is a bit unwieldy, but the 8 inch DOB is what is generally recommended. The 8 and 6 inch dobs are typically the same height level with the 8 being slightly heavier.
If you're not willing to spend the higher costs now, you can find plenty of used options. CL and FB marketplace are good places to look for used. Also, Adorama and BH Photo also sell used equipment at very good prices. Note, if you only see the telescope for sale without a base, it is sometimes listed separately in telescope accessories.
You can also join Cloudynights which is a great site for reviews. They have a classified section and depending on location, you may find a deal.
Expect to spend extra for reasonably good eye pieces.
Clear Skies.
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I'm not Jon either, but agree with Namelessme. I am a newbie and like you, have always wanted to get into astronomy, but haven't until early this year. I now own a 10 inch Dob (which is the same size as the one you mentioned that wow'd you) and a 6 inch tabletop (6 inch version of the 5 inch OneSky Namelessme mentioned). The 10 inch is a bit unwieldy, but the 8 inch DOB is what is generally recommended. The 8 and 6 inch dobs are typically the same height level with the 8 being slightly heavier.
If you're not willing to spend the higher costs now, you can find plenty of used options. CL and FB marketplace are good places to look for used. Also, Adorama and BH Photo also sell used equipment at very good prices. Note, if you only see the telescope for sale without a base, it is sometimes listed separately in telescope accessories.
You can also join Cloudynights which is a great site for reviews. They have a classified section and depending on location, you may find a deal.
Expect to spend extra for reasonably good eye pieces.
This is not a particularly great telescope, but for the price this is about the best you can get/expect for refractor telescopes which is NOT an endorsement. I tend to recommend a really good pair of astronomy binoculars at this price point, but those do demand a steadier hand than is required for something like a telescope with its own tripod.
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend[telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.
This is not a particularly great telescope, but for the price this is about the best you can get/expect for refractor telescopes which is NOT an endorsement. I tend to recommend a really good pair of astronomy binoculars at this price point, but those do demand a steadier hand than is required for something like a telescope with its own tripod.
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend[telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.
Good luck!
Jon
What are good binoculars at this price point that you'd recommend?
What telescope would you recommend for a backyard star gazer? Back when we had the Great Conjunction around Christmas 2020 (I believe) I organized a watch party. About 20 of us went out to the beach away from the lights, and one guy brought a really nice telescope that was about 10" in diameter. As the Sun started going down, he got Jupiter and Saturn lined up and we all took turns looking through the scope. To a person, everyone would come look through the scope and say, "WOW!" We could clearly see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. I've wanted a good scope since then.
Those are in the thousands of dollars if you can sclearly see Jupiter and the rings on Saturn.
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Imagine Aliens watching back at us using their advance telescope and here we are slickdealing for a budget telescope.
Aliens don't need telescopes as they can zip to said destination in a blink of an eye by warping time/space ahead of them to "physically" travel through the vastness of space.
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A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend [telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.
Good luck!
Jon
A 6-8" Dobsonian would get my vote. That is, so long as you don't mind it being a little bulky to move around.
Celestron Starsense Explorer (102, 130, 150mm) models are kind of neat too, for the smartphone finder capability.
And for those on a budget (and secure table to use), the scope I mentioned above, the Onesky tabletop.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank The_Love_Spud
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
- At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
- A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
- A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend [telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.Good luck!
Jon
or this one? https://www.adorama.com/baae10100.html
or this one? https://www.adorama.com/baae10100.html
I'd go with the Explore Scientific over the two you listed. I expect the optics of the ES refractor to be fine... and I expect the mount to be between somewhat tolerable (yet very annoying) to completely terrible.
For $150 or less, I'd suggest folks look for local deals on CL or Facebook and get a used scope. Sometimes $75-$125 will even get you a 4.5-6" dob, if you are lucky.
At $70 or less, look for 80-100mm refractors with somewhat reasonable AZ mounts (meaning non-yoke style) and slow motion knobs.. They'll likely still be troublesome, but possibly somewhat acceptable.
I like the reflector tabletops too for beginners, and pre-covid you could find 114-130mm tabletop reflectors at $150-$200 brand new. But unfortunately they are more expensive now. For those w/ $250 or so, this is a considered a good starter scope -- https://shop.astronomer
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
- At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
- A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
- A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend [telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.Good luck!
Jon
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Namelessme
I'll throw in my two cents... I expect the other poster to have good suggestions as well.
A 6-8" Dobsonian would get my vote. That is, so long as you don't mind it being a little bulky to move around.
Celestron Starsense Explorer (102, 130, 150mm) models are kind of neat too, for the smartphone finder capability.
And for those on a budget (and secure table to use), the scope I mentioned above, the Onesky tabletop.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank jiari
If you're not willing to spend the higher costs now, you can find plenty of used options. CL and FB marketplace are good places to look for used. Also, Adorama and BH Photo also sell used equipment at very good prices. Note, if you only see the telescope for sale without a base, it is sometimes listed separately in telescope accessories.
You can also join Cloudynights which is a great site for reviews. They have a classified section and depending on location, you may find a deal.
Expect to spend extra for reasonably good eye pieces.
Clear Skies.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
If you're not willing to spend the higher costs now, you can find plenty of used options. CL and FB marketplace are good places to look for used. Also, Adorama and BH Photo also sell used equipment at very good prices. Note, if you only see the telescope for sale without a base, it is sometimes listed separately in telescope accessories.
You can also join Cloudynights which is a great site for reviews. They have a classified section and depending on location, you may find a deal.
Expect to spend extra for reasonably good eye pieces.
Clear Skies.
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
- At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
- A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
- A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend [telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.Good luck!
Jon
A cheap refractor telescope like the one in this deal can be usable for someone like a young kid (or anyone less interested in handling more precious binoculars or storing a larger telescope) to get a better peek at the moon, but I'd typically argue in favor of even cheaper reflector telescopes for that kind of application. Comparable models are smaller, even cheaper, and can often be improved upon if/when that becomes an interest.
Despite any arguments in favor of or against cheap refractor or reflector telescopes, at the $70 price the only thing you'd be buying of any quality really is a pair of binoculars.
My own take modifies one that I would reinforce from a popular review site, so consider my opinions below with some context from the linked site:
- At this price point, maybe think about binoculars
- A reflector telescope at this price point can often be made better with modifications/accessories (See even just the top paragraph in this article)
- A refractor telescope at this price point (like the one in this deal) is usually hopeless garbage despite some of the functional advantages that get cited by advocates for them (Compare and contrast a review from the same site as the one above for the Celestron 114AZ which also does not recommend [telescopicwatch.com] the Celestron 70AZ)
For the money I'd note that binoculars have many of the advantages a refractor would provide without being garbage at the given $70 price point. I'm not dismissing the arguments in favor of refractor telescopes, I'm just dismissing the quality argument when shopping $70 telescopes. No $70 telescope is going to be great out of the box, period. If you're lucky, they'll do the basics without being too frustrating to diminish the experience for the (usually) enthusiastic users.Good luck!
Jon
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