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This would still be a good deal mainly from the scope being an aperture size larger than the 80AZ. you don't get the app enabled from the 80AZ but you could get your own app to map the sky or look at objects using your phone. This deal gives you a finder that is mounted on top of the scope, use a phone app like stellarium or some other Astronomy app to find things in the sky and look at the shape of stars and constellations. then use the finder to see that constellation to find your way in the sky. You'll learn A LOT faster than relying on the phone mounted on the scope. Think of it more like you are being forced to memorized phone numbers naturally than letting a phone dial for you and when you are in an emergency, you just call out the number by heart. Whenever you walk outside and look at the sky, you know what you're looking at without any aid because you can recognize the shape of the stars and constellations
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I asked chatgpt a few questions. Seems like a pretty good value for $160, mount isn't the best, called it "portable-ish", doesn't have a smartphone aided locator. I was asking which one I should get the other day, and based on upgradability, and simplicity using(i'm a beginner) with a budget under $300 it recommended the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ
I asked chatgpt a few questions. Seems like a pretty good value for $160, mount isn't the best, called it "portable-ish", doesn't have a smartphone aided locator. I was asking which one I should get the other day, and based on upgradability, and simplicity using(i'm a beginner) with a budget under $300 it recommended the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ
This would still be a good deal mainly from the scope being an aperture size larger than the 80AZ. you don't get the app enabled from the 80AZ but you could get your own app to map the sky or look at objects using your phone. This deal gives you a finder that is mounted on top of the scope, use a phone app like stellarium or some other Astronomy app to find things in the sky and look at the shape of stars and constellations. then use the finder to see that constellation to find your way in the sky. You'll learn A LOT faster than relying on the phone mounted on the scope. Think of it more like you are being forced to memorized phone numbers naturally than letting a phone dial for you and when you are in an emergency, you just call out the number by heart. Whenever you walk outside and look at the sky, you know what you're looking at without any aid because you can recognize the shape of the stars and constellations
I asked chatgpt a few questions. Seems like a pretty good value for $160, mount isn't the best, called it "portable-ish", doesn't have a smartphone aided locator. I was asking which one I should get the other day, and based on upgradability, and simplicity using(i'm a beginner) with a budget under $300 it recommended the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ
I bought the celestron 70AZ LT this summer and no matter what I did I couldn't get the tripod to hold still. It has the same kinda mount tripod this one does and by the time you tighten it close and let go, it drooped down just enough that the star you were tracking was out of frame. Maybe because it was the cheaper model it wasn't as good but hopefully the tripod on this one is more than just visually the same
Been waiting for a slick deal on a decent telescope for years. Most are cheap junk but this one seems like decent quality to at least look at the moon with my kids. I added the phone mount for $20 and light filter for another $12. All in about $205. Can't wait!
I bought the celestron 70AZ LT this summer and no matter what I did I couldn't get the tripod to hold still. It has the same kinda mount tripod this one does and by the time you tighten it close and let go, it drooped down just enough that the star you were tracking was out of frame. Maybe because it was the cheaper model it wasn't as good but hopefully the tripod on this one is more than just visually the same
A star or object you look at eventually leaves view because the sky rotation. The only way to get the telescope to track is buy an electronic mount that's upwards of $600 or more. Scope not included too. To counter the vibration, you could try putting a sandbag attached to the bottom of the tripod, on top of the eye piece tray or tie it down to dangle below the eye piece tray.
This is not a guide and I am not an expert (not even close), but...
In the hours of research I did about a getting a casual, fun telescope, every thing/one called these types of telescopes "hobby killers". Meaning, they are frustrating enough to use that people eventually give up on the idea of stargazing altogether.
From my research, if you're serious about wanting to get into the hobby, but aren't ready to go all in, start with 10x50 binoculars. Apparently you can actually achieve a lot.
If you're still really into it and find yourself wanting more and to go deeper, then get a Dobsonian telescope. Period. End of conversation. You can do the research and what that is and what that means, but seems like a decent used one will set you back at least about $250 to start.
So if you're ok taking a gamble on $160, maybe it's worth going an extra $100 for a used Dobsonian for some? For me, I'm starting my journey with binoculars.
This is not a guide and I am not an expert (not even close), but...
In the hours of research I did about a getting a casual, fun telescope, every thing/one called these types of telescopes "hobby killers". Meaning, they are frustrating enough to use that people eventually give up on the idea of stargazing altogether.
From my research, if you're serious about wanting to get into the hobby, but aren't ready to go all in, start with 10x50 binoculars. Apparently you can actually achieve a lot.
If you're still really into it and find yourself wanting more and to go deeper, then get a Dobsonian telescope. Period. End of conversation. You can do the research and what that is and what that means, but seems like a decent used one will set you back at least about $250 to start.
So if you're ok taking a gamble on $160, maybe it's worth going an extra $100 for a used Dobsonian for some? For me, I'm starting my journey with binoculars.
Really appreciate this comment. Going with the binoculars. Can you please link the ones you chose?
Been waiting for a slick deal on a decent telescope for years. Most are cheap junk but this one seems like decent quality to at least look at the moon with my kids. I added the phone mount for $20 and light filter for another $12. All in about $205. Can't wait!
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from Kracker509
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Really appreciate this comment. Going with the binoculars. Can you please link the ones you chose?
I ended up just buying some budget Simmons 10x50s Pro Sports brand new from someone on FB marketplace. I literally just got them and haven't had a chance to try them at night yet. The daylight magnification and clarity seems great, but I haven't gotten the "bi" part of bi-noculars dialed in just yet. Not sure if I've got a bum/fake pair or just unable to get them cleanly focused. But they are very well reviewed on amazon as far as cheap binoculars go. I figured if I enjoy what I and the kids can see with that, maybe I'll get a nicer pair. And then I can decide if I actually want a dobsonian.
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This would still be a good deal mainly from the scope being an aperture size larger than the 80AZ. you don't get the app enabled from the 80AZ but you could get your own app to map the sky or look at objects using your phone. This deal gives you a finder that is mounted on top of the scope, use a phone app like stellarium or some other Astronomy app to find things in the sky and look at the shape of stars and constellations. then use the finder to see that constellation to find your way in the sky. You'll learn A LOT faster than relying on the phone mounted on the scope. Think of it more like you are being forced to memorized phone numbers naturally than letting a phone dial for you and when you are in an emergency, you just call out the number by heart. Whenever you walk outside and look at the sky, you know what you're looking at without any aid because you can recognize the shape of the stars and constellations
A star or object you look at eventually leaves view because the sky rotation. The only way to get the telescope to track is buy an electronic mount that's upwards of $600 or more. Scope not included too. To counter the vibration, you could try putting a sandbag attached to the bottom of the tripod, on top of the eye piece tray or tie it down to dangle below the eye piece tray.
In the hours of research I did about a getting a casual, fun telescope, every thing/one called these types of telescopes "hobby killers". Meaning, they are frustrating enough to use that people eventually give up on the idea of stargazing altogether.
From my research, if you're serious about wanting to get into the hobby, but aren't ready to go all in, start with 10x50 binoculars. Apparently you can actually achieve a lot.
If you're still really into it and find yourself wanting more and to go deeper, then get a Dobsonian telescope. Period. End of conversation. You can do the research and what that is and what that means, but seems like a decent used one will set you back at least about $250 to start.
So if you're ok taking a gamble on $160, maybe it's worth going an extra $100 for a used Dobsonian for some? For me, I'm starting my journey with binoculars.
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In the hours of research I did about a getting a casual, fun telescope, every thing/one called these types of telescopes "hobby killers". Meaning, they are frustrating enough to use that people eventually give up on the idea of stargazing altogether.
From my research, if you're serious about wanting to get into the hobby, but aren't ready to go all in, start with 10x50 binoculars. Apparently you can actually achieve a lot.
If you're still really into it and find yourself wanting more and to go deeper, then get a Dobsonian telescope. Period. End of conversation. You can do the research and what that is and what that means, but seems like a decent used one will set you back at least about $250 to start.
So if you're ok taking a gamble on $160, maybe it's worth going an extra $100 for a used Dobsonian for some? For me, I'm starting my journey with binoculars.
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