I јυѕt ordered a Tasco Luminova 675×60mm Refractor EQ telescope. I wanted tο remain under $100. I’m јυѕt a beginner, аnd basically want tο view thе planets аnd moon. Dіd I mаkе a gοοd сhοісе wіth thіѕ scope?
Tags: experiences, Luminova, Tasco, Telescopes
UNFORTUNATLY YOU GOT WHAT YOU PAID FOR. iT’S OK FOR A BEGINNER,BUT IT WON’T TAKE LONG WHEN YOU WILL BE INTERESTED IN MORE SCOPE.
I’m sorry to say this, but you did not. A telescope with a 60mm objective should never be pushed above a magnification of about 200x.
NEVER BUY A TELESCOPE BASED ON MAGNIFICATION!
Ever.
For under $100, I would recommend getting a pair of binoculars, not a telescope. You would be amazed at what a decent pair can show. After you decide that you like the hobby, you can get a starter scope for about $200.
A decent pair of binoculars is better than a cheap telescope.
You can look at the moon and the planets, and scan the Milky Way and nebulae.
Why didn’t you ask us BEFORE you bought it?
As someone else already said, *never* buy a telescope that markets itself primarily based on magnification. This is a sure sign that not only is the manufacturer playing on common assumption, but also that the scope itself is probably junk.
That said, I used–and still use–such a telescope that I got for a present as a kid. If you treat it well, it will work well enough. A few pointers, though:
1. ) Do not use the telescope above about 120x.
2. ) The tripod will almost certainly be jittery in the slightest wind; you may want to weigh it down with something.
3. ) Don’t use the Barlow. You should probably ditch the eyepieces as well, which I’m guessing are cheesy Ramsdens or Huygenians; even mine at least came with a decent Kellner. If you see an “SR”, “R”, or “H” symbol on the eyepieces, save your strength–order a few basic eyepieces from a reputable dealer (Orion, Meade, Celestron, etc. ), perhaps with an adapter as well, from . 965 to 1. 25 for a better field of view.
Unfortunately, ordering this extra equipment will put you well above $100, making it almost worth returning the scope and buying a more expensive one. I leave that judgment to you, though–as someone else already wrote, this telescope could at least whet your appetite for something better.
I’m sorry I can’t be cheerier, but good luck. For what it’s worth, there are a few excellent, but relatively cheap scopes that can be had from Orion for $200 and under, namely their XT 4. 5, which has had nothing but stellar reviews.