beginner's telescope

• Highly affordable and easy to use Dobsonian base, perfect for beginners
• Great all-around astronomical viewing performance
• Aluminized and overcoated mirrors
• Carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package
• Enough light gathering power to allow simple study of galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. Diameter: 76mm, Focal Length: 300mm
• 2 interchangeable eyepieces (2 Barium eyepieces with 10 mm (30x magnification) and 25 mm focus (12x magnification)

The telescope has an easy to use mount, making it easy to find object in the sky even for children. The objective lens is a 60mm achromatic lens made of glass. The image quality is perfect to observe lunar craters, check out Jupiter's athmosphere and its moons, and Saturn's ring system, or even Martian polar caps can be observed, not talking about the phases of Venus. Famous double stars (Albireo, Castor, e Lyrae, Mizar-Alcor) also reachable.

The eyepieces (Barium 20 and 10mm) are of good quality in contrast to many department store telescopes. The eyepieces provide 35x and 70x magnification. Maximum available magnification is 100x. An erecting adaptor is included which makes it possible to use the telescope during daytime.

The Luna 60 achromatic telescope is highly recommended for beginners. This is the smallest telescope available in our shop but thanks to its quality cannot be compared to department store telescopes. The maximum magnification is 120x which is ideal to observe lunar craters, Jupiter's athmosphere and moons, plus Saturn's ring system or martian polar caps and phases of Venus. Famous double stars (Albireao, Castor, e Lyrae, Mizar-Alcor) are also reachable. Many deep sky objects can also be observed. A standard 1.25" rack and pinion focuser is included. A solar projection shield is included which makes it possible to observe sunspots safely. The EQ-1 equatorial mount can be equipped with clock drive as well.

This is the smallest Newtonian telescope (that can be compared to the 60/900 refractor). Both telescopes feature similar size and accessories. Even though the mirror is 16mm bigger than the objective lens of the other scope but due to the central obstruction gathers the same amount of light as the 60mm refractor. Sold on an EQ-1 mount and comes with a better 6x30 finderscope. The eyepiece position is the biggest difference between the two scopes. The refractor can be recommended for children while the Newtonian scope is better usable for adults.

The Luna 70 70mm objective lens provides 36% brighter image than the 60mm model and gives somewhat better resolution. The long focal length (900mm) objective lens show very small color aberration even at high magnifications. All surfaces are fully multi coated, making the image bright and contrasty. The magnification can be increased even to 150x. Thanks to the bigger objective lens more deep sky objects are reachable. The set includes two Barium eyepieces (10 and 25mm) delivering 36x and 90x magnifications. The full magnification range is 20x-150x. The 90 degrees star diagonal included makes the observation comfortable. The focuser is a standard 1.25" rack and pinion with brake and T2 thread which can be useful when taking astrophotos. The EQ-1 mount has slow motion controls on both axes and can be equipped with a clock drive as well. The legs can be extended to set the proper height of the mount.

Many other eyepieces, Barlow lenses, solar-, deep-sky and moon filters are available.

The 114/900 Newtonian telescope gathers 225% more light than the 76mm model. This model is a very popular beginner's telescope available on the smallest equatorial telescope (EQ-1).

The theoretical resolution of a 114mm telescope is 1" and can show stars down to magnitude 13. Can be used to observe Moon, planets and shows surprising details. Saturn's Cassini-division is easy to see, just like Jupiter's athosphere and the jovian moons. Hundreds of brighter deepsky objects are also visible, from under dark skies globular clusters show individual members, Dumbell- and Ring-nebula is easy to observe, not talking about the famous Orion-nebula. All deepsky objects brigher than 10.5 magnitude are reachable. The magnification range is from 22x to 220x. Two Barium eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) are included (36x and 90x). The EQ-1 mount can be equipped with a clock drive. For better experience an EQ-2 mount is recommended.

This telescope is recommended for astronomical observations and also photography. The scope is lightweight and short, so it is easy to transport. The central obstruction is 32% only resulting in a contrasty and color aberration-free images. Sold on an EQ5 mount which is sufficient for this short and lightweight tube (length is 24cm, with focuser 29cm). The focuser has a T-mount as well to attach a camera. A 10mm and 25mm Barium eyepiece is included (50x and 125x) and a 31.7mm star diagonal and StarPointer as well. The magnification range can be extended to 30-180x. The EQ1 mount can be equipped with a clock drive as well. Baader solar filter is available.

The popular 114mm fast telescope is an ideal beginner's telescope.

Contains a parabolic main mirror to ensure the maximum magnification of about 180x. The parabolic mirror gathers lots of light so even fainter deep-sky objects can be observer from under dark skies. The mirror's quality makes the scope excellent for lunar and planetary observing as well.

The scope is lightweight and compact, even children can easily operate it.

The EQ1 mount provides fine movement and later a clock drive can be installed. Although lightweigh, supports the short and lightweight scopes quite well.

The package contains a 10mm and a 25mm Barium eyepiece (20x and 50x magnification). Further eyepieces can be used to cover all magnification range.

The 114/900 Newtonian telescope gathers 225% more light than the 76mm model. This model is a very popular beginner's telescope available on the smallest equatorial telescope (EQ-1).

The theoretical resolution of a 114mm telescope is 1" and can show stars down to magnitude 13. Can be used to observe Moon, planets and shows surprising details. Saturn's Cassini-division is easy to see, just like Jupiter's athosphere and the jovian moons. Hundreds of brighter deepsky objects are also visible, from under dark skies globular clusters show individual members, Dumbell- and Ring-nebula is easy to observe, not talking about the famous Orion-nebula. All deepsky objects brigher than 10.5 magnitude are reachable. The magnification range is from 22x to 220x. Two Barium eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) are included (36x and 90x).

The EQ-2 mount can be equipped with clock drive and is more stable and robust than the EQ-1.

The Luna 80 is a mid-range beginners' scope. Recommended for beginners requiring a slightly more powerful telescope. Compared to Luna 70 this model has many advantages. The focuser is made of metal, just like its finderscope, which can be removed from the telescope in a second for transportation. The objective lens is a 80mm air spaced Fraunhofer lens with 900mm focal length gathering 31% more light than the 70mm model, with increased resolution. Under perfect conditions even the Cassini-division can be observed in Saturn's ring system, or the Great Red Spot on Jupiter can also be observed, just like martian continents. Under dark skies many globular clusters and some galaxies can also be seen. The telescope comes with two Barium eyepieces (10 and 25mm) resulting in 36x and 90x magnifications. The mount is an EQ-2 model which is similar to EQ-1 but is more robust. The mount can be equipped with a clock drive as well. An adjustable (45 or 90 degrees) star diagonal is also included. The scope can be used with Amici-prism as well which provides an erect image for daytime observations.

The 130/900 Newtonian telescope is the largest modell in the small scopes series. With its 90cm focal length it is similar to the 114/900 telescope. The difference in price is minimal, but this telescope gathers 30% more light than the 114mm model. From accessories point of view the two telescopes can be considered simiar as well. A very popular scope, many amateur's first telescope.

This model can be used better than the 114mm model especially when observing deep sky objects. Thanks to the faster focal ratio and spheroid mirror the image is not that perfect. A similar model with better optics is the Sky-Watcher 130/650 telescope.

The 130mm mirror can be used not only for lunar and planetary observations but can show many deep sky objects as well under excellent conditions. While the main mirror in most of the smaller telescopes is spheroid this 130/650 model has a paraboloid main mirror making it usable even for higher magnifications. The f/5 focal ratio results in a short tube, so the telescope is easy to carry and handle. While the 650mm focal length might seem short, the good quality optics make it possible to use higher magnifications using a Barlow lens. A 10mm and 25mm Barium eyepieces included (26x and 65x magnification) but the magnification range can be extended up to 260x. The 34.5mm secondary mirror causes 26% central obstructions only. The EQ2 mount can be equipped with clock drive.

An advanced model with 2" Crayford focuser is available, that makes it possible to use 2" eyepieces and different correctors.

Gabor Santa received this model from the HAA and has written a complete test: When I received the telescope I really did not realize what a treasure I got. I realized it only after observing the Veil Nebula and the Double Cluster. I don't have any negative experience about this Sky-Watcher 130/650 telescope. This is an universal scope: can be used to observe variable stars (including inner sanctum), observing and drawing deepsky objects and lunar features, and double stars. I don't take any astrophotos so cannot judge the telescope's capabilities on this field. For visual observations, including serious ones, this is very well suitable: easy to transport and still a high performer. Will present many memorable moments to its user - and the best telescope is the one which is used frequently. I'll do so!

The 60/700 refracting telescope is mounted on a computer controlled GoTo  mount. The telescope is moved using the built-in motors (the speed is adjustable in 9 levels) making it easy to check any area in the sky. The mount tracks the objects seen in the telescope, making it possible to show the celetial wonders to friends as well without a need to adjust the telescope continuously. The hand controller contains thousands of interesting objects that can be choosen and the mount will position the telescope automatically - observation without an astronomical almanach and star charts. Powered from AA batteries (not included). The 60/700 AZ GT is an ideal beginner's scope for the whole family. Recommended magnification is from 20x to 100x. This is the cheapest GoTo telescope available.

This is a popular 114mm fast reflecting telescope mounted on an alt-azimuth goto mount. The quality parabolic mirror provides magnifications up to 150x. The light gathering power makes it possible to observe brighter deep-sky objects, especially from under dark skies, while it is still excellent for lunar and planetary observations. The mount is comparable to EQ2, but is much easier to use, and more lightweight. Contians quick drives and provides GoTo functionality for 40000 objects. Requires 12V AC power, which can be provided by using the provided battery pack, car lighter adaptor or a Power Tank. The package contains a 10mm and 25mm Barium eyepiece (20x and 50x magnifications).

The Mira 150S Newtonian telescope provides 33% more light than the 130/650 model. The F/5 main mirror makes the telescope a very versatile one. Magnification range is from 25x up to 250x, meaning that both deep sky objects and small details on the lunar surface can be observed. The tube length is 70cm, and is easy to transport. The EQ-3 mount is robust and makes tracking easier. The finderscope is an achromatic 6x30 one. Two eyepieces are included, a Barium 10 and 25mm ones delivering 30x and 75x magnification. The achromatic barlow lens is also included, so magnifications 30x, 60x, 75x and 150x are available. The scope features a 2" Crayford focuser making the telescope capable of astrophotography as well. The EQ-3 mount can be equipped with many accessories, including clock drive, GoTo kit, polarscope. A piggyback adaptor makes it possible to take guided astrophotograps.