Jack,

I'm a beginner too. You should definitely go for it!

Maybe some of this is repitition of what's been said - not
intentional!

We took apart my first telescope (~40 yrd old Tasco 1.75" refractor)
and cobbled in a homemade pvc focuser and attached the tube to a
simple photo tripod. Then added a decent 1 1/4" ($50 eyepiece). I
expect many here would be quite surprised. Sure, lots of shortcomings.
But definitely capable of giving you a look at some detail on Jupiter,
Saturn's rings, and at least some neat Messier objects. As well as
what will look like awesome views of the moon.

The eyepiece is really important. With the original ep's the view was
terrible. You can get a good used eyepiece for much less than $50.
Preferably 1 1/4".

Your mount and tripod will probably be pretty shaky. You can improve
things by hanging a weight (milk jug filled with water or sand) from
the center. If you have a decent photo tripod you can attach the
scope. Lot's of simple ways to do this.

Gary Fuchs


"rick" wrote in message ...
Hi,

Before we begin, I know that this telescope is a very basic one, I know that
there is better models for a few dollars more, etc. But I will buy it using
AirMiles points, so in a sense it cost me nothing and this is the only model
of telecope available with AirMiles. So don't bother to recommand me bying
another brand, this is THIS telescope or nothing. And the "nothing" means
that my wife will grab all the AirMiles points to buy something else for
her... haha! ;-)

Telescope specs are at the end of the message.

So, what can I expect to see with this telescope?

Saturn rings?
Jupiter?
Neptune?
Other galaxies or nebulas???
Asteroids???

I have absolutely no idea what can be seen with this telescope, and at which
size and quality. For example, how Jupiter will appear in that telescope?
Smaller then a dime nearly without colors, or bigger?

Or course the Moon will be viewable, but what more can I see that I don't
already see with my eyes? What kind of details will I see?

Of course the best way to give me a good idea is to direct me on a website
with images taken with a telescope of this power. An image worth 1000
words! ;-)

So, even if the telescope is "free", I want to be able to have fun with it
and not only looking at the moon.

Thanks for your comments everyone.
Jack

TELESCOPE SPECS:

Bushnell Deep Space Series
MODEL # 78-9512
SPECIFICATIONS: 420x60mm Refractor
FOCAL LENGTH (mm): 700
EYEPIECES: 5mm, 20mm
MAGNIFICATIONS: 35, 105, 140, 420