argos refractor

argos sell a celestron 60mm refractor,is it a good beginners scope for the
observing the moon/jupiter/saturn?
thanks.

aj wrote:
argos sell a celestron 60mm refractor,is it a good beginners scope for the
observing the moon/jupiter/saturn?

In a word, no. At least, not without modification.


Best,
Stephen

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Originally Posted by aj

argos sell a celestron 60mm refractor,is it a good beginners scope for the
observing the moon/jupiter/saturn?
thanks.

The scope at
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...er/5803666.htm
is fairly typical for non-specialist vendors and it would be prudent to check this scope's image quality via a Google search.

A typical trick [hopefully not from Celestron badged products] is 'stops' behind the main OG lens to sharpen up the image from a poor OG lens. It's easily checked by looking down through the scope the wrong way round. The light from the eyepiece at the other end should be visible even when the eye placed at the extreme edge of the main OG lens to prove the light is not being blocked. If it is - avoid the product!

The simple mount makes it difficult to point at objects and keep them in view except for the lowest powers. Typical hype is the absurd magnification quoted eg x600 when the Barlow added to 4mm eyepiece - the latter eyepiece is probable useless anyway.

That said I still have an old 60mm f/11 Dixon refractor that gave quite pleasing views of Mars with good ortho eyepiece x120 max in 1971[!] - see bottom of page http://home.freeuk.com/m.gavin/mars03.htm

Nytecam

"aj" wrote in message
...
argos sell a celestron 60mm refractor,is it a good beginners scope for the
observing the moon/jupiter/saturn?
thanks.


It might be optically OK but rather limited at 60mm and it only has an
alt/az mount. You can guarantee the eyepieces will be rubbish as well.

Last year in November Lidls had a 70mm Skylux (?) scope with equatorial
mount for ~£50 and there are loads of comments around the web about what a
cracking piece of kit it was for the money. They may have it again this
year, of course it isn't possible to guess exactly what Lidls specials are
likely to be next but it might be worth waiting a few weeks.

Henry

In article , Henry wrote:
Last year in November Lidls had a 70mm Skylux (?) scope with equatorial
mount for ~£50 and there are loads of comments around the web about what a
cracking piece of kit it was for the money. They may have it again this
year, of course it isn't possible to guess exactly what Lidls specials are
likely to be next but it might be worth waiting a few weeks.

I bought my son one of these lidl scopes last year and was very pleased
with it, ISTR we bought it around November time. If you look at
www.lidl.co.uk you can see their specials for the next couple of weeks
(the telescope isnt listed, I've just looked).
My only criticism would be that the highest magnification eyepiece
wasn't too good but the 26mm ( I think its 26 ) is fine. If youre brand
conscious, on the box it says the scope was made by Meade.

FWIW I noticed the same scope for sale as a Bresser (but still branded
skylux) for £99 on some telescope web site the other day. From Lidl it
was £60 :-)

--
Ian Newham

http://www.IanNewham.com

argos sell a celestron 60mm refractor,is it a good beginners scope for the
observing the moon/jupiter/saturn?thanks.

I wouldn't, Asda were doing a 70mm Meade this time last year, very
reasonable.
jc

I wouldn't, Asda were doing a 70mm Meade this time last year, very
reasonable.

Would this be a similar item?:

http://www.asdachristmasgiftguide.co...es/gifts.html?
search=telescope&submit.x=31&submit.y=18


DR

Would this be a similar item?:
That's the one.
jc

Would this be a similar item?:
That's the one.

Would that be a good starter telescope for someone starting out who has a
minor physical disablilty that impedes movement of the arms?


DR

Would that be a good starter telescope for someone starting out who has a
minor physical disablilty that impedes movement of the arms?

Should do, so long as they can focus it. Definitely try before you buy.
jc