Customer Reviews

Bushnell 78-9512 Deep Space 420 x 60mm Refractor Telescope

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Nothing will kill a beginning astronomer's interest quicker than this flimsy "department-store" telescope. Never buy a telescope based solely on claims like "420x!". The highest magnification this telescope can realistically provide under the best of viewing conditions is about 50-60x per inch of aperture, or 120-140 power in this case. Light-gathering ability is by far the most important consideration when purchasing a telescope. A much better choice for a first scope would be a 4-inch dobsonian mounted reflecting telescope, available for just a few more dollars; you DO get what you pay for.

This scope is NOT a good starter scope for anyone interested in astronomy. Here's why:

1. The objective is too small, only 60 mm, 2.36 inches, so it is too small to bring in the light necessary for even a beginning look at the universe. I suppose it is adequate for the moon, but that is it. The planets will appear as very small disks. One will be able to see Saturn's rings, but the image will be very small. Forget it for deep sky objects, clusters, galaxies, etc.

2. The mount is an altazimuth, which will not follow the celestial object in the sky. The earth is rotating, and anyone focusing on a star or moon will quickly find the object drifting out of the field of vision. A better mount is an equatorial mount which makes it much easier to track objects.

3. The mount will vibrate when touched, which will cause the image in the eyepiece to "shiver", which is very frustrating.

Even for the low price, don't be enticed by this scope; it has too many flaws. Save your money for a larger scope with a better mount.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig, astronomy buff

Bushnell always makes quality products that are still affordable for the everyday Joe, no exception here. This is a very nice telescope and a great baragain at its price. This is a perfect way for children (or adults) to learn more about stars, planets and everything else that lies out there in the universe. I highly recommend this product. You'll be amazed at what you've been missing out there. :o)

This scope is not really very good for viewing planets but is ok for the moon if you stick with the 20MM eyepiece, the 5MM, giving about 140X, is just to much for this mount as it vibrates very easily and is hard to hold anything in the FOV for very long! I think it would be better for a person to buy a 4.5 inch reflector with a Dobsian mount for just a few bucks more.

This was what I chose for my 15 year prize from work. It went to the curb for trash pick up just the other day. Junk is what it is. I was so excited to have a new back deck this summer and use the telescope with my boys. Tried for about 2 hours and wasn't worth my time. The view finder was no help. We saw more without the lenses in! Don't wast your money.

I bought this telescope for my 6 yr. daughter. It's a good telescope and good price for a starter. I didn't want to spend too much money and have her use it once. Easy to setup (comes in many pieces) and use. Comes with extra different size scopes. I have to say .. I few mfg. screws fell out (the ones needed to hold it to the stand). We easily replaced them with a slightly wider screw and it hasn't been a problem. Stand Height is adjustable. Doesn't fold up unless you take the support stand off (held on with screws). It has a good view .. it was pretty cool to see the markings in the moon. I recommend it for a beginner or young child. You get what you are paying for. This is a great price for a good+ telescope.

I bought mine several years ago and have never been disappointed with its performance. As for the self-appointed authorities on the subject, some people have limited space at home and wouldn't necessarily find the highly touted Dobsonian design to their liking. Frankly, I like a refractor better (though I've had reflectors as well, and found them satisfactory).

Given the combination of price and performance, I feel compelled to award this economical telescope four stars. So there!