Customer Reviews

MEADE 51501 Polaris 60 AZ-D Refractor Telescope

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

 

 

The notion of a $99 telescope is very attractive, but don't think a scope of this size and quality will deliver those stunning NASA-like images of Saturn and Jupiter you're used to seeing on TV.

This is a modest little scope, capable of modest magnification. The 60mm (2-1/2 inch) objective lens means that the absolute maximum maginification this scope is capable of is about 100x. The spindly tripod, however, makes viewing at anything over 40x or so near impossible.

Through this scope (and similar ones) Saturn and Jupiter will appear like little dots- about the size of a dime 10 or 15 feet away. You'll just be able to make out that Saturn has rings. Views of the Moon will be much better- you'll be able to see details in craters that can keep you busy for a long time- and some star culsters and deep-sky objets will be interesting viewing if you have a dark sky to use this scope under.

But that tripod is still a problem. If you do buy this scope, use it sitting down, with the tripod at its shortest length, and some weights attached to stabilize it, and you'll be rewarded with a more usable scope. Still, you'll be better off saving another $100 and getting a slightly larger scope with a sturdier mounting.

not a bad little telescope but the eye pieces are of the poorest
quality .not what i expected from a company with such a good name.
if you use the scope with out the 3x barlow (total junk) and with out angle mirror (also very poor resoslution )and use the eye piece dirrectly its just ok . then add a stone or other near by heavy object on tripod stay and the shaking will stop..
adjust the thumb screws so you get just enough resistance to move scope -good luck -and buy better eye pieces if you plan to keep it ..

With a Name like Mead, one would think they would not corrupt their product with such useless optics. It is not as good as my Astrolon: (see Review here at Amazon in Toys) and that,s saying some; has a giant diffraction ring in the objective glass. (Bad) and the Equatorial Mount sags unbeleivably when trying to focus an object in the eyepeice. In short, a horrid experience. I,m sending mine back to Heartland America before the 30 days are up. Better for someone to spend a little more money and get a better scope; something like the Celestron 80MM Powerseeker (...)

with this cheap and cheerful 'scope from Meade. I liked their 90-AZ-F model far more, but it's [$$$] more expensive and you have to purpose build a stable viewing platform out of red brick in order to use it, so as a compromise, the 60-AZ-D is a much better choice. For children wishing to spy on school friends two blocks down you can't go wrong with this. Does exactly what it says on the box - "Warning - this product may contain nuts."

Its nice and you can look at the stars and its so fun.

Using this telescope opened up a whole new world to my children. Educational, durable, and fun.

I like this twlescope a lot because of it attractive features a magnificant look.