Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope - Compact & Portable Beginner Astronomy Telescope Ideal for Adult and Family Stargazing

When I was a kid, I had a Sears 3" refractor. I actually got good use out of that scope. I was able to see the rings of Saturn and the spot on Jupiter as well as its Galilean moons. Fast-forward to my early-/mid- adulthood (with a 7 y/o son), and I wanted to get a scope with a larger primary diameter. Light research on the web showed me that reflectors were the way to go. One improvement that I was looking forward to was the absence of chromatic aberration. To tell you the truth, I don't know if it's just that I haven't used my refractor in a long time, but the SkyScanner blows the 3" refractor away in clarity. Clearly the increased aperture improves the view greatly.The mount on this scope is also a joy to use compared to the Sears refractor. The Sears scope had thumb screws and support rods that could barely keep the scope aimed on your target. The SkyScanner has a grippable knob to turn the stabilizing screw --- easier to tighten and loosen.As bonus, the mount of the SkyScanner has a tripod-mount hole. I put a Dolica quick-mount plate on it. This makes it easy to mount and unmount from my Dolica tripod, which I also use for photography. The SkyScanner's rubber feet are taller than the quick-mount plate, so I can leave the plate attached when not mounted on the tripod. Dolica has very affordable tripods that are very stable and configurable into various heights and base widths. I set the scope and tripod at a height that is good for both my son and me.Get the Orion 05662 1.25-Inch 13 Percent Transmission Moon Filter (Black) for looking at the moon.

My first telescope which I chose from reviews for less than $200. Easy to set up and use from the well-packaged box. Had to watch a few easy-to-find videos on youtube about the assembly and viewing to make sure I did it right and got some tips - made it much simpler. Got the telescope to see what I could view of mars while it was closer to moon, still, was only a small disc not even worth seeing with my vision (slightly blurry with glasses on and off). Glasses were actually in the way. According to manual, I need to look into additional eyepieces that have “longer eye relief” when wearing glasses. Also, may need that for viewing other small (far away) planets such as jupiter and saturn with glasses on. Next was the view of the moon which was a late riser on 08/01/18. Waited till after midnight to see it which was 3/4ths full on a clear night. Got a great view of it and look forward to a full moon. I put my iphone 5 camera up to lens as best and as steady as I could, posted couple pics. Used 10mm eyepiece with 2x Barlow (sold separately). Moon was bright, but was able to view without a moon filter (sold separately). If it were a full moon on a clear night, may need a moon filter with that Barlow 2x. Have not looked at Jupiter and saturn yet. I am 56. Could see moon very clearly without glasses (2.0 R/2.75 L, Farsighted). First-timer seeing the moon so close in a telescope was like wow! & woughhhhh!!! & awesome & freakish! I am only 5’2 so sitting on ground with telescope in front on ground made scope too long for me to lean over to look into eyepiece without nudging it out of focus. Was easier and steadier for me to sit on ledge of cushioned lawn chair with a steady foot stool in front of me with telescope on it. Did not use EZ Finder 2 Reflex Sight. I will later get a 4mm eyepiece and a Barlow 3x in hopes for larger/closer views of Saturn, etc.Very satisfied for the price and excited about more viewing. Will enjoy this as long as it lasts. Praise God for telescopes and outer space wonders!

This is the first telescope I have every used. I decided to buy one after taking an astronomy course. I wasn't sure of what to buy but, after a little bit of research and discussing telescopes in class i decided to purchase this one as a beginner scope. Pricing was a major factor in choosing this scope and i have to say it was well worth it for a beginner type telescope. I have been able to see very nice detail on the moon and have been able to view Saturn and its rings and Jupiter so far(not in great detail). It works very well for looking at large objects close to earth. It is easy to put together and easy to use as far as finding objects and focusing on them. It is not difficult to pack and take to different locations or use in your own back yard. Also, don't forget to purchase a moon filter. You will need it. The only thing that can get annoying is the fact that i usually have to stand over the scope for long periods of time or find something to set it on that is the same height as my chair and then i have to sit hunched over it to see in the lens all while trying not to touch the scope to much so it doesn't shake because, the eyepiece is so high up on the scope. If this sounds like to much trouble to you i suggest looking in to ones with a stand or a Refractor telescope.