Orion StarBlast 102mm Altazimuth Travel Refractor Telescope - Portable Beginner Telescope for Views of Moon, Planets, and Deep-Sky Nebulas

I expected mediocre optics, since the scope is vert short (“fast”), which typically means lack of precision in an inexpensive product. After some rather tough testing, by my standards, I was amazed. Very little to no chromatic issues (“color”) and no detectable astigmatism or edge distortion. That’s my opinion. Some have described this scope as “cheap” looking. I have had gorgeous looking scopes that were lousy. The only issue is the tripod/mount, which is minimally useful. I have a large number of things to mount this on, so I’m charmed. I highly recommend this purchase with the suggestion of a better mount. A kick to use!

After setting it up , which took a few minutes, I was already off viewing the moon. Very easy to use, especially since it comes with an altazimuth mount. Simply put the stand down where u want it, toss the telescope onto it , point, look , and enjoy. I like the nice handy storage bag it comes with too. Let's me store the telescope away from dog hair and dust particles. I purchased an orion zoom eyepiece along side this and a Barlowx3 lens from celestron. Saw the moon in very good detail and looking forward for future nights in observing some nebulas and star clusters as well .Would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants something quick, easy, and well built .Pros:- The stand, telescope, and eyepieces all fit in the bag nicely- The telescope is very sturdy and well built, good quality all around- Good for quick views , no need to wait hours for temperature change/cool down- Very portable and easy to take anywhereCons:- The stand can wobble the image when fully extended. Would recommend keeping it as low to the ground as possible- The red dot finder isn't the best quality at all, feels very cheap. It's not as good as the Orion EZ Finder II, but still works well enough to get the job done.

This is a great telescope for a quick view. It's easy to set up, and the views are great. It works well for celestial and terrestrial views. It lives up to the refractor reputation.PROS: Great crisp views, easy to set up, easy to use, great views of the moon, great wildlife views.CONS: Tripod wobbles a little on windy days, had to add a little grease on the alt-azimuth controls in order to maximize the operation of the tripod.

I would save some money and jusy buy something better unless this is for a child you will get bored very quickly

Weight : slightly heavyTripod : Weak (there was a problem with the screw, send a replacement)Moon/Jupiter/Saturn: Very VisibleI love this telescope.

Compact but powerful enough with Barlow lens optional accessory too see just about everything a starter scope should see. Actually the 3rd telescope I'd owned in my life and its probably the best of the three......

I actually liked the design of this telescope. It's easy to assemble and light weight. I was looking for an easy to use "grab and go " scope. It's design seemed a good fit for what I was looking for. However, when I assembled the scope I discovered some debris clinging to the inside of the main objective lens. I'm not sure what it was but it had the appearance of small paint splatters. Some paint was also chipped off of the end of the scope tube under the lens cap. I returned the scope and was given a prompt refund which I greatly appreciated. This was my first experience with an Orion product. I don't know if this kind of problem is frequent with this company or just a anomaly. But it did not create a positive impression.

Bought this for my 23 yr old son for Xmas! HeSaid it was easy to assemble ... and the quality was way better than imagined

Excellent little thing does the job perfect and so easy to transport thank you