A Priceless Telescope?
We often express frothing rage at their very existence in our universe but these cheap "department store" telescopes are ubiquitous in the marketplace. This week's winning review takes a look at and through one of these little devils. Are they all truly as evil as we say they are?
Comments:
A great article about reasonable expectations for these inexpensive telescopes. Its too bad that most don't get the professional 'tweaking' that this scope did. <br><br>I enjoyed reading this article very much.<br><br>Keith
This was a great article! I hadn't thought about this either - preferring to go along with the "cheapo scope-bashing" crowd. But then I think back to 1968 when I was 13. I got a 60mm Sears refractor on an alt-az mount. On sale for $13.95! I saw lots of cool stuff with that scope and that really piqued my lifelong interest in astronomy. I have a C-14 now and spend a good many nights each year doing public astronomy programs. Maybe I should add a "cheapo" refractor to my evening setup for the kids to play with. Thanks for the idea! (It would be interesting to compare the Wal-Mart scope to my old Sears refractor. I don't remember that old scope being "wobbly" or unsteady at all).
Yes, I had a Tasco scope, back in the early 1970's. I remember my Dad building a better tripod for it. It was a lot of fun to look at the Moon. While many telescope experts tend to dismiss these "cheapo" scopes, if they are used correctly (e.g. viewing the Moon and brighter objects), they can be a good introduction for children and other beginners. Also for use for sidewalk astronomy events.
This is an egaging piece for children of all ages and very well done.
Thanks everyone, for reading, and for the nice comments. <img class='' src='http://new.astromart.com/astromart/javascripts/sceditor/emoticons/grin.png' alt='grin' title='grin'/> <br>David Elosser
If I ever see anyone frothing over a telescope, or even enraged over one (unless it's stolen or vandalized), I will have to seriously consider a gentler hobby, like jousting.
<img class='' src='http://new.astromart.com/astromart/javascripts/sceditor/emoticons/grin.png' alt='grin' title='grin'/> <br>I guess Paul was taking poetic license.<br>David E
I had s.a.a. in mind when I wrote that. I have seen some considerable steam boil out of people on the subject of department store scopes.<br><br>But my usual response to queries about a teaser is, "did it get your attention?"<br><br> 8)
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