Buying Your First Refractor Telescope

I spent a modest about of money and got a pretty good little telescope.
** Please: DO NOT DOWNLOAD AND RE-UPLOAD THIS VIDEO. JUST SHARE THE LINK

[@TimTools99]

Suggestion: When you order your refractor telescope, get online and download the user manual. Then when the scope arrives, you will already be familiar with all the adjustments etc. I learned that the two screws on the focuser each have separate functions. One screw lets you determine the tension on the focuser and the other screw locks the focuser when not in use.

[@TimTools99]

I located a user manual online for these Refractors. It's too bad companies do not include manuals with their products dow days. I have a lot of equipment from years ago and I still have the original manuals to this day. So much better than printing something off the internet.

[@classicgamer1968]

Wow, nice setup and review.Last year I bought Orion's 120mm f/5 refractor with the Versago II AltAz tripod (along with the 2" dielectric diagonal and RACI finder scope). For wide-field, deep-space observing it's excellent, for planetary you get the chromatic aberration purple halo effect.All the best to you!

[@TimTools99]

+classicgamer1968 Thanks for your kind words. Good luck with your Astronomy.

[@murraysmith45]

Thank you for posting this video it was helpful and enjoyable to watch. I am sure your weather is nicer there than the Scottish summer! Not sure if I should buy a telescope or a periscope with this weather. Clear skies :)

[@linou1968]

Hello can observe planets and deep sky with it? And thé nature ? Thx .are you happyof it?

[@2012truth1776]

@2:25 I love that sound : ) Would be a good Astrophotography scope also.

[@TimTools99]

Oh Yes. It's a really nice triplet for the money. I have gotten some real nice wide-field images from this scope.

[@GamjaField]

Looks neat.. I'm planning to buy this one just for astrophotography purpose. Great review, thank you!

[@TimTools99]

Thanks SeriousFox. (Love that handle.) Yes, it has some great optics. I've taken some nice pictures of the moon with it. Just got a finder scope so I can try some pictures of Saturn and Jupiter next!

[@slapastronomy8646]

Congrats on picking up a very nice little scope. I hope it is still performing well for you. Scott

[@TimTools99]

Ho Scott. I really like this little telescope. It is especially nice for wide-field deep sky imaging and terrestrial work too.

[@slapastronomy8646]

An 80mm to 90mm short tube ED or apo is a very useful observing tool. Scott

[@TimTools99]

Got my first eyepiece for the telescope. Explore Scientific 2" 100* 18mm. I have read a lot about eyepieces and plan to purchase others. Looking at the Orion 1-1/4" 13mm next. It has a generous 20mm eye relief. It sounds like a peach!

[@07350z]

hows that Explore Scientific 2" 100* 18mm eyepiece working out?

[@TimTools99]

Catnip Mcgee Wow! these new eyepieces are amazing! I am still learning and "eye relief" is an important factor. The 18mm eyepiece has 13mm eye relief. It's hard to use with my glasses but the image of the moon was spectacular. I already ordered my second eyepiece. Went with Orion 13mm Stratus Wide-Field 68 degree field of view. Usable in both 1-1/4 & 2" focusers. Eye relief on this one is 20mm. I bought a doubler so with these two eyepieces, I will get 26,52,36,72 powers with my scope.

[@TimTools99]

***** ... and it was on sale at telescope.com for $129. Saved $15.00

[@TimTools99]

Sent the Orion Eyepiece back. Didn't like it.

[@07350z]

***** Bad optics? Looked like a decent eyepiece.

[@GoldSrc_]

Nice little scope, thanks for sharing

[@TimTools99]

You are welcome.

[@dennismau9103]

Tim. For terrestial use what would you need to invert the image and where would you get it?

[@TimTools99]

Refractor telescopes will produce an image that is upside down when used without a diagonal. When a diagonal is used the image will be corrected right side up, but backwards from left to right. Most telescope packages include a diagonal, so you will be all set.

[@skyprop]

I know this is just for show. But for real. the first thing I noticed was a mistake in attaching the Diagonal. Other than that Nice video!! Oh, the Mistake was He did not evenly tighten the 3 screws to hold down the diagonal. This may Misalign the focal path.

[@TimTools99]

I was probably in a hurry but thanks for the comment. This can help other people

[@TheSpacePlaceYT]

How much does this cost? $1000?

[@filipmartvon9451]

is this just for astrophotography or you can also just watch through it without camera and see objects at night sky ?

[@TimTools99]

Oh yes ... It's a regular telescope. I just use it for astrophotography. You can just slap an eyepiece in there and it's a nice little telescope.

[@TimTools99]

I found a reasonably priced mount and tripod for the scope. I decided on an Altazimuth style mount for my first mount. The Orion Orion VersaGo II Altazimuth Telescope Mount for $169.00 (on sale) looks like a good quality set-up at a reasonable price.

[@07350z]

could you do a video of your set up? great video btw.

[@TimTools99]

Catnip Mcgee Okay Catnip ... as soon as I get the mount. I will do another video. The mount was delivered yesterday but the box was damaged. When I opened the box, the mount was missing .... only tripod was in the box. I called Orion and they shipped out another VersoGo II.

[@07350z]

***** sorry to hear about your mount, glad Orion is taking care of you quick. I have been eyeing Explore Scientific 80mm triplet refractor for some time now and after watching your video I think I'm going to pull the trigger.

[@TimTools99]

Catnip Mcgee I am a newbie to Astronomy but the scope seems week built. Here is a link to where I got my deal: www.highpointscientific.com/explore-scientific-ed80-refractor-telescope-only-ted0806-01?EXS-TED0806-01&gclid=Cj0KEQjwgryfBRDn7cvY-pOit4cBEiQAB3nTbirOJwiUn6SVb0UpF8gsz3VJ4YRCtdJeOUvKyYXwQZkaAt8b8P8HAQ

[@TimTools99]

+TimTools99 "well built"

[@hurita9483]

Thanks very much for your video. good review.

[@TimTools99]

Thank you.

[@waynerogers5485]

Been a few years. So, how did that work out for you?

[@TimTools99]

I absolutely love that little 80mm telescope! I have gotten some really nice images through it.

[@janakiyeluripati6368]

Hi Timtools, I'm planning to buy a telescope for my six year old daughter. Please suggest me a beginner one under $50. What parameters should I consider before buying like diameter of the lens, focal length and what else for best viewing. Also what happens if the tripod stand is short. Will that hamper your view. Please answer I am an amateur at this

[@TimTools99]

My first telescope was a 3" Reflector. I still have the telescope 50 years later. A Refractor telescope is nice because you can use it to see things on land or in the sky. A little 60 or 80mm Refractor is perfect because it is portable and you can easily take with you anywhere. You won't get much for $50 unless you buy used from somebody. Here's one that is recommended for beginners: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1356275-REG/levenhuk_67687_skyline_60x700_az_telescope.html

[@ewok4907]

Buy a binoculars instead.

[@bustedrav]

Looks like the more expensive model is a triplet, being it has 3 groups of Optics, usually more desirable and produces better image quality.

[@TimTools99]

Yes, the Triplet is the best scope for Astro-Photography. Thanks for watching

[@Hamlocks]

TimTools99 both models look like triplets

[@javieruriel]

Where did you get it?

[@TimTools99]

OPT Telescopes

[@nettyvoyager6336]

i use one like that as a guide scope :)

[@TimTools99]

Wow! What's it sitting on?