I bought this knowing nothing about telescopes and not knowing what I could expect to see through this thing.
Now I know more, I think this is a decent value, but it comes with A LOT of cons.
In telescopes, the aperture size matters much more than magnification. The bigger the aperture, the better the image will be. This is a 70mm aperture (2.75 inches), which is about as small as you can get. It's typical for an "entry-level" telescope, and a decent value for the money if you want to get into stargazing without dropping 500 bucks or more on a bigger scope.
However, if I could do it over again, I would've spent more and gone with a better one.
First, as with all beginner telescopes, it is actually much harder to use than a more intermediate level one. This is something well-known in the amateur astronomy group I've joined, and they never, EVER recommend buying a beginner telescope, ESPECIALLY for kids.
Because most kids like looking AT stuff more than looking FOR it. And with this telescope, far more time is spent hunting for objects than actually looking at them.
My kid doesn't have the patience or attention span for that, but I rather enjoy the challenge, so I do it. Which brings me to the next problem.
This is made for kids. As such, the stand is very short. Which means that all the time you spend hunting for things, you'll having to be hunched over, crouched down, or kneeling on the ground.
And if you live in a place with a lot of light pollution, you won't be able to see much more than stars, the Moon, or the brightest planets. Even Mars is difficult to see through this telescope, and you can't make out any detail whatsoever on the surface.
You can make out SOME faint detail on Jupiter, especially if you go away from light pollution on a clear, moonless night. And you can just make out Saturn's rings.
Venus, on the other hand, is very easy to see. Especially now, near the end of April 2020, it is the brightest it'll be all year, so we've been looking at it every night. It's too bright, even at its dimmest, to make out any detail, but you can see what phase it's in.
Galaxies, most nebulas, and many star clusters are beyond the ability of this telescope, but that being said, I was able to see a planetary nebula called The Ghost of Jupiter last night.
For perspective, I've had a few weeks of use and practice, and feel comfortable with the telescope, and have a number of apps, charts, and star maps to help me find things, and it STILL took over an hour for me to finally find it, put it close enough to the center of my field of view to use with max magnification, and put it in focus.
And even then, it looked like a hazy, bluish star. We couldn't make out any detail or the distinctive eye-shape that can be seen with even slightly larger scopes.
Still, it was cool and the kid loved it. I consider it worth the effort, but my back is killing me today.
Don't get me wrong, for an entry-level telescope, this is good. It'll serve our needs while we save up for an upgrade. But, like all entry-level telescopes, this is harder to use and not powerful enough to see much.
All the time required to hunt for things, for what many may consider a disappointing result, could potentially end up killing a kid's enthusiasm.
If you absolutely MUST get an entry-level telescope, this is a good choice. But if at all possible, save up and get a larger aperture.
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with C
4.2 | 20,879 ratings
Price: 96.99
Last update: 01-10-2025
About this item
Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect full positive telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.
Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
Wireless Remote: Free includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
Satisfaction: TWO-YEAR warranty. And technical support from our team of experts in 24 hours.
Magnification: Come with two replaceable eyepieces and one 3x Barlow lens.3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece. 5x24 finder scope with mounting bracket and cross-hair lines inside make locating objects easily.
Wireless Remote: Free includes one smart phone adapter and one Wireless camera remote to explore the nature of the world easily through the screen and take amazing celestial images.
Adjustable Tripod: This telescope allows for many different viewing positions with a adjustable aluminum alloy tripod and a carry bag, the telescope and tripod can fit inside the bag for easy traveling and storage.
Satisfaction: TWO-YEAR warranty. And technical support from our team of experts in 24 hours.
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 24.8 x 4.92 x 8.46 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 5.72 pounds |
| ASIN | B081RJ8DW1 |
| Item model number | AZ 70400 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
23,672 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #15 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #1 in Telescope Refractors |
| Date First Available | November 19, 2019 |
| Manufacturer | Gskyer |
| Country of Origin | China |
Top reviews from the United States
jen86
Aperture matters more than magnification
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2020A Jahan
Good product for the price
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
Matt Sanjuan
Great quality
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024A.H.
Best Telescope for Beginners!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
A.H.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
Images in this review
The pc builder
Great telescope at a great price
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
The pc builder
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
I want to say it’s a great telescope will give you hours of entertainment. Please keep in mind that I used a solar filter and a celestron XY cell phone camera mount to get these results.
Images in this review
D. W. Balcom
May work for someone but I would not recommend for beginners.
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024Debbie Bernard
Absolutely love the telescope
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024Amazon Customer
nice starter telescope
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024