Let’s Dive into Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit
The Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit promises a gateway to the cosmos, boasting an 80mm aperture and a suite of included accessories. Marketed towards beginners and casual stargazers, this reflector telescope aims to deliver impressive views without breaking the bank. Galileo is known for offering entry-level optics, but does the FS-80Z hold up to the expectations of a seasoned gear specialist?
My journey with telescopes began with a department store refractor as a child, a blurry disappointment that nearly turned me off astronomy forever. I was looking for a telescope that offers a clear image and a good starting point for my son to learn about astronomy. The plethora of accessories included, especially the zoom eyepiece, seemed like a great way to explore different magnifications without swapping lenses constantly.
Unboxing the Galileo FS-80Z, I was initially impressed by the pre-assembled metal tripod. The mount is made up of cheaper materials and felt a bit wobbly. It was definitely lighter than expected.
Similar telescopes in this price range include the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ and the Meade Infinity 80mm Reflector. The Galileo was picked because of the zoom eyepiece and the promise of high magnification, which I hoped would provide a more versatile viewing experience compared to fixed focal length eyepieces. I also hoped the zoom eyepiece would alleviate the need to purchase an eyepiece kit right off the bat.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the build quality didn’t scream “premium,” the included accessories and the promise of 800mm focal length made me eager to test its performance under the night sky. I was, however, wary about the plastic parts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first night out with the Galileo FS-80Z was at a local dark sky park, about an hour outside the city. It was a humid summer night with a slight breeze. The electronic finder scope was easy to align during the daytime.
The altitude-azimuth mount proved easy to use for navigating the sky, though the slow-motion control was a bit jerky. Viewing the moon through the 20mm eyepiece was a pleasant surprise, offering a fairly sharp image. The supplied 6mm eyepiece was too much magnification, producing a dark, fuzzy image.
The Mars-Eye finder felt cheap. While the theory is sound, the execution leaves something to be desired.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Galileo FS-80Z has held up reasonably well, despite my initial concerns. There are no major wear and tear. The tripod is surprisingly sturdy, despite being lightweight.
Cleaning the primary mirror has been straightforward, requiring only occasional dusting with a microfiber cloth. The telescope requires collimation out of the box which is very common with Newtonian reflectors. The collimation screws are a bit cheap, but they do the job.
Compared to my older Celestron refractor, the Galileo’s larger aperture allows for brighter images and better resolution of faint objects. I believe it makes a good starting point, and the flaws are a good lesson for a student of astronomy to learn to overcome.
Breaking Down the Features of Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit
Specifications
- The Galileo FS-80Z features an 800mm focal length and an 80mm primary mirror diameter. These specs dictate the magnification and light-gathering capabilities of the telescope.
- It is a reflector telescope, meaning it uses mirrors to focus light. Reflectors are generally more affordable for a given aperture than refractors.
- The telescope is equipped with an altitude-azimuth yoke mount and a slow-motion altitude adjustment rod. This type of mount is intuitive for beginners, allowing movement up/down and left/right.
- Included eyepieces are 20mm, 6mm, and a 6.8mm-16mm zoom eyepiece. These eyepieces offer a range of magnifications for different viewing needs.
- A 3x Astroscopic Barlow lens and a 1.5x Erecting Eyepiece are also included. These accessories further expand the magnification range and allow for terrestrial viewing.
Performance & Functionality
The Galileo FS-80Z offers decent views of the moon and brighter planets like Jupiter and Saturn. The included eyepieces offer a range of magnification options, although the image quality suffers at higher powers. The zoom eyepiece provides convenience.
The primary mirror does a good job of gathering light for its size. However, the plastic components and the somewhat unstable mount can make achieving precise focus challenging. The included Barlow lens darkens the image considerably and is not recommended to use.
The telescope meets the basic expectations for an entry-level telescope, but experienced users will likely find its limitations frustrating. The mount is a big weakness as it is unstable.
Design & Ergonomics
The Galileo FS-80Z features a simple and straightforward design. The pre-assembled tripod is a convenient touch for beginners. The telescope tube is lightweight and easy to handle.
The altitude-azimuth mount is intuitive, but the plastic construction feels flimsy. This impacts the overall stability and user experience. The focuser is a rack-and-pinion style, providing smooth focus.
The overall build quality is adequate for the price point, but it lacks the refinement and robust construction of more expensive telescopes. The materials used feel cheap to the touch.
Durability & Maintenance
The Galileo FS-80Z is reasonably durable for casual use. The metal tripod should withstand typical outdoor conditions. The telescope tube is made of lightweight materials that may be susceptible to damage if not handled carefully.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring occasional cleaning of the optics and lubrication of the mount. The telescope can be stored easily. However, replacing damaged components may be difficult or impossible due to the proprietary design.
The optics themselves seem to be durable and of reasonably good quality. The main body and mount are the points of concern for longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Galileo FS-80Z comes with a range of accessories, including two eyepieces (20mm and 6mm), a 6.8mm-16mm zoom eyepiece, a 3x Astroscopic Barlow, a 1.5x Erecting Eyepiece, and a Mars-Eye electronic finderscope. These provide an almost complete suite of useful tools. After some experience, better eyepieces can be purchased to improve image quality.
Customization options are limited due to the proprietary design. The focuser accepts standard 1.25″ eyepieces, allowing for upgrades. Using the existing zoom eyepiece and adding a wider field of view eyepiece is a good combination for a beginner to experience a variety of views.
It is possible to attach a smartphone adapter for astrophotography. The finderscope mount cannot be swapped out for better red dot finders.
Pros and Cons of Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit
Pros
- The Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit comes with a complete set of accessories, including a zoom eyepiece, offering great value for beginners.
- The 80mm aperture provides decent light-gathering capability, enabling clear views of the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects.
- The pre-assembled metal tripod is sturdy and convenient, allowing for quick setup and stable viewing.
- The altitude-azimuth mount is easy to use for beginners, offering intuitive navigation of the night sky.
- The Manufacturer Galileo provides a good entry point for a beginner to learn about astronomy and telescopes before investing more money into the hobby.
Cons
- The plastic components of the mount and focuser feel flimsy and can impact stability and precision.
- Image quality suffers at higher magnifications, especially with the included Barlow lens.
- The Mars-Eye electronic finderscope is of low quality and can be difficult to use effectively.
Who Should Buy Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit?
The Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit is perfect for beginners, young stargazers, or anyone looking for an affordable entry into astronomy. It is great for casual observation of the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. It is also ideal for someone wanting to give the gift of exploration.
Those seeking high-resolution views, advanced features, or robust build quality should skip this product. Experienced astronomers will likely find its limitations frustrating. Anyone planning to use this telescope for astrophotography should also look elsewhere.
A decent book or star chart and a better quality 6mm or 8mm eyepiece are must-have accessories for this telescope. This offers both wide-field views and planetary detail.
Conclusion on Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit
The Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit offers an affordable and accessible entry point into the world of astronomy. While it has its limitations, particularly in terms of build quality and high-magnification performance, the included accessories and ease of use make it a decent choice for beginners. The Manufacturer Galileo offers good value for a first telescope.
The price is justified for what you get. It isn’t a premium experience.
I would recommend it with the caveat that buyers should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to upgrade certain components down the line. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly telescope to spark an interest in astronomy, the Galileo FS-80Z could be a good starting point. So, grab your Galileo FS-80Z 800x80mm Zoom Reflector Telescope Kit and start exploring the wonders of the universe!