Let’s Talk About Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
The Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope offers an entry point into astronomy and terrestrial viewing, packaged with features designed to ease the learning curve. Marketed by Cassini, this telescope promises clear, upright images thanks to its erect image prism, a feature often sought after by beginners who find inverted telescope views disorienting. Paired with a smartphone adapter, it aims to integrate modern technology with traditional stargazing.
My interest in this telescope stemmed from a desire to introduce my nephew to the wonders of the night sky. I needed a telescope that was user-friendly, provided decent views, and wouldn’t break the bank. The Cassini seemed to fit the bill, especially with the added incentive of smartphone integration for capturing those first glimpses of celestial objects.
Unboxing the Cassini, I was immediately struck by its lightweight construction. The aluminum optical tube felt reasonably sturdy, but the plastic components of the mount and tripod raised some concerns about long-term durability. The included accessories – eyepieces, Barlow lens, finderscope, and smartphone adapter – seemed comprehensive for a starter kit.
Compared to a Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ (a similar beginner telescope) and a smaller Bushnell spotting scope, the Cassini offered a potentially better terrestrial viewing experience with its erect image prism. I chose the Cassini for its erect image prism and bundled smartphone adapter, features that aligned with my desire for ease of use and potential astrophotography with my nephew. While the Celestron boasted a more robust equatorial mount, the Cassini’s altitude-azimuth mount seemed more intuitive for a complete novice.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism. The lightweight nature and plastic components made me wonder about its stability and longevity. However, the erect image prism and smartphone adapter sparked excitement, hinting at a user-friendly experience and potential for capturing some basic astrophotos.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope in my backyard on a clear, moonless night. The setting was suburban, with moderate light pollution, but still conducive to observing brighter celestial objects like the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. Assembly was straightforward, although the tripod felt a bit wobbly even with the legs fully extended.
Performance in the moderate light pollution wasn’t stellar, but not unexpected. The included eyepieces provided reasonable views of the Moon and Jupiter. The Mars Eye electronic finderscope proved helpful for aligning the telescope with brighter objects, though it required careful calibration.
The initial learning curve was minimal. The altitude-azimuth mount, while not as precise as an equatorial mount, was easy to manipulate, allowing for quick adjustments. I appreciated the erect image prism, which made terrestrial viewing intuitive and reduced disorientation during celestial navigation.
The biggest issue I encountered was the tripod’s instability. Even slight breezes caused vibrations, making it difficult to maintain a steady view, especially at higher magnifications. The smartphone adapter was also a bit finicky to use, requiring patience to align the smartphone camera with the eyepiece properly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope continues to provide enjoyable viewing experiences, albeit with some limitations. The lightweight construction, while convenient for transport, remains a concern regarding long-term durability. The plastic components of the mount and tripod show signs of wear, particularly at the joints.
There’s no significant wear and tear on the optical tube, but the plastic components of the mount show scratches and scuff marks. Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe down the lens with a microfiber cloth after each use and store the telescope in its original box.
Compared to my previous experiences with higher-quality telescopes, the Cassini falls short in terms of image clarity and stability. However, considering its price point and intended use as a beginner telescope, it serves its purpose adequately. It provides a gateway to the world of astronomy, allowing users to observe basic celestial objects and learn fundamental concepts.
Breaking Down the Features of Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
Specifications
- Optical Tube Assembly: 800mm focal length, 60mm two-element achromat objective lens. The 60mm objective lens gathers a decent amount of light for a beginner telescope.
- Optical Design: Refractor with fully multi-coated optics and diffraction limited at Lambda 4 (1/4 wave in Sodium light). Fully multi-coated optics enhance light transmission and reduce glare, improving image brightness and contrast.
- Mount: Altitude Azimuth yoke mount with slow-motion altitude adjustment rod. The altitude-azimuth mount is easy to use for beginners, allowing for up-and-down and side-to-side movement.
- Finderscope: Cassini Mars Eye Electronic Finderscope. The electronic finderscope assists in locating objects by projecting a red dot onto the sky.
- Eyepieces: 6mm and 20mm eyepieces (1.25″). These two eyepieces offer different magnifications for viewing a range of celestial objects.
- Diagonal: Erect Image Prism. The Erect Image Prism corrects the image orientation, making terrestrial viewing more natural.
- Barlow Lens: 3x Barlow. The 3x Barlow lens triples the magnification of each eyepiece, increasing the telescope’s potential magnification.
- Tripod: Fully Adjustable, Pre-assembled Metal Tripod with retractable rubber feet. Adjustable tripod legs allow the telescope to be used on uneven surfaces.
Performance & Functionality
The Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope performs reasonably well for a beginner telescope. It delivers clear, upright images, particularly at lower magnifications, making it suitable for observing the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. Its erect image prism enables terrestrial viewing.
Its strength lies in its ease of use and portability, but its weakness is the stability of the tripod, which can affect image clarity at higher magnifications. The instability of the tripod is its biggest weakness.
For what it is, it meets expectations. It is a good beginner telescope.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for its price point, with an aluminum optical tube and mostly plastic mount and tripod components. The aluminum optical tube enhances sturdiness. The telescope is lightweight and easy to transport.
It is relatively user-friendly. There is a slight learning curve due to the mount.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and storage, it can last several years. The mount might need replacing after some time.
It is easy to clean and maintain. The microfiber cloth makes it easy to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope comes with two eyepieces (6mm and 20mm), a 3x Barlow lens, a Mars Eye electronic finderscope, an erect image prism, and a smartphone adapter. There are limited customization options beyond upgrading eyepieces or adding a better tripod.
The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25″ eyepieces from other brands, allowing users to expand their viewing capabilities. The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25″ eyepieces.
Pros and Cons of Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Erect image prism for comfortable terrestrial viewing.
- Includes smartphone adapter for basic astrophotography.
- Easy to assemble and use, suitable for beginners.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons
- Unstable tripod, prone to vibrations.
- Plastic components raise concerns about long-term durability.
- Limited light-gathering ability compared to larger telescopes.
Who Should Buy Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope?
Perfect for: Budding astronomers, children, or anyone seeking an entry-level telescope for casual stargazing and terrestrial viewing. The telescope is perfect for those seeking an entry-level telescope.
Who should skip this product? Experienced astronomers or those seeking high-quality images and precise tracking. Those seeking high quality should skip this product.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A sturdier tripod would significantly improve the viewing experience. A sturdier tripod would improve the viewing experience.
Conclusion on Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
The Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope provides a decent entry point into the world of astronomy and terrestrial viewing at an affordable price. While its limitations, such as the unstable tripod and plastic components, are noticeable, its ease of use, erect image prism, and smartphone adapter make it appealing to beginners.
The price is justified for those seeking a starter telescope with basic features and a user-friendly experience. The price is justified for its features.
I would recommend it as a first telescope for children or anyone curious about exploring the night sky without breaking the bank. It offers a gateway to a fascinating hobby.
Consider the Cassini if you’re looking for an affordable and user-friendly telescope to spark your interest in astronomy, but be prepared to upgrade the tripod for a more stable viewing experience. Grab your Cassini 800mm x 60mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope today and start your journey into the cosmos!