Let’s Talk About Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope
The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope promises an accessible entry into the world of astronomy, blending a sizable aperture with a user-friendly tracking system. Manufactured by Cassini, this telescope boasts a 135mm primary mirror, a 900mm focal length, and a suite of accessories designed to enhance the viewing experience, including a color filter wheel and electronic finderscope. The inclusion of the “Tracker” mount hints at its ability to follow celestial objects with ease, making it appealing to both beginners and those seeking a portable option.
My journey towards the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope started with a renewed interest in the night sky. Years spent in tactical roles had trained my eyes for observation, but typically of terrestrial targets, and now, I wanted to apply those skills upward. I needed a telescope that offered decent light-gathering capabilities without a steep learning curve, something that wouldn’t intimidate me with complex computerized systems.
Unboxing the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope, I was immediately struck by the substantial feel of the components. The metal tripod felt solid and pre-assembled, a huge plus for someone eager to get started, and the optical tube assembly had a reassuring heft. The inclusion of the color filter wheel was a welcome surprise, suggesting a thoughtful approach to enhancing planetary viewing.
I considered the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ and the Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector before settling on the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope. While the Celestron offered similar aperture, its mount seemed less intuitive based on user reviews; the Orion, while praised for its optics, lacked the tracking features I desired. The Cassini struck a balance of aperture, tracking capability, and a complete accessory package.
My first impressions were positive, bordering on excited. The telescope felt well-built, the accessories seemed comprehensive, and the promise of easy tracking beckoned me towards the next clear night. I was eager to see if it would truly deliver on its promise of making astronomy accessible and enjoyable.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope in a relatively dark rural location, about an hour outside of the city. The conditions were dry, with minimal wind, but temperatures were cool, hovering around 45°F.
The telescope was relatively easy to set up, thanks to the pre-assembled tripod; I only needed to attach the optical tube and finderscope. The “Tracker” mount took a little getting used to; the micro-adjustments were effective for fine-tuning, but the overall motion felt slightly stiff initially. The Mars Eye Electronic Finderscope helped significantly with initial object acquisition.
One initial issue was achieving precise focus, particularly at higher magnifications. The provided 10mm Plossl eyepiece offered decent views, but the image quality wasn’t as sharp as I’d hoped; however, this can be expected from beginner telescopes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope has held up reasonably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the optical tube or tripod.
The telescope requires minimal maintenance; I’ve only needed to dust the mirrors occasionally using a microfiber cloth and compressed air. The tracking mount, while still a bit stiff, has become smoother with use, and I have gotten used to it.
Compared to a smaller refractor telescope I used years ago, the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope offers significantly brighter and more detailed views. It still doesn’t compare to professional-grade instruments, but it is a significant improvement for amateur astronomy.
Breaking Down the Features of Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 135 mm. This larger aperture allows for more light gathering, resulting in brighter and more detailed images.
- Focal Length: 900 mm. This affects the magnification and field of view; a longer focal length generally results in higher magnification.
- Mount Type: Cassini TRACKER mount w/Slow Motion Vertical & Horizontal Manual Controls. This enables smooth and controlled tracking of celestial objects.
- Finderscope: Cassini Mars Eye Electronic Finderscope. This helps in locating objects by projecting a red dot onto the sky.
- Eyepieces: 1″ 10mm Plssl Eyepiece and 1″ 25mm Astroscopic Eyepiece. The eyepieces determine the magnification; the 10mm provides higher magnification, while the 25mm offers a wider field of view.
- Barlow Lens: 1″ 3x 2-Element Astroscopic Barlow. This triples the magnification of any eyepiece used with it.
- Color Filter Wheel: 1.25″ Format with Nebula, Planetary, and Empty/Clear settings. Filters enhance the contrast of specific celestial objects.
- Tripod: Fully Adjustable Heavy Duty, Pre-assembled Metal Tripod w/Accessory Tray. A stable platform is essential for clear viewing.
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated. This reduces light loss and improves image brightness and contrast.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the telescope’s performance. A larger aperture captures more light, leading to brighter images. The Tracker mount is crucial for maintaining a steady view, while the included accessories offer versatility for different types of astronomical observations.
Performance & Functionality
The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope performs reasonably well for its price point. It is capable of providing clear views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and some brighter deep-sky objects.
Its main strength is its ease of use; the Tracker mount simplifies the process of following objects as they move across the sky. A minor weakness is the quality of the included eyepieces; investing in better eyepieces would significantly improve image sharpness and clarity.
The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope meets expectations for an entry-level reflector telescope. It provides an accessible and enjoyable introduction to astronomy, but advanced users may desire higher performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope features a black finish and a straightforward design. The metal tripod and optical tube feel sturdy, while the plastic components, such as the focus knob, are adequate.
The telescope is generally user-friendly, although the Mars Eye Electronic Finderscope can be tricky to align initially; a small amount of practice is required. The Tracker mount is intuitive to use, but its stiffness can be a minor annoyance.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope should last for several years. The metal components are durable, but the plastic parts require careful handling to prevent damage.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving occasional cleaning of the mirrors and lenses. A dust cover is recommended to protect the optics when the telescope is not in use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope comes with a decent set of accessories, including two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, and a color filter wheel. There are also accessories, like the accessory tray on the sturdy tripod.
It is compatible with standard 1.25″ eyepieces, allowing for easy upgrades. The finderscope can also be replaced with a higher-quality model, such as a Telrad or Rigel QuikFinder.
Pros and Cons of Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope
Pros
- Large 135mm Aperture: Gathers ample light for brighter and more detailed views.
- Easy-to-Use Tracker Mount: Facilitates smooth tracking of celestial objects.
- Comprehensive Accessory Package: Includes eyepieces, Barlow lens, and color filter wheel for varied viewing experiences.
- Pre-Assembled Metal Tripod: Provides a stable and convenient setup.
- Affordable Price: Offers good value for an entry-level telescope.
Cons
- Eyepiece Quality: The included eyepieces could be sharper and clearer.
- Tracker Mount Stiffness: The mount’s motion can be somewhat stiff, especially initially.
Who Should Buy Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope?
Perfect for: Beginning astronomers, families interested in exploring the night sky, and individuals seeking a portable and affordable telescope.
Who should skip this product? Experienced astronomers seeking high-performance optics, and those who require precise computerized tracking.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A set of higher-quality eyepieces (e.g., Plossl or ED eyepieces), a collimation tool for aligning the mirrors, and a red flashlight for preserving night vision.
Conclusion on Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope
The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope provides a solid entry point into the captivating world of astronomy. Its large aperture and user-friendly Tracker mount make it an excellent choice for beginners, and the included accessories offer a versatile viewing experience.
The price of $299.49 is justified, considering the telescope’s features and performance. The Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope offers good value for money, especially for those looking for an accessible and affordable way to explore the night sky.
I would personally recommend this telescope to anyone interested in starting their astronomical journey. It is not a perfect instrument, but it is a capable and enjoyable telescope that will ignite a passion for the stars. If you’re ready to peer into the cosmos, the Cassini 900mm x 135mm C-900135TR Tracker Reflector Telescope is a great place to start!