First Impressions of Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope promises a gateway to the cosmos for beginners and casual stargazers alike. It boasts an erect image prism for terrestrial viewing, a smartphone adapter, and a pre-assembled metal tripod. The promise of clear celestial views and easy setup immediately piqued my interest, as I’ve been seeking a portable and user-friendly telescope for introducing astronomy to my family.
My journey into astronomy started with a pair of binoculars and a star chart. I always wanted a telescope, but was intimidated by the complex setup and inverted images common in astronomical telescopes. The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope seemed to address both of these concerns, with its erect image prism and included accessories that promised a hassle-free experience.
Unboxing the Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope revealed a well-packaged set, with each component securely nestled in its place. The metal tripod felt surprisingly sturdy, and the optical tube assembly had a solid feel, exceeding my initial expectations for a telescope in this price range. The inclusion of the smartphone adapter was a pleasant surprise, suggesting a modern approach to astrophotography.
I considered the Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ and the Orion SpaceProbe 76mm before settling on the Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope. The erect image prism and the included smartphone adapter made it the most appealing option for my needs. Those models are great for astronomical viewing, but I also wanted something versatile enough for daytime terrestrial observation.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope presents itself well, but the proof is always in the viewing. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could deliver on its promise of clear, user-friendly stargazing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope on a clear night in a relatively dark location about an hour outside the city. The goal was to observe the moon and a few bright planets. Setting up the telescope was straightforward, and the altitude azimuth mount proved easy to maneuver.
The views through the 20mm eyepiece were surprisingly crisp, especially of the lunar surface. The included Mars Eye electronic finderscope helped with initial target acquisition, although it took a bit of practice to align it accurately with the main telescope. I did notice some chromatic aberration (color fringing) around brighter objects, which is common in refractor telescopes in this price range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope has held up reasonably well. The tripod remains stable, and the optical tube shows no signs of wear and tear. The slow-motion altitude adjustment rod is a welcome feature for making fine adjustments.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens with a microfiber cloth. The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope has provided enjoyable viewing experiences and has sparked a genuine interest in astronomy within my family. While not a high-end instrument, it delivers excellent value for its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 72mm. This determines the light-gathering ability of the telescope, influencing the brightness and detail of observed objects.
- Focal Length: 800mm. The focal length dictates the magnification power when combined with different eyepieces.
- Finderscope: Galileo Mars Eye Electronic Finderscope. This helps with aiming the telescope at specific celestial objects.
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated. This reduces light loss due to reflection, resulting in brighter and sharper images.
- Mount Type: Altitude Azimuth Yoke Mount. This allows for easy up-and-down and left-and-right movement.
- Eyepieces: 1/4” 6mm and 1/4” 20mm. The 6mm eyepiece provides higher magnification, while the 20mm offers a wider field of view.
- Barlow Lens: 1/4” 3x Barlow Lens. This triples the magnification of any eyepiece used with it.
These specifications contribute to a telescope that is relatively easy to use, offers decent magnification, and delivers reasonably bright images for its size. The fully multi-coated optics and erect image prism enhance the viewing experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope performs admirably for its intended purpose: introducing beginners to astronomy. The erect image prism makes it suitable for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, increasing its versatility. The included eyepieces and Barlow lens provide a range of magnification options, although the image quality degrades noticeably at higher magnifications.
A notable strength is its ease of use. The altitude azimuth mount is intuitive, and the slow-motion control allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects. The electronic finderscope, while not perfect, helps to locate targets more quickly. One weakness is the presence of chromatic aberration, which can be distracting when observing bright objects.
Design & Ergonomics
The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope boasts a simple, functional design. The metal tripod provides a stable base, and the optical tube assembly feels solid and well-constructed. Its weight makes it relatively easy to transport.
The telescope is generally user-friendly, although aligning the electronic finderscope requires patience. The focuser is smooth and responsive, allowing for precise image adjustments. The inclusion of a smartphone adapter is a thoughtful touch, enabling users to capture and share their observations.
Durability & Maintenance
The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope appears to be reasonably durable, thanks to its metal tripod and sturdy optical tube. With proper care, it should last for several years of casual use. Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving cleaning the lens with a microfiber cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope comes with a 6mm eyepiece, a 20mm eyepiece, a 3x Barlow lens, the Mars Eye electronic finderscope, the G-SPA Smartphone adapter and Stellarium software. The eyepieces are standard 1/4″ size, allowing for the use of aftermarket eyepieces for improved image quality or different magnifications. Further customization could include a better diagonal mirror.
Pros and Cons of Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
Pros
- Good value for money: Offers decent performance at an affordable price.
- Erect image prism: Suitable for both terrestrial and celestial viewing.
- Easy to set up and use: Ideal for beginners and casual stargazers.
- Includes smartphone adapter: Allows for basic astrophotography.
- Sturdy tripod: Provides a stable viewing platform.
Cons
- Chromatic aberration: Color fringing visible around brighter objects.
- Image quality degrades at high magnification: Limited by the quality of the optics.
- Electronic finderscope can be difficult to align: Requires patience and practice.
Who Should Buy Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope?
Perfect for: Families with young children interested in astronomy, beginners seeking an easy-to-use telescope, casual stargazers who want a versatile instrument for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. This is also great for apartment dwellers with limited storage.
Who should skip this product? Experienced amateur astronomers seeking high-performance optics, those primarily interested in deep-sky observing, and individuals who demand pristine image quality at high magnifications should look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A higher-quality diagonal mirror and additional eyepieces would enhance the viewing experience. A good carrying case will aid in transporting the telescope to darker locations.
Conclusion on Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope
The Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope is a solid entry-level telescope that offers excellent value for its price. Its ease of use, erect image prism, and included smartphone adapter make it a compelling option for beginners and casual stargazers. While it has limitations, such as chromatic aberration and image degradation at high magnification, these are minor drawbacks considering its affordability and versatility.
The price is definitely justified. It is a perfect way to enter the hobby without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable, user-friendly telescope to spark their interest in astronomy. If you are ready to take your first steps into the cosmos, the Galileo 800mm x 72mm Erect Image Prism Refractor Telescope is a great place to start. Don’t just dream about the stars – go out and see them!