Let’s Talk About Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope offers an accessible entry point into the world of astronomy, combining portability with decent light-gathering capabilities. This compact telescope, manufactured by Galileo, is designed for easy setup and use on any stable surface. Its 80mm primary mirror and simple Dobsonian mount make it a compelling option for beginners and casual stargazers alike.
I’ve always been fascinated by the night sky, but lugging around a full-sized telescope has never been appealing. I needed something compact and easy to set up for quick observing sessions in my backyard or during camping trips. The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope seemed to fit the bill perfectly, offering a good balance of portability and performance.
Unboxing the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope, I was immediately impressed by its compact size and sleek matte black finish. The telescope felt surprisingly solid for its size, with the base having a reassuring weight to it. The optical tube assembly (OTA) also felt well-constructed, and the helical rack and pinion focuser seemed smooth and precise.
I considered other small telescopes, such as some beginner refractors with equatorial mounts. However, the Dobsonian mount of the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope stood out due to its simplicity and intuitive use. The Dobsonian design is known for its ease of use, and its light gathering ability for its size won me over.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to try out the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope and see what it could reveal. It seemed like a great balance of portability, ease of use, and decent optics for a reasonable price.
Real-World Testing: Putting Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
My first observing session with the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope was in my backyard on a clear, moonless night. Setting up the telescope was incredibly easy; I simply placed the base on a sturdy table, attached the OTA, and inserted an eyepiece. It was quick, simple, and ready to go in minutes.
The telescope performed well, considering its aperture and the light pollution in my area. I was able to easily locate and observe the Moon, Jupiter, and several bright stars. The views were clear and sharp, especially with the 20mm eyepiece, though light pollution was still a factor.
The only issue I encountered was with the Mars’ Eye electronic finderscope. It was difficult to align accurately, and I found it easier to locate objects using the low-power eyepiece and manually sweeping the sky.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope, I’ve found it to be a reliable and enjoyable instrument for casual observing. It’s held up well, despite being transported in the back of my car on multiple camping trips. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs.
Cleaning the primary mirror has been relatively straightforward, requiring only occasional dusting with a soft brush and microfiber cloth. The focuser still operates smoothly, and the base remains stable. The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope continues to outperform my expectations for a telescope in this price range.
Compared to my previous experiences with larger, more complex telescopes, the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope is a breath of fresh air. Its simplicity and portability make it far more likely that I’ll actually use it regularly.
Breaking Down the Features of Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 80mm. This determines the telescope’s light-gathering ability, influencing the brightness and detail of observed objects.
- Focal Length: 500mm. This impacts the telescope’s magnification and field of view, where shorter focal lengths provide wider fields of view, and are ideal for viewing larger objects.
- Color: Black. This refers to the sleek matte black finish of the base and OTA.
- Condition: New. The unit is new.
The 80mm aperture provides a decent amount of light-gathering power for viewing brighter objects like the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. The 500mm focal length offers a good balance between magnification and field of view, making it versatile for different types of astronomical observing.
Performance & Functionality
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope performs admirably for its size and price, providing clear and satisfying views of many celestial objects. Its simple design makes it easy to use, even for complete beginners. The telescope’s strengths lie in its portability and ease of setup.
However, its relatively small aperture limits its ability to resolve faint deep-sky objects. The Mars’ Eye electronic finderscope could also use improvement in terms of accuracy and ease of use. The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope does exceed expectations considering its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to transport and set up. The build quality is decent, with the base providing a stable platform for observing. The telescope’s lightweight design makes it easy to handle.
The Dobsonian mount is inherently user-friendly, allowing for smooth and intuitive tracking of celestial objects. There’s virtually no learning curve, making it a great option for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope appears to be reasonably durable, capable of withstanding regular use and transportation. Its simple design minimizes the number of parts that could potentially break down. Cleaning and maintaining the telescope is easy.
Occasional cleaning of the primary mirror and lubrication of the focuser are all that’s typically required to keep it in good working order. With proper care, the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope should last for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope comes with two 1 1/4″ eyepieces: a 20mm eyepiece and a 6mm eyepiece. These eyepieces provide magnifications of 25x and 83x, respectively. It also includes the Mars’ Eye electronic finderscope.
While there aren’t many official customization options, the telescope is compatible with standard 1 1/4″ eyepieces from other brands. This allows users to expand their eyepiece collection and explore different magnifications and fields of view. Using better quality eyepieces can significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Pros and Cons of Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope
Pros
- Great value for the price; an affordable entry into amateur astronomy.
- Extremely portable and easy to set up, ideal for travel and spontaneous observing sessions.
- Simple Dobsonian mount is intuitive and user-friendly, perfect for beginners.
- Decent optics provide clear views of the Moon, planets, and brighter stars.
- Compatible with standard 1 1/4″ eyepieces for expanded viewing options.
Cons
- Relatively small aperture limits its ability to resolve faint deep-sky objects.
- Mars’ Eye electronic finderscope can be difficult to align accurately.
- Plastic components on the focuser may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
Who Should Buy Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope?
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope is perfect for:
- Beginners who are curious about astronomy and want an affordable and easy-to-use telescope.
- Casual observers who enjoy stargazing but don’t want the hassle of a large and complicated telescope.
- Families with children who want to explore the night sky together.
- Campers and travelers who want a portable telescope that they can easily take on the go.
Who should skip this product?
- Experienced amateur astronomers who are looking for a telescope with a larger aperture and more advanced features.
- Those who primarily want to observe faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A good quality zoom eyepiece will provide a wider range of magnifications.
- A Telrad finder will aid in finding objects quicker.
- A carrying bag will protect the telescope during transport.
Conclusion on Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope
The Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope is a fantastic option for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of astronomy without breaking the bank. Its portability, ease of use, and decent optics make it a compelling choice for beginners and casual observers alike. The price of $139.99 is certainly justified by the value it provides.
While it’s not a replacement for a larger, more powerful telescope, the Galileo Dobsonian Table Top Telescope offers a convenient and accessible way to explore the night sky. I would personally recommend it to anyone who is just starting out in astronomy or who wants a portable telescope for travel. Get out there and explore the universe!