Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope Review

Let’s Dive into Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope

The Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope is marketed as an entry-level telescope designed to introduce beginners to the wonders of stargazing. Tasco, a brand known for its affordable optics, aims to provide a user-friendly experience with this telescope, featuring slow-motion controls and a variety of included accessories. Its key features include a 60mm objective lens, interchangeable eyepieces, and an alt-azimuth mount, promising a gateway to exploring the lunar surface and beyond.

My interest in the Tasco Luminova stemmed from a desire to share the night sky with my children. We had been camping and the kids expressed interest in learning about the constellations. I needed an inexpensive and easy-to-use telescope that could spark their curiosity without breaking the bank.

Unboxing the Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope revealed a lightweight package with numerous components. The aluminum tripod felt surprisingly sturdy for the price, though the plastic parts of the telescope itself gave off a slightly cheap impression. Initial assembly was straightforward, but the instructions were a bit vague.

Compared to other telescopes I’ve used, such as the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ (a reflector) and a smaller Meade refractor, the Tasco seemed less intimidating due to its smaller size and simpler mount. I chose the Tasco over these options because of its affordability and the promise of easy setup, hoping it would be the perfect beginner-friendly option for my family. I considered the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Eq reflector telescope too, but I prefered to test the Tasco Luminova refractor telescope due to it being more lightweight and portable.

My first impression of the Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. I was eager to see how it would perform under the night sky, but I also knew that budget telescopes often come with compromises. I wanted to know if it could provide enough value to get my kids excited about astronomy.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope in my backyard, away from most city lights, during a clear, moonlit night. The initial target was the Moon, hoping to get a detailed view of its craters and surface features. The alt-azimuth mount was easy to adjust, allowing for smooth tracking of the Moon as it moved across the sky.

The Tasco performed reasonably well in the relatively dark conditions, providing a decent image of the lunar surface. Focusing could be a bit tricky, and the image was slightly soft, but still acceptable for a beginner telescope. I tested it during colder weather too and I was impressed with how the metallic champagne finish still looked amazing.

The Tasco Luminova was incredibly easy to use, even for my kids. The slow-motion controls made it easy to make fine adjustments. The 6×24 finder scope was a valuable tool in helping locate target objects.

One initial issue I encountered was the small field of view with the included eyepieces, making it challenging to find and keep objects in sight. The provided moon filter was a nice addition, cutting down glare and enhancing lunar details. I was impressed with the quality of the Aluminium Tripod too!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. The aluminum tripod remains sturdy, but the plastic components of the telescope show some minor wear. The finish on the telescope has started to wear and fade.

There are no signs of any damage after extended use. I was careful to keep it in good condition when storing it after each use.

Maintaining the Tasco is simple; wiping down the lenses with a microfiber cloth and storing it in a dry place is all that’s needed. The included lens caps help protect the optics from dust and scratches.

Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end telescopes, the Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope doesn’t offer the same level of image quality or detail. However, for its intended purpose as a beginner telescope, it performs adequately and provides a good introduction to the hobby. For the price point, the Tasco is perfect for beginners.

Breaking Down the Features of Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope

Specifications

The Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope features a refractor design with a 60mm objective lens. This means it uses lenses to gather and focus light, offering a simple and relatively maintenance-free design. The 60mm objective lens gathers enough light for viewing brighter objects like the Moon and planets.

Its focal length is 800mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/13. A longer focal length generally means higher magnification potential, but it can also result in a narrower field of view. The f/13 focal ratio indicates that this is a relatively “slow” telescope, which is better suited for high-magnification viewing of brighter objects.

The mount is an alt-azimuth 1/STAB type, allowing movement up and down (altitude) and left and right (azimuth). This simple mount is easy to use for beginners and great for terrestrial viewing, but it might require frequent adjustments to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. The mount is lightweight and portable, which is a plus, but it may not be as sturdy as an equatorial mount.

The Tasco includes interchangeable 1.25″ eyepieces: H25mm (28x), H12.5mm (64x), and SR4mm (200x). The 1.25″ eyepiece size is a standard, making it easy to find aftermarket upgrades. These eyepieces offer a range of magnifications for viewing different types of celestial objects.

A 2x/3.3x Barlow lens is included, which can further increase the magnification of each eyepiece. The Barlow lens can be useful for achieving higher magnifications for detailed viewing of the Moon and planets, but it can also magnify any optical imperfections in the telescope.

The telescope features a 6×24 finderscope. The finderscope helps locate celestial objects before viewing them through the main telescope. Its metallic champagne finish looks great and feels sturdy too!

Additional accessories include an aluminum tripod, a Tasco SkyWatch CD-ROM with a 10,000 object database, a diagonal, a moon filter, and a solar projection screen. The included accessories provide a starting point for exploring the night sky. Be careful using the solar projection screen, as it can damage the telescope if used improperly.

Performance & Functionality

The Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope performs adequately for its intended purpose as a beginner telescope. It provides acceptable views of the Moon, allowing users to observe craters and other surface features. It also has good views of the planets with its different magnifications.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use and portability, making it accessible for beginners. However, its weaknesses include a narrow field of view and slightly soft image quality.

While it meets basic expectations for a budget telescope, it does not exceed them. More advanced users will likely want to upgrade to a higher-quality instrument.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate for its price point, with an aluminum tripod providing a stable base. However, the plastic components of the telescope feel somewhat cheap. The telescope design is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy assembly.

There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the art of focusing and tracking objects. However, it is relatively easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tasco Luminova is reasonably durable, but care should be taken to protect the plastic components from damage. With proper care and storage, it should last for several years. The telescope has a high maintenance and there’s no need to repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope comes with a standard set of accessories. These include interchangeable 1.25″ eyepieces, a 2x/3.3x Barlow lens, a 6×24 finderscope, an aluminum tripod, a diagonal, a moon filter, and a solar projection screen. The included moon filter significantly enhances lunar viewing.

While not explicitly stated, the telescope’s compatibility with 1.25″ eyepieces means it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket eyepieces from other brands. This allows users to upgrade the telescope’s magnification and field of view.

Pros and Cons of Tasco 660x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope