Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope Review

Let’s Dive into Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope is Tasco’s entry-level offering into the fascinating world of astronomy, promising to bring distant celestial bodies into sharper focus. With its 900mm focal length and 60mm objective lens, it aims to provide clear views of the moon, planets, and even some brighter deep-sky objects. This telescope boasts slow-motion controls, interchangeable eyepieces, and a suite of accessories to get beginners started.

As someone who has spent countless nights under the stars, I was curious to see if this budget-friendly telescope could deliver a satisfying stargazing experience. I was looking for an affordable and portable telescope to introduce my niece to the wonders of astronomy, without breaking the bank. Upon unboxing, the Tasco 900x60mm Luminova feels surprisingly lightweight, with a metallic champagne finish that hints at a premium build.

The aluminum tripod felt sturdy enough for indoor use, but I had slight concerns about its stability in windy outdoor conditions. Compared to my Celestron NexStar 6SE, which offers a GoTo system and a larger aperture, the Tasco Luminova is significantly simpler and less feature-rich. However, it’s also a fraction of the price, making it a potentially compelling option for beginners. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see how it would perform under the night sky, but also aware of the limitations inherent in its budget-friendly design.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope on a clear night in my backyard, away from direct city lights. The seeing conditions were average, with some atmospheric turbulence. Using the included H25mm eyepiece (45x magnification), I aimed at the moon.

The lunar surface was clearly visible, with details such as craters and maria easily distinguishable. However, at higher magnifications using the SR4mm eyepiece (225x magnification), the image became noticeably dimmer and less sharp, which I expected. Setting up the equatorial mount took a bit of fiddling, but once aligned, it allowed for smooth tracking of celestial objects as they moved across the sky.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Tasco 900x60mm Luminova held up reasonably well, considering its price point. The aluminum tripod showed some minor scratches and wobbles, especially on uneven ground. The telescope tube itself seemed durable enough, though I made sure to handle it with care.

Cleaning the objective lens required occasional attention, as dust and fingerprints accumulated easily, affecting image quality. The Tasco Luminova doesn’t outperform my more expensive telescopes in terms of image clarity or brightness. However, it offers a simple and accessible entry point into astronomy for beginners.

Breaking Down the Features of Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope

Specifications

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope features a refractor-type optical system, with a 60mm objective lens diameter. Its focal length is 900mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/15. The mount is an Equatorial 1 type, designed for tracking celestial objects.

A 3x Barlow lens is included to triple the magnification of the eyepieces. The interchangeable eyepieces, all with a 1.25″ diameter, are: H25mm (45x), H12.5mm (72x), and SR4mm (225x). The finderscope is a 6×24 model, and the telescope has a metallic champagne finish.

The entire setup weighs 18.5 lbs, and it comes with an aluminum tripod. Additional accessories included are a Tasco SkyWatch CD-ROM with a 10,000-object database, a diagonal, a moon filter, and a solar projection screen. The specifications are important because they determine the telescope’s light-gathering ability, magnification range, and overall usability.

Performance & Functionality

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope provides decent views of the moon and brighter planets like Jupiter and Saturn. The slow-motion controls are helpful for fine-tuning the telescope’s position and tracking objects. However, the image quality diminishes significantly at higher magnifications due to the small aperture and basic eyepiece design.

The telescope’s strengths lie in its ease of setup and use, making it ideal for beginners. The major weakness is its limited light-gathering ability, which makes it difficult to observe fainter deep-sky objects. For the price, the Tasco Luminova meets expectations as an entry-level telescope.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova features a lightweight aluminum construction, making it relatively easy to transport and set up. The metallic champagne finish gives it a sleek and modern look, though it might not appeal to everyone. The equatorial mount can be a bit tricky to align initially, but it provides smooth tracking once properly set up.

The tripod is somewhat flimsy, especially at full extension, which can affect image stability. There is a learning curve associated with using an equatorial mount, particularly for those unfamiliar with celestial coordinates.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope should last for several years. The aluminum tripod is the most vulnerable component, as it can be easily scratched or bent. Cleaning the objective lens regularly is essential to maintain image quality, using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution.

Replacing worn-out parts may be difficult, as Tasco no longer focuses on telescope manufacturing. However, generic telescope accessories, such as eyepieces, should be readily available.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova comes with a decent selection of accessories, including three eyepieces, a Barlow lens, a finderscope, a moon filter, and a solar projection screen. The inclusion of the SkyWatch CD-ROM is a nice touch, providing users with a database of celestial objects to explore. While the included accessories are adequate for beginners, upgrading to higher-quality eyepieces can significantly improve the viewing experience.

There are limited customization options available for this telescope, as it’s primarily designed as a complete entry-level package. However, users can experiment with different eyepieces and filters to enhance their observing sessions. Upgrading the finderscope can also make it easier to locate celestial objects.

Pros and Cons of Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope

Who Should Buy Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope?

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone interested in dipping their toes into the world of astronomy without a significant financial investment. This telescope is also suitable for casual stargazers who want a simple and portable option for occasional observing sessions.

Experienced astronomers seeking high-quality views of faint deep-sky objects should skip this product. Additionally, users who require a robust and stable tripod for outdoor use should look for a more durable alternative. A must-have accessory is a good quality eyepiece for better viewing.

Conclusion on Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope

The Tasco 900x60mm Luminova Refractor Telescope offers an accessible and affordable entry point into the world of astronomy. While it has limitations in terms of image quality and light-gathering ability, it provides decent views of the moon and brighter planets. At the price of $45.50, the value proposition is surprisingly good for a beginner telescope of this nature.

Given the price point and the included accessories, I would recommend it to anyone looking for an introductory telescope for casual stargazing. If you’re curious about exploring the night sky and don’t want to break the bank, the Tasco 900x60mm Luminova is a good place to start. Grab one today and begin your journey through the cosmos!