Four centuries ago, anyone hoping to study the heavens had to build the instrument first. Today, the hardest part of getting started is waiting for a clear evening. This Starwatcher refractor arrives with what a beginner needs, from three interchangeable eyepieces to a full-height tripod.
A 70mm (about 2¾") lens and 700mm focal length give the telescope its long, classic profile, and fully coated optics help brighten each image. The 5x24 finder scope makes aiming at a chosen target easier before you switch to the main tube, while the 3x Barlow lens triples the magnification of whichever eyepiece is in use. A 90° diagonal angles everything upward for comfortable observing.
The extendable altazimuth tripod moves in simple up-down and left-right motions, which feels natural from the very first night. It’s a time-honored way to begin, with the hard work of the early astronomers already done for you.
