is it recommended to get a separate atronomical mount for this telescope or can I just set it on top of a table?
804752
You use the base that comes with it and set it on the ground. The eyepiece is mounted near the top, so it is 3-4 feet off the ground.
804753
You could but probably won't put this on a table. It's BIG. I suggest the following: http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Dolly-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102784.uts http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Pod-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102785.uts
804754
You do not need a table for this scope. I'm guessing nose level while standing on the ground next to it.
804755
You might want to read the dimensions before you buy. The scope is 4 feet in length and comes with a Dobsonian mount. Unless you are 7 feet tall, table won't be necessary. I use an adjustable stool to sit on, works well.
804756
This telescope is meant to be used on the floor. It's a large 'canon' shaped telescope, the eyepiece is located at the top of the optical tube. The telescope placed on the floor stands at almost 6 ft tall.
804757
It is quite large for a table. The mount works wonderfully on its own. A digital/automated mount is a plus for searching the sky.
804758
You could but probably won't put this on a table. It's BIG. I suggest the following:http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Dolly-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102784.utshttp://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Pod-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102785.uts
989234
No - I don't think so. My husband never owned a telescope before. He is a nature enthusiast and a photographer. I bought this for him as a gift and he was up and running in no time. I highly recommend you utilize the computer software that comes with it. My husband used it all the time at the beginning - you plug in the date/time/location and it will show you the night sky. That way you can go outside and easily start trying to find things and identify them. Go for it! This is a high quality telescope for a great value. Would recommend it to any beginners who have serious interest in astronomy. No - I don't think so. My husband never owned a telescope before. He is a nature enthusiast and a photographer. I bought this for him as a gift and he was up and running in no time. I highly recommend you utilize the computer software that comes with it. My husband used it all the time at the beginning - you plug in the date/time/location and it will show you the night sky. That way you can go outside and easily start trying to find things and identify them. Go for it! This is a high quality telescope for a great value. Would recommend it to any beginners who have serious interest in... » Read More No - I don't think so. My husband never owned a telescope before. He is a nature enthusiast and a photographer. I bought this for him as a gift and he was up and running in no time. I highly recommend you utilize the computer software that comes with it. My husband used it all the time at the beginning - you plug in the date/time/location and it will show you the night sky. That way you can go outside and easily start trying to find things and identify them. Go for it! This is a high quality telescope for a great value. Would recommend it to any beginners who have serious interest in astronomy. « Show Less
1706393
I cannot, but I can give you my perspective on the StarMax 90 mm by Orion. It is small, portable, and clear, but I wear glasses, and it is hard to see through with the 10x eyepiece. I think all of the small scopes will be. I wish I had spent the extra $100 and bought the 6" Dobsonian mounted reflector, but I wanted to use this during the day for spotting animals from a distance. I gave this as a present to my wife who hasn't worked with the telescope yet, and she may have different opinions. I did get her the camera mount, polar lens, and an extra eye piece that doubles the magnification. I think that you'll find that both are probably one in the same IMO. I do like the table top mount that the Orion has. I think once the weather warms we will be able to give a more thorough opinion. I think I will end up getting the reflector with the Dobsonian mount the color CCD eyepiece from Orion, and a few extras. If you have room I'd suggest the 6" reflector, or this http://www.telescope.com/Orion-XT45-Dobsonian-Telescope-amp-Beginner-Barlow-Kit/p/102027.uts . I feel that we may outgrow the Starmax 90, but I think the 4.5 or 6 with Dobsonian would well used for the lifetime of star gazing.
622495
No, it is only the scope, you set it on your own table. We set ours on our patio table outside and look at the stars. The scope is pretty heavy so you have to rest it on a sturdy table. My son really enjoys it, but you don't have a great deal of mobility if you want to move it around to different parts of the yard or area.
1000079
I would not recommend a tripod mount for this telescope - the Dobsonian mount that it comes with is absolutely ideal for orienting the telescope.
1693827
Yes you can, I mounted mine to my Celestron Astromaster. The thing is that size wise it should be mounted on a larger scope. The Telerad is not a small unit There is a Bader star finder that will fit better. Of course you have to find your own way of mounting it. I used expoxy glue on my Meade ETX 70. Others have used double sided tape.
500160
yes if you want to tinker. If you want to be serious then buy a real quality mount, the mount of this telescope is crap.
1636835
The GPS only captures time, date and location information so that you don't have to enter it manually. If you do have the GPS, make sure to enable the functionality through the NexStar menu. SkyQ Link allows the remote operation of the telescope but the alignment process still needs to be done manually. I agree with Doug, I would save my cash and get something more usefule like a Televue Barlow lens. You'll get more value out of it.In short, I find that Celestron makes good optical equipment and portable mounts but their ancillary products are yet to be desired. I have a few of these items and there aren't any that have been trouble free. Tech supports common boiler plate response is to 'replace' the item. The GPS only captures time, date and location information so that you don't have to enter it manually. If you do have the GPS, make sure to enable the functionality through the NexStar menu. SkyQ Link allows the remote operation of the telescope but the alignment process still needs to be done manually. I agree with Doug, I would save my cash and get something more usefule like a Televue Barlow lens. You'll get more value out of it.In short, I find that Celestron makes good optical equipment and portable mounts but their ancillary products are yet to be desired. I have a few of... » Read More The GPS only captures time, date and location information so that you don't have to enter it manually. If you do have the GPS, make sure to enable the functionality through the NexStar menu. SkyQ Link allows the remote operation of the telescope but the alignment process still needs to be done manually. I agree with Doug, I would save my cash and get something more usefule like a Televue Barlow lens. You'll get more value out of it.In short, I find that Celestron makes good optical equipment and portable mounts but their ancillary products are yet to be desired. I have a few of these items and there aren't any that have been trouble free. Tech supports common boiler plate response is to 'replace' the item. « Show Less
943898
You get two tube rings and a Vixen-style (narrow) dovetail bar this allows you to mount the telescope. For additional information visit the Orion website for this product. http://www.telescope.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=99369 Hope this was helpful and you have clear skies!
1503859
It's not a necessity. I run mine with the mounts it came with. It is definitely usable out of the box. I've seen a lot of people run scopes higher though.
1690792
If I'm not wrong the mount can handle about 9 lb. I use it for tracking shots of the moon and the sun with a Nikon D90, battery handle and a Sigma 50-500mm. This combination weights about 7 lb. and I have yet to have tracking errors. It is a good idea to place the center of mass of the optics you're using as to minimize torque. Also, I found that the brackets that come with the mount tend to flex, which then affects alignment. I ended up getting a solid dovetail L bracket instead, but if you are putting less weight on the mount you might not need it.
772965
Yes you can. The friction on the vertical drive of the mount is low so the telescope must be balanced with the camera fited (move it forward on the dovetail by releasing the locking screw). You can fit the camera to the rear of the telescope or to the eyepiece. I prefer the eyepiece since I can get the balance right but more importantly, the camera at the rear would get in the way when pointing up too high. You just need a T-ring for your DSLR. Eyepieces come in 1.25 and 2 inch sizes. Look at a 2 inch T-ring with a reducer to 1.25 so you can use it on a bigger scope in future. I use my Canon 60Da on the 4SE quite nicely with the Celestron T-ring. Yes you can. The friction on the vertical drive of the mount is low so the telescope must be balanced with the camera fited (move it forward on the dovetail by releasing the locking screw). You can fit the camera to the rear of the telescope or to the eyepiece. I prefer the eyepiece since I can get the balance right but more importantly, the camera at the rear would get in the way when pointing up too high. You just need a T-ring for your DSLR. Eyepieces come in 1.25 and 2 inch sizes. Look at a 2 inch T-ring with a reducer to 1.25 so you can use it on a bigger scope in future. I use my... » Read More Yes you can. The friction on the vertical drive of the mount is low so the telescope must be balanced with the camera fited (move it forward on the dovetail by releasing the locking screw). You can fit the camera to the rear of the telescope or to the eyepiece. I prefer the eyepiece since I can get the balance right but more importantly, the camera at the rear would get in the way when pointing up too high. You just need a T-ring for your DSLR. Eyepieces come in 1.25 and 2 inch sizes. Look at a 2 inch T-ring with a reducer to 1.25 so you can use it on a bigger scope in future. I use my Canon 60Da on the 4SE quite nicely with the Celestron T-ring. « Show Less
1017380
Yes, this is definitely not a portable telescope. Even around the vicinity of my house, I prefer using a wheelbarrow to transport it. You would also have to be very careful while moving it so as to not disturb the starfinder alignment.
283848
Hi there! I used the Orion Dovetail L bracket to fix my PST atop my NexStar 4SE mount. Here is the product URL: http://www.amazon.com/Orion-5052-Dovetail-L-Bracket-Telescope/dp/B001DGR54O
2136961
I received an owners manual that showed basic assembly. the online full color guide I do not know what where to go for that. to properly align the mirrors google how to align a reflector telescope, to better explain how to use the telescope try how to use equatorial telescope mount
283849
Hi there! I used the Orion Dovetail L bracket to fix my PST atop my NexStar 4SE mount. Here is the product URL:Orion 5052 Dovetail L-Bracket for VersaGo Telescope Mount
1598184
Hi,The tripod/mount was included when I purchased it (and it is the mount that's computerized). This is what known as a "Go-to" telescope; I've been very happy with it.Doug