Spotting Scope or Portable Telescope?
Pros:
Field of View
Compact and lite
Easy to use
Cons:
Needs 2 stage Focus
Needs a more protective (rubber)rim
Needs a Zoom or second Eyepeice
The Bottom Line:
It's good value and Flexible, Easy to use, lite to carry, and the range of accessories for Camera and Optical use is good.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
WOW what a great Find!
I usually think carefully and research epinions and other sources before buying into any area of Technology, but in this case I was just looking for a reasonably priced way to peruse the local night sky. My justification bone told me look for a telephoto lens, at least it will take pictures, my heart said go spend $1000 on a nice big reflector based telescope.
My wallet said go to the shop and spend less than $250 total! ( So did my partner!)
but in the end I just looked at C90 and considered if the C135 would be double the fun for Double the price?
The C90 won
If you're wondering how to capture that distant view on you next road trip, or how to get the real feel of a distant slow moving event on film this is a serious option for your lens solution.
Best Features
1. Great Field of View ( some spotting scopes are just too tight
2. Compact and small enough to take with you on a hike ( even comes in a case )
3. No complex impact on the camera exposure or auto focus as it is all manual!
4. Great Value optic quality ( a reflector just has a brightness in this focal length that a lens of the same cost just cannot beat)
Missing or needs Improvement
1. Camera T ring adaptor for camera should be included as a voucher ( it's only $25 )
2. should come with two eye pieces ( the 32 mm is good but needs another or a Zoom eyepiece.
3. Should have a rubber lens flare hood
4. Perhaps a more solid rubber protective boot / rim.
Why Did I Buy it?
Great Value, Sky gazing for local objects, moon, and some of the bigger planets.
Best Use Techniques
I'll be back with more details as I get some tips, but get a zoom eyepiece, and don't even think about using a low cost tripod, your view will get serious wobbles every time you focus.
Summary
Great optic Quality ,easy to use and Light weight ,easily packable, and nitrogen filled waterproof optics. just go Enjoy the night sky!
Am I happy ?
Yes,
I recommend this Scope for general duties work. Kids of all ages will love it.
Key Points
Pros
1. Field of View
2. Compact and lite
3. Nitrogen filled waterproof optics
Cons
1. Needs 2 stage Focus, too many turns required
2. Needs a more protective (rubber)rim
3. Needs a Zoom or second Eyepiece
Recommended
Yes
Amount Paid (AU$): $395
Update
well I've had it for over a year ,and its still on the still camera Tripod I stuck it on at the begininng, but it is often in use.
Just a quick note to you all the unthinkable happened, I left it out in the rain!
After I finished drying our the unit after leaving it out over night it s %100 ok!
The good news ! not a drop got inside and no side effects, yet !"
Update 2007 04 12
After 2 years I've still got the C90 and love it,
Its been lots of places I'd never go with a proper telescope and I have to say its some of ht best gear I've owned.
I'm just getting into some serious digital SLR shopping and looking forward to some shots taken with a Nikon or Canon digital SLR!
More Info and hopefully some nice unique shots on Flckr !
