My first telescope was a
Celestron Travel Scope 80. At the time, it cost me $120 ($140 now) and it comes with a backpack so you can take it anywhere. I listened to the common wisdom that your first scope should be easy to set up and lightweight, and I'm glad I did. I was able to get some amazing views after only a few minutes of setup time. I also bought a sturdier tripod, a couple of Barlow lenses and a four-pack of filters for a total of about $415.*
With that setup (and a mount for my phone at about $30) I was able to record these videos:
I had noticed a defect in the telescope when trying to view the planets. After a brief inspection, I found that the objective lens wasn't properly seated. This was easily fixed by loosening the lock ring, resetting the lens and then re-tightening the lock ring. After doing that, I was able to record this video while simply holding my phone up to the eyepiece:
Meanwhile, I had my eye on the
Celestron Omni XLT 120. (I like refractors because they're simple.) But it was back ordered for a few years. As luck would have it, when it was finally available I happened to have the funds on hand. So, I bought it. And I love it.
(Guitar for scale.)
Set up takes considerably longer - given the German equitorial mount and the sheer size of it. But the increase in resolution is totally worth it.
I'm almost embarrassed to post the following video. I recorded it with the same Samsung Galaxy S20 FE held to the eyepiece of the Omni XLT 120 by hand. But the phone's camera is out of focus. The actual view was stable and absolutely stunning.
One day I will get a proper imaging setup. Either a better mount for my phone (which has excellent imaging sensors) or a dedicated telescope imaging sensor. Then, I will be able to provide much better examples of what I am seeing.
Cheers!
Sean C.
*
Celestron Travel Scope 80: $119.95
(Includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces and star diagonal.)
https://www.celestron.com/products/t...tphone-adapter
Celestron Heavy Duty Azimuth Tripod: $99.95
(Original tripod was too flimsy and had no slow motion controls.)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Omni 2X Barlow Lens - 1.25": $57.95
https://www.celestron.com/products/o...low-lens-125in
X-Cel LX 3X Barlow Lens - 1.25": $92.74
https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-934...364/ref=sr_1_1
Lunar and Planetary Filter Set - 1.25": $44.95
https://www.celestron.com/products/l...lter-set-125in
Total: $415.54 + tax/s&h
Minimum for Moon images: $212.69