Real Instruments Celestron 70400 Telescope, 70mm Refractor Telescope with 400mm Focal Length, German Equatorial Mount, Optical Tube, Eyepieces, and Adjustable Tripod for Stargazing, Moon, Planet, and Star Cluster Observation

The Celestron 70400 is a popular entry-level telescope designed for amateur astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts. Here are its specifications and a brief description:

Specifications:

• Optical Design: Refractor (achromatic)
• Aperture: 70 mm (2.8 inches)
• Focal Length: 400 mm (15.7 inches)
• Focal Ratio: f/5.7
• Eyepieces:
  • 20 mm (provides 20x magnification)
  • 4 mm (provides 100x magnification)
• Finderscope: 5x24
• Mount Type: Altazimuth (up-and-down, left-to-right motion)
• Weight: Approx. 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs)
• Tripod: Adjustable aluminum tripod
• User Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Included Accessories:
  • Erect image diagonal (for terrestrial viewing)
  • Smartphone adapter for astrophotography (on some packages)

Description:

The Celestron 70400 is a beginner-friendly telescope that offers a good balance of quality and affordability. Its 70 mm aperture allows for clear views of the moon, planets, and some of the brighter deep-sky objects. The 400 mm focal length combined with a f/5.7 focal ratio provides wide fields of view, making it ideal for observing larger celestial objects like star clusters and galaxies. The altazimuth mount is simple to use and makes it easy to manually point the telescope.

This telescope is well-suited for beginners due to its easy setup and straightforward operation. The included 20 mm and 4 mm eyepieces offer moderate magnification, with the 20 mm providing a wider view for tracking objects across the sky and the 4 mm providing higher magnification for more detailed observations.

The finderscope helps users align the telescope with objects in the sky, and the erect image diagonal allows for upright views, making it useful for both astronomical and terrestrial observations. It’s a versatile tool for budding astronomers, suitable for stargazing, planetary viewing, and even some beginner-level astrophotography with the included smartphone adapter.

The lightweight and portable design make it easy to transport for outdoor stargazing, while the adjustable aluminum tripod ensures stable positioning during use. The Celestron 70400 is an excellent option for anyone looking to explore the night sky without the complexity or high cost of more advanced telescopes.