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★★★★★
Great little scope
This is a review of the Celestron Travel Scope 70 DX
Before I get started, I just want to say that this would make an excellent gift for a budding young astronomer. My dad bought me a telescope when I was just a lad, and I love astronomy to this day.
The telescope came packaged in its own backpack, which makes it carry about, if you are on a trip.
It includes
• The telescope
• Tripod
• Two eyepieces
• A 2xbarlow (doubles the magnification of the eyepieces)
• An image adjuster (rights the images in the eyepiece)
• A finderscope
• A smartphone adapter
• A remote Bluetooth shutter release
• A moon filter
One word of caution, most adults would know this, but NEVER point the telescope at the sun.
Assembly
Remove the bits from the backpack and assemble the scope. The Quick Setup Guide was easy to follow, and I was up and ready to go in 5 quick minutes.
First Things First
The first thing that I did was align the finderscope to the telescope.
Select an object that is at least 1/4 mile distant (fencepost, telephone, pole, etc.), and center it in the eyepiece of the main telescope.
Now, use the three screws on the finderscope, to adjust it, until it is in the middle of the view.
I will mention that it took a bit of practice to get it aligned; however, I finally figured it out.
Now The Fun Bit
This scope comes with an attachment that allows you to use your smartphone to take photographs.
Add the battery to the Bluetooth remote, then go to the settings on your smartphone, and access Bluetooth setting.
Press the button on the remote switch until the small light begins to blink, about 5 seconds. You are now in pairing mode. Pair the device (The instructions are in the Quick Setup guide).
Now, add the smartphone adapter to one of the eyepieces, and add your cellphone. Note: If your smartphone has a protective case, you might need to remove it from the case before adding it to the adapter. It is simple to set up. With your smartphone set up, all you have to do is locate something you want to photograph, then click the Bluetooth button to take the photo. Easy/Peasy.
The only con that I have, is that if you fully extend the tripod, it becomes rather wobbly. So, when I use it, I will place it on a tabletop, and keep the legs contracted. Or, you could attach it to another, sturdier, tripod.
I have included several photos, to give you an idea of how the telescope looks and performs.
Bottom Line
Great telescope and makes a great present.
Keep looking up.
November 2019 · Electronics