Your cart is empty.
Your cart is empty.R. Higginson
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2023
Typically, one of the biggest hindrances to doing any kind of telescope photography is having a solid, stable mount. The small tripod that comes with this scope is lightweight, and can be very easy to bump the scope off the subject when tapping the phone to take the shot. It also really needs an elevated, sturdy surface to set up on, as it's much too small to try and use on the ground for most applications. That said, the optics on this scope are reasonably good. The shot of the top of the saguaro cactus was taken with the phone camera set at 1X, while the mountainside and bird atop the power pole shots were taken with the phone set at 3X. The nearly Full Moon was taken using a standard camera tripod, which this scope easily mounts on as well, and the phone camera settings done in "professional mode," to adjust the shutter and zoom. My camera tripod is a modest one, and I think the shot would have been better still with a sturdier tripod, but that's not a negative comment on the telescope. The most expensive telescope in the world will have the same problem if it's mounted on something that will shake when touched, and the more you're zoomed in, the more pronounced the shaking with appear. That said, for an affordable scope on a modest tripod, the shot still turned out reasonably well, with ample detail of the lunar surface displayed.For the hobby photographer wishing to add optical zoom to their phone, rather than just digital zoom, this is a nice option. I would suggest practicing with it well ahead of any important shots, just to be familiar with getting it set-up and aligned properly, and the quirks of using a phone camera through a scope. The scope can also be used without a phone or camera, for general sight-seeing, bird watching, searching, etc. It's lightweight and easy to carry, making it nice for taking on hikes.
Kevin M
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2023
This is a decent monocular. It is coated in a firm rubber. The optics were clean and I didn't notice any chromatic aberration. If there is, its not noticeable. The stand and camera mount is fairly cheap but functional. I dinged it one star because the bag that the monocular comes in is basically useless. Once you take it out good luck getting it back in. It is so tight. The rubber on the monocular doesn't let it go in or out of the tight bag easily. When I need this I don't want to be fighting with the pouch. I would get a nice case or bag for this or just toss it in your pack without it.
Recommended Products