My First Foray into the Cosmos: A Gskyer Telescope Review
Let's be honest, the allure of the night sky is powerful. I've always been a bit of a backyard stargazer, content with the naked eye, but recently I found myself wanting more. Something to bring those distant pinpricks of light into sharper focus. That's what led me to the Gskyer 70mm Refracting Telescope. I was hoping for something that would let me see a bit beyond the moon's craters, without breaking the bank or requiring an engineering degree to operate.
Unboxing this was straightforward. The telescope arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, well-protected. The carry bag is a nice touch, making it genuinely portable, something I appreciated. My first impression was that it felt surprisingly solid for the price. The main tube is aluminum, and the mount, while mostly plastic, seemed robust enough. It's not heavy, which is great for moving it around the yard. The included phone adapter was a bit fiddly to get aligned initially, but the wireless remote was a neat addition I hadn't expected.
Using it has been a mixed bag, but mostly positive. Setting it up is pretty simple, and I had it pointed at the moon within minutes. Seeing those craters in detail for the first time was genuinely awe-inspiring. Jupiter and its moons were also visible, though tiny. The drawback is the mount. It's an Alt-Azimuth mount, which means you're pushing it left/right and up/down. For tracking anything moving, it’s a bit shaky, and I found myself constantly readjusting. The optics are decent for the aperture, but don't expect Hubble-level clarity. It’s definitely a beginner's tool, and that's perfectly fine for what it is.
Looking at other reviews, people seem to echo my sentiments. Many praise its portability and how it's a great entry point for kids and curious adults. Some mention the mount can be a bit wobbly, especially in wind, and a few have had issues with the phone adapter. Shipping is generally reported as fast.
Pros & Cons Table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and portable | Mount can be a bit shaky |
| Good for beginners and kids | Not for serious astrophotography |
| Decent optics for the price | Phone adapter can be tricky |
| Includes useful accessories (bag, remote) |
Who This Product Is Best For:
This telescope is ideal for anyone curious about the night sky, especially families with children or adults dipping their toes into astronomy for the first time. If you want to see the moon's surface, Jupiter's moons, or brighter star clusters without a huge investment, this is a solid choice.
Final Verdict & Rating:
Overall, I'm happy with the Gskyer telescope. It delivered on its promise of bringing the stars a little closer without a steep learning curve or price tag. It's not perfect, and serious stargazers will outgrow it, but for a fun, accessible introduction to the cosmos, it's a great buy.
4.1/5
