Overall a great starter scope. f/5 focal ratio is impressive. However, looks like Celestron cut corners in the basic requirement to locate any object, esp. R.A setting circle. Reading on RA setting circle wasnt making any sense when comparing it with SkyX astronomy software that comes with the...

Strong Construction

Difficult to Use

My wife bought this for me for Father's Day. For the money, I think the telescope is really great. The large aperature really captures light. Aligning and using an equatorial mount is hard. There are good youtube videos that really help you with alignment and use.

great aperture and light-gathering for the price easy enough set up

non-functioning equatorial mount poor instructions -- youtube will save you here.

I tried to research things as best I could before making my first telescope purchase, and was led to believe that this was the best value. The unit is decent, by all means, however it is rather unstable.

I really like the scope and thus far it has met all my expectations. I have experienced a few issues with the star finder thus far but once I sort out the alignment I am sure it will be a great help. I also wish that there was the option of a finer focussing mechanism.

This was my first telescope.. As an Astronomer by education...i had to choose what my first tool was going to be ..that's when Celestron was suggested 130EQ!! So about this Time Machine(Telescope)! If you have a curiosity and want to start star gazing this would be the perfect Telescope for you..

Local camera shop had it on for 1/2 price. Paid $170 CDN for it. well worth the price considering what you get. Wouldn't pay full price for it. Can easily hit the usual targets, Jupiter, Saturn, etc. still trying to get to nebula's etc. maybe too much light pollution.

excellent optics for price

finder is tough to aim to get close to objects

Good for a second telescope after that horrible refractor you got at some chain store.

Beautiful design - looks like a professional scope in many ways

Cheap eyepieces, wobbly tripod; Good for beginners

A winner in the budget category

Affordable; competant

CG-3 is not the sturdiest of mounts

Well let me start by saying it is not that easy to set up if you are inexperienced at these things - it takes a good 3 hours and there were things that didn't seem right. The screw to the one of the balancing weights failed to engage and the actual slow motion controls fail to engage at specific...

this is the best telescope available on net on affordable price, and I know that hs18 services are very best,, plz make this product in stock, I want to buy this product thanks