Celestron 76LCM Computerized Telescope
Celestron 76LCM Computerized TelescopeThe Celestron 76LCM is one of Celestron's most affordable computerized telescopes. For a modest price you get a complete telescope system with classic reflector style optics that deliver very good views of the Moon and planets. The complete package includes everything but the batteries; there are high and low power eyepieces, a red-dot finder, and a computerized Alt-Azimuth mount with a database of more than 4000 objects. The fully illustrated quick set-up guide makes the telescope easy to assemble and easy to use, and the package even includes astronomy software for your home computer.The classic Newtonian design of Celestron's 76LCM telescope delivers very good views of the Moon and planets. The 25mm eyepiece magnifies the image 28X, just right for viewing deep space objects. When I look at M45 at low power, the so-called Seven Sisters turns into a cluster of dozens of stars filling the eyepiece with tiny beads of light. With the 9mm eyepiece (78X magnification) the 76LCM gives me very satisfying views of Saturn's rings and Jupiter's cloud bands. And with an optional 4mm plossl eyepiece (175X magnification) and careful focusing, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon seem almost three dimensional.The 76LCM telescope also features Celestron's patented SkyAlign technology. With SkyAlign I don't need a star chart or a compass to align the telescope, I just enter the date and time then point the telescope at three bright stars. SkyAlign tells me the star names, and allows the telescope to find over 4,000 stars, planets, and galaxies by just pushing a button. The "Two-Star Align" and "Solar System Align" modes are even quicker and easier to use. When I just want a quick look at the Moon or a planet, I like to set the telescope on the deck and use "Solar System Align" to begin viewing.A student or family that wants to try astronomy will find the Celestron 76LCM just the right size because it delivers very good views of the Moon and planets and because the whole thirteen pound system can be carried outside in one trip and be ready to go in minutes. A computerized telescope may take practice to set up; if I don't enter the time correctly the alignment may fail for example. The other drawback of a computerized telescope is the short life of standard AA batteries. An optional AC adapter is a handy way to power the Celestron 76LCM, and I like to observe while seated because this gives me a solid and comfortable view.   --Jeff PhillipsPros:Complete system is light, portable, and affordableClassic Newtonian design for crisp, clear viewsEasy computerized tracking of stars, planets, and galaxiesCons:Terrestrial images are upside-downAA batteries only last a few hours