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 Phillips
Pros:
The Celestron 71018 features a 20x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 80 millimeters, giving it a 4-millimeter exit pupil. (The exit pupil size -- the diameter of the objective lens divided by the magnification -- determines the amount of light available to your eye. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image obtained will be. A three-millimeter exit pupil is generally sufficient for daytime use, five-millimeters is suitable for daytime and twilight, and seven-millimeters is generally necessary for maximum nighttime or astronomy use.) The Celestron 71018 also includes an integrated tripod adapter rod, a deluxe padded soft carrying case, and Celestron's No Fault Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What's in the Box
Celestron 71018 Binoculars and deluxe padded soft carrying case
Refractors are known for their crisp, high contrast views of the Moon and planets and the Astromaster 90 delivers sharp views right out of the box. The low power 20mm eyepiece (50X magnification) nicely frames the moon, while the high power 10mm eyepiece (100X magnification) delivers a crisp close up image full of detail. The sharp Achromatic optics of the Astromaster 90AZ show me memorable views night after night. On a moonless night I like the way the 20mm eyepiece frames the ghostly glow of the Orion Nebula. Zooming in with the 10mm eyepiece, I can easily pick out all four stars of the Orion Nebula’s embedded quadruple star the Trapezium.
The AstroMaster 90 AZ also features a newly designed Alt-Azimuth mount and tripod. The tripod comes fully assembled, and the telescope simply clamps into a standard dovetail. This new tripod seems reasonably solid, I had no trouble focusing on the Moon and stars even with the high power eyepiece. An Alt-azimuth mount, of course, is best used at low to medium powers because it does not track the motion of the stars. As soon as you get the Moon centered in the eyepiece, it starts drifting toward the edge-this is caused by rotation of the Earth. Celestial objects will stay in the low power field of view for three or four minutes, but with a high power eyepiece they may disappear in a minute or less.
Celestron’s AstroMaster 90 AZ is one entry level telescope that offers great views during the daytime as well as at night. The sharp optics produce a right side up image, the mount is easy to use, and the included planetarium software helps you find planets in the night sky. --Jeff Phillips
Pros:
 Quarter Moon shot at 50X with a powershot camera. |  Moon as seen at 100X, shot with powershot camera. |
 Moon as seen at 200X, shot with a powershot camera. |  Finches shot at 50X at a distance of 20 yards. |  Finch shot at 100X at a distance of 20 yards. |
Introducing the ultimate flexible dew shield that lays flat or rolls up for easy storage.
Our flexible dew shields are made of lightweight durable black ABS plastic.
The interior is felt-lined to help absorb moisture and to prevent extraneous light from reaching the optics.
Sewn Velcro strips facilitate quick wrap-around placement onto the corrector plate rim. A two-inch rubber trim also wraps around the OTA to prevent any slippage.
A simple, cost effective way to fight off dewAvailable in a wide range of sizes. Simply wraps around end of optical tube. Rolls up for easy storage. Sewn Velcro strips hold them firmly in place.
