Trying to decide which telescope

Patrick@iephoto.com · Guest

I am divided - who knows the selling points between the Bushnell 675x4.5 Northstar w/RVO and the Galileo 1100x114mm Model G-102MD?

I've read the hype - now I need an interpreter.

I will be using the telescope for astrophotography.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 3:30 pm Post subject:

Hi Patrick

Thank you for your interest in www.OpticsPlanet.com. I’ll do my best to “interpret” the hype for you so you can make a decision as to which telescope is right for you.

Let’s begin with the Bushnell 675x4.5 Northstar w/RVO, http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-675x45-reflector-comp.html This is a 4.5 inch reflector (114mm) on a motorized and computerized GoTo mount. What this means in practical terms is that it will not only find the object you select, it will follow it. You simply select the object you want to see on the handset that hooks to the mount and the computer moves the scope for you and most importantly, follows the object as it moves across the sky.

The ability of a motorized mount to follow an object across the sky is almost essential for film astrophotography and a very helpful feature for CCD astrophotography as well. For this reason alone, the Bushnell 675x4.5 Northstar w/RVO is a good choice to begin your career in astrophotgraphy. In addition, this Bushnell telescope offers RVO. When the computer finds the object you have selected it will “talk” to you and give you a description of the object. If you don’t like this feature, you can turn it off. Lastly, the Bushnell 675x4.5 Northstar w/RVO is also camera adaptable, since the designers had astrophotography in mind.

The Galileo that you mention is more of a challenge to discuss. I did a long search on the internet and found little information on Galileo scopes in general and nothing on the 1100x114mm Model G-102MD in particular. All I have to go on is the model designation. That said, it appears to be a 114mm aperture, probably a reflector, with a focal length of 1100 mm. If so, it is similar to the Bushnell which is also a 114mm reflector, but with a slightly shorter focal length of 900mm (not significant). I also assume the MD in G-102MD refers to motorized drive. If true, the Galileo would also work for astrophotography. However, I am guessing on this, so it is very important to check to see if this telescope has a motorized mount. If it does not, the Bushnell is a hands down winner for astrophotgraphy.

Even if the Galileo has a motorized mount, you should aslo see if it has the GoTo feature and the RVO feature. If it does not, the Bushnell again is a better buy.

Lastly, I can guarantee you that when you are buying a Bushnell, you are buying one of the best known names in optics. This translates into solid warranties, customer service and support. Given what little I found on the internet about Galileo telescopes, I cannot make the same claim for them.

Good luck in your astrophotography!

Jne (Joanie) Kozak
Your personal optics expert at www.OpticsPlanet.com
Email: jne@opticsplanet.com
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820