Reviews - Bushnell 4.5" Reflector Altazimuth Short Tube Telescope - 786114 Reviews - BU-TS-786114

Author: eternity , I watch skys, from Indiana on Sep 1, 2009
Pros:  lets in quite a bit of light for clear viewing
Cons:  Sights are difficult to set up, the telescope is cheaply made
Would recommend:  yes

eternity wrote:

I got this telescope as a gift for christmas and used it off and on for the past 2 years. Since this summer I have had enough time to actually take it out at night at start exploring. It comes with a decent scope variety, but nothing to spectacular. It allows terrific images of the moon, and Jupiter and its moons can be seen fairly well. I have not been able to see any nebula's, or anything incredible with it, but to learn the skys for a beginner, Its a great scope. Im saving up to get a Orion XT Classic in a few months, thats gonna be fun!

Author: Graphey (verified customer) , mom of an amateur star gazer, from Winchester, VA on Feb 4, 2009
Pros:  value for money, easy to use
Cons:  none that I can see
Would recommend:  yes

Graphey wrote:

This is the first time I purchased a decent telescope, and it was for my daughter for Christmas. The whole family loves it! We've seen craters on the moon, and a planetary nebula so far. With six kids, we have a set budget for Christmas, and we certainly got an excellent piece of equipment for what we paid. Also, I ordered just a few days before Christmas, and received my purchase on time without paying extra shipping. Thanks.

Author: coldfrontinnorman from Norman, OK on Jan 9, 2009
Pros:  easy assembly
Cons:  cheap, won't focus well, slight movement takes object out of view
Would recommend:  no

coldfrontinnorman wrote:

I am very disappointed in this product. I knew it would be a starter telescope for my daughter, but it is very poor to say the least. We cannot get it to focus well and the slightest movement, you loose what your looking at. Forget using it when it's windy! The locks do not hold it still, there is too much play. What a waste of money.

Author: tram from Fr MD on Jan 6, 2009
Pros:  Yet to find One.
Cons:  Instructions are pathetic, No Parts List, Eyepiece Missing.
Would recommend:  no

tram wrote:

I bought this for my son. Opened during Christmas. The instruction manual is not clear at all what to do. Just threw the manual and fixed on our own. There is no part list indicating what all needs to be there in the packaging. After quite a struggle we found the eyepieces were missing. Called OpticsPlanet after the holidays and the CSR was not helpful at all. (They sold the product, they are also responsible for the customer satisfaction). Asked me to contact the company manufacturer. The company CSR sends the eye piece but only one of them (20mm). They do not have 4mm in stock and I have wait till they get in stock. Totally a very bad experience and disappointing Christmas for my Son.

Author: jswahrens from Georgia on Jan 4, 2009
Pros:  Cheap
Cons:  Doesn't Work
Would recommend:  no

jswahrens wrote:

The instructions weren't that great, but we put it together. But on Christmas morning, we couldn't get an image on anything. What a waste of money.

Author: nucknfuts67 (verified customer) from Zimmerman MN on Dec 29, 2008
Pros:  Great price and good quality
Cons:  cheap hardware
Would recommend:  yes

nucknfuts67 wrote:

The thing looks cool, works good so far but no moon yet to look at. Once you have the viewfinder lined up, it works much better to find what you're looking for. Haven't seen any stars yet because the first night the viewfinder was not set up and the next night was cloudy. My 10 y.o. loved it as a present. I am confident that once we get the moon focused we will have more fun with it. The screws for the tripod are cheap. The wing nuts strip very easily. Tripod is not foldable which makes it a pain to store away.

Author: davez123 from Yigo, GU on May 19, 2008
Pros:  Cheap
Cons:  No slow side-to-side adjustment
Would recommend:  no

davez123 wrote:

Although easy to set-up, the red dot targeting device does not alow for precice targeting. The red dot washes out any stars that you try to see. Also there is no side to side slow adjustment, big problem when trying to follow something even as big as the moon, not to mention stars and planets.

Author: Pam Raff from Upton, MA on Mar 10, 2008
Pros:  well built (except for sight), easy to assemble, quality hardware
Cons:  Sight made of cheap plastic, does not fit telescope
Would recommend:  no

Pam Raff wrote:

The Bushnell 3" Reflector appears to be a marvelous scope BUT the sight is SO hard to set...wobbly, doesn't arc well onto the arc of the scope (poor fit)that I have not gotten much use out of this scope for small object - star/planet - gazing, my primary interest! I am still working with this problem, not happy about it at all!!

Author: ebandit (verified customer) , novice/beginner, from Anniston, AL on Mar 10, 2008
Pros:  good optics
Cons:  poorly written instruction/assembly manual
Would recommend:  yes

ebandit wrote:

This scope meets my expectations as a novice star-gazer. It was a bit difficult to put together, the instructions could stand to be a bit clearer and have better pictures. (use the picture on the website for some clues.) The lighted site finder was mostly undocumented and I missed the light for a day or two. This really helps to get a good aim at your gazing spot. For the price this is better than I expected.

Author: MSmith59 , A beginner star gazer - with long standing interests in various space matters., from Philadelphia, PA on Mar 4, 2008
Pros:  Light weight and easy to operate for beginners
Cons:  Rack and pinion focus device can come loose at steeper viewing angles
Would recommend:  yes

MSmith59 wrote:

This is my first telescope - and in my opinion it is a great way to get started at a very manageable price point. I have seen some other far more expensive models - but like the both the ease and challenge of the manual focus device. I think that this model is perfect for beginnings on a budget and has provided some fantastic viewing so far. The rings of Saturn blew me away!