Reviews - Bushnell Voyager 100x4.5" Compact Reflector Telescope 782010 Reviews - BU-TS-782010

Author: Karl from Hickory Hills, IL on Jul 16, 2009
Pros:  Handy portability with decent aperture for light gathering
Cons:  Optics good only at low power (15-25X) Included 5mm eyepiece worthless. Image breaks down over 30X
Would recommend:  yes

Karl wrote:

Bought this telescope for low power wide field which this scope is good for with the 27mm eyepiece which delivers 18x. At this magnification images are sharp . However at anything over 30x the optics begin to break down. At 100x with the included 5mm eyepiece it is completely worthless delivering only a dim blurred mess. However , as a low power portable sky scanning scope it performs well , although even at 18x it needs a finder. I solved that problem by mounting a small 90 degree finder on mine.

Author: tkunioka from Rosemead CA on Jun 2, 2008
Pros:  just what it says in the title
Cons:  can't use on objects low to the horizon, hard to point
Would recommend:  yes

tkunioka wrote:

This little telescope serves as a sort of replacement for 80-100mm binoculars. It delivers a nice wide view of the heavens in an extremely portable package. At low power, the stars focus nicely and the view is pleasing (especially if you have a moderate-quality plossl of your own). The spherical (as opposed to parabolic) shape of the primary mirror does not become a significant factor at low magnifications. I've never bothered with higher powers because that would defeat the purpose of a telescope like this one. You want a telescope like this to scan the Milky Way and view things like M31 or (in 2007-2008) Comet Holmes last year. Besides, if you boost the power the view gets narrower. And finding objects is already going to be difficult. Because of the shape of the telescope, it's hard to sight down the tube as you would with a traditional refractor. Some people end up attaching a red dot finder to aid with the pointing. (I should say, in defense of this telescope, that ...
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Author: Sally Brody from Everett, PA on Nov 26, 2007
Would recommend:  yes

Sally Brody wrote:

I totally agree, this is a wonderful companion scope. A serious enthusiast will definitely want to upgrade the eyepieces, but once done this is a wonderful and convenient addition to your collection.

Author: Anthony from Leaky, TX on Nov 6, 2007
Would recommend:  yes

Anthony wrote:

This has got to be one of the greatest companions to any large telescope. This scope is ultra portable for those nights that you don't want to set up you 12" Schmidt-Cass or other computerized scope. Just throw it over your shoulder and you're ready to go. As with any other telescope, the first thing you need to do is upgrade the eyepieces. This is an excellent scope for anyone who knows the night sky and already has a high end scope with a more professional mount.

Author: Eddie (verified customer) , Communications technician, from Cleveland, Ohio on Jul 24, 2007
Would recommend:  yes

Eddie wrote:

Easy to use "grab and go" telescope. I get more use out of this scope on those nights when I don't have time to set up the ETX or the large refractor that I own. The eyepieces that come with the scope are not good quality, however, with good eyepieces this unit performs quite well.