Reviews & Ratings for Bushnell Northstar 5" Maksutov Cassegrain GoTo Telescope 1550 x 127mm 788850 — 6 reviews — Page 1

Pros: This is a very nice and compact telescope and the stand is fine. The optics are superb and focusing is really nice thanks to the excellent focusing mechanism. Very crisp and sharp images. The stand supports the scope well (which surprised me) and the motors work pretty smooth. I got a very good deal for the money overall.
Cons: What I don't like is the user manual which is very incomplete (if I were a beginner I would have gone crazy), the useless 4 mm eye piece, and the NorthStar has also some issues. The NorthStar goto is good per se, but the light in the controller is very dim making reading at night difficult. There are too few alignment stars and I have no idea what the star alpha is. There are some prominent stars missing. Also, the stars I am getting after alignment seem random between 2 and 5 and in the end it doesn't matter much. The scope usually finds what you punch in, but sometimes seems to go "crazy" and go somewhere (after which you should simply align again). Thus far mine is not tracking as I have not found how to do it thus far. Certain objects seem to trigger "going crazy" more than others - mine doesn't like M52 much it seems.....overall I like the Meade Autostar better in comparison, but the scope in this deal is much better. Overall I am very satisfied even though there are some issues with "goto". I would buy again.
Pros: Excellent optics
Cons: User manual, NorthStar alignment

Manual doesn't give enough information about how to use. Bushnell doesn't have any information on website. They have manual, but it is worthless. Battery cover does not latch. Ordered new cover and it does not latch either.
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Manual sucks

For a 5" this thing sure does show a whole lot. I took this bad boy into the country and am amazed by the difference over my 3". Only downside is the weight, but then again as long as I have my hubby carry it, its ok!
Pros: Points at so many stars, works great, easy set up for big telescope
Cons: A little heavy

I've been a fan of Bushnell's Northstar series for a while and I finally decided to buy this guy and give him the good college try. Overall, a good unit, especially for a computer. Took a bit to set up but the images were crisp for a 5"
Pros: Great features, goto consistent, good value
Cons: Set up takes a little