I have looked at recommendations after recommendations for a good beginner telescope. Almost everyone recommends an 8” dobsonian. The problem I was having is I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend over $500 as a total beginner. I came across this Celestron StarSense and was intrigued by the Smart phone star locating abilities and decided to purchase it as it was on sale. I have to say, for a total beginner I think this telescope is a great choice for the reasons listed below. 1) It allows you to learn the night sky using the smartphone app and helps you zero in on what you are looking for. 2) Extremely user friendly. I was able to take it out of the box and immediately start looking at the sky. 3) Great quality images and clear views, given you’re focus is on point. 4) Though it’s not made for deep sky objects, you can still get a good shot of the Orion Nebula and I’ve even been able to get a good shot of Bode’s Galaxy (though it kinda looks like a blob) 5) It’s super light and portable as I move it around all the time while trying to find new objects in the night sky. I feel like a beginner would be absolutely satisfied with this telescope but it does have a down side as listed below. 1) This telescope has left me wanting more. More power, more clarity, more capability. 2) The focus sometimes rolls out of focus so you need to constantly refocus (not sure if it’s my product defect or if that’s how it’s supposed to be). 3) The alignment is sometimes slightly off (but I’m not complaining too much as it’s a smartphone app) and you may need to look around the area for the object you are searching for. 4) The tray for the eyepieces screw on the support arms for the tripod so if you want to move it, you’ll have to unscrew the tray (I don’t even use the tray anymore). In conclusion, I think this is a bargain of a deal and would be a great beginner telescope. Im currently in a paradox because if I could go back and buy the 8” Dob instead, I probably would because I’m now hooked, thanks to this telescope. Make of this what you will. I hope this helps on your decision on what to get. *Disclaimer*: I haven’t been able to observe any planets because they aren’t up at night at my current location so this review is more towards stars and deep sky.

Enjoying it a lot. Northern night skies are so vivid.

It was a little difficult being my first time putting together a telescope and trying to align the finder, etc. Once we got it aligned the view of the moon was beautiful. I can't wait to see the stars and hopefully some planets soon. Still learning how to operate fully but overall great product.

Had a little trouble lining up the phone. Took a bit, but now it works with the 'scope just fine.

gave telescope as a gift to a student. Seems to be pleased

We are excited about using our telescope, but need warmer weather to arrive. In the meantime, though, the customer support has been excellent - prompt and helpful, with information to help us get the most out of our telescope.