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The Optics of the AC 70/700:

With its 70mm aperture, this refractor collects 100 times more light than the naked eye and substantially more light than a typical beginner telescope possessing an only slightly smaller aperture of 60mm. This means it also has a higher resolution and, with a maximum magnification of 140X, can already show you the larger surface features when observing planets such as Saturn, Jupiter and Mars. It is also very rewarding to observe the moon: One can beautifully observe the cratered landscape of the moon, which always looks different depending upon the moon's current phase. It is also interesting for nature watching in daylight - made possible by using an erecting lens or an Amici prism. Focusing takes place by means of a rack and pinion focus wheel at the focuser. This allows the image sharpness to always be precisely adjusted and to remain fixed during observing.

The optics are also highly suitable for use as a guide scope for astrophotography or guiding in conjunction with a larger telescope.

Included in delivery :

• Sky-Watcher AC 70/700 OTA with 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length
• 6x24 finder scope
• Super 25mm and Super 10mm (1.25") eyepieces
• 2X Barlow lens (1.25")
• 90° star diagonal (1.25")

The AZ-2 Mount:

This mount is very popular with beginners in astronomy as it is very simple to operate. The entire telescope is very easy to move around in both azimuth and elevation. For beginners, it has the advantage that they do not have to worry about first aligning the telescope before use. Setting up the telescope is hence very quick and straightforward: Simply erect the tripod and mount, attach the telescope to it, and you are ready to go! The fine adjusters can be locked in both axes so that objects remain in the field of view once found. The mount is attached to a height-adjustable aluminium tripod.

Included in delivery of the mount:

• AZ-2 altazimuth mount
• robust aluminium tripod (height-adjustable from 71cm to 121cm)
• accessory tray

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This telescope is quite suitable for the first fun exploration of the night sky. Observing the moon is an impressive experience even in a small instrument such as this. The mount also allows terrestrial observing. But you should not expect high performance from a telescope in this price bracket.

A note regarding magnification: Similar telescopes are advertised in many places with magnifications of over 300X or even 600X. Any telescope can theoretically reach these magnifications, but you will not be able to see anything - everything will be blurred! The maximum useful magnification is that at which objects can still just be sharply imaged.

This telescope in an excellent choice for children, but young people of over 10 years of age and adults will definitely get more pleasure out of a Newtonian telescope such as the Omegon 114/900 EQ-1.

(Dominik Schwarz)

It is a good idea to get some idea of how to orient yourself in the night sky by first reading some books on the subject. There are various books available which tell you how to get better acquainted with the night sky.

(Bernd Gährken)