Konus KonuStart-900B Telescope D.60/F.900 Review

A Close Look at the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope promises an accessible entry point into the world of astronomy. Aimed at beginners, this telescope boasts a generous accessory package, including smartphone adapter and carrying case, making it an attractive proposition for budding stargazers.

I was drawn to the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope because I wanted to share the wonders of the night sky with my kids, without breaking the bank. I needed a telescope that was easy to set up, simple to use, and could deliver decent views of the moon and planets.

Unboxing the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope revealed a lightweight package. The blue finish gives it a playful, almost toy-like appearance, and the plastic components didn’t initially inspire confidence.

Compared to the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ and the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST (both popular beginner scopes), the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope seemed to prioritize portability and included accessories over sheer optical power. The Celestron offered a slightly larger aperture, while the Orion, a reflector, promised brighter images, but the Konus’s smartphone adapter and carrying case were major selling points for my intended use.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight apprehension. The sheer number of included accessories was appealing, but the overall lightweight construction raised concerns about stability, particularly in windy conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope in my backyard, away from direct streetlights, on a clear, moonlit night. Setting it up took about 30 minutes, mostly due to familiarizing myself with the equatorial mount, which was a first for me.

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope’s performance was adequate for viewing the moon. The provided eyepieces allowed for different magnification levels, revealing craters and lunar details, but the image wasn’t as sharp or bright as I had hoped for.

Using the smartphone adapter proved to be more challenging than anticipated, requiring patience and careful alignment to capture decent photos. There were no significant issues, though the red dot finder required careful calibration to be truly useful.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope has held up reasonably well. The plastic tripod shows some signs of wear, and the equatorial mount has developed a slight wobble, but it remains functional.

The telescope tube itself is relatively durable and has withstood accidental bumps and scrapes without any major damage. Cleaning the objective lens requires care, but it’s a simple process using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution.

Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end telescopes, the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope underperforms in terms of optical clarity and overall stability. However, considering its price point and beginner-friendly features, it’s a reasonable compromise.

Breaking Down the Features of Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope

Specifications

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope features a 60mm objective lens diameter. This determines the amount of light the telescope can gather, impacting brightness and detail.

It has a 900mm focal length, influencing magnification and field of view. The equatorial mount allows for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky.

Included Accessories: moon/sky map, R.A. motor drive, moon filter, H8 and H20 eyepieces, Metal Tripod, 1.5x image rectifier, Smartphone Adapter, Red Dot Finderscope, 2x Barlow lens, Carrying Case. These greatly enhance the user’s overall experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope offers decent views of the moon and brighter planets like Jupiter and Saturn. However, its limited aperture struggles to resolve fainter deep-sky objects.

The equatorial mount, when properly aligned, makes tracking celestial objects easier, but the plastic construction of the mount can introduce vibrations. The inclusion of a smartphone adapter allows for capturing images, but image quality is highly dependent on smartphone camera capabilities and steady hands.

It meets basic expectations for a beginner telescope, providing an introduction to astronomy without overwhelming the user with complexity. Optical clarity and image brightness are its main weaknesses.

Design & Ergonomics

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope features lightweight construction with predominantly plastic components. This makes it highly portable, but it compromises overall stability.

The telescope is relatively easy to assemble and use, with a clear instruction manual and intuitive controls. The equatorial mount does require some initial learning and setup.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic components of the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope are likely to be the first to show signs of wear and tear. The tripod legs may become loose over time, and the equatorial mount could develop play in the gears.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring occasional cleaning of the objective lens and lubrication of the mount’s moving parts. With reasonable care, the telescope should last for several years of occasional use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope comes with a comprehensive accessory package. This includes H8 and H20 eyepieces for different magnification levels, a 2x Barlow lens to double magnification, a red dot finder for locating objects, and a smartphone adapter for astrophotography.

The moon filter helps to reduce glare when observing the moon, while the 1.5x image rectifier corrects the image orientation for terrestrial viewing. The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25-inch eyepieces, allowing for future upgrades.

Pros and Cons of Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope

Who Should Buy Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope?

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope is perfect for families with young children interested in astronomy, casual stargazers, and beginners looking for an affordable and complete telescope package. It is a great starting point for those who want to explore the night sky without a significant investment.

Anyone serious about astrophotography or deep-sky observing should skip this product. The limited aperture and plastic construction will be a significant limitation.

A higher-quality set of eyepieces would be a worthwhile upgrade to improve image clarity. A sturdier tripod could improve stability, especially in windy conditions.

Conclusion on Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope

The Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope is a decent entry-level telescope that offers a good balance of features, portability, and affordability. While its plastic construction and limited aperture have limitations, its comprehensive accessory package and beginner-friendly design make it a compelling option for those new to astronomy.

The price is justified for what you get: a complete package that’s ready to go out of the box, offering a gateway into the hobby of stargazing. It offers a good value for its price point.

I would recommend the Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use telescope for casual observation. It’s a great way to spark an interest in astronomy without breaking the bank. So, grab your Konus KonuStart-900B D.60/F.900 telescope and start exploring the cosmos tonight!