I ordered the telescope for a middle school student that I don't know. I bought it for him because I wanted to interest him in science. The name National Geographic told me it was good quality. I also purchased it because the ad says it provides lots of lunar details, has two eye pieces, features downloadable sky software and seeing planetary features like Jupiter’s cloud belts or Saturn’s rings as well as some of the brightest objects in the sky. I trust the ad because I have purchased many good quality items from Sam's. When buying from Sam's I never worry about quality.

This is a great beginner telescope, powerful to see various moon’s features. It was very quick to assemble. But when it comes to focusing on far objects, it’s hard as the tripod is flimsy and shakes a lot. When you point the red dot to any celestial object, by the time you tighten the screws to let the telescope stabilize, the red dot misses the object. It’s too hard to focus. Two lens option is great. I had to follow few YouTube videos to learn to setup red dot as well as focusing on any object.

I will start out by saying I am a complete novice. I was able to follow the directions in putting together the National Geographic SRT 70mm telescope pretty easily. I am still working on figuring out the red dot viewfinder. We have had cloudy very cold weather since I have had it, so I'm not sure if it is that or if I need more practice in using it, but so far I've only been able to see stars. It comes with 2 eyepieces, 10mm & 20mm. You can also take puctures of what you see with your cell phone, but I haven't tried that yet. Everything fits back nicely in the travel case for easy storage. I'm looking forward to using more when the weather gets better.

So when I picked this item I was super excited to receive it as I love looking up at the stars! I took it out of the box and it was so easy to put together and it is super lightweight! It is the perfect gift for a growing kid that wants to look into the stars! It does not do so well with clouds but totally not a deal breaker!

I love how many accessories come with it especially that it comes with a case to keep it all on so it stays safe and all together. It definitely is a must have for a little science kid who loves anything regarding space. My son had been asking for one for two years now and I can't wait to see the look on his face.

Good price good product

Great telescope for beginners and definitely worth the price.

Easy to use. Simple to calibrate with a clear focus

Not so good, thought it would be a little better than what it was. The movement of the tube is very difficult either too stiff or too loose. Couldn’t really focus the telescope.

This is a great beginner telescope. I got this for my 10 year old don and it has sparked a new interest in the stars and solar system. We use it to look at the moon all the time and cant weight for mars to come back into view.