Designed for the Celestron FirstScope as a finderscope
Leave it to Celestron partnered with Chinese constructionists to make perhaps the world's first commercial all plastic telescope and at the lowest pricing imaginable. As far as we know, everything from the tube, mount, ring, dust caps, eyepiece, and even the lenses are plastic!
The 5x24 telescope is originally designed for the Celestron FirstScope telescope and attaches to two bolts on the tube. With an aperture of 24mm or about one inch, and magnifying 5x, the scope is intentionally made of plastic to keep it extremely lightweight, an absolute requirement when attaching as an accessory to a small lightweight telescope without the means for adjusting balance.
Cleaning Note
What is the performance of an all plastic telescope? Surprisingly good. Who would have guessed? The photo at left was taken with a camera phone by holding it in front of the eyepiece end of the scope and shows crosshairs and a crisp colorful view of city buildings located far away. It was shot through a curving fence. The image through plastic lenses has very minimal distortion and any slight achromatic fringing is negligible. The photo shows any spherical aberration is also negligible and hardly noticeable. Plus the price is right - at only $8.69 and free shipping when purchased from Svbony Optics.
When cleaning a plastic optic, do not contact the surface with anything, especially a lens cloth, tissue or any other means of wiping the lens. Soft plastic will easily and permanently scratch. Clean by using gentle puffs of clean dry air.
Specs at a Glance
Function - Finderscope for Celestron FirstScope, Spotting Telescope
Aperture - 24mm
Magnification - 5x
Weight - A Few Ounces
Size - About 15cm Long
Dust Caps - Included
Construction - Plastic
Crosshair Reticle - Yes
Finish - Glossy Black
Mounting Bracket Type - Celestron FirstScope
Focus - Adjustable
Image - Inverted
Cost - $8.69
