Review - National Geographic 102mm StarApp Telescope (The Costco Scope)
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- čas přidán 19. 12. 2023
- This is a very in-depth review of the Nat Geo 102mm StarApp Telescope from Costco. Note: This video is NOT sponsored by Costco, or any telescope companies.
Books:
50 Things to See With a Telescope - Kids: www.amazon.com/50-Things-See-...
110 Things to See with a Telescope: amzn.to/4eOsHuo
AstroHopper:
artyom-beilis.github.io/astro...
Telescope: Costco (These scopes are often NOT advertised on the internet. You MUST go into the store.)
Alternative Telescope: First Light 102: all-startelescope.com/product...
Recommended Eyepieces (Affiliate links):
Galaxy and Nebula Eyepieces I’d recommend:
High Point:
Option 1: www.highpointscientific.com/c...
Option 2: www.highpointscientific.com/a...
All-Star Telescope:
Option 1: all-startelescope.com/product...
Option 2: all-startelescope.com/product...
Planetary Eyepieces I’d recommend:
High Point:
Option 1: www.highpointscientific.com/c...
Option 2: www.highpointscientific.com/b...
All-Star Telescope:
Option 1: all-startelescope.com/product...
Cell Phone adapter:
High Point: www.highpointscientific.com/c...
All-Star Telescope: all-startelescope.com/product... - Věda a technologie
I recently got into EAA with a Seestar S50, but I like these videos for some reason. It’s nice to see someone trying to make astronomy as accessible as possible without being elitist about it. Very nice to see
Thanks! I do my best. The next long video might be about Astrophotography for a change, but then I’ll be back to Stargazing.
I really enjoy your videos, John. I love 110 Things book. I have it out every night I’m star gazing. Keep up the great work.
Great to hear! More books coming soon!
Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Great detailed review. Looks like the perfect scope for a family telescope.
I found if the blue fringe is a bit too much you don't need an expensive fringe killer filter. A light yellow #8 filter often gets rid of quite a bit of the blue fringe, cost $12 USD and for Venus I've found a #11 light yellow-green filter gets rid of chromatic aberration and can even bring some of the clouds out, same cost. Those and the Moon and Skyglow filter for bright deep space objects like the Orion Nebula work well without spending a lot of money. Moon and Skyglow work great at bringing out details on a daytime Moon. Someone bought me a Celestron planetary filter set and these are the most useful.
yeah, i don't get how people say that filters are "useless"
@@SaneGuyFr Some in that set are rather useless for visual especially the darker colors, but the light yellow and yellow green are decent for an achromat refractor as they block the blue fringe color and they don't cost very much unless you buy the Lumicons that run $40 or more, but the Optolongs are considerably less.
I had one YT guy say he hates moon filters and I thought he must like being blinded. I use a polarizing lens that can be as dark as you like just by turning it.
Great review!
Thanks Dave!!!
I finally bought my first 114mm Newtonian telescope, it was an SkyDream GX4000 it is an f/4.3 reflector glad it was not a bird jones, it has great Optics the orion nebula finally gave some amazing details, I also bought a red headlight and some outdoor accessories, im currently planning to buy the "110 Things to see with a telescope" Im quite excited!
Fantastic!
Nice review! Your hands on review shows this scope to be much better than my first impression when I saw it at Costco. BTW scope is no longer in stock at Halifax location.
I’m sure it’ll be back soon. I think this one is going to be popular.
Costco has a habit of offering a fairly decent entry level reflector for the past few years. It seems to me that they just changed suppliers to create a package for Christmas. I expect we’ll see it next year. Still living my Omni 102AZ. Don’t use it much but It fits the bill perfectly for me.
Decent beginner scope❤
Great value!!
I’m in the UK and based on your recommendation, I bought the Omni 102 AZ for £149 at Costco……I also bought your book off Amazon. Unfortunately, the British weather has been true to form and we haven’t had a clear night sky, in the two weeks since I bought the scope. 🤦🏼♂️
Hi John absolutely live your page! I’m looking to get my 5 year old a telescope for his birthday this week, also planning on getting your book to go with it. From all of your other videos I was dead set on the Explore Scientific first light because as you say it seems easy for kids to use, but after watching this video it seems like the Nat Geo 102 is a better choice. If you had to go with one or the other which one would you recommend? Thanks much for the great content and space stoke!!!
While the Nat Geo provides better views, the First Light Newtonian can be pointed by a 5 year old. The Nat Geo is slightly more technical. In either case the parent usually must point the telescope.
Very informative video for a begginer❤
Thanks!
I’ve purchased it and it’s my first time using a telescope too.
I can only locate moon with it and also the 10 mm focal with Barlow gives crazy magnification - but it’s is ever so sensitive to use and find objects.
What telescope would you recommend for more sharp astronomical viewing ? Irrespective of the budget.
Thanks for sharing your knolwedge , I’m a new subscriber of yours.
Cheers!
Congrats on the telescope! Don’t try to find targets with the 10mm, and toss the Barlow. The 25mm will provide sufficiently good views of most images.
Irrespective of budget, aperture rules. The largest Dobsonians provide the highest resolution views. Look up the brand “Obsession” Dobsonian, these are extremely popular in the amateur stargazing community.
Great review! Would you be able to make one for Refractor Gskyer 90600 ?
Thanks! That Gskyer fails my minimum requirements, no need to review.
My wife bought me this telescope for Christmas. 8 or 9 months ago I bought the microcosmos microscope for myself. We live in pacific north west and will have mostly cloud cover. I'll want to get it out and check out stuff.
Costco had it at $199.99 for a limited time only. Now back to $279.99. Still not a bad deal!
In store too? I’ve found the online prices to be quite different than in store.
On line sale ended. Store was $279 before sale. Maybe it will come back on sale for Boxing Day?
@@robertsonsid probably, in 2021 the Omni dropped to $99 in some stores.
I just found 2 new in box ones at $129 (CDN)… each, in a Costco liquidation store… tempted. But I already have a Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ, so I’m wondering if it’s really worth the upgrade…
@@SynthOSpherethis scope is easily 10x better than the powerseeker 70eq.
John, did you find the mount/tripod basically the same in terms of stability as the Omni 102? At high mag (I don't go much more than 100X) it wobbles every time I touch the focuser. I pulled it apart and adjusted/lubricated it with some lithium grease so it's better but still a bit frustrating at times
It’s slightly more solid then the Omni, but most of these scopes are wobbly. Even my $500 Twilight 1 mount takes several seconds to settle with a long refractor on it. Best to hang a grocery bag with some rocks or sand in it from the mount.
Big fan of your work all the way from Saudi Arabia 🫡
Thanks!
Looks like a great telescope for beginner! Trouble is that I don't think I can get it in the US. On that note I have a question. I have a few telescopes already and the one I use the most for visual astronomy is a 90mm f/10 from Orion. Once I tuned up the focuser it's actually a pretty nice instrument, but the problem is that the eq mount it came with is horrible and shaky. Barring being able to buy one of these 102mm scopes that look like they come with a really nice mount, do you have a mount suggestion for around $200 USD for my 90mm f/10 that would make it more enjoyable to use? EQ or alt/az, I don't care as I do own both, but none of my manual mounts are really up to stuff for a telescope with such a long moment arm.
Keep an eye on B&H photo’s used telescope page. DX series StarSense telescopes often show up there at pretty good prices, these have acceptable AZ mounts.
Sorry for all the questions. Just really eager to get one for my kids. Do you have a suggested case for this? I’ve been searching padded telescope cases but they are expensive
I use camera tripod cases. Just find one be that matches the size.
only video i could find about it ..want to buy one...ill wait for more images of it capacity
Even the packaging looks virtually identical to the omni 102 I received last year. The mount looks identical as well. Even the bubble packaging is the same.
I saw this at Costco in Calgary today for $179! I've got the Omni 102 as well and I really enjoy it. I spent almost as much as I did on the scope on some upgraded eyepieces and it does make a difference. I also found that you can deal with the Chromatic Aberration on planets by replacing the lens cap and pulling off the smaller cap in the middle - sort of a hack to douse the brightness and spoof a slower focal ratio. Does this scope come with a 2 piece end-cap?
It's on an asterisk clearance right now at Costco Canada for $130...I literally bought it tonight (Feb 23, 2024) and figured I could return if I didn't like the review! There were 2 left at Okotoks AB location. I now feel confident after such an informative video that $130 is worth it to dip my toes into this wild hobby. I'm older than I'd like to say, and this would be completely new interest to me. Thx for such an amazing review 🙏❤. Maybe I'll spend $1000's after I can't see Saturn with her shirt off 🤔
That’s a great price for sure!!
If i can get both the omni 102 and this for the same money is there one you would prefer? The omnis mount seems to be a little bit wobbly, but what about the optics?
They are both a little bit wobbly, this is true with pretty much every sub $1000 telescope. It’s the same optics as the Omni.
Interesting, like!
Hey John, I was wondering what the differences were between your three child/youth books? I’d like to get one for my daughter and am not sure how they differ. Amazon doesn’t offer a preview so I can’t tell.
My favorite is 50 Things to See on the Moon, followed by Learn To Stargaze (no Telescope Required) followed by 50 Things to See with a Telescope - Kids .
I just found 2 of these, new in box, at $129 (CDN)… each, in a Costco liquidation store… I am tempted. But I already have a Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ, so I’m wondering if it’s really worth the upgrade…
Have you been able to get your hands on the popular science starsense explorer dx 100? I was wondering how it compared to this. The popular science is on sale right now in Canada for 399 whereas the nat geo is 279 at Costco online only (I went to the warehouse and no inventory in store anywhere for cheaper). I’ve read mixed reviews of the popular science. Some praising, others complaint about its build quality.
The popular science version is basically the same scope, except with Starsense, which is really quite nice. Probably worth the extra if you think you need help finding stuff in dark skies. In any case, it’s worth budgeting for a Baader Hyperion 24 mm eyepiece.
You are rite the two scopes are exactly the same I found that the tripod the ar102600tn was a bit to lite for the scope ,I am using the versago tripod from Orion
Very pretty telescope!
It is!
Hey, I am trying the same telescope with the 25mm, but I all I can see with any detail is the moon and when I try to look at other planets or stars it looks very bright and I can’t see any details. What can I do to fix this?
How does Jupiter look? Are the 4 moons nice points of light?
How’s this compare to the Celestron 80 travel scope? I want to get my kids a telescope to use while camping and it has to be portable. I am worried that some of the 100mm ones are very large and not as easily transported.
We may also trek it in for a hike and try to spot peregrine falcons on a rock ledge etc
This scope is larger, but the Celestron 80 travel scope is not designed for space whatsoever.
For hiking you are better off with 10x20-50 binoculars.
Hey i have another my mirror kit say that it has focal length of 900mm. So, I was wondering if it is talking about distance between Primary or secondary mirror or something else.
Is there a way to calculate how much focal length we need according to our focuser length.
I’m not sure, but this link should help: astronomy.stackexchange.com/questions/36670/distance-between-objective-lens-and-eyepiece#:~:text=If%20you%20don't%20have,perhaps%201%20or%202%20mm.
@@LearnToStargaze unfortunately it didn't help
On the image at 14:05 there is also another open cluster NGC 1907 near M 38, which is a good test of quality for small telescopes and quality of the sky at the same time. Did you see it there, or was the light pollution too bad?
Light pollution would have been too bad. I’m in a city, the Messier objects are basically at the limit.
@@LearnToStargaze There are many non Messier objects which can be observed much easier than many Messier objects. For example small and bright planetary nebulas like NGC 7662 in Andromeda are actually very good targets from highly light polluted areas. Brightness density of NGC 7662 appears to be higher than M 57, it's just smaller in its angular size.
@@janomacko5764 yes, I cover many of those objects in an upcoming book. They’re not top of mind for most folks currently.
John, can you please share which red light lamp you use?
I have a few random headlamps from Amazon , and another red light that attaches to the top of the camera. Not sure the brands. Nothing over $10.
The app astro hopper works better than most other astronomy apps I am using the astro hopper app. With my ar 102600tn ,I also have 110 things to see with a telescope
How do you like the book?
The 110 things to see with a telescope the book works great I was out Dec 26 and the book worked great ,I would like to thank you for the book and astro hopper
Thank again
Happy 2024 new year
From
Bob in Regins Sask
Thank you for your review John. Just purchased this telescope. Which one or two eyepieces would you recommend to get as an upgrade for this telescope? I mean what size? Replace the stock 10mm and 25mm or maybe get 32mm and 18mm?
Would you recommend to upgrade the diagonal?
I think the diagonal is fine. I also think the focal lengths are good. An upgrade would be to move to higher quality and possibly wider angle eyepieces. A nice 10mm eyepiece would be great, possibly adding a nice Barlow for closer views of the Moon and Saturn’s rings.
Would using SkySafari in its virtual sky mode to show you the area of sky where the phone is aimed work better with the supplied phone mount? If so, it might be better than strapping a phone to the tube and needing a WiFi or cellular connection to access a website. Looks like a fine scope but the software seems like the shortfall and a marketing gimmick. Thanks! All the best!
Does sky safari virtual mode have 1 degree precision? Enough to narrow in on a DSO? I’m honestly curious, I didn’t think to try this out.
What do you think of the National Geographic Star App 114 Reflector Telescope (Model Explorer NT114CF) that Costco also offer? It comes with a camera type tripod but overall what are the pros and cons between these to telescopes?
I did a side by side comparison between a two 114mm scopes and a 102mm refractor. The views from the 102 were not twice as good, they were 10x as good with the same eyepiece.
Thanks a lot for your response I didn’t find your comparison video at first but will definitely take a look.
@@anne-laurelacombe650 it was in the explore scientific 114 video. These 114s all mostly use the same optics.
I’m in Halifax and just ordered an 8” Celestron SE. I would like to have your book when I do finally get my scope. Where can it be bought
Hi! Currently the 110 Things book is only available on Amazon. It will go off the market in July, then come back in October as a spiral bound book (then it should be in every bookstore, Walmart, and Costco.) Enjoy the Sun today! We may have another Nor’easter headed our way!
@@LearnToStargaze I just got back from Cape Breton from 2 days of shovelling and snowblowing lol
I have a 80/400mm scientific explorer refractor with same AR app feature but no red dot on it. I am never able to get accurate position with app alone. Any suggestions ?
I’m not sure the app is designed to be accurate. It’s clearly not designed to help you find things in the sky.
@@LearnToStargaze hey thanks. my 80/400 explore scientific doesnt come with any finderscope. please suggest any way around for me to utilise the scope.
@@Noob.astronomer you need to buy one. They are under $20.
Is this scope an offering for the Canadian market only with Costco?
I didn't think so, but it's possible. With the Omni scope in the USA, there was no mention of that scope on the internet whatsoever. It didn't even appear on Costco's website. But the shelfs were stocked full of them.
Great Video! I got a star sense for my 11 year old (and me) but this video has me thinking about heading to Costco…This one seems MUCH simpler. Cullimation has me worried, but I’m pretty sure I can figure it out.
Which StarSense?
@@LearnToStargaze 130DX
@@jonathanwalton999 starsense is a lot of fun, and can actually help you find things in space (unlike AR Telescope). The 130 DX will grow with your son’s ambitions.
Thanks! I grabbed your book for him too. He was really into the astronomy section of science this year so I’m hoping he dives in.
@@jonathanwalton999 cool! Which book?
Do you still suggest the Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor Telescope with TwiLight Nano Mount over the national geographic Costco one? I can get the first light for 299 and the Costco for 279.
They’re same same except that the NatGeo scope has slow motion controls which is really nice.
If you use starsense and point the telescope around where the object you're trying to find is will it be there?
You follow the directions on the screen and point the telescope accordingly. If you’re pointed in the wrong spot, the app will let you know by continuing to point you toward your desired target.
@@LearnToStargaze Ok thanks
hi sir. I want to that is it possible to put motor drive on our AZ Mount or is there any motor drive for Az mount
It’s far easier just to buy a motorized AZ mount, like the AZ-GTi.
@@LearnToStargaze ok thank you
Hi John, just wondering how good has Southern Hemisphere been covered in your books?
Hi! We did custom southern hemisphere books for 50 Things to See with a Telescope: www.amazon.com.au/50-Things-See-Telescope-Hemisphere/dp/177745171X
Great, thanks, I think I need to buy it 🙂
Well how about that! I was just emailing you about that FirstLight 102! I did notice the FL 102 has mount rings instead of a dovetail screwed in. Wondering if maybe there are just some materials changes associated with that.
Also your friends at All-Star have that FirstLight 102 for $299.95 CA!
I just noticed that!
Whenever I seen moon through my telescope, the light is so bright that it hurts to my eyes. Can you give me the solution for this problem?
That’s why most telescope lens covers have holes in them. Put on the lens cap, pop open the hole, and the moon should be less intense. You can also get a Moon filter.
Can u please tell me the link where I can buy for each eyepiece excluding the eyepieces already come with the telescope? Thank you
That is included in the video description.
@@LearnToStargazewhat’s wrong with me… thank you
Which telescope is best for moon, planets as well as deep sky.
The absolute best? For a beginner the best would be an SCT, but “the best” on a budget would be a Donsonian.
Hello I buy the same telescope but I can’t see the telescope view on my phone any instructions please 🙏
The phone does not show you what you see through the telescope. You look only with your eyes.
Could you tell me where to find an 8 inch dobsonian for $600? The only ones i can find online are a thousand or more.
I'd pay an extra $80 or so and get this version with Starsense. This is the one we tested last January. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802881731-USE/celestron_22470_starsense_explorer_8_smartphone.html
Thanks for the suggestion! My daughter and I love your channel BTW. We also own several of your books!
Wonderful!
Can you tell me please how can I use binorum telescope 70x900 or 70x700 I dont realy now I am beginner
That’s covered in this video: czcams.com/video/eQ3IP60Fj9c/video.htmlsi=PUDZEfvPfWUcQyfi
@@LearnToStargaze ty
please review the Celestron 90LCM 🥰🥰
I’m not sure they make that anymore. I reviewed the 102 SLT which is very similar.
@@LearnToStargaze thank you very much! Your video is cool!
Can this do a 2” eyepiece?
No, but it can do Baader Hyperion eyepieces, which have basically the same experience.
Hi, Can I use this telescope to watch the solar eclipse? If yes, how?
You can watch the partial phases with a solar filter over the primary lens.
And does celestron 5mm eyepiece fit to the telescope?
Yes, I covered that, and demonstrated that in the video.
@@LearnToStargazeoh no I missed that… thank you
If you want to upgrade your eyepiece find one with a good amount of eye relief, at that magnification you don't want to touch anything.
can we watch planets with a Space Launcher 76mm telescope?
You can see the planets with any telescope or no telescope. The aperture determines how well you see them. I find a 200mm telescope gives sufficient views for me. But to each their own.
1st of all +1 for mentioning AstroHopper... It is indeed useful app 🙂
I have very similar scope AstroMaster 102 and it is fantastic but this seems to have much better mount.
Looks like indeed fantastic scope for the price.
I do recommend it quite a bit!
Is celestron firstscope table top telescope good choice?
For a kid under 6 it is acceptable for looking at the Moon as long as it comes with a nice red dot finder.
@@LearnToStargaze so we cant expect images of planets or nebula?
@@user-eh8ht3ku2gyou can, it’s just much more difficult with a scope that small.
@@LearnToStargazeSo will changing the eyepiece help?
@@user-eh8ht3ku2gyes, but only to a much higher quality one. Budget around $180 for an eyepiece that would make a difference like a 10mm Baader Hyperion.
The skywatcher 150 virtuosos on sale 400 in the US and the skywatcher 150 heritage is 265 on sale in US but the focusers mmm well I’m not sure anyway the views are nice. Thanks for the video love the channel!
Thanks! Those prices are really high!
is the BRESSER First Light AR-102/1000 telescope good?
Yes, I have the explore scientific version, I really like it.
thank you
Mr john see your video from india
I am not able to focus please help!!
With which eyepiece? Is the diagonal in place? Are you using the barlow?
It's good now, my diagonal wasn't at 90 degree. Also it wobbles a little when using 10mm lens with barlow.
Can we watch moon or planets through a bianocular?
You can see the Moons of Jupiter, lunar seas and large craters, and phases of Venus with Binoculars.
@@LearnToStargaze Can you suggest me a good binocular for stargazing?
@@harshvardhanpatil8750 Absolutely, I absolutely love my Bushnell Legacy 10-22x50 binoculars. Galaxies come into view from dark skies at about 15x for me.
@@LearnToStargaze are the images quite clear?
Like I absolutely know binoculars cant compete with telescope in stargazing but still can we see clear frames?
Does higher magnification effect the quality of image?
@@harshvardhanpatil8750 Just like with telescopes, higher magnification generally makes things harder to see.
NEW VIDEO VIDEO IS EQUAL TO HAPPY HEALTHY LIFE
please review Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian
Do you know where I could get one?
I started when it ended
I started last week.
Best telescope under 50$
The Burke-Gaffney observatory. You can use it for free online.
Currently 189.97
Nice! In the USA?
@@LearnToStargaze Canada
@@petermarchut3321that’s really good!
I bought yesterday, 189.97. But its hard to see clearly planets, it’s very blurry .
@@Tranggpyou need to practice focusing during the day on distant objects.
planets are flat btw ...😄
Hahahahahaha