This is a great starter telescope. We have not got to check out the moon yet due to its positioning (we have trees a certain direction which limit us) and it has been COLD outside, but we did get to look at Jupiter and were able to see the moons! Funny enough, we were using the 20mm lens thinking it was the stronger one. Wasnt until after that we realized the 10mm is stronger. The stand is pretty steady but not perfect. As long as you dont hit it, it is fine. We were able to use the knobs to adjust the telescope without it causing any problems.My only complaint is the install instructions, but I am fairly certain that is all on me considering a lot of the others mentioned how easy it was to put together. Ill clarify, it wasnt hard to put together, but I was not sure which way things should be facing in order for the knobs to do what I wanted. I know this is a me problem and not a telescope issue which is why I did not deduct any stars.All in all, great telescope! FAR exceeds the $120 telescope I had purchased before.

Incredible! It's been so much fun exploring the sky with this telescope. Worth every penny! Gives crystal clear images and it's easy to operate.

This telescope was well-packaged and the assembly instructions were easy to follow. Once assembled, the controls were easy to use and fine-tune, and the telescope was well-balanced. This scope is powerful enough to see most planets, including Saturn with its rings. A lunar filter is also included, which makes for great moon viewing as well.

Let me start by saying that I am a complete novice and that this review is looking through that purview. I’ve had the Solomark 130EQ now for about a month and I have used it about a dozen times. Overall, happy with purchase. However, a couple of things make me wish I would have looked more closely at other, more established brands.The first thing I noticed was the excellent care that was taken by the company to ensure that it was packed well for shipping – very impressive. Assembly (even for a novice) was relatively simple…the YouTube video was very helpful. The carbon fiber tube looks amazing! I rated this as a 4 star on the “For Beginners” section because of the finder scope (more on that below). Getting used to the equatorial mount has been challenging. But it is a great part of the overall value along with the other accessories to get a beginner going right away. The cell phone attachment was a nice add. The pictures I’ve taken have turned out well. I would recommend looking at purchasing a remote shutter control to eliminate the need to touch the phone to take a picture.I don’t have any experience with other branded eyepieces. However, the 10mm and 20mm that were included seem to be of decent quality. The images have been clear (although, I’ve only concentrated on the moon so far). Additionally, the moon filter and the 1.5x Barlow were thoughtful additions to the package. Although, the included Barlow appears to be of lesser quality than the eyepieces.Concerns:* My biggest complaint is with the included finder scope. This was a bit of a disappointment. It is constructed of very cheap plastic and the visual image is not very clear. This was quite surprising, considering the apparent quality of the rest of the unit and diminishes the overall quality and value of the 130EQ. I would expect to find this finder scope on a child’s telescope. The adjustment screws are not very sturdy and frustratingly difficult to align with the main tube. I looked on the Solomark page for a replacement finder scope and there were none. The page did show a universal dovetail mount…which, can be used for several other branded finder scopes. But when I inquired if it would work for the 130EQ, I was told that it would not and to check with the company ZWO. There did not appear to be any options there either...not really sure why they sent me there. I then posted the question on the Solomark “contact us” page and have received no reply to date (very frustrating). I then posted the question on Solomark’s Facebook page…no reply there either...customer service could be better.* The description states that the eyepieces are Plossl. However, the eyepieces are marked as K10 and K20. This would indicate that they are Kellner eyepieces and not Plossls as the description states. For a beginner, it might not make much of a difference. However, it is a bit misleading and does lower the overall value. Plan on upgrading the eyepieces with a wider FOV.Overall, I think the 130EQ is worth considering for adult beginners. The unit appears to be sturdy and of good quality. The included accessories are enough to get a beginner and moderate user going quickly without becoming bored. The finder scope issue has been frustrating. However, with no response from the company, I will be experimenting with other potential mounts. I will post my findings when I find a suitable alternative. I would suggest that the company looks seriously at including a finder scope that is easier to work with and of similar quality to the rest of the 130EQ.

This is a horrible telescope!! DO NOT PURCHASE I bought this for my boyfriends birthday and as I was building it there was missing screws, some screws did not fit into the appropriate part, AND the polar axis was not the same as the one shown in the instruction manual- which made zero sense. With that being said, the parts that should’ve been attached to the polar axis to be able to put the telescope was not for the polar axis I had! I am extremely disappointed. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. Definitely NOT worth $360

My husband is a space fanatic and this telescope has been perfect for him. It’s is a larger lens, but sturdy can compact tripod that’s moved easily and sets well. The views are super crisp and clear!

Scope required collimation and still isn't as well collimated as it could or should be. No collimation tool shipped with the scope so I had to purchase one. Finder scope that came with it is just about useless. Couldn't get the finder zeroed on a target no matter what I did. Not enough adjustments in the mount to get the finder on target with any precision whatsoever. Ended up buying a HUD finder device and mounted that on tube. Haven't set it up yet, but hopefully it will resolve the finder scope issue? Fingers crossed. Instructions provided with product lacking in many areas, especially collimation. States the product might need collimation, but does not provide info on how that is achieved. Thank God for YouTube! Due to weather I've only had brief glimpses of the moon and the sun using an appropriate solar filter. Reasonably clear image of the moon and was able to see sunspots on the sun. Still waiting to check out Jupiter and some nearby galaxies. That said, for the money I feel it is an okay starter scope, but be prepared to mod and correct various issues. Since I like to tinker I'm looking at this scope as a challenging project with a learning curve. It remains to be seen if the effort and expense will be worth it though...

Nice telescope. easy to use for a beginner, product was as described and shipped fast

As an enthusiast of the cosmos and someone who values quality equipment, I recently acquired the Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector, and I must say, it has exceeded all my expectations.First and foremost, let's talk about performance. This telescope delivers stunning clarity and detail, allowing me to explore the wonders of the night sky with unparalleled precision. Whether observing distant galaxies, nebulae, or planets within our own solar system, the 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length provide crisp, high-resolution images that truly immerse me in the beauty of space.One of the standout features of this telescope is its versatility. Equipped with a sturdy equatorial mount and adjustable tripod, it offers smooth and precise tracking, making it ideal for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. Whether I'm stargazing from my backyard or observing wildlife in the great outdoors, the Telescope 130EQ performs admirably in any setting.Additionally, the telescope's user-friendly design makes it accessible to both beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. Setting up and aligning the telescope is a breeze, thanks to the included accessories and detailed instructions. Plus, the included eyepieces and Barlow lens provide a range of magnification options, allowing me to customize my viewing experience to suit my preferences.In terms of build quality, the Telescope 130EQ is second to none. Crafted from durable materials and designed with precision engineering, it feels robust and reliable, ensuring years of enjoyment and exploration. Plus, the sleek and stylish design adds a touch of elegance to any observing session.Overall, I couldn't be more impressed with the Telescope 130EQ Newtonian Reflector. It's a powerful and versatile instrument that has opened up a whole new world of discovery for me. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, I wholeheartedly recommend this telescope for anyone looking to embark on their own journey through the cosmos.

J'ai pu m'initier facilement à l'astronomie.L'observation de la lune, des étoiles de la grande/petite ours nous ont émerveillés.Nous profitons des nuits dégagées pour faire des observations.Le rapport qualité/prix est largement au rendez-vous.Le pied est très stable, la netteté est top, la qualité général est excellente et les différents accessoires fournis satisferont tous les débutants.

Producto de excelente calidad. Fue un regalo para mi hijo que es un amante del espacio y la astronomía. Ya había tenido otros telescopios y quería algo más profesional. Es muy interesante para personas iniciadas ya que es fácil de montar y ofrece unas imágenes fantásticas. Se ve muy sólido y de buena calidad.

Der Aufbau war in Ordnung. Die Beschreibung war gut nachvollziehbar und dadurch recht easy.Die Materialien fühlen sich sehr wertig an und die Barlow Linsen erfüllen ihren Zweck.Der Mondfilter mit 13% ist in Ordnung.Die Handyhalterung ist absolut ausreichend um schöne Bilder vom Nachthimmel zu machen.Zu Bemängeln:1)es gibt keine Tasche um mit dem Teleskop unterwegs zu sein , das muss man sich zusammen suchen.2) für die Barlow Linsen ( welche in kleine Döschen stecken zur Sicherung) und den Mondfilter wäre eine Kiste, mit noch etwas Platz für mehr solcher Items , echt klasse und ein zusätzlicher Kaufreiz.Lieferung:es kam sehr gut verpackt an ( sicher und extrem gut ausgepolstert)Aufbau: leicht und gut beschriebenNutzung: als Anfänger schwierig, die Suche eines Planeten und die Verfolgung ist nicht einfach zu Beginn. Darauf muss man sich einstellen und darf nicht sofortige Erfolge erwarten.Aber das Teleskop ist sehr gut und von mir aus zu empfehlen.Ich habe mir inzwischen noch ein paar Barlow Linsen und Filter dazu gekauft. Auch für die Sonne. Die Suche war etwas kompliziert aber ich habe eine gefunden auf Amazon.Zudem eine Tasche und einen Rucksack mit Platz für meine Linsen/ Filter Kisten.

The 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate stargazers. Its 130mm aperture provides clear and bright views of celestial objects, from craters on the Moon to distant galaxies. The equatorial mount ensures smooth tracking, and the build quality feels sturdy and reliable. It's easy to set up and delivers impressive performance for its price. Highly recommended for anyone exploring the wonders of the night sky!