I wish I could help Susie but have no experience with such a telescope. Did the present come with instructions that you can follow?

I suggest buying couple of books to help orient you around the stars. "Turn Left at Orion" is very good. Good luck with your new hobby and don't give up on it. It can be tricky.

Isabelle

Actually, when I think again about it, I think I had a similar scope to this one about ten years ago. I remember it indeed came with very detailed instructions in how to set up and use it for the first time.

I remember using the tripod and finding it very fragile. To tell you the truth, one of the braces did break in the first year I used it.

This may sound negative but I also remember being very pleased with what I saw during the time that I had it. I guess traveling with this telescope is what did it in.

Isabelle