Is this Jessops telescope a lemon or jem?

[the lemming]

Hello

While out last minute hunting for Christmas presents I spotted a Jessops Telescope for £80.

Anybody seen one or used it and can offer comments for a casual user telescope?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/jessops/astronomical-telescope-1100-102-76685/show.html

Cheers

[Spec-Chum]

Almost certainly a lemon.

The reviews speak for themselves really.

[RikM]

I am not so sure it would be that bad. 102mm f/11 on an AltAz with slow mo controls??? You would have to toss the 3x barlow and probably the 6mm EP as well but 25mm and 12.5mm are good focal lengths.

I don't think I would buy it, but I've seen worse 'first scopes' than this.

[Chris]

I would personally stick to tried and tested brands, in my opinion Skywatcher offer the best quality for the price.

Edit: best optics for the price is probably more accurate;)

[Astro_Baby]

Slightly lemony I would suggest

[the lemming]

thank you for the replies.

They are much appreciated.

[perrin6]

Patrick Moore would probably advise you to buy a pair of binoculars instead, if you intend to spend no more than £80.

[ollypenrice]

Beware anyone who tells you that you can usefully magnify 400x with a 4 inch reflector. They clearly haven't tried to do so.

Olly

[glowjet]

Could well finish up leaving you with a sour taste according to some accounts

John.

[BinocularSky]

Isn't a Seben-in-disguise is it? Darned expensive way of acquiring a shaving mirror and a tall flower pot! Rather than waste your readies on this, waste a little less on a barge-pole so you can practice not touching this sort of thing with it.

[VigdisVZ]

For that price I suggest binoculars, or stretch your budget to atleast a 130p dob http://www.firstlightoptics.com/heritage/skywatcher-heritage-130p-flextube.html

[umadog]

I agree with the above. Buy a telescope from specialist dealer. They are far, far, less likely to carry lemons and they will provide good advice and be able to support you post-purchase. Don't buy astronomical equipment from Jessops.

[cantab]

It's not short and fat like the infamous Seben "Big Boss", but it doesn't look slender enough for an f/10 Newt to me, which is a worry.

This time of year you could always go in the evening and ask to have a look through it.

[stem1989]

Lemon-ish. for £80-£100 theres plenty of nice starter scopes out there from Skywatcher and the likes. Good luck with your purchase never the less and hope you enjoy whatever you get!

[BinocularSky]

Has everybody noticed the substantially robust spider vanes?

[Spec-Chum]

Has everybody noticed the substantially robust spider vanes?

Spider arteries?

[breezy]

Just a slight hint of citrus , but I'm sure people on here have started with worse