Celestron Powerseeker 127 EQ

[sputniksteve]

Hi all. 

A relative has this 'scope and I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts about it. 

This old review is fairly favourable: https://telescopereview.co.uk/celestron-powerseeker-127eq-review/

But this one is ... less so: https://telescopicwatch.com/celestron-127-eq-powerseeker-telescope-review/

 

Thanks.

[John]

It is a "bird-jones" design on a rather flimsy mount.

The 2nd review is the accurate one. Have a search on here to find more about them, eg:

 

[Cornelius Varley]

30 minutes ago, sputniksteve said:

Hi all. 

A relative has this 'scope and I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts about it. 

This old review is fairly favourable: https://telescopereview.co.uk/celestron-powerseeker-127eq-review/

But this one is ... less so: https://telescopicwatch.com/celestron-127-eq-powerseeker-telescope-review/

 

Thanks.

I think I would trust the second review. The first review calls the PS127EQ a Newtonian reflector., technically it isn't. Actually it is a Jones-Bird reflector which uses a corrector lens within the focuser to correct for spherical aberrations (the primary is spherical not parabolic as in better designs) and also gives the telescopes its 1000mm focal length.

[Waddensky]

These types of telescopes with a build-in corrector are usually not recommended, because they are very difficult to collimate and require high-quality optics that are not used in this price range. The first review doesn't seem to notice that it isn't a Newtonian design (let alone the massive amount of affiliate links casting doubt on the objectiveness of the website).

[Toby1990]

Hi all, bit worried by the negative comments as I’ve recently got one of these!

Not really noticed any real issues but then I have nothing to compare with. I was thinking of doing a few upgrades - eyepieces etc. But now wondering if best to flog it and get something else?

new to this.......wish I’d found this forum earlier but hey, hindsight and all that!

would a few upgrades make a difference? Only doing visual (obviously) but would like something that is a decent all rounder. If a few quid spent on upgrades is worth it then will stick with this and if, as I Hope this is long term hobby then I can buy something better next time (with your advice of course)

Cheers 

Toby

[Waddensky]

39 minutes ago, Toby1990 said:

would a few upgrades make a difference?

Unfortunately, not that I am aware of. That's why I hate it when respectable brands put low-end scopes like this on the market. Maybe others have some useful suggestions to improve what you have. Here's a great list of very nice starter scopes for all budgets, if you're thinking about buying a new one.