CStar Review

Cstar 50x450mm FL Table-Top Refractor Telescope (TT-150)

2009-07-18T17:45:00.001-07:00

The Cstar TT-150 telescope features a 1.5x erect image lens, which allows it to be used like a Spotting Scope and Telescope All In 1 for observing both daytime landscapes and night sky objects! No up-side-down and reversed images! Several accessory lenses and eyepieces are included, great for experimentation by the beginning curious astronomer. Great for kids! Product features optical quality lenses, perfect for easy viewing by the beginner. A perfect educational product! Key Specifications: Objective/Aperture Size: 50mm, Focal Length: 450mm, Mount: Universal Camera Mount. Optical quality plastic lenses and a durable plastic tube. Accessories include: 10 inch metal tripod (No Assembly required and it comes with an easy to use universal camera mount that can also be used with other camera brands and spotting scope brands when not using the Cstar TT-150 telescope), 2 Eye-Pieces (H-20, SR-6), 1.5x Erect Image Lens (Allows user to use the product like a Spotting Scope and Telescope in 1), 2x Barlow Lens, .965 inch Diagonal Mirror (provides comfortable viewing of overhead night sky objects), table-top tripod tripod, and objective lens dust cover. Usable Magnification: H-20 = 22x, H-20 with 1.5x Erect Image Lens = 33x, H-20 with 2x Barlow Lens = 45x , SR-6 = 75x, SR-6 with 1.5x Erect Image Lens = 112x, SR-6 with 2x Barlow Lens = 150x.

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Cstar CMOS Digital Color Eyepiece for Telescopes w/Photo and Video Capability

2009-07-17T18:01:00.001-07:00

My hopes were flying until I purchased this item. I noticed the resolution (0.3 megapixels - that's a "0." in front of the number) and started to worry. That worry was more than justified when I installed the software, hooked up the eye-piece and set up my laptop on a table outside. First I focused on Jupiter and its 4 largest moons using the optical eye-piece that came with my Meade Telestar NGC-60TC telescope. This particular telescope always gives good results with Jupiter and its largest moons as well as Saturn and its rings. Then I replaced the optical eyepiece with the digital eye-piece. Refocusing, very carefully, the best I could do was a blob of light for Jupiter and NO MOONS WHATEVER. I can imagine getting fair results looking at the moon, but for the price one expects a bit more than the moon when your interest is astronomy.

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Cstar 3-inchx700mm FL Reflector Telescope (30-700)

2009-07-16T17:46:00.001-07:00

The Cstar 3" x 700mm Newtonian Reflector Telescope is perfect for viewing the night sky or checking out nature during the day. It features a 76mm (3 inch) Optical Glass Mirror, Innovative Quick Release Eyepiece and Accessory Holder, Micro-Adjustment controls for tracking objects, 90 Degree Right-Side-Up Finder-scope, Full-Size Adjustable Aluminum Tripod, and a 700mm focal length Metal Alloy tube. Set up is quick and little assembly is required. The solid construction of the metal alloy Alt-Azimuth Mount allows you to position your telescope in 2 different angles for easy and smooth tracking of objects in the sky. The 3-inch optical glass mirror allows a lot of light to enter the tube for a bright image. Key Specifications: Objective/Aperture (Mirror) Size: 76mm (3 inches), Focal Length: 700mm, Magnification: (H-20 = 35x , H-20 with 1.5x Erect Image Lens = 52x, H-20 with 2x Barlow = 70x, H-6 = 116x. H-6 with 1.5x Erect Image Lens = 175x, H-6 with 2x Barlow = 230x, Mount: Aluminum construction Micro-Adjustable Mount for tracking objects in the night sky. The large lightweight aluminum tripod helps to reduce vibrations during viewing. Accessories include: Full Size Adjustable aluminum Tripod with built in accessory tray, Micro-Adjustment Cables: For making small adjustments in both left to right and up and down directions, 2 Eye-Pieces (H-20, SR-6), 2x Barlow (Magnifies Image by 2 times), 1.5x Erect Image Lens Magnifies the image by 1.5 times and provides normal correct from left to right-side up viewing for both Night Sky and Land Viewing. Turns your Telescope into a Spotting Scope and Telescope All in One., New Patent Pending Quick Release Eyepiece and Accessory Holder. No counter screws needed. Eyepiece and Accessories are optically centered due to the equal pressure from all sides of this eyepiece housing., and a 5 power Optical Right-Side-Up Finder-scope for low power scanning.

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Cstar Water-Proof Series 7x50mm Lens Full-Size Porro Prism Binocular (Yellow)

2009-07-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

Cstar's 7 Power Full Size Waterproof Porro Prism Binocular is the perfect pair of binoculars for using around water and they delivery the best quality and value for the price. Cstar's BW-750Y binoculars are Waterproof, Fog proof, and float in water. Nitrogen filled to assure no moisture is able to get inside the Optically Multi-Coated Glass Lenses. The BW-750Y's come with a built in Illuminated Compass (Push a button on top, and your compass becomes illuminated with a red light). All of Cstar's Waterproof Series binoculars feature a Optically Engineered Lens system and give a bright and sharp image with NO blurry edges around the viewing area. The BW-750Y binocular features Multi-Coated Glass Lenses to help reduce Color Aberration, and Roll Down Eye-Cups that are perfect for Eye-Glass wearers. Our Waterproof series binoculars are made to last for years. Sturdy and great for boating, traveling, hiking, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities. Key Specifications: Individual Focusing System which allows the user to correct for any differences in their eyes, thus making viewing more pleasurable and comfortable, Objective Lens =50mm, Magnification = 7x, Angular Field of View (FOV) = 7 degrees, Field of View = 122 meters @ 1000 meters and 367 feet @ 1000 yards, Prism Material: BAK 4 Glass, Prism Type: Full Size Porro Prism, Coating: Multi-Ruby Coated Lenses, Focus Type: Focus Wheel. Accessories include: Nylon Carrying Case, Built in Objective Lens Covers, Binocular Neck Strap, and Lens Cleaning Cloth.

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Cstar EA-125D Dual-size Telescope Erect Image Lens

2009-07-14T17:36:00.001-07:00

Pros: Good (large) clear aperture
Good quality image
Cons: No eyepiece set screw
Telescope end tends to unscrew sometimes (due to .965 adaptation)

I purchased this erect image diagonal for use with a homemade spotting scope and it has not disappointed so far. See comments above. I got over the lack of a set screw by tapping the eyepiece end with a 4/40 tap and inserting a 4/40 thumb screw purchased from Small Parts Inc (also accessible through Amazon).

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Cstar Optics TT-440 500mm Focal Length x 40mm Objective Lens Refractor Telescope with table-top tripod

2009-07-13T19:05:00.001-07:00

This 40x Refractor Telescope is a perfect educational product for kids of all ages to learn about the great outdoors. Get 40 times closer to what you are viewing. This telescope is easy to set-up, small enough to carry just about anywhere, and is made of strong and durable high quality plastic and metal parts. It features high quality plastic optical lenses and can be used for day and night observation. No up-side-down and reversed images! Comes with one eyepiece that is built in to the scope. Telescope is easy to focus using the built in push/pull focussing system. Key Specifications: Objective/Aperture Size: 40 mm, Focal Length: 500mm. Accessories Include: Permanent Fixed 40x eyepiece, and a 15" Table Top Tripod.

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Cstar Halo Series 8x21 Compact Roof Prism Binoculars

2009-07-12T17:25:00.001-07:00

Cstar's 8 Power Compact Binoculars give the best quality and value for the price. All of Cstar's Halo Series binoculars feature a Optically Engineered Lens system and give a bright and sharp image with NO blurry edges around the viewing area. The D-508 binocular features a Gray Rubber Armored Body, Multi-Coated Glass Lenses to help reduce Color Aberration, and Roll Down Eye-Cups that are perfect for Eye-Glass wearers. Our Halo series binoculars are made to last for years. Compact and Light weight, great for traveling, hiking, sporting events, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities. Key Specifications: Single Diopter which allows the user to correct for any differences in their eyes, thus making viewing more pleasurable and comfortable, Objective Lens =21mm, Magnification = 8x, Angular Field of View (FOV) = 7.3 degrees, Field of View = 128 meters @ 1000 meters and 384 feet @ 1000 yards, Prism Material: BK 7 Glass, Prism Type: Roof Prism, Coating: Muti-Coated Lenses, Focus Type: Focus Wheel. Accessories include: Convenient Nylon Carrying Case, Binocular Neck Strap, Lens Cleaning Cloth.

The Cstar D-108 Halo Series 8 x 21 compact roof prism binoculars are optically engineered and deliver a bright, sharp image with no blurry edges around the viewing area. The ruby-coated objective lenses provide clear images without glare. The compact, 21-millimeter objective lenses deliver great light for the size and the 8x zoom will bring you surprisingly close to the action.

For a nice expensive look, Cstar has designed the D-108 with a durable, gray rubber armored body and their exclusive silver coating. These binoculars look great and perform even better. Cstar has not scrimped on comfort -- the roll-down eyecups feel great and are perfect for eyeglass wearers.

The D-108 features barrel hinges to accommodate most eyes. Many similar priced binoculars that feature barrel hinges have trouble with the hinges becoming very loose over time. You don't have to worry about this with Cstar. The D-108 barrel hinges are guaranteed to not become loose. Compact and lightweight, these binoculars are great for traveling, hiking, sporting events, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities.

What's in the Box
D-108 compact binoculars, nylon carrying case, and neck strap.

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Cstar GO-Series 60 x 900mm Compact Refractor Telescope with Nylon Carrying Case

2009-07-11T17:42:00.001-07:00

My dad got this for me for my birthday. After hours of trying to figure out how to put it toghether, I finished building it. The instructions say not to use it indoors, so we took it outside. The little breeze kept knocking it a few centimeters of course, now when you look at something thousands of miles away, that's very far. We sent it back and got our $100. What a disappointment on my birthday.

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Cstar Optics Stratus UB-3700 76mm Reflector Telescope

2009-07-10T18:58:00.001-07:00

Way too many flaws for me to mention, too small, cheap mount, frustrating to use. It turns one off to astronomy rather than exite the observer.

Avoid at all costs! Get at least a 90 mm objective lens with an equatorial mount with slow motion controls. You will pay 300 bucks for a good starter scope. The rest are junk and will take up space in your closet.

JIm "Konedog" Koenig, Astronomy Buff

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Cstar UB-4500 Stratus Series 114mm Reflector Telescope

2009-07-09T19:24:00.001-07:00

This is a difficult item to review because I never got it to work correctly. We spent over four hours trying to align the finder scope 'till we finally gave up. The finder scope is adjusted by using screws that hold it into place (kind of like the screws that hold the glass for overhead light fictures into place). There are only 3 screws so the options for adjusting are very limited. Even if you could get the finder scope adjusted properly the telescope is still a piece of junk.

The tripod and mount are flemsy so it's really hard to adjust the scope to find anything. When you lock on to something when you look through the eye piece, the slightest bump to the eye piece or scope causes the scope to shake and vibrate so you never get a clear look at what you want to see.

It took about 15 minutes to find the moon and when I did, I could never get a clear look at it, even with the weakest eye piece. Trust the reviews on the telescope sites. If you are really interested in astronomy, fork out the 300-400 on a good beginer scope sold in astronomy stores or buy a good pair of binoculars.

I have my telescope packaged in my car so I can return it after work.

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Cstar "T-SERIES" 525 x 60mm Refractor Telescope

2009-07-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

This is the perfect example of the kind of scope astronomers warn beginners against.

The first red flag is the ridiculously high maximum magnification of over "700x." Do you know what you will see at 700x in this scope? Nothing but a dim blur. Note that the objective (main) lens is 60mm. All telescope optics have inherent limitations; maximum useful magnification per millimeter of aperture is about 2x. Therefore, with any attempt to use this scope at magnification of over 120-140x, increase in image size will be more than offset by breakdown, and that's even assuming the quality of the objective lens is any good.

The finder is useless: a 6x30 is barely adequate, and this one does not even meet that standard. Using it for anything but the moon will be an exercise in frustration. The "H" on the eyepieces indicates a Huygens eyepiece, a cheap and antiquated design with a field of view so narrow it is not unlike looking through a drinking straw. For not much more money the marketers could have chosen a better eyepiece with over twice the viewing area, but they were not trying to make an instrument that was usable, merely trying to make the price as attractive as possible.

Buy this telescope, and I guarantee that as soon as the newness wears off it will be relegated to a forgotten corner of the attic. Selling trash is bad enough. Selling trash at double the price of other trashy scopes is a ripoff.

Using an astronomical telescope is not like playing an MP3 file and but rather like playing a guitar. It is a learned skill. And you must do a lot of homework before you buy a telescope. Buying without prior experience is like buying a car without knowing anything about driving. If you want to see the wonders of the sky, contact your local astronomy club and attend one of their star parties. The members love sharing their hobby and can set you straight as to how to get started. The best way is to learn the sky with the unaided eye and 10x50 binoculars (decent ones are available on Amazon), then graduate to something along the lines of a 150-200mm (6-8") Dobsonian; good ones can be found on Amazon starting under $290.

For more information on buying telescopes, see my encyclopedic guide on Amazon: "So you want to buy a telescope."

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Cstar TT-330 Educational Series Table-Top Refractor Telescope

2009-07-07T19:06:00.001-07:00

I got this telescope for my desk at work because I have a decent view. It stinks, I think I can see better with my naked eye. Plus you can not focus it because the slider is so stiff. I guess I will be buying another telescope now.

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Cstar Halo Series 10x25 Compact Roof Prism Binoculars

2009-07-06T19:28:00.001-07:00

Cstar's 10 Power Compact Binoculars give the best quality and value for the price. All of Cstar's Halo Series binoculars feature a Optically Engineered Lens system and give a bright and sharp image with NO blurry edges around the viewing area. The D-410 binocular features a Cstar Exclusive Silver Coated Body, Multi-Coated Glass Lenses to help reduce Color Aberration, and Roll Down Eye-Cups that are perfect for Eye-Glass wearers. Our Halo series binoculars are made to last for years. Compact and Light weight, great for traveling, hiking, sporting events, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities. Key Specifications: Single Diopter which allows the user to correct for any differences in their eyes, thus making viewing more pleasurable and comfortable, Objective Lens =25mm, Magnification = 10x, Angular Field of View (FOV) = 5.8 degrees, Field of View = 102 meters @ 1000 meters and 304 feet @ 1000 yards, Prism Material: Bk 7 Glass, Prism Type: Roof Prism, Coating: Muti-Coated Lenses, Focus Type: Focus Wheel. Accessories include: Convenient Nylon Carrying Case, Binocular Neck Strap, and Lens Cleaning Cloth.

The Cstar D-410 Halo series 10 x 25 compact roof prism binoculars are optically engineered and deliver a bright, sharp image with no blurry edges around the viewing area. The ruby-coated objective lenses provide clear images without glare. The compact, 25-millimeter objective lenses deliver great light for the size and the 10x zoom will bring you surprisingly close to the action.

For a nice expensive look, Cstar has designed the D-410 with a durable, gray rubber armored body and their exclusive silver coating. These binoculars look great and perform even better. Cstar has not scrimped on comfort -- the roll-down eyecups feel great and are perfect for eyeglass wearers.

The D-410 features barrel hinges to accommodate most eyes. Many similar priced binoculars that feature barrel hinges have trouble with the hinges becoming very loose over time. You don't have to worry about this with Cstar. The D-410 barrel hinges are guaranteed to not become loose. Compact and lightweight, these binoculars are great for traveling, hiking, sporting events, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities.

What's in the Box
D-410 compact binoculars, nylon carrying case, and neck strap.

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C-Star Educational Series Periscope

2009-07-05T17:48:00.001-07:00

My son first saw a periscope on Curious George (the Spy Monkey episode) and was of course immediately fixated. As a special treat I got him this periscope and he has enjoyed playing with it. It is very sturdy and so far has lasted numerous months. The enjoyment my son has had so far has been well worth the money I paid for it. I took away one star due to the fact that it is a bit bigger and bulkier than I thought it would be.

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Cstar MG-25C 25x30 Pirate Scope Monocular

2009-07-04T18:29:00.001-07:00

pirate scope works as advertised. the "leather" is fake or of low quality and the stitching is not that great. optics are good, extras are weak. shipping good too. seller delivered as advertised

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Cstar Gadget and Gift Series 8x20 Aluminum Porro Prism Binocular

2009-07-03T18:49:00.001-07:00

Cstar's 8 Power Compact Binoculars give the best quality and value for the price. The BM-208 binocular is made from Durable Aluminum Alloy Construction, Multi-Coated Glass Lenses to help reduce Color Aberration, Extra large Roll Down Eye-Cups that are perfect for Eye-Glass wearers. Our BM-208's are made to last for years. Compact and Light weight, great for traveling, hiking, sporting events, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities. Key Specifications: Single Diopter which allows the user to correct for any differences in their eyes, thus making viewing more pleasurable and comfortable, Objective Lens = 20mm, Magnification = 8x, Angular Field of View (FOV) = 7.3 degrees, Field of View = 115 meters @ 1000 meters and 345 feet @ 1000 yards, Prism Material: BK 7 Glass, Prism Type: Roof Prism, Coating: Muti-Coated Lenses, Focus Type: Focus Wheel. Accessories include: Convenient Nylon Carrying Case, Binocular Neck Strap, and a Lens Cleaning Cloth.

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Cstar "All in 1" Series 60 x 700mm Full-Size Refractor Telescope

2009-07-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

This is the perfect example of the kind of scope astronomers warn beginners against.

The first red flag is the ridiculously high maximum magnification of over "700x." Do you know what you will see at 700x in this scope? Nothing but a dim blur. Note that the objective (main) lens is 60mm. All telescope optics have inherent limitations; maximum useful magnification per millimeter of aperture is about 2x. Therefore, with any attempt to use this scope at magnification of over 120-140x, increase in image size will be more than offset by breakdown, and that's even assuming the quality of the objective lens is any good.

The finder is useless: a 6x30 is barely adequate, and this one does not even meet that standard. Using it for anything but the moon will be an exercise in frustration. The "H" on the low-power eyepiece indicates a Huygens eyepiece, a cheap and antiquated design with a field of view so narrow it is not unlike looking through a drinking straw. For not much more money the marketers could have chosen a better eyepiece with over twice the viewing area, but they were not trying to make an instrument that was usable, merely trying to make the price as attractive as possible.

Buy this telescope, and I guarantee that as soon as the newness wears off it will be relegated to a forgotten corner of the attic.

Using an astronomical telescope is not like playing an MP3 file and but rather like playing a guitar. It is a learned skill. And you must do a lot of homework before you buy a telescope. Buying without prior experience is like buying a car without knowing anything about driving. If you want to see the wonders of the sky, contact your local astronomy club and attend one of their star parties. The members love sharing their hobby and can set you straight as to how to get started. The best way is to learn the sky with the unaided eye and 10x50 binoculars (decent ones are available on Amazon), then graduate to something along the lines of a 150-200mm (6-8") Dobsonian; good ones can be found on Amazon starting under $290.

For more information on buying telescopes, see my encyclopedic guide on Amazon: "So you want to buy a telescope."

Buy it here now!

Cstar 8x25 Waterproof Compact Porro Prism Binoculars

2009-07-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

Cstar's 8 Power Compact Waterproof Porro Prism Binoculars give the best quality and value for the price.Cstar's BW-825C binoculars are Waterproof and Fog proof. Nitrogen filled to assure no moisture is able to get inside the Optically Multi-Coated Glass Lenses. The BW-825C comes with a built in compass, and have formed finger grips for added comfort while viewing. All of Cstar's Waterproof Series binoculars feature a Optically Engineered Lens system and give a bright and sharp image with NO blurry edges around the viewing area. The BW-825C binocular features, Multi-Coated Glass Lenses to help reduce Color Aberration, and Pop-up Eye-Cups that are perfect for Eye-Glass wearers. Our Waterproof series binoculars are made to last for years. Compact and Light weight, great for boating, traveling, hiking, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities. Key Specifications: Single Diopter which allows the user to correct for any differences in their eyes, thus making viewing more pleasurable and comfortable, Objective Lens =25mm, Magnification = 8x, Angular Field of View (FOV) = 8.1 degrees, Field of View = 142 meters @ 1000 meters and 427 feet @ 1000 yards, Prism Material: BAK 4 Glass, Prism Type: Porro Prism, Coating: Muti-Ruby Coated Lenses, Focus Type: Focus Wheel. Accessories include: Convenient Yellow Ballistic Nylon Carrying Case with shoulder strap, Binocular Neck Strap, Lens Cleaning Cloth

If you're looking for a pair of binoculars to take out in the rain, then look no further than the Cstar BW-825C waterproof 8 x 25 compact porro prism binoculars. Optically engineered to deliver a clear image, you'll be impressed with the BW-750B's bright, sharp image with no blurry edges. The compact, 25-millimeter objective diameter lenses deliver a good amount of light, and the 8x magnification will bring you closer to the action. The rubber armored body is tough and durable and the nitrogen-filled tubes are fogproof and waterproof. The multi-coated lens allows for great light transmission with low color aberration, giving super clarity and high resolution.

The BW-825C delivers compact comfort with formed finger grips and specially-designed, twist-up eyecups for eyeglass wearers. These binoculars also include a handy navigation feature: a built-in compass! No matter where you are, you'll never lose your sense of direction with the BW-825C.

What's in the Box
BW-825C compact binoculars, nylon carrying case, lens cleaning cloth, and neck strap.

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Cstar Spy-Scope 8x20 Monocular

2009-07-01T13:19:00.001-07:00

Answer to the Title Question: the one that you have onhand.

I like to carry "optics" when I travel (touring), when I go out into the wild (for sights and birding), and I would always have some optics on me when I go tactical (like on my rifle, separately, or specialized, like NVGs). After messing around with various designs, magnifications, sizes, weights, and extra features, like lens coatings, I finally decided that the most practical utility vs. weight-size ratio was in the 8 X 21 or 8 X 20 compact monocular design. For me it's about the perfect balance of practicality, cost and portability/deployability... afterall, you may have the best $1000 Zeiss optics in the world, but if it's sitting in it's protective case deep in your backpack... well, it ain't doin' you any good. So it was for me. I carried around various nice (read: expensive) binoculars and spotting scopes for years, dutifully packed away in my pack, or the exterior side pocket of my pack, or on my belt in a holster, or as this huge 2.5 pound anchor around my neck. But really what I wanted was the ability to quickly get a closer, clearer view of something (birds, terrain features, points of interest) mainly for confirmation. In fact, sometimes it was just to scope out a street sign when I was navigating. Through the years I downsized to more practical sizes, and finally, I ended up with 8 X 20 monocular as my most practical solution.

With my monocular in a quickly accessible mini-pouch on my packstrap, I can whip out my optics in like 3 seconds and be already focusing in whatever object caught my eye, while my friends are still digging around in packs for their binoculars or more often, not even bothering to take the trouble. And just as quickly, I can put it back into it's case and be hiking. I'll tell you, it's made a world of difference to me.... seeing things more closely, at will, conveniently and quickly.

It's true the field of view for this monocular is limited. It simply is not large enough (diameter) to pull in a whole lot of light, so forget about low-light or night viewing (that's not to say that I haven't enjoyed some stargazing or looking at the moon with this scope). And, as has been pointed out, it's not even the best ergonomic design for focusing (without practice). But, for me, it's a functional, utilitarian design and the decent pricing makes it a device that I don't terribly fret about damaging. As a matter of fact, I have 3 and I've only destroyed 1 (so far) and parted it out for repairs.

There are many nice monocular designs out there. All I'm saying is that this one works for me.... cheap, practical, functional.

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