How To Use Bushnell Telescope

If you’ve just gotten your first Bushnell telescope, you might be wondering how to use it. Learning how to use Bushnell telescope models is the key to seeing the moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and distant star clusters. This guide will walk you through every step, from unboxing to finding your first deep-sky object. We’ll use simple language and clear instructions, so you can spend less time figuring out gear and more time enjoying the night sky.

Bushnell makes a range of telescopes, from beginner-friendly refractors to more advanced compound models. The good news is that the basic setup principles are similar for most of them. With a little patience, you’ll be ready for your first observing session in no time.

How to Use Bushnell Telescope

This main section covers the complete process. Think of it as your master checklist. We’ll break everything down into manageable chunks, starting with what’s in the box and moving all the way to advanced tips.

Step 1: Unboxing and Identifying Parts

Carefully take all components out of the box. Lay them on a clean surface. You should have most of these items:

The optical tube (the main body of the telescope).
The mount (the tripod or base that holds the tube).
One or more eyepieces (these are labeled with numbers like 20mm or 10mm).
A finderscope (a small, low-power scope attached to the main tube).
Maybe a star diagonal (a 90-degree mirror used on refractors).
Any tools or instructions manuals.

Take a moment to familarize yourself with each part. The manual that comes with your specific model is your best friend here, as it shows the exact configuration.

Step 2: Assembling the Mount and Tripod

This is your foundation. A wobbly mount ruins the view. Start by extending the tripod legs. Most Bushnell tripods have a collar or clamp to tighten each leg. Make sure all locks are secure. If your mount has an accessory tray, attach it between the legs for extra stability. Place the tripod on solid, level ground. Concrete or dirt is better than a wooden deck, which can vibrate.

Attaching the Mount Head

If the mount head (the part with the slow-motion controls) is separate, it usually screws onto the top of the tripod. Tighten it firmly. You don’t want it slipping during use.

Step 3: Mounting the Optical Tube

This step varies. Look for a metal ring or bracket on the optical tube called the “tube ring” or “mounting bracket.”

For refractors: You often place the tube into the mount’s cradle and tighten the hold-down screws or clamps.
For reflectors: They usually have a set of rings that clamp around the tube. These rings then attach to the mount.

Important: Don’t over-tighten. The tube should be held securely but not crushed. Ensure the tube is balanced so it doesn’t swing wildly when you let go.

Step 4: Attaching the Finderscope

The finderscope is essential. It’s like a wide-view pointer. It typically has a bracket with two or three adjustment screws.

Slide the finderscope into its bracket on the main tube and tighten the holding screws.
Leave the adjustment screws slightly loose for now. We’ll align it later, when its dark.

If you have a “red dot” finder instead of a scope, the process is similar—it just projects a dot onto a window.

Step 5: Inserting the Eyepiece

First, identify the focuser. It’s the knobbed tube on the side (for reflectors) or back (for refractors) of the optical tube.

If you have a refractor, insert the star diagonal into the focuser first, then lock it.
Choose your eyepiece with the highest number (e.g., 20mm or 25mm). This gives the lowest magnification and widest view, making it easiest to start with.
Gently insert the eyepiece into the diagonal or directly into the focuser. Tighten the setscrew(s) to hold it in place, but avoid overtightening.

Step 6: Aligning the Finderscope (Crucial Step)

This must be done in daylight, for safety. Never point your telescope near the sun.

Point your telescope at a distant, stationary object. A power line insulator on a pole or a treetop a mile away is perfect.
Look through your main eyepiece and center the object. Turn the focus knob until the object is sharp and clear.
Now, without moving the main tube, look through the finderscope. Is the same object centered in the finderscope’s crosshairs?
If not, use the finderscope’s adjustment screws to move the crosshairs until they point directly at the object you see in the main eyepiece.
Double-check by looking back in the main eyepiece. Fine-tune if needed. A well-aligned finderscope is the single most important thing for finding objects at night.

Step 7: Your First Night Out

You’re assembled and aligned. Now for the fun part. Take everything outside at least 30 minutes before you start. This lets the telescope cool to the outside air, which stabilizes the view.

Start with the Moon. It’s easy to find and spectacular at any magnification.
Use your finderscope to point at the moon. Then, look through the main eyepiece.
Use the slow-motion controls on your mount (if it has them) to make fine adjustments. If you have a simple alt-azimuth mount, just move the tube by hand gently.
Refocus as needed. Different objects and even different eyepieces require slight focus adjustments.

Step 8: Using Different Eyepieces

The eyepiece number (in millimeters) determines magnification. A simple formula: Telescope Focal Length (found in manual) / Eyepiece Focal Length = Magnification.

High number (e.g., 25mm): Low power, wide view, brighter image. Best for star clusters and finding objects.
Low number (e.g., 10mm): High power, narrow view, dimmer image. Best for planets and the moon when the air is steady.

Always start with your lowest power eyepiece to find and center an object. Then you can switch to a higher power one for a closer look, if the view remains clear.

Step 9: Understanding Your Mount

Bushnell telescopes often come with two main mount types:

Alt-Azimuth Mount

This is the simplest. It moves up-down (altitude) and left-right (azimuth). It’s very intuitive, like a camera tripod. Just point and look. Some have slow-motion knobs for smoother tracking.

Equatorial Mount

This looks more complex. It has a polar axis that must be pointed roughly at the North Star (Polaris). Once set up, it can follow stars with just one knob. To use it simply at first, you can ignore polar alignment and use it like an alt-az mount. For longer tracking, you’ll want to learn to align it properly.

Step 10: Care and Maintenance

Your telescope is a precision instrument. Treat it well.

Always keep lens caps on when not in use.
Store it in a dry, temperature-stable place.
If dust accumulates on lenses or mirrors, use a soft-bristled brush (like a photographer’s blower brush) first. Only use lens cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth as a last resort, and be very gentle.
Avoid touching glass surfaces with your fingers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are quick fixes for typical problems:

Blurry View: You are out of focus. Turn the focus knob slowly through its full range. If it’s still blurry, you might be pointed at nothing. Aim at a distant streetlight or the moon to test.
Can’t Find Anything in Finder: The finderscope is likely misaligned. Re-align it in daylight following the steps above.
Wobbly Image: Check all tripod leg locks, accessory trays, and tube mounting clamps. Make sure the surface is stable. Also, wait for the telescope to settle after touching it.
Dew on Lens: This happens in humid air. Use a lens cap until you’re ready to observe. You can purchase dew shields or use a low-power hair dryer on a very low, cool setting from a distance to gently warm the glass.

What to Observe: A Beginner’s Tour

After the Moon, try these easy and rewarding targets:

Jupiter: Looks like a bright, non-twinkling star. Through the telescope, you’ll see its four largest moons as tiny dots and maybe its cloud bands.
Saturn: Even at low power, the rings are visible. It’s a sight that never gets old.
The Pleiades (M45): A beautiful cluster of stars that looks great in your low-power eyepiece.
The Orion Nebula (M42): A fuzzy patch in Orion’s sword. This is a cloud of gas where stars are born.
Double Stars: Like Mizar in the Big Dipper. Can you see the two separate stars?

Advanced Tips for Better Viewing

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these tips will improve your experience.

Let your eyes adapt to the dark for at least 20 minutes. Use a red flashlight to read star maps, as it preserves night vision.
Check the weather. “Seeing” (atmospheric steadiness) is crucial for planetary views. Calm, clear nights are best.
Keep a logbook. Note the date, time, object, eyepiece used, and what you saw. It’s rewarding to look back on.
Join a local astronomy club. They offer advice, star parties, and a chance to look through other telescopes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I set up my Bushnell telescope for the first time?

Follow the step-by-step assembly guide above. Start in daylight, assemble the tripod and mount first, then attach the optical tube and finderscope. The most critical step is aligning the finderscope in daylight.

Why can’t I see anything through my Bushnell telescope?

This is almost always one of three issues: 1) The finderscope is not aligned, so you’re not pointed at your target. 2) You are out of focus. Turn the focus knob slowly through its entire range. 3) You may have a lens cap on or the diagonal/eyepiece is not fully seated.

What can I see with a Bushnell telescope?

You can see a lot! The Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons and bands, Saturn’s rings, bright nebulae like Orion, star clusters, and double stars. You won’t see Hubble-like color images, but the real-time view is incredible.

How do I maintain my Bushnell telescope?

Store it in a dry place with caps on. Use a soft brush for dust. Avoid cleaning lenses unless absolutely necessary, and never use household glass cleaner. Keep it protected from bumps and moisture.

Which Bushnell eyepiece should I use to start?

Always begin with the eyepiece that has the highest millimeter number (e.g., 20mm or 25mm). This provides the widest, brightest view and is the easiest for locating objects. Once centered, you can try a higher-power eyepiece.

How do you use a Bushnell reflector telescope?

The process is similar to other types. The main difference is the optical tube is open at the front. Be careful not to bump the primary mirror at the bottom. Also, reflector collimation (aligning the mirrors) may be needed occasionally for the sharpest views, but many Bushnell models hold collimation well.

Getting the hang of your new telescope takes a little practice, but it’s worth the effort. The key is to start simple. Master the setup in daylight, align that finderscope perfectly, and begin with easy targets like the Moon. Don’t get discouraged if things seem fiddly at first—every astronomer has been there. With each session, you’ll get faster and more confident. Soon, you’ll be navigating the night sky and sharing views of planets and stars with friends and family. The universe is waiting for you, and your Bushnell telescope is the tool to bring it closer.