If you’re looking at buying your first telescope, you’ve probably seen the name Gskyer. It’s a popular brand on sites like Amazon, often with a tempting price tag. But is Gskyer a good telescope? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on what you expect from it. For a beginner who wants an affordable, easy-to-use instrument to see the Moon’s craters or Saturn’s rings, a Gskyer can be a fantastic starting point. For someone with more experience, its limitations become clear quickly.
This article will give you a honest look at Gskyer telescopes. We’ll cover what they do well, where they fall short, and who they are really made for. By the end, you’ll know exactly if a Gskyer model is the right choice for your stargazing journey.
Is Gskyer A Good Telescope
To judge if Gskyer is a good telescope, we need to break down its core features. Most Gskyer models are refractor telescopes, which use lenses to gather light. They typically come as complete kits, which is a big part of their appeal for newcomers.
What You Usually Get in a Gskyer Kit
A standard Gskyer package includes several key items. This “all-in-one” aspect is a major selling point.
- The Optical Tube: This is the main body of the telescope. Common apertures (the diameter of the main lens) are 70mm, 80mm, or 90mm.
- The Mount: Most come with an alt-azimuth mount (it moves up-down and left-right). Some higher-end kits include a motorized equatorial mount for tracking objects.
- Eyepieces: You usually get two or three. Common ones are a 25mm for wide views and a 10mm for higher magnification.
- A Barlow Lens: This doubles or triples the power of your eyepieces. It’s a cheap way to add more magnification options.
- A Finderscope: This is a small, low-power scope mounted on top. It helps you aim the main telescope.
- A Smartphone Adapter: This lets you attach your phone to the eyepiece for basic astrophotography.
- A Carry Case: Handy for storage and transport.
The Biggest Strengths of Gskyer Telescopes
Gskyer excels in areas that matter most to beginners: simplicity and value.
- Low Cost of Entry: You can get a functioning telescope kit for a very low price. This removes a huge barrier for someone just testing the hobby.
- Easy Setup: The instructions are usually straightforward, and you can be observing in under 30 minutes.
- Decent for Lunar and Planetary Views: With good conditions, a Gskyer 80mm or 90mm scope can show you Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and incredible detail on the Moon.
- Portability: They are generally light and come with a case, making them easy to take to a darker site.
- Good for Daytime Use: As refractors, they work excellently for terrestrial viewing like birdwatching or scenery.
The Common Limitations and Weaknesses
To keep costs low, compromises are made. Being aware of these is crucial.
- Optical Quality Varies: The glass and coatings are not premium. You might see some color fringing (chromatic aberration), especially on bright objects like the Moon.
- The Mount Can Be Wobbly: This is the most common complaint. The tripod and mount may shake easily, making high-magnification viewing frustrating.
- Accessory Quality: The included eyepieces and Barlow lens are basic. They work, but upgrading them later makes a big difference.
- Not for Deep-Sky Objects: The aperture is too small to gather enough light for impressive views of most galaxies and nebulae. They will appear as faint gray smudges.
- Basic Finderscope: The red-dot or optical finderscopes included can be tricky to align and use effectively.
Who is a Gskyer Telescope Best For?
Given these pros and cons, a Gskyer telescope is an ideal fit for specific users.
- The Absolute Beginner: If you’ve never owned a telescope and want to learn the basics without a big investment.
- The Casual Observer: Someone who wants to occasionally look at the moon or a planet, not conduct serious nightly observations.
- Parents with Kids: A great tool to spark a child’s interest in space. Its durability is okay for supervised use.
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: If your funds are limited and the choice is between a Gskyer or no telescope at all.
Who Should Probably Avoid a Gskyer?
If you fall into one of these categories, you might want to save for a different brand.
- The Aspiring Astrophotographer: Beyond simple Moon shots with your phone, the mount isn’t stable or precise enough for long-exposure photography.
- The Already-Experienced Hobbyist: You will likely find the optics and mechanics disappointing compared to even a mid-level telescope.
- The Deep-Sky Enthusiast: If your main goal is to hunt galaxies, you need more aperture than a Gskyer typically offers.
Setting Up Your Gskyer Telescope: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you buy one, setting it up correctly is key to a good experience. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Assemble the Tripod
Extend the tripod legs on a flat, stable surface. Make sure the mounting head is level and tighten all the leg locks securely. A wobbly tripod is the root of many problems.
Step 2: Attach the Mount
Place the alt-azimuth or equatorial mount onto the tripod head. Use the central bolt to secure it tightly. If it’s an equatorial mount, you’ll need to polar align it later, but for now just get it attached.
Step 3: Mount the Optical Tube
Slide the tube onto the mount’s bracket and tighten the rings or clamps. Ensure it is balanced and not straining against the mount.
Step 4: Attach the Finderscope
Slot the finderscope into its bracket on the main tube. Tighten the screws, but don’t fully tighten them yet. You’ll need to align it later.
Step 5: Insert the Eyepiece
Start with your lowest-power eyepiece (the one with the highest mm number, like 25mm). Insert it into the focuser drawtube. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold it in place.
Step 6: Align the Finderscope
Do this during the daytime. Point the main telescope at a distant object (like a telephone pole). Center it in your eyepiece. Now, look through the finderscope and adjust its screws until the same object is centered in the finderscope’s crosshair. Then fully tighten the bracket screws.
Getting the Most Out of Your Gskyer: Tips and Tricks
A few simple upgrades and practices can dramatically improve your sessions.
1. Upgrade the Eyepieces
The single best improvement you can make. Replace the stock eyepieces with a couple of decent Plössl eyepieces (like a 25mm and a 10mm from a brand like Svbony). The view will be sharper and clearer.
2. Stabilize the Tripod
Hang a weight from the center hook of the tripod. A sandbag or a bag of rocks works. This reduces shaking in the wind or when you touch the scope.
3. Learn the Sky
Use a free app like Stellarium or SkySafari to learn what’s visible. Start with the Moon, then bright planets like Jupiter and Venus.
4. Manage Your Expectations
Remember, you won’t see Hubble-like images. Views will be small and often black-and-white. The beauty is in knowing what you’re looking at—a distant world or a vast star cluster.
5. Let Your Telescope Acclimate
Bring your telescope outside 20-30 minutes before you start observing. This lets the optics cool down to the outdoor temperature, which prevents blurry views cause by internal air currents.
Popular Gskyer Models Compared
Not all Gskyer telescopes are the same. Here’s a quick look at common models.
Gskyer 70mm AZ Refractor
This is the most basic entry point. The 70mm aperture is okay for the Moon and brighter planets. The mount is very simple. It’s a true “my first telescope” option.
Gskyer 80mm AZ Refractor
A significant step up. The 80mm aperture gathers more light, offering better planetary views. It often comes with slightly better accessories. This is there most popular model for a reason.
Gskyer 90mm AZ Refractor
Offers the best optical performance in the refractor line. Better for splitting double stars and seeing planetary detail. The tube is heavier, so the mount must be handled carefully.
Gskyer 600x90mm Equatorial Refractor
This kit includes an equatorial mount. It’s harder to set up but, once aligned, can track objects smoothly. It’s aimed at the beginner who wants to learn how to use an equatorial system.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
You might run into a few issues. Here’s how to solve them.
- Blurry Images: First, check your focus. Then, ensure the lens caps are off. If it’s still blurry, you might be using too much magnification. Switch to a lower-power eyepiece.
- Can’t Find Anything: Always start with your lowest-power eyepiece. Use your aligned finderscope to get close, then fine-tune with the main scope. Practice on a distant land object during the day.
- Shaky View: Tighten every knob on the tripod and mount. Extend the tripod legs minimally for more stability. Add a weight to the center hook.
- Lens Fogging Up: This happens when warm, moist air inside the tube hits the cold lens. Keep lens caps on when not in use, and let the scope acclimate outside before observing.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re unsure about Gskyer, here are other good beginner options in a similar price range.
- Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ: More money, but the app-driven StarSense technology makes finding objects incredibly easy. Better optics and mount.
- Orion StarBlast II 4.2 EQ: A tabletop reflector with more aperture for deep-sky viewing. The equatorial mount is a good learning tool.
- Used Telescopes: Often the best value. Look for a used 6-inch Dobsonian reflector from a brand like SkyWatcher or Orion. It will outperform any new Gskyer for similar cost.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is Gskyer a good telescope? For its intended audience—the complete novice—it can be a very good first telescope. It gets you outside looking up at a minimal cost. The kit format removes guesswork. You will see cool things and learn the fundamentals.
However, view it as a stepping stone. If your interest grows, you will eventually outgrow it. The optics and mechanical quality are entry-level. But if it launches a lifelong hobby, then it has done its job perfectly. The key is to go in with realistic expectations. Don’t expect perfection, but do expect fun and wonder.
FAQ Section
Are Gskyer telescopes good for beginners?
Yes, they are one of the most popular beginner telescopes. They are affordable, easy to set up, and provide enough performance to see major solar system targets clearly, which is great for learning.
Can you see planets with a Gskyer telescope?
Absolutely. You can see Jupiter’s cloud bands and its four largest moons, Saturn’s rings, the phases of Venus, and Mars as a small red disc. Views are small but recognizable.
What is the best Gskyer telescope model?
The 80mm AZ Refractor is often considered the best balance of price, performance, and portability in their lineup. The 90mm models offer better views but at a higher price and with a less stable mount relative to the tube’s weight.
Is Gskyer a reliable brand?
They are a mass-market brand focused on the entry-level segment. Their telescopes are generally reliable for casual use, but they are not built with the same long-term durability as higher-end brands. Customer service can be variable.
How does Gskyer compare to Celestron?
Celestron offers a wider range, from entry-level to professional gear. Their entry-level scopes often have better optics and sturdier mounts than Gskyer, but they also cost more. You’re paying for better overall quality and brand support with Celestron.
Can I do astrophotography with a Gskyer?
Only very basic types. You can capture nice images of the Moon using the smartphone adapter. For planets, you might get a tiny dot with a phone. The mounts are not suitable for the long exposures needed for deep-sky astrophotography.
Where are Gskyer telescopes made?
Like many optical products, Gskyer telescopes are manufactured in China. The company designs and markets them, but the production is overseas, which helps keep costs low.