Toys R Us stores have a new version of the 'Land and Sky' telescopes, marked (II) version 2 on sale! Price is now S$44.95.
I think this version is a slight step backwards from the original version. The 45 degree star-diagonal is now integrated and not removable, which is more suited for erect-image, terrestrial viewing.
The location of the focus knob is now on top of the tube assembly(?) and also not removable, it looks like an upside down
focuser. The box claims it works better and smoother..(like crayford?)
Seems like the main objective cell is also cemented in place, and the design is even more toy-like than before. It now
comes with an intergrated lens cap which doubles as a pointing aid together with the plastic zero-magnification pointer marker when flipped up from the middle section. Nope, no led pointer here.
It is heartening to know that Toy R Us, and/or the manufacturer, bothers to 'upgrade' a toy telescope, but if you decide to strip the telescope to make it more usuable, eg, shimming, flocking etc, I don't see how it is possible with this new version. But straight out of the box, it should gives the casual curious minds a satisfying view of the
moon and its craters, the birds and the people across your street etc.
Fortunately it still has a glass (doublet) objectives to save what's left of this telescope. Oh yes, you get a free star chart too, or rather a planisphere to get you started. I think they should include a moon map instead. Two 0.96" plastic eyepieces and a table top (plastic) tripod are included as standard. Focal length is still 360mm.
I had initially purchased the original version of this telescope just for fun, and to achieve my 50 objects goal from a 50mm scope, which i think so far it is doing reasonably and optically ok (after some DIY improvements). I don't think i would have started on this project if i have seen the version 2 before the original version. And the tube now looks plastic instead of aluminium in the
original version. (I may be wrong here..)
First impression.. 3.5 out of 5 stars. (why 3.5 stars?!!) Well its a toy telescope for christ sake, and it still cost less than a freaking meade plossl eyepiece. Buy this and look at the moon*!! It may be your child's first look at the moon or the trees opposite your house. It will be a long and fruitful road ahead for their inquisitive minds to pursue more in their future.
* Scroll down the blog to check the current Moon phase, if its Full Moon, then
don't burn your retina, best to observe the moon when its Waxing or
Waning state.
This is Full Moon (use a moon filter if you must observe)
This is not Full Moon (Waxing Gibbous)
Pics taken by me with a Pentax K200D, 2009.
