Explore Scientific FirstLight 114mm Newtonian Telescope with EQ3 Mount

I purchased this new from Amazon about 6-7 years ago. I don't remember the purchase price other than it was very reasonable for what was advertised (probably around $100.00). The only problem with it was with the finder scope. It was mounted crooked making it impossible to use for getting the tube aligned with the object you wanted to view. No problem, I was able to fix that. Aside from the poor quality control allowing that to pass by, the rest of the scope is magnificent. Please keep in mind what this scope is and what it is not. It is not going to perform like a Celestron 8" no matter how hard you wish that to be true. However, this scope will allow you to view celestial objects in a manner that is not only fun, but also educational. I was not disappointed in what this scope allowed me to do. From experience, I knew what to expect from a scope at this level. I agree with another reviewer's comment that this really isn't a beginner scope (although it could be). But it is more of an intermediate scope. There is a bit of learning involved to set it up correctly. If you take the time to do so, then you are likely going to enjoy the fruits of your efforts with this telescope. The optics are fine. The construction of the tube is quite acceptable. The mount is extraordinarily robust and perfectly functional. The tripod, especially for a telescope in the price range I paid for it, is stout and holds the mount and scope very steadily. Because the eyepiece that comes with it is 1.25", I was able to use other 1.25" eyepieces I have for more magnification. In short, this telescope works very well and is built well for the price I paid for it. The iPhone holder to mount to the eyepiece is really cheap. I wouldn't dare chance using it at the expense of my phone getting dropped. But I didn't buy the scope for that anyway. Overall this is a nice scope. Accept it for the class of telescope it is. Learn how to set it up and use it. Then take it outside and enjoy the heck out of it. Over 6 years of fun with mine with no plans or thoughts to upgrade, because it performs just fine for me.

My mom loves her new telescope we got it for her for christmas.

Bought this scope around black friday time for 99.00 I have several scopes from spotting to a 10 inch dob from explore sci. as well. In fact this scope is similar to small version of my explore dob. For the price it is my favorite scope. Did not have any of the problems others mentioned in the reviews. When i saw the mount for the first time, i thought it looked like cheap plastic, but it is mostly aluminum and works very well. smooth but solid, stays where you aim it. If you are looking for a lower priced 4 inch reflector. This is the one. Especialy if you can get a lower price...

Too much plastic ! Needs a lot of work before it can be collimated, at least the one I got. The EQ mount is super sloppy, although it can be fixed a beginner would be hard pressed to do the work.

I see some people calling this a beginner's telescope, but it is actually closer to an intermediate telescope. I upgraded from a Celestron - 70mm Travel Scope, which is fine, but really is an absolute beginner telescope. With the ESF you can see the rings of Saturn and Jupiter from SF clearly. Now, it isn't like a color picture from Hubble, but you can see them with some clarity. If you try to look at regular images (ie not space images) they will be upside down. I would also get more lenses, as the one it comes with is fine, but won't suffice on its own. I'd love to tell you how the moon looks with this, but frankly, I haven't seen the moon in two weeks so (shrug emoji). It's a good price, and if you're not used to the placement of the lens it will take some getting used to. Also, the phone adapter is garbage, get a better one. The lenses and the adapter are the reason for the deduction of one star. There are no frills included, but the telescope itself is superb and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to move up a level from a beginner's telescope or on a budget.

the telescope magnifies celestial objects only slightly better than I can see them with the naked eye. Very disappointing.

An extremely well made telescope. This is the best price you will find for an instrument of this quality. I would order it again. I wasn't too sure about this company because I hadn't heard of it but I'm glad I took a chance! My only complaint is about the directions. Some areas are not very well explained. Still I'm very happy with the scope and mount. VERY sturdy. You will not regret getting this telescope.

I just unboxed mine. Has missing and loose screws. The rear piece looks all loose