Tasco Starguide 4


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Brand and Model:Tasco Starguide 4
Price ($USD):£599
Type:Maksutov-Cassegrain
Attributes: un-checked Go-To un-checked PEC
Aperture:102mm (4")
f Ratio:f/13
Focal Length:1325mm
Finder:"red dot&qu
Electric Power:8 x AA
Mount:alt-az
Tripod:no
Weight (lbs):lbs.
Dimensions (w/h/d):
Description:

Vote Highlights Vote
Tasco Starguide 4
This is the Tasco version of the Celestron Nexstar 4. I originally chose it over the ETX90 because of the larger aperture and the hand controller is included in the price (£499 if you shop around in the UK).
The first one I took home (sealed box) had the central baffle stuck on off centre,also the clutch was sliping when slewing left to right and vice versa. I set it up anyway to test the optics - bright view of saturn (as bright as in my 4.5" reflector) but ghost images (possibly due to faulty baffle). Good heavy and solid mount. Lens/mirrors looked clean. Took it back to the shop - the other one in stock also had an off-centre baffle! So I am now the proud owner of an ETX90!
Rating-
Build - has to be 0 based on the two I encountered (neither were serviceable)
Optics - the quick view I had seemed OK so 7 (not fantastic but OK)
Value for money - if you can find one which works and has been assembled properly then this scope represents good value for money - 8 (theoretically).

Having used my ETX90 several times now, the Starguide 4 has the following plus points:
1. Red dot finder easier to use than the Meade.
2. Heavier - more stable.
3. Hand control simpler (some may prefer the Meade as it has more options)

but it looks like you get what you pay for - the ETX definately has sharper optics (just as bright) and a more "quality" look and feel. I will post a full review of my ETX soon.

Overall Rating: 5
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41426

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