{"product":{"product_id":"B07BRLSVWM","title":"Zhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope","price":"349.99","image_url":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416zEROZpzL._SL500_.jpg","url":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRLSVWM"},"comments":[{"body":"Unfortunately my suggestion is to not buy from Amazon. Their prices are almost always more than from telescope/camera retailers and they aren’t are reputable as those retailers.\r\n\r\nThat being said, the [Z130](https://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM) is currently a good price on Amazon \r\n\r\nBut before you buy, make sure you read the pinned beginners buying guide “sticky” at the top of this page (top of the subreddit and in the about section of this subreddit).","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"chrislon_geo"},{"body":"I wouldn't rush for this. \r\n\r\nI like looking at Jupiter for the moons.  A good set of binocs would let you do that as well although I like seeing them in the scope. For a scope the real win was seeing saturns rings. \r\n\r\nSeeing those moons and Saturns rings sorta snaps the sky into a qualitatively different thing for me. Like WOW i'm looking at big rocks and planets and things that are just floating up there.  \r\n\r\nAfter that jump -- I kinda feel like it takes a lot to get more out of a scope. Taking photos isn't my deal -\u0026gt; i'm lazy and can see MUCH better ones with a quick google search. Same with finding and viewing nebula/galaxies/etc. \r\n\r\nSo my recommendation is a 5\"-10\" [dobsonian telescope](https://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM) when you find a good deal on one.","subreddit_name":"space","author":"czmax"},{"body":"Unfortunately no. All scopes have gone up in price. The Zhumell Z130 is probably the most affordable decent scope on the market right now: \r\n\r\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM\r\n\r\nIt was $199, now it's $299. But compared to other scopes, it's still reasonably affordable.","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"phpdevster"},{"body":"OP, this is the Zhumell Z130 that others are recommending: \r\n\r\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM\r\n\r\nIt is going to be a SUBSTANTIALLY better overall viewing experience than the PowerSeeker 114EQ. $40 is the difference between a hobby killer scope and something that could foster real interest. \r\n\r\nI do not recommend you get the Z114 even though it's cheaper and in your budget. While still better than the PowerSeeker 114EQ, the Z130 is a better scope and is totally worth the extra money. \r\n\r\nThe trouble with the PowerSeeker 114EQ is the wobbly, cumbersome EQ mount it sits on. Adjusting the focuser or even making light contact with your eye against the eyepiece will induce serious vibrations that take forever to dampen. Optically, it won't compete with a 130mm parabolic mirror. You will see more detail on Jupiter with the Z130. \r\n\r\nThe trouble with the Z114 is the focal ratio is too short for a beginner. At F/4, there will be very strong coma present, and only the exact center of the field of view will be acceptably sharp. The collimation tolerance at F/4 is fractions of millimeters. I would also make the argument that at the price point of the Z114, I would be skeptical they got an F/4 mirror to be a true parabola. The shorter the focal ratio, the harder it is to get an accurate parabolic shape. \r\n\r\nConversely, the Z130 is F/5, which doesn't sound like a big difference, but all errors decrease by the ***cube*** as focal ratio goes up. That means F/5 has 1/2 of the coma as F/4, and has double the collimation error tolerance, making it more forgiving to get good collimation when doing planetary observing. The mirror is also more likely (but not guaranteed) to accurately figured since F/5 has a shallower curve than F/4.\r\n\r\nSpend the $200 on the Z130. It's absolutely worth it.","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"phpdevster"},{"body":"It’s on sale on Amazon right now for its original price of $200 just got mine today, it’s excellent \r\n\r\nZhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRLSVWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z2QSQT8NG14JPC06K7JF?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"ShrewdTimes"},{"body":"I bought my Zhumell z130 a few days ago from amazon. You probably can't find it because it is out of stock. I have noticed it going in and out of stock often. I managed to get mine with like 5 day free delivery with no back order or anything. I love this scope! Managed to see Saturn, Jupiter and it's moons and Mars and it's moon. That is all with the stock eyepieces. I have ordered an Astromania 4.5mm eyepiece so it should get even better.  And yea, the fact that it is closed tube helps out a lot. Tho not as compact you don't need a light shroud, and there is no wobbly focuser. Only thing I dislike is the stock eyepieces. They don't have much eye relief, but still do an amazing job.  \r\n\r\n\r\nEdit: [Here's the link for z130 on amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BRLSVWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1)   \r\nJust keep on checking it, sometimes it's in stock. \r\n\r\nClear skies!","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"Small3InchPeePee"},{"body":"I was planning on getting a Powerseeker 127 as well, but then I saw r/dontbuyapowerseeker . I have ordered a [Zhumell z130](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BRLSVWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1) from amazon. It's a little bit more than the 127,  at $200 but I think it's the best choice you can make. It is currently in stock, relatively quick delivery and way more portable than the Powerseeker. Same goes for Heritage 130p, tho you will have to make a light shroud for it , as well as put some plumbers tape on the focuser thread since it's wobbly. Hope I helped, have fun and clear skies!","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"Small3InchPeePee"},{"body":"Hello :-)\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; under $200\r\n\r\nThere's not much discussion here; \r\n\r\nThe ones on triopd you've picked are on a weak mount (as telescopes are used with relatively high magnification, stability is key). A motor drive is nice in theory, but not on these weak mounts.\r\n\r\nThe Astromaster 114eq is a flawed bird-jones telescope with contrast issues. Avoid.\r\n\r\nThe Stablast is a classical reflector, but an extreme aperture ratio (contrast issues).\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Gskyer is a joke for that price. The short refractor can't be used for high magnification (chromatic aberration) and has a relatively small aperture.\r\n\r\n\u0026amp;nbsp;\r\n\r\n**Recommendation** regarding your requirements (Amazon, \u0026lt;=$200).\r\n\r\n[Zhumell z130](https://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=zhumell+z130\u0026amp;qid=1576408823\u0026amp;s=electronics\u0026amp;sr=1-2)\r\n\r\n5\" shows quite a bit, less critical aperture ratio than the F/4 telescopes, sturdy but small rockerbox-mount.\r\n\r\nUse on an inexpensive Ikea step-stool or similar, still MUCH better than any tripod set in this price-range.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u0026gt;  In the future I may upgrade to something like the AWB tabletop \r\n\r\nThe z130 is similar to the AWB. \r\n\r\nImaging is problematic with any scope in this price-range, though a bit of moon and planets is possible with almost any setup :-) What camera do you have?\r\n\r\n\r\nClear skies!","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"schorhr"},{"body":"Would not make that purchase... You can buy this or something like it on amazon, new, for less.  If you can spare the extra 50 or so look at the awb onesky/heritage 130p, or the zhumell z130\r\n\r\n\r\nZhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRLSVWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_TAPBFb6MJ3TV9\r\n\r\nEdit: link just for ref","subreddit_name":"telescope","author":"Millertime19420"},{"body":"Amazon has the Zhumell back in stock;\r\n\r\nhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRLSVWM/ref=twister_B07D8GJN6J?_encoding=UTF8\u0026amp;psc=1\r\n\r\nThey also have the z114 (for $149) but if it's possible for you to get the z130, it will show more, has less contrast issues.","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"schorhr"},{"body":"New, you could get a 6 inch dob for around $300.  For the under $200 range I’d only be parroting schorhr, here’s a link (Amazon for simplicity) to what one of those looks like.  The table tops require a table or a stool of sorts but are much less cumbersome, no tripod issues like the ones I had with the refractor\r\n\r\n\r\nZhumell Z130 Portable Altazimuth Reflector Telescope https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRLSVWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VrVjFb3DZCVHT","subreddit_name":"telescope","author":"Millertime19420"},{"body":"If you can buy from Amazon, just buy the Zhumell Z130 instead:\r\n\r\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM\r\n\r\nSame optics, but better mechanics. \r\n\r\nThe focuser is a lot easier to use than the focuser on the AWB OneSky, and because the tube is a solid tube, the secondary mirror is shielded, so it will not dew up as quickly, and contrast will be higher.","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"phpdevster"},{"body":"Something small like a Zhumell 130 (https://www.amazon.com/Zhumell-Portable-Altazimuth-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B07BRLSVWM?th=1) or something similar would be good with kids. You'd have to help him out  for most objects, but the moon and Jupiter would be easy enough to find on his own. You would also need to set it on the ground with a towel or on a stool for him to use comfortably. If it doesn't go anywhere like most hobbies for kids then you can always keep it for yourself or sell it.","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"petpetfood"},{"body":"Hello :-)\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; $200\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; upgrade\r\n\r\nThere's really just one telescope in this price-range that would be a significant upgrade:\r\n\r\nThe Zhumell z130.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B07BRLSVWM\r\n\r\nOr the collapsible AWB OneSky, Heritage 130p (\u0026lt;- more common in Europe, from €200) if you need something more compact.\r\n\r\nThese do not have a tripod, but are very sturdy table-tops. I use mine on an inexpensive Ikea step-stool. MUCH better than something like the 130EQ's mount (I've tried). A decent mount alone would cost $200-$300 for a 5\" telescope.\r\n\r\n\u0026amp;nbsp;\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; planets\r\n\r\nIt requires a decent planetary eyepiece (e.g. the 4mm 58° for $20-$40). But with that, it's quite capable compared to the 70mm refractors and other cheaper solutions.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u0026amp;nbsp;\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; deep sky\r\n\r\nThe 5\" (130mm) aperture can already show a lot!\r\n\r\n[Older post with what difference aperture makes](https://www.reddit.com/r/Astronomy/comments/3j2wjo/what_is_a_good_telescope_in_this_budget/cum0622/?st=k0epgl6l\u0026amp;sh=496220f9\u0026amp;utm_source=reddit\u0026amp;utm_medium=usertext\u0026amp;utm_name=telescope\u0026amp;utm_content=t1_gep052m).\r\n\r\n\u0026amp;nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; higher\r\n\r\nIf your budget is flexible, check out the Heritage 150p ($270-$290), Starblast 6 - Or the larger 6-inch dobsonians (which aren't table-tops, e.g. Sky-Watcher 6-inch, Apertura DT6, Orion XT6, ~$340).\r\n\r\nYou can find 6\" or 8\" dobsonians used for a good price once in a while.\r\n\r\n\u0026amp;nbsp;\r\n\r\nClear skies!","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"schorhr"},{"body":"Sorry i forgot about the link.[here it is](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRLSVWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_DCK6GE3TGZWG9YSYT4Q5)","subreddit_name":"telescopes","author":"booze-is-pretty-good"}]}