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iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope

Item# IOPT007
 
4.0

(41 Ratings)

Customer Q & A
1. Color:
Astro Blue

Sale Price:

$339.98

List Price: $690.00
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Details & Dimensions
Guarantee & Returns
  • 80mm achromatic refractor telescope
  • GoToNova Controller for automatic object location
  • 50,000 object database
  • GPS module included for easy alignment

What's Included?

Telescope, Tripod, 2 Eyepieces, Hand Controller

Description

Introducing our SmartStar-G-R80 Entry Level telescope system. Designed with the latest technology the 80 mm lens is crafted with a fluorite based, low dispersion glass that is ground and polished to exact specifications.   The precision design is excellent for viewing bright stars, planets and their moons, as well as for bird watching and other land objects. Two eye pieces come standard to allow for flexibility in viewing either a wider field or a single focused object.

 

Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube

 

The SmartStar™-G-R80 comes with our patented Alt-Azimuth telescope mount, a.k.a. The Cube. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit which is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dove-tail connection. In addition, there are no “dead spots” – so you can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon, whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount also comes standard with AC connection. An optional DC adaptor is available so you can plug your telescope motor into your car if you’re camping or at any remote location.

 

The most easy to understand controller on the market

 

The GoToNova Controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has the largest LCD screen on the market with 8 lines of content compared with others that only have 2 lines. Using the easy-to-use hand controller, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to go.

 

More precise speed control for viewing objects

 

The control system also allows you to slew the telescope at 9 different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you wish.

 

USB Port

 

The 8402 hand controller comes with a USB port that tremendously expands the functionalities of the already powerful system. With the USB2COM driver installed, the USB port works as an RS232 serial port. It supports firmware upgrades and computer control. With ASCOM protocol, you can control your telescope with most ASCOM compatible software. This enables you to utilize the CPU, large screen, and disk space of your  PC/laptop. With a wide selection of software, your star gazing experience will never be the same again.

 

Simply a better tripod

 

Made of 1-inch heavy-duty stainless steel the SmartStar Tripod is sturdy yet elegant, and gives the user unparalleled stability during operation. Solid construction joints keep your mount locked securely. With an all-metal support system your valuable telescope will keep still even on a windy night.

 

GoToNovaTM Computerized Control System

 

The revolutionary GoToNova computerized control system is by far the most technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today.  With a database of 50,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, not to mention the planets, you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button.

 

32-Channel GPS Module

 

All G-series telescopes come standard with a 32-channel GPS module for fully automated operation. Simply turn on the GoToNova Controller and the GPS module will automatically synchronize your telescope location and time with the GoToNovaTM computerized control system. View celestial objects without having to manually punch in the date, time, latitude or longitude.

 

Features:

 

  • 80mm achromatic refractor telescope
  • Heavy duty stainless steel tripod
  • Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube-- The only mount of its kind for ultimate rotation and universal compatibility
  • Includes the GoToNova Controller. The most intuitive controller on the market.
  • 50,000 object database plus 256 user-defined objects
  • The largest LCD screen on the market with 8 lines and 21-character Hand Control with backlit LED buttons.
  • USB Port for PC Laptop control and firmware upgrades (ASCOM protocol)
  • Drive motor with 5-speed setting for precise tracking
  • Dual-axis Servo Motor
  • Standard-equipment AC connection (Optional DC adaptor available)
  • 32-channel GPS module standard on all G series telescopes

Shipping Restrictions:
Only ships in contiguous USA.

Dimensions & Specifications

Recommended Usage

Viewing the Moon , Viewing the Planets

Battery

8 x AA

Features

Alt-Az Mount , GoTo , GPS

Brand

iOptron

GPS

Yes

GoTo

Yes

Good for Astrophotography

Yes

Telescopes Series

iOptron SmartStar Refractor Telescopes

Optical Design

Refractor

Aperture

80mm

Focal Length

400mm

Focal Ratio

f/5.0

Mount Design

Single Fork Arm

Battery Included

No

Eyepiece 1

10mm

Eyepiece 2

25mm

Highest Useful Magnification

150x

Limiting Magnitude

11.3

Resolution

1.4

User Level

For the Enthusiast

Options

Color:

iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope
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$79.98
Tasco 402x60 Refractor Telescope with 1200x Microscope
Zhumell Alexander Brass Zoom Telescope
$349.98
Zhumell Alexander Brass Zoom Telescope
Zhumell Zenith 60x600 Telescope
$59.98
Zhumell Zenith 60x600 Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope
$109.98
Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope
Celestron PowerSeeker 80 EQ Telescope
$129.98
Celestron PowerSeeker 80 EQ Telescope

The Perfect Accessories

Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope
 
4.2

(based on 41 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (18)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Compact (31)
  • Accurate (29)
  • Quality lenses (26)
  • Strong construction (23)
  • Easy to use (12)

Cons

  • Difficult to use (4)
  • Unstable (4)

Best Uses

  • Astronomy (38)
  • Travel (16)
  • Bird watching (15)
  • Hiking (9)
  • Bright conditions (6)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (38), Avid adventurer (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (16), Yes (6)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Excellent telescope for the price

As an owner of several telescopes I can honestly say this is my most enjoyable purchase so far.
I have to say it is better than the Meade ETX series (I have an...Read complete review

As an owner of several telescopes I can honestly say this is my most enjoyable purchase so far.
I have to say it is better than the Meade ETX series (I have an ETX-125) and this little telescope get used the most by me. Mood shots with a Neximage CCD camera are highly detailed and spectacular, Saturn's rings clearly visible, I have observed many nebulae and star clusters due to it's wide field view and nice focal ration. The hand controller is also better than Meade Autostar, more lines of test and easier to read for me. I love this scope and I give it a solid 5 stars with no reservation.

If you are looking for a gift for the first time stargazer, or just a light fun scope for yourself- I highly recommend this.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

compact friend

The weight of this mount is light, so movement to an observation place is very easy. The goto precision is very good. The GPS is also very fast and correct. Therefore a setup ...Read complete review

The weight of this mount is light, so movement to an observation place is very easy. The goto precision is very good. The GPS is also very fast and correct. Therefore a setup ends in 2-3 minutes.

It's a little noisy, but It is not awful.
If the goto speed can be done late, it would be perfect and be a quiet mount. I want ioptron to improve this point. The firmware updater is hoped for.

Reviewed by 41 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

Awesome Telescope

By Ben

from CASA GRANDE,AZ

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Easy to Use
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Poor Lens Quality

Best Uses

  • Astronomy

Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

Set up was easy after I got the telescope leveled. The automation feature is great and easy to use.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • Yes
 
5.0

good fast shipping nice telescope

By Jamie

from EASLEY,SC

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Compact
  • Easy to Use
  • Lightweight
  • Quality Lenses
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Difficult to Use

Best Uses

  • Astronomy
  • Hiking/Backpacking
  • Travel

Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

i received the items within just a few days after shipping. i am well pleased with everything. i would reccomend hayneedle to a freind or family.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No
 
4.0

Great telescope for begginers!!!!!

By Gilberto

from KINGSTON,NY

About Me Avid Adventurer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Compact
  • Easy to Use
  • Lightweight
  • Quality Lenses

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy
    • Bird Watching
    • Travel

    Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

    Great to beging looking at the moon and some of the closest planets, also bird watching and other things of nature!!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Great scope for the Price

    By Dave

    from Central City Colorado

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Compact
    • Easy to Use
    • Lightweight
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Astronomy
      • Bird Watching

      Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

      I've wanted a telescope for sometime now and I decided on the iOptron R80. Living in an area where I get awesome views most nights and away from the city lights I have had the opportunity to use this scope frequently since I recieved it. The design of the scope is great, lightweight and easy to move or pack up on the go. The GPS and auto skewing are great features. It takes a little practice to get accurate positioning but once you have a lock on, it keeps on the object your viewing without further positioning. the mount is very good quality. I'm already loooking at other tubes I might use on this mount.

      Service and delivery comments:

      I shopped on several sites looking for a great deal on this scope and I found it for less on another big retailer site but the delivery was going to take weeks. I called telescopes.com customer service and they were able to price match and ship me the scope way faster. The packing was excellent.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      (4 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      LOVE it!!

      By Janaree

      from Piney Point, MD

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy Setup
      • Easy to Use
      • Lightweight
      • Quality Lenses
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Astronomy

        Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

        When the scope arrived, I immediately unpacked it and read over the setup instructions. Very easy to follow. I couldn't wait to use it. The first night the sky was clear and had no problems locating the moon. Be sure that you have a compass so that you know exactly where to position your scope. Must be positioned South. I used the application on my Iphone for the compass as my Iphone also provided me the lat and long. I have used it quite often now. Will be getting additional lenses to use with this system. I highly recommend this to anyone just getting started. I just love it.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Displaying reviews 1-5

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        Customer Q & A

        Q1: Would this unit require a moon filter for brightness washout? And if so what would be compatible? Thanks for your help!

        A: A Moon Filter would be highly recommended if you are observing the Moon. Here is a Moon Filter that would work with the iOptron, Celestron Telescope Moon Filter 1 1/4 Inch (CELE133).

        Q2: Does this telescope require batteries, if so what size?

        A: The is telescope requires 8x AA batteries to operate if you are not using an A/C adapter.

        Q3: Does this telescope display erect images?

        A: This telescope does come with a 45 degree erecting diagonal.

        Q4: How travel friendly is this? What kind of space is need for storage?

        A: It's fairly easy to break down and either place in the trunk of your vehicle or on the back seat.

        Ask a Question  

        Don't see the answer you need? Ask a Product Expert! The answer will be emailed to you and then posted here.

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