iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope Alternate Image 1
iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope

iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope

Item#: IOPT007

Sale Price: $339.98 SAVE: $350.02 (51%)

List Price : $690.00

  • 80mm achromatic refractor telescope
  • GoToNova Controller for automatic object location
  • 50,000 object database
  • GPS module included for easy alignment

Color

Astro Blue
Cosmic Orange
Pulsar Purple
Terra Green
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

What's Included:
Telescope, Tripod, 2 Eyepieces, Hand Controller
Shipping Restrictions:
Only ships in contiguous USA.
Dimensions & Specifications

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: Astro Blue, Cosmic Orange, Pulsar Purple, Terra Green

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Buying Info
Details + Dimensions
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What's Included: Telescope, Tripod, 2 Eyepieces, Hand Controller
Items 1-6 of 27
The Perfect Accessories
Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope
 
4.2

(based on 37 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (17)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (16)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Compact (28)
  • Accurate (26)
  • Quality lenses (24)
  • Strong construction (21)
  • Easy to use (8)

Cons

  • Unstable (4)
  • Difficult to use (3)

Best Uses

  • Astronomy (34)
  • Travel (14)
  • Bird watching (13)
  • Hiking (8)
  • Bright conditions (6)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (35)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (13), Yes (5)

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.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 37 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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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
     
    2.0

    Not easy to set up and operate

    By pderreberry

    from Newport News, Va.

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

      • Difficult To Focus
      • Difficult to Use

      Best Uses

        Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

        I bought this product to view the stars but after trying to set it up I am ready to send it back can not get it to even goto the moon.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        1.0

        Not happy yet

        By Chris

        from Con ord

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Pros

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

              I think mine is broken. Objects always appear doubled , may e mine is a defect. Gps has trouble getting exactly on target.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              1.0

              NO TEC HELP !

              By UNHAPPY

              from Orleans

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Compact
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Unstable

              Best Uses

              • Hiking/Backpacking

              Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

              NOT happy, only manual use , GPS does not work... called three times and was told to talk to the TEC ... THREE days and can not get help or a call back... Looks nice , just wish I had something good to say...

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              5.0

              on time, perfect condition

              By Vince

              from Chester Springs, PA

              About Me Casual/ Recreational

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Astronomy

                Comments about iOptron SmartStar G R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope:

                Good quality for the money. The downloaded manual doesn't exactly match the advertised specs.

                Service and delivery comments:

                On time, perfect condition. I will always use Hayneedle. Did you ever order something and when it arrives it looks like it was used for bayonette practice or it was tied to the truck bumper and towed from Chicago? Not from a Hayneedle company! This is the second time in a week I have ordered from them - lowest price, free shipping, no tax, on time, perfect condition.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

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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  

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