TELESCOPE FEATURES
Messier series: Your personal
window to the universe
The Messier series models are versatile, high-resolution telescopes.
The Messier series models offer unmatched mechanical performance.
The Messier series telescopes reveal nature in an ever-expanding level of
detail. Observe the feather structure of an eagle from 50 yards or study
the rings of the planet Saturn from a distance of 800 million miles. Focus
beyond the Solar System and observe majestic nebulae, ancient star
clusters, and remote galaxies. Messier series telescopes are instruments
fully capable of growing with your interest and can meet the requirements
of the most demanding advanced observer. Refer to Figures 1a through 1e
for the following features:
Description of the features (Fig. 1a to 1d)
1 Eyepiece Thumbscrews: Tightens the eyepiece (see 3) in place.
Tighten to a firm feel only.
2 Eyepiece Holder: Holds eyepiece in place. Holders supplied for both
1.25" and 2" eyepieces.
Diagonal Prism (not shown, achromatic refractor models only):
Provides a more comfortable right-angle viewing position. Slide the
diagonal prism directly into the eyepiece holder (see 2) and tighten
the thumbscrew on the eyepiece holder to a firm feel only. See page
10 for a photo and more information.
3 Eyepiece: Place the supplied eyepiece into the eyepiece holder or
the diagonal prism and tighten in place with the eyepiece thumbscr-
ew (see 2). The eyepiece magnifies the image collected in the optical
tube.
4 8 x 50mm Viewfinder: A low-power, wide-field sighting scope with
LED reticle that enables easy centering of objects in the telescope
eyepiece.
5 Viewfinder Collimation Screws: Use these screws to adjust the
alignment of the viewfinder.
6 Viewfinder Front Cell and Locking Ring: Adjust the front cell to
focus the viewfinder. See step 3, page 11 for more details. The view-
finder is supplied with a small dust cover placed over the front cell.
7 Viewfinder Bracket: Holds the viewfinder in place.
8 Focus Knobs: Moves the telescope’s focuser drawtube in a finely-
controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The Messier series
telescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 75 ft.
to infinity. Rotate the focus knobs to focus on objects.
9 Dust Cover: Place the dust cover (not visible in photo) over the
corrector when storing the telescope.
NOTE:
The dust cover should be replaced after each observing session and the
power turned off to the telescope. Allow time for any dew that might
have collected during the observing session to evaporate prior to repla-
cing the dust cover.
10 Optical Tube: The main optical component that gathers the light from
distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination
through the eyepiece.
11 Cradle Assembly: Attaches to mount base. See 9.
13 Cradle Ring Lock Knobs (2 pcs.) and Washers
14 Cradle Rings: Part of the cradle assembly (see 11); hold the optical
tube firmly in place.
15 Viewfinder Bracket Screws: Tighten to a firm feel to hold viewfinder
securely in place (see 4). See page 11 for more information.
16 Focus Lock Knob: Designed to prevent the focuser drawtube from
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye!
5
B
Which eyepiece is suitable for
which application? See p. 13
“choosing an eyepiece”
H
How do I mount the viewfinder?
See p. 9, 9/9a
E
How do I adjust the finderscope?
See p. 11
1!
Want to learn more about moun-
ting the telescope? See p. 8.
