Upgrading

[Bandwagon]

I know the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is not generally considered a very good telescope.
Poor quality tripod, mounting and focusing hardware makes it difficult for a beginner to use and often creates frustration.
But how are the basic optics?
I can get one locally extremely cheap. What if I bought it with the plan of slowly upgrading mounting, eyepieces, focus mechanism and etc?
Are the basic optics even worthwhile?

[Tulloch]

I would strongly advise you to avoid getting anything like this. I started with a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ which I got for $100 off ebay. It was a piece of junk, a real hobby killer.

You need to decide what you want to do with a telescope - is it for observing the moon and planets? Maybe trying for some nebulae or double stars? Are you interested in taking images, and if so, the planets or nebulae/galaxies? Both?

What is your budget?

Answering these questions will help you decide what to get.

[Pierre_C]

Hi Carol.

The following is from Telescopic Watch: "The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ’s low-quality optics are a permanent handicap, even if you upgrade the accessories".

https://telescopicwatch.com/celestron-127-eq-powerseeker-telescope-review/

Regards.

[morls]

Hi Carol,
Just sharing my experience, hope you don't mind...
I started out with an 8" dob, which was very easy to use and learn the basics with. The only downside I can imagine might be setting it up, if you're in a house where you can leave it under cover in the yard then it's simple to get a trolley or something to wheel it out.
Much easier than an EQ mount - basically wheel it out and point it at things.
It was a great fun way to get into what is a fantastic hobby.
There's a used dob in the classifieds at the moment for $400. That's what I paid and it was worth every cent. Mine was collapsable, while this is solid tube. Either way is fine I think
Cheers
Stephen


https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=212483

[Peter Ward]

Well...yes, you can put average optics on a quality mount.
You can also put lipstick on a pig. Their manners won't change.