FotoCart 76AZ Reflector Astronomy Telescope

Description

Dr. Mady 150 mm (6″) EQ‑4 Refractor Telescope – Power, Precision, and Clarity in One Elegant Scope

The Dr. Mady 150 mm EQ‑4 Refractor Telescope is crafted for ambitious beginners and dedicated enthusiasts eager to explore the cosmos with sharp, high-contrast views. Its large-aperture 150 mm achromatic lens delivers bright, detailed visuals, while the robust EQ‑4 German equatorial mount ensures steady tracking and long-term reliability. Designed for both planetary and deep-sky observation, this telescope balances serious optical performance with user-friendly operation. Whether you’re viewing the craters of the Moon or the sparkling arms of a distant galaxy, this setup offers smooth control, powerful clarity, and the ability to grow with your astronomy skills.

Key Features

1. 150 mm Achromatic Refractor Lens for Sharp, Bright Visuals
This high-quality refractor features a 150 mm fully coated achromatic lens, capturing ample light for bright and high-contrast images of celestial targets. Enjoy clearly defined views of the Moon’s surface, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud belts, and more. Refractor optics require minimal maintenance and no collimation, offering consistent edge-to-edge clarity with less hassle—ideal for stargazers who want performance without the tuning.

2. EQ‑4 German Equatorial Mount for Precision Tracking
The telescope rests on a stable EQ‑4 German equatorial mount designed for accurate object tracking across the night sky. With manual slow-motion controls on both Right Ascension and Declination axes, you can follow the natural motion of stars and planets with ease. The mount’s durable build and counterweight system also allow for future upgrades like motor drives or light astrophotography setups, giving you room to expand your passion.

3. Interchangeable Eyepieces (25 mm & 10 mm) for Flexible Magnification
Included with the telescope are two 1.25″ eyepieces—a 25 mm low-power lens offering wide-angle views at 36× magnification, and a 10 mm high-power lens for zoomed-in observations at 90×. This range gives you the flexibility to explore deep-sky targets or focus on planetary detail. Whether scanning the Milky Way or zeroing in on Saturn’s rings, the dual-eyepiece setup ensures you’re ready for anything.

4. 6×30 Finderscope and Smooth Focusing Mechanism
A 6×30 optical finderscope is included to help locate stars and celestial objects quickly and accurately. Once your target is in view, the large focusing knob allows for precise, smooth adjustments—delivering sharp detail whether you’re observing the rugged lunar surface or faint star clusters. It’s the perfect balance of speed and fine control for an enjoyable observing session.

5. Heavy-Duty Tripod with Reinforced Accessory Tray
Supporting the telescope is a sturdy, height-adjustable steel tripod that ensures solid footing during use. The built-in accessory tray adds convenience by keeping your eyepieces and filters organized while also reinforcing tripod stability. From backyard viewing to outdoor skywatching sessions, this tripod offers a stable, vibration-free experience even during long magnification tracking.

Why You’ll Love the Dr. Mady 150 mm EQ‑4 Refractor Telescope

1. Bright, High-Contrast Views with Zero Collimation Hassles
You’ll enjoy brilliant, sharp imagery thanks to the refractor’s 150 mm aperture, without the need for regular mirror alignment. Refractors like this provide reliable, fuss-free performance, so you can focus on observing Jupiter’s moons or scanning deep-sky nebulae instead of worrying about setup or tuning. It’s a fantastic choice for users who want dependable visuals every time.

2. Smooth Manual Tracking That Supports Future Upgrades
The EQ‑4 mount delivers precision tracking using manual controls, allowing you to follow celestial movement with ease. Whether you’re scanning for Saturn or observing a star cluster for extended periods, the motion is steady and intuitive. Better yet, the mount is ready for motorized upgrades in case you wish to step into long-exposure imaging or automated tracking in the future.

3. Wide-Angle Sweeps and Close-Up Zooms in One Setup
With both 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces included, this telescope lets you shift from sweeping landscapes of stars to high-magnification planetary views instantly. Enjoy the broad glow of the Orion Nebula, then zoom into a crater on the Moon—without swapping accessories or needing additional tools. It’s a seamless viewing experience tailored for curiosity-driven exploration.

4. Beginner-Friendly Operation with Pro-Level Features
While it’s packed with optical power, this telescope remains easy to use. The ergonomic focusing knob, intuitive finder scope, and smooth alt-azimuth movement combine to offer a frustration-free setup. Even new users will find it simple to align, focus, and track—making it perfect for first-time observers who want to jump right into skywatching.

5. Durable Build That Travels from Backyard to Open Skies
Its rugged optical tube and solid steel tripod are built for long-term use and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hosting a stargazing party or heading to a remote observation site, this telescope travels well, sets up fast, and performs reliably under the stars. You can count on it for countless nights of astronomical discovery.

How to Use

1. Set Up the Tripod and Mount
Place the tripod on flat and stable ground. Attach the AZ (alt-azimuth) mount on top of the tripod and tighten the screws with your hands. This mount allows up-and-down as well as left-right movement, making it very beginner-friendly and easy to handle during your first stargazing session.

2. Install the Optical Tube
Carefully place the 76mm reflector optical tube into the mount’s bracket and tighten the side screws gently. Make sure the telescope is straight and secure so that it doesn’t shift while adjusting directions. A stable connection helps provide a smooth observing experience.

3. Align the Finder Scope
In daylight, point the telescope at a distant object such as a pole or tree. Once centered in the main eyepiece, adjust the 5×24 finder scope so that the same object appears in its crosshairs. This will make it easier to locate stars and planets at night using the finder.

4. Insert the Eyepiece and Optional Barlow Lens
Start with the 20mm eyepiece for a wide field of view, and switch to the 12.5mm or 4mm eyepieces for greater detail. You can add the 2x Barlow lens to double the magnification of any eyepiece. Always focus slowly using the knob until the image appears sharp and clear.

5. Move and Focus Manually
Use your hands to gently move the telescope in the direction of the object you want to view. Look through the eyepiece and slowly turn the focusing knob until the object comes into focus. Re-adjust if you change the eyepiece or move to a different target.

How to Take Care

1. Clean the Optics Carefully
Use a soft blower or lens cleaning brush to remove dust from the lenses. If needed, wipe gently with a microfiber cloth. Do not use rough cloths, tissue paper, or any kind of liquid cleaner that is not meant for optical use.

2. Avoid Using in Wet Conditions
This telescope is not waterproof. If used at night or in humid areas, wipe it dry afterward. Leave it uncovered in a dry room for some time before storing it to ensure no moisture remains inside the tube or on the lenses.

3. Store the Telescope in a Safe Case
After use, remove the eyepieces and cover the optical tube with the provided dust caps. Store all components in a padded bag or protective case to prevent scratches or accidental damage during transport.

4. Do Not Touch the Mirrors Inside
The primary and secondary mirrors inside the reflector tube are precisely aligned. Avoid touching or cleaning them unless absolutely necessary, and only do so if you understand how to collimate a telescope properly.

5. Tighten All Screws Before Use
Before every observation, check that the tube, mount, and tripod are all secure. Loose screws can cause vibration or make the image jump, which is especially noticeable when viewing at higher magnifications.

Safety Tips

1. Never Look at the Sun Directly
Do not aim the telescope at or near the Sun unless you have a certified full-aperture solar filter. Doing so without protection can cause permanent eye damage or destroy the telescope optics within seconds.

2. Set It Up on Flat Ground Only
Make sure the tripod is always placed on a firm and level surface. Do not set it up on uneven, sloped, or soft surfaces as this could lead to tipping or instability during use.

3. Keep Children Supervised During Use
Although this is a beginner telescope, it is still a precision instrument. Make sure children are supervised when using it so they don’t damage the lenses or try to look at unsafe targets like the Sun.

4. Avoid Opening or Modifying the Telescope
Do not attempt to open the tube or realign the mirrors unless you have experience. The optics are pre-aligned from the factory and improper handling can make the image blurry or distorted.

5. Don’t Use in Strong Wind or Rain
Avoid using the telescope outdoors during strong wind, heavy rain, or in very dusty areas. These conditions can damage the optics or make the viewing experience very difficult and unpleasant.

Why the FotoCart 76AZ Reflector Telescope Is a Smart Beginner Choice

The FotoCart 76AZ Reflector Telescope is designed especially for beginners who want to explore the night sky without needing complicated setup or controls. It has a 76mm aperture and 700mm focal length, which lets you see clear views of the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings. The alt-azimuth mount is very easy to use—just point and view. The kit includes three eyepieces, a 2x Barlow lens, a finder scope, and a stable tripod—everything you need to get started. This telescope is lightweight, portable, and budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for kids, students, and first-time astronomy enthusiasts who want to enjoy stargazing right away.