4 replies to this topic

[BlinDog]

Just got gifted one of these. I’m an amateur, to say the least, and want to get it working and show the skies to my two kids. I could use some advice and will also need some parts. It has everything but the eyepiece, which seems pretty important. Asking here to see what I can learn and obtain to begin my family’s journey into astronomy. Thanks.

[Bob S]

The Swift 859 is a fine telescope. It will take the smaller .965 eyepieces. I have an 859 and it gives fine views even with the cheaper eyepieces because of the long focal length and fine optics You can find .965 eyepieces on market place sites. Get a 20 or 25mm focal length for low power views, a 12-15mm for higher power and a 6mm or so for highest.  I have found it gives clear but dimmer views even with a 4mm Ramsden. The mount is solid and works well, with a few eyepieces you should be all set.

[BlinDog]

Thanks so much. That good advice will get me started. If I can ask more… Do you or anyone know where I could get a manual or something that’ll show me the basic set up to make good use of the bearing and azimuth setup.

[Kasmos]

Thanks so much. That good advice will get me started. If I can ask more… Do you or anyone know where I could get a manual or something that’ll show me the basic set up to make good use of the bearing and azimuth setup.

If your telescope is indeed a Swift Aerolite 859, it's mount is actually a Equatorial Mount not a alt-azimuth mount. I've never tried it on mine but it can be used that way as well.

 

In any case, here's the instructions for a 859:

 

https://wiki.telesco...nstructions.pdf

 

The link says Monolux but that's because the same scope was once marketed as one.

Edited by Kasmos, 08 September 2024 - 02:08 PM.

[BlinDog]

Thank you so much. That is what I need. It is a 858, I just don’t know exactly what I’m talking about with telescopes. This manual will help!!