The Balance Living 30X is a starter telescope designed to let parents test whether their kids are into astronomy. It features the design of a professional telescope, but comes with less features. Nonetheless, the telescope still gives quality images to entry-level astronomers and kids. It presents a cost-effective way for you to test the waters.
While most toys are made of poor plastic optics, the Balance Living 30X Telescope is made of glass-coated optics to create crisp and clear images. The barrel is made of robust aluminum and an eye-piece that tapers towards one end. The lens boasts of a great aperture, giving it better quality than most toy telescopes. The solid aluminum build makes this unit ideal for kids who are playful.
What is Balance Living 30X Telescope?
The Balance Living 30X Telescope is an instrument to help budding scientists and hobbyists. It allows you to see the moon, planets and the solar system. This way, it is referred to as a star-gazing starter kit. It is offered with a 24.5cm tripod, which is adjustable. You can place the tripod on a tabletop or counter top. The tripod features three-way hinged aluminum rectangular tubes that minimize vibrations, giving you a great experience.
This unit is easy to assemble with an alt-azimuth mount. For kids, however, adult help might be needed when assembling. It features clear instructions, allowing you to get started immediately. True to its name, the telescope offers 30X magnification, allowing you to see the moon and planets 30 times closer. The magnification comes in handy when you are viewing terrestrial objects.
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Users love the sturdy construction of the unit despite its being a toy. Your kid will live with it for a long period.
Product Information
| Dimensions | Weight | Batteries | Aperture | Focal Length | Software |
| 6.2 by 15.6 by 3 in | 2 pounds | – | 30mm | 300mm | – |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offered with a strong aluminum construction for durability
- Sports a professional telescope design to orientate your kid to professional astronomy
- High magnification for a toy telescope
- Easy to set up with minimal features and accessories
- The optical tube is smooth and easy to clean
- Versatile; can be used by entry-level astronomers and hobbyists
- Offered at a great price
- Lightweight and ideal for use on the go
Cons
- Relatively low magnification for students studying celestial objects
- Offered with a single eyepiece
- Cannot be connected to a computer
- Focusing on this telescope takes relatively longer
Where to Find Balance Living 30X Telescope
Balance Living Telescopes are available on many online stores. This gives you the pleasure of comparing prices and offers. You can find the telescope in online stores for between $12 and $17. Some suppliers will offer free shipping for every telescope bought while others will only offer shipping for orders above $25.
Despite the low cost of this telescope, it is still offered at discounts during different times of a year. If you are lucky to buy at a discount, you might buy this toy telescope at as low as $10. Used telescopes cost between $8 and $12. However, these used optical equipment are seldom available.
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Telescope Performance
You can view all objects 30x closer. This maximum magnification gives you great clarity when you are viewing large objects such as the moon, as it is easy to focus. It also gives you great crispness when you are observing terrestrial objects such as wildlife and birds.
With a 30mm aperture and a 300mm focal length, this telescope will deliver the brightness and crispness that an entry-level astronomer needs. When viewing terrestrially, images are seen without a blur and you can see objects thousands of meters away. When observing celestial objects, however, close objects are not easily distinguished. Granted, you might have to upgrade if you need to do astrophotography or study bodies professionally.
Setting up the unit is easy and so is focusing.
Extra Info
For a toy telescope, this unit is offered with enough features. This is what makes it a favorite among many parents. Its eyepiece is easily connected at the lower end of the optical tube for better views.
Maintenance Advice
If you buy this for your kid, you will have to clean it and ensure it is kept at a secure place all the time. The telescope is designed to withstand falling, thanks to the aluminum construction and also resist scratches. Even then, you will need to ensure that it is stored securely and not placed near the end of the bench during use.
Dust can be blown from the unit with an air can and dirt can be wiped with a soft lens cloth or camel’s hair. For extra safety, do not let kids set up the unit alone.
Accessories
The Balance Living 30X Telescope is accompanied by:
- Tripod
- Eyepiece
- Mount
- Storage box
There is not much upgrade that you can do on this unit. When you need better magnification, you are better off buying a new telescope. However, you might need to buy a travel backpack if you need to use it on the go. The box offered with it is flimsy and not easy to carry around.
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Warranty and Guarantee Information
You are offered a one-year manufacturer’s warranty with the purchase of this unit. The warranty covers parts. The manufacturer also offers money-back guarantee to show the quality of the unit.
Users love the overall construction and the durability of this unit especially seeing that it is made of aluminum.
Our Recommendation
If you are shopping for a toy telescope for an entry level astronomer, you might consider the Balance Living 30X. It is sturdier than most telescopes on the market and features a professional design, introducing your children to professional astronomy at an early age. Even though it is more of a toy, it still delivers clear images for terrestrial and celestial objects. However, professional astronomers might need more clarity.
Overall, the telescope is commendable. Users with high expectations will get disappointed. You cannot connect to a computer and, therefore, cannot use it for photography. Following the manual given, you can set up this telescope in less than a minute and be able to focus with ease.
What’s your experience with toy telescopes? Do you like the features on Balance Living 30X Telescope? Let us know.
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