Tasco Telescope
Written by Tammy Plotner
Are you curious about the Tasco telescope? Do you want to know what they are and more about the company that makes them? What types of Tasco telescopes are there, what do they cost and how do you find them? If you have questions like these, the follow along as we take a look at Tasco telescope…
Tasco Telescope – Tasco Worldwide
Originally founded in 1954 by George Rosenfield as the Tanross Supply Company and now known as Tasco Worldwide, the home of the Tasco Telescope Company is Miramar, Florida. In 1998, the Tasco company also purchased Celestron, and sought to merger with Meade Instruments in 2001. However, in 2002, it was purchased by Bushnell Performance Optics. The Tasco company had been searching for a buyer for several months, but after much interest by Meade Corporation, the Federal Trade Commission blocked its sale to Meade on the basis that an acquisition of Celestron by Meade would eliminate significant competition between the two companies and create a monopoly in the market. In 2007, Bushnell, along with Celestron and Tasco was sold once again to a private firm.
Types of Tasco Telescopes
According to the Tasco website: "You don't need to travel to L.A to see where the stars live. Tasco has everything the aspiring astronomer needs to bring the most spectacular celestial images right to your home. Our powerful line of telescopes can take you away to other worlds, to distant galaxies, to the most stirring depths of the universe. With Tasco, you can travel light-years into space and be back in time for dinner. We’re not saying Hollywood doesn't still have its place, but why settle for special effects when you can have the real thing?"
Tasco's inexpensive line of telescopes have sold literally millions worldwide and it continues to do so. While the Tasco line is generally not considered of high optical quality among amateur astronomers, there are very few of us who did not start with (and still own) a Tasco telescope. Let's take a look at what they have to offer…
Tasco Spacestation Telescopes: Put on your pressure suit and commence docking procedures, because we have a Spacestation powerful enough to take you to the moon and way, way beyond. See the stars like you've never seen before with a view from an all-new Tasco Spacestation telescope featuring a cosmically inspired new design. Its variable LED electronic Red Dot Finderscope takes you to visit your favorite constellation in a flash by quickly finding any object in the sky. Partially pre-assembled and super-sturdy, these Spacestations come ready for blast off, so let the countdown begin. Available in both refractor and reflector designs, these acceptable starter telescopes with lightweight altaz mounts run $100 and below.
Tasco Luminova Telescopes: These powerful refractor and reflector telescopes offering quality and many advanced features make lunar details crystal clear. Easy-to-use, slow-motion controls work with either an alt-azimuth or an equatorial mount. The 1.25" eyepieces deliver sharp images and a wide field-of-view along with excellent eye relief. Notably lightweight and extremely portable, the Luminovaâ„¢ is built for a lifetime of enjoyment. For the refractor model telescopes, enthusiasts will also be delighted with the included solar viewing screen as well. The largest of the reflector models is slightly over $100 while the refractors are significantly below $100. All come with a lightweight altazimuth mount and appropriate accessories.
Tasco Novice Telescope: The Novice™ is a great place to start for budding astronomers. In fact, it is our best telescope for those who want to go deep into space without going deep into their pocketbook. Maximum magnifications of 350x or 402x bring the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and even bright objects looming deep in space into view without trouble. The refractor design is reliable, easy to operate and, when combined with high-quality glass optics, images are clear, bright and crisp. Rack and pinion focus and alt-azimuth mounts add to its popularity among novices of all ages. The portability and rugged construction make it possible to hit the road with your telescope — an excellent feature for traveling star gazers. Available in only refractor models, this is truly a novice telescope and an enduring design which gave many, many amateur astronomers their start. At well under $100 with appropriate accessories and lightweight altaz mount, it remains a best seller.
Tasco Specialty Telescope: Regardless of how you lead your life, if you've desired to peer into the heavens, Tasco has a telescope that can take you there. Tasco brings the heavens down to earth – which helps to keep things in perspective. At about $50, this design is a knock off of the popular Edmunds Portaball telescope and oddly enough is quite appealing to a certain age group for its durability and ease of use. Other inexpensive Tasco telescope specialities include the folding design which could inspire young "pirates" to spy on the Moon and even a $25 telescope/microscope combination which would allow young children to explore both the inner and outer cosmos. While you might encounter many astronomers who would caution against such telescopes, remember the expense. $25 is not too much to pay to inspire a child to want to learn more!
Where To Find Tasco Telescopes
Most major department stores which have a large specialty science toy section have Tasco telescopes, but if you are looking for a specific type, it is best to order on-line. By doing a simple search you can find the type of Tasco telescope you are looking for and even buy it directly from the Bushnell company.
Filed under: Astronomy
