Observing with a 60mm Refractor

Abstract

The 60mm (2.4-inch) refractor is a much-maligned telescope. The major problem with this class of telescope is that purchasers have expectations of it which vastly exceed its capabilities. This is usually a consequence of the advertising, some of which can be extremely misleading. The telescope usually comes as either a f/15 or an f/1 1.2 model. The f/15 models generally have slightly better objective lenses, giving far less false colour. Mine is mounted on a sturdy equatorial, giving it the advantage that movement in one axis only is necessary — a distinct advantage at high magnification. Used within its capabilities, the telescope has potential as an amateur instrument, particularly in two areas: solar observation and lunar occultations.