Choosing astronomy telescopes often comes down to a practical choice: do you want a two-telescope lot with accessories and repair work, or a single refractor with a named finderscope and mount? The $39.95 tie between the lot and the Tasco means the useful answer depends on how you plan to start observing. For a beginner astronomy telescope, the setup you can understand and use matters more than chasing a larger number in a title.
Quick verdict
Both are priced at $39.95, so the deciding factor is not a price gap. It is whether you prefer a used two-telescope lot with hands-on sorting or a new Tasco telescope with a clearly described locating aid and mount. Choose the Tasco for a defined single-telescope arrangement. Choose the lot if having two telescopes, accessories, and a carry bag matters more than a straightforward start.
Compact comparison
| Comparison | Lot of 2 70mm telescopes | Tasco 60x700mm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.95 | $39.95 |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Format | Two telescopes with accessories | One telescope with a finderscope |
| Key setup detail | Tripod middle section is broken | Mounted; Altazimuth mount |
Where each wins
- The lot wins on quantity and included pieces. It describes two telescopes, accessories, and a carry bag, making it the more suitable choice for someone who wants a hands-on project or extra equipment in one purchase.
- The Tasco wins on a defined locating aid. Its 6x24 finderscope is described as assisting with initially locating an object before using higher powers. The listed Mounted feature and Altazimuth mount also give it a clearly named configuration.
Product notes
lot of 2 telescopes 70mm w / accessories (as is) read description
The lot suits a shopper who wants two telescope units, accessories, and a carry bag in one purchase. It also includes a Fully Multi-Coated feature, which is a concrete reason to choose it when that specification matters to your astronomy telescopes setup. The main limitation is physical condition: the description says the black middle part of the tripod is broken. It also says the parts need to be worked out, so this is not a simple unpack-and-observe choice. The lot is marked Used, and the manufacturer warranty is listed as none. One Celestron telescope is described as lacking a finderscope, while the other has one. Choose this lot for a hands-on project where quantity and included pieces matter more than a ready-defined arrangement.
Tasco 60x700mm Refractor Telescope 402x Magnification w/ 6x24 Finderscope
The Tasco is aimed at the shopper who wants one defined telescope rather than a mixed lot. Its description gives the Barlow lens a specific role: it doubles effective eyepiece magnification. That is a concrete reason to choose it if the included lens arrangement matters to your observing plan. The product is marked New, and the title identifies a 60x700mm refractor with 402x magnification. Those are specifications to compare with your expectations, not proof of superior viewing. The limitation is format: it is one telescope, so it does not provide the second unit, accessory assortment, or carry bag associated with the lot. Choose the Tasco when a single-unit arrangement and named optical components are the priority.
Final choice by use case
Choose the lot if your priority is two telescopes, a carry bag, and a hands-on repair project; the broken tripod section is central to that decision. Choose the Tasco if you want one new telescope with a Barlow lens and a named Altazimuth mount. For a beginner astronomy telescope, the Tasco is the more straightforward match for a defined single setup. For a project-oriented purchase, the lot's two-unit format is the better fit. Neither is an automatic winner from the 70mm, 60mm, 700mm, or 402x numbers alone; treat those as specifications rather than performance promises.
