The National Geographic CF700SM gives beginners a 70mm refractor with slow-motion fine controls on both axes — smooth, cable-driven tracking that holds targets steady at higher magnifications where cheaper alt-az mounts shake and drift.

Features

• Alt-azimuth mount with slow-motion controls — cable-driven fine adjustment on both altitude and azimuth axes for precise, vibration-free tracking
• 70mm achromatic refractor — sharp, high-contrast views of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and bright star clusters
• 700mm f/10 focal length — a slow focal ratio that excels at planetary and lunar detail with minimal chromatic aberration
• Two Plossl eyepieces (26mm and 9.7mm) plus 2x Barlow lens — four magnification levels from 27x wide-field to 144x planetary close-ups
• Red dot viewfinder — project a targeting dot onto the sky for fast object location
• Smartphone adapter — snap photos of the Moon and planets directly through the eyepiece
• Full-size adjustable tripod with accessory tray — stable platform with convenient storage
• Astronomy software and star map download — plan sessions and identify targets before you step outside

Ideal For

• First-time telescope owners who want precise tracking without the complexity of an equatorial mount
• Parents and families looking for a shared backyard activity with real astronomical capability
• Lunar and planetary observers — the f/10 focal ratio and slow-motion controls deliver crisp, steady views of the Moon and planets
• Budget-conscious beginners who want quality optics and a proper mount without overspending