Q1: Does this telescope come with a tripod? Is this a good choice for viewing planets (i.e. good enough to get good pictures of Saturn's rings)?

A: The Celestron PowerSeeker 127 DOES come with a tripod. You should be able to get fairly nice, short-exposure photos of Saturn's rings through a short-focal-length eyepiece, using a digital camera. You'll need an adapter, though. Zhumell makes a good one, the Universal Digital Camera Adapter (small).

Q2: Will I be able to experience decent views of nebulae and galaxies with this scope? Is there a motor drive available?

A: Yes, with the Powerseeker 127EQ you will be able to see many nebulae and galaxies. There is no motor drive available, however.

Q3: Is their a solar filter for this telescope?

A: The Solar Filter for C5, N5, etc., should fit and work just fine.

Q4: I am a first-time telescope buyer and am not sure if I want to purchase this scope or the Celestron Starhopper 6in Dobsonian. Is the extra $100 really worth the improved quality of the Dobsonian? Which would you recommend?

A: The PowerSeeker 127 EQ is a good beginner's scope. However, the 6-inch aperture of the Starhopper will give you brighter, crisper views. It's worth the extra money.

Q5: Would I be able to view from inside our home? Our windows are double glazed and also tinted.

A: Yes, you would be able to use the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ telescope to some degree inside your home. Bear in mind, though, that magnification magnifies EVERYTHING, including imperfections in window glass. That means you'll want to use lower magnification levels inside.

Q6: Could this scope be mounted on a smaller "table-top" tripod. I am looking for a nice beginner table-top sit down scope to look out an open 2nd story window and show my son the moon and planets.

A: Unfortunately, the Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflecting Telescope cannot be mounted on a tabletop tripod.