NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 76/350: a first telescope for visual astronomy
This 76mm Newtonian reflector with a 350mm focal length is a manually operated beginner telescope, supplied with an alt-azimuth mount, tripod and smartphone holder. It is a simple starting point for exploring the Moon and learning to find objects yourself, rather than an automated smart telescope.
Important: read before solar observation
Unfiltered solar viewing can cause permanent blindness. Use only the correct supplied solar filter, securely fitted over the telescope's front aperture before sunlight enters. Inspect it before every use; do not use a filter with even minor damage. A Moon filter or eyepiece-mounted filter is not a substitute.
Bresser's English manual says children must not use this telescope to observe the Sun, even with the filter fitted. Keep children supervised and never leave the telescope unattended.
For solar viewing, the manufacturer specifies the 20mm eyepiece only, either alone (approximately 18×) or with the supplied 2× Barlow (35×). Do not use the 4mm eyepiece for solar observation. Point the telescope away from the Sun before fitting or removing the filter.
Read the complete Bresser solar-filter safety manual for model 9012000 (PDF) before use. These notes do not replace it.
Choosing your first observing targets
Start with the Moon at low magnification: finding, focusing and keeping it in view is easier than beginning with a small planet at high power. The manual mount means you move the telescope as your target drifts. Practise these movements at night before considering the additional responsibilities of solar observation.
For visual astronomy, expect a different experience from long-exposure photographs. Faint objects will not show the bright colours seen in processed astrophotography, and atmospheric steadiness affects how much planetary detail is visible. Higher magnification does not automatically give a clearer view.
Verified specification
- Optics: Newtonian reflector; 76mm aperture; 350mm focal length.
- Mount: manual alt-azimuth, with tripod.
- Supplied eyepieces: 20mm and 4mm, plus a 2× Barlow.
- Total net weight: 2kg including accessories, as listed by Bresser.
- Listed dimensions: 60 × 60 × 135cm.
- Product reference: 9012000; Bresser now also lists reference 13360 for this model.
Understanding magnification
Magnification is the telescope focal length divided by the eyepiece focal length. For this 350mm telescope:
- 20mm eyepiece: 17.5×, usually rounded to 18×; 35× with the 2× Barlow.
- 4mm eyepiece: 87.5×; 175× with the 2× Barlow, for night-time use only.
The 175× combination is a calculated magnification, not a promise of useful detail in every situation. Begin at 18× and increase power only when the image remains steady and well focused.
What is included?
Telescope, mount and tripod; 20mm and 4mm eyepieces; 2× Barlow; solar filter; smartphone holder; astronomy software and a downloadable Moon map.
Can I take photographs with it?
The phone holder lets you position a smartphone at the eyepiece. Start with short Moon exposures and practise alignment and focusing. This is not a motor-tracked deep-sky imaging system; a phone holder does not add automatic tracking or the stacking functions of a smart telescope.
Is this the right telescope for me?
Choose it if you want to learn hands-on visual observing with a lightweight setup. If your priority is automatic target finding, unattended imaging or detailed long-exposure photographs, tell Dark Clear Skies what you want to observe before ordering so we can help you choose a suitable system.
Product details checked against Bresser's official model information. Solar precautions are taken from the linked model-specific manual.
