Bresser PushTo AR-80/400 smart telescope with tripod

This bargain app-assisted starter set takes you from box to stars in minutes

- JIM OWEN

Astronomy has always carried a certain mystique. For many, it feels like an intimidating hobby, steeped in technical jargon and reliant on complex equipment. The new Bresser PushTo AR-80/400 smart telescope sets out to dispel that reputation. Combining classic refractor optics with a manual mount and an app-based navigation system, it positions itself as a beginner's gateway to the cosmos. Over several evenings – and a daytime solar session – we put it through its paces.

The scope arrived from Bresser UK in one tightly organised package. Setup was delightfully straightforward, with just two bolts to connect the mount head to the tripod. Within 10 minutes we were ready for first light. We noted that while the lightweight tripod is perfectly serviceable, the telescope can also rest sturdily on its tabletop mount for more spontaneous grab-and-go moments. This flexibility makes it well suited to garden observing, travelling to darker sites, or even positioning by a window when a gap in the clouds appears.

Bresser has been generous with the accessory bundle, providing two eyepieces (6mm and 20mm), one 2x Barlow lens, a solar filter, smartphone holder, compass and a detailed instruction manual. It's more than enough to get you started without feeling the need to add extras from day one. If we had a minor gripe, it was with the eyepiece markings: the black lettering on a black background is difficult to read by torchlight. Still, this feels like nitpicking when considering the set's overall value.

The heart of the push-to system lies in the companion app, which connects via Bluetooth. Installation was smooth, although it's worth noting that at the time of review no iOS version was available. Our review model paired happily with a Windows 10 laptop within minutes. Once configured, the app acts as your digital guide, helping you align the mount and select targets with simple step-by-step cues.

First test: the Sun