Hawkko 90mm Telescope Review for Beginner Astronomy Planet Viewing and Simple Setup and Use
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
The Hawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope combines a capable refractor optical tube with the accessories needed for basic lunar, planetary, and terrestrial observation. Its 90mm aperture and long focal length are more substantial than those of many entry-level telescopes, although the mount and viewing accessories introduce compromises that buyers should understand.
Product Overview
The Hawkko Telescope 90900 is a manual achromatic refractor designed primarily for adults and astronomy beginners. It uses a 90mm multi-coated objective lens, a 900mm focal length, and an f/10 focal ratio. This configuration is particularly appropriate for viewing the Moon, brighter planets, double stars, and selected star clusters.
The package includes 25mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a straight-through finderscope, a 45-degree correct-image diagonal, an adjustable stainless steel tripod with an altazimuth mount, an accessory tray, a smartphone adapter, and a carrying bag. Magnification options range from 36x to an advertised maximum of 270x, though the highest setting is unlikely to provide the best practical image.
This model is most suitable for people who want to learn basic telescope operation and observe bright objects without immediately purchasing a large collection of accessories. It is not designed as a motorized tracking telescope or as a serious long-exposure astrophotography system.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The optical tube is approximately 90 centimeters, or about three feet, long. The complete kit weighs around 5 kilograms, or 11 pounds. It remains reasonably portable for trips between a house, backyard, and vehicle, but the long tube makes it less convenient for hiking or compact storage.
A notable strength is the metal construction of the optical tube. The rolled-metal barrel, cast-metal mounting rings, and all-metal 1.25-inch rack-and-pinion focuser give the main telescope a more substantial structure than models that rely heavily on plastic optical components. A metal dew shield extends from the front to help reduce stray light and delay moisture formation on the objective.
The tube attaches through a standard Vixen-style dovetail rail. This is useful because it provides the option of transferring the optical tube to a compatible third-party mount later.
The tripod has adjustable stainless steel legs and can reportedly be set from approximately 28 to 46 inches high. Its center accessory tray also braces the legs. However, the altazimuth mount head uses a considerable amount of molded plastic. This creates a mismatch between the relatively solid optical tube and the lighter support mechanism. Keeping the legs partly retracted should make the assembly steadier, while fully extending them may increase vibration.
Key Features
Feature One: 90mm Multi-Coated Objective
The 90mm objective gathers enough light for detailed lunar observation and useful views of bright planets. Its multi-coated surfaces are intended to improve light transmission and reduce reflections. The specified Dawes limit is 1.29 arcseconds, although actual resolution will also depend on atmospheric stability, optical alignment, target brightness, and the mount.
Feature Two: 900mm f/10 Optical System
The 900mm focal length produces moderate to high magnification with common eyepieces. The f/10 focal ratio also helps control the purple or violet fringing associated with achromatic refractors. Some chromatic aberration may still appear around the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and other bright targets, so buyers should not expect the completely color-free view of a premium apochromatic refractor.
Feature Three: Two Eyepieces and a 3x Barlow
The included 25mm eyepiece produces 36x magnification and a listed field of view of approximately 1.39 degrees. This is the best starting configuration for locating objects, viewing the full lunar disk, and observing open star clusters.
The 10mm eyepiece provides 90x, which is more appropriate for lunar craters and planetary detail. The 3x Barlow raises these combinations to 108x and 270x. The 108x setting can be practical in steady conditions, while 270x will usually be dim, soft, difficult to focus, and highly sensitive to atmospheric turbulence.
Feature Four: Manual Altazimuth Mount
The mount moves vertically and horizontally, making it easier to understand than an equatorial mount. This simple arrangement is useful for beginners and daytime viewing. Its limitation is the absence of slow-motion controls or motorized tracking. At higher power, users must gently move the telescope by hand as objects drift across the field.
Feature Five: Complete Accessory Package
The package includes a finderscope, smartphone adapter, carrying bag, diagonal, tripod, eyepieces, Barlow lens, and accessory tray. This allows basic observation to begin without many additional purchases. However, the included 45-degree diagonal is better suited to terrestrial viewing than astronomy, and the narrow field and eye relief of the Kellner eyepieces may be less comfortable than those of some modern alternatives.
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What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, assembly should be straightforward and can take about 15 minutes after the owner becomes familiar with the components. Initial setup involves extending the tripod, installing the tray, attaching the optical tube, and inserting the diagonal and eyepiece.
The finderscope should be aligned during daylight using a distant stationary object. The telescope must never be pointed anywhere near the Sun during this process. Starting with the 25mm eyepiece should make nighttime target acquisition easier because it provides the widest available view.
At 36x, the telescope should be relatively manageable for viewing the Moon and brighter star fields. Moving to 90x can reveal smaller lunar structures and make planetary disks easier to examine. Under suitable conditions, Jupiter’s four Galilean moons and prominent cloud bands should be visible. Saturn’s rings should also be clearly distinguishable from the planet.
The main operational challenge is likely to be stability. Touching the focuser at high magnification may produce visible shaking, and the image may require a few seconds to settle. Manual tracking also becomes more demanding as magnification increases. The straight-through finder and 45-degree diagonal can create uncomfortable viewing positions when the telescope points high in the sky.
The smartphone adapter may work for basic pictures or short videos of the Moon. Aligning a phone camera with the eyepiece can take patience, particularly with the shorter eye relief of the 10mm eyepiece. This setup should not be confused with a tracking astrophotography system intended for long exposures of faint deep-sky objects.
What Works Well
The 90mm aperture offers a useful balance of light gathering, resolution, and portability for beginner lunar and planetary observation.
The f/10 optical configuration provides better chromatic aberration control than many shorter achromatic refractors, although minor color fringing can remain.
The metal optical tube, mounting rings, dew shield, and focuser create a solid foundation for the optical system.
The 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide practical 36x and 90x magnification options without requiring an immediate eyepiece purchase.
The stainless steel tripod legs and center spreader tray are more substantial than basic lightweight aluminum supports.
The Vixen-style dovetail gives owners a practical upgrade path if they later decide to use a stronger astronomical mount.
The carrying bag and included accessories make the package relatively convenient for backyard sessions and vehicle-based travel.
Things to Consider
The mount head appears to be the primary limitation. Its plastic components and basic friction controls may allow flex and vibration, especially with the leverage created by the long optical tube.
There are no slow-motion controls. Keeping a planet centered at 90x or higher therefore requires careful hand movements.
The advertised 270x magnification is technically possible with the 10mm eyepiece and 3x Barlow, but it exceeds what will normally be useful with a 90mm aperture. A sharper view at 90x or 108x is generally preferable.
The included 45-degree diagonal can become uncomfortable when observing objects more than about 35 to 40 degrees above the horizon. A compatible 90-degree astronomical star diagonal would be a sensible upgrade for frequent nighttime use.
The straight-through finder may require bending or kneeling when aiming near the zenith.
Kellner eyepieces are functional beginner accessories, but their apparent fields are relatively narrow and the 10mm model may have tight eye relief.
Although a carrying bag is included, the three-foot optical tube is not especially compact. Storage space and transportation method should be considered before purchase.
Who Is This Product For?
This telescope is worth considering for adults, families, and older beginners who are primarily interested in the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, bright double stars, and basic daytime viewing. It may also appeal to someone who values a solid optical tube and wants the option of upgrading the mount later.
It is less suitable for buyers expecting effortless high-power tracking, wide sweeps of the Milky Way, or serious deep-sky astrophotography. People with neck or back sensitivity may also find the stock finder and 45-degree diagonal uncomfortable when observing high-altitude targets.
A buyer who wants an entirely stable, refined system without future upgrades may prefer a telescope with a heavier mount, slow-motion controls, and a 90-degree astronomical diagonal.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Begin every observing session with the 25mm eyepiece. Locate and center the target at 36x before changing to the 10mm eyepiece or adding the Barlow.
Treat 90x and 108x as more realistic high-power settings. Use 270x only as an experiment under exceptionally steady conditions.
Align the finderscope during daylight on a distant object, but remain far away from the Sun and never sweep the telescope across the solar area.
Keep the tripod as low as comfortably possible. Shorter leg extension generally improves stability.
Tighten the accessory tray correctly because it helps brace the tripod. Adding modest, securely positioned weight near the center may further reduce vibration, provided the tripod remains balanced and within its safe capacity.
Make small focusing adjustments and wait for shaking to settle before deciding whether the image is sharp.
Consider budgeting for a compatible 90-degree star diagonal if astronomy is the main purpose. A sturdier Vixen-compatible mount can also improve the telescope’s long-term usefulness.
Never look at the Sun through this telescope without a certified telescope solar filter securely installed over the front objective. An eyepiece solar filter is not safe. The finderscope must also be properly filtered or completely covered.
Common Questions
What magnification does each eyepiece provide?
The 25mm eyepiece provides 36x, while the 10mm eyepiece provides 90x. With the 3x Barlow, those settings become 108x and 270x.
Is 270x magnification practical?
It is technically available, but it will usually produce a darker and softer image. The 90x and 108x settings are more realistic for a 90mm telescope.
Can it show Jupiter and Saturn?
Yes. Under suitable atmospheric conditions, it should show Jupiter’s four brightest moons and prominent cloud bands. Saturn’s rings should be clearly visible as separate from the planetary globe.
Can it be used for astrophotography?
The included phone adapter can support basic lunar and possibly bright planetary images or videos. The manual mount does not track the sky, so it is not appropriate for long-exposure deep-sky photography.
Is it suitable for terrestrial viewing?
Yes. The 45-degree correct-image diagonal is convenient for distant landscapes and wildlife, although the narrow astronomical field may make moving subjects difficult to follow.
Can the mount be upgraded?
The optical tube uses a standard Vixen-style dovetail rail, so it should be transferable to many compatible astronomical mounts. Compatibility and weight capacity should always be confirmed before purchasing another mount.
Final Thoughts
The Hawkko 90mm Aperture 900mm Telescope has a stronger optical foundation than its simple beginner-oriented mount might suggest. Its 90mm f/10 refractor tube, multi-coated objective, metal focuser, and useful 36x and 90x magnification settings make it well suited to lunar and bright planetary observation.
The main compromises are mechanical and ergonomic rather than optical. The mount may shake during focusing, manual tracking becomes difficult at higher power, and the 45-degree diagonal is uncomfortable for objects high overhead. The advertised 270x setting should also be viewed as a maximum combination rather than a recommended everyday magnification.
For a beginner who accepts manual tracking and is willing to work within the mount’s limitations, this is a reasonably complete starting package. Its lasting value is likely to be the metal 90mm optical tube, especially if it is eventually paired with a 90-degree star diagonal and a more stable mount.
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