It's a nice enough scope, and the tripod is acceptable for a beginner scope. Optics are decent. The weakness is the mount/yoke and steadying arm with screw adjustment. I had this on a Tasco 55 years ago, and it's still the same problem...too much play resulting in unsteadiness. Other than that, the StarSense is worth the price alone, and works well most of the time. Only use smaller phones, or more modern ones with the protective case removed.