Q1: I just received a bushnell 114mm reflector telescope, but I cannot seem to find any sort of instructions on how to use it. Would you be able to send any? Thanks, Jery

A: Unfortunately, we don't stock spare manuals for Bushnell telescopes. However, you should be able to obtain one -- along with personal help -- directly from Bushnell. Here's the toll-free number so you can get the help you need: 800-423-3537.

Q2: how important is the maximum usefull magnification. thank you

A: Actually, magnification is one of the least important things to consider when choosing a telescope. The most important thing is the amount of light the scope will gather, and that's determined by the area of the objective lens or primary mirror. That said, maximum useful magnification DOES give an idea of how much detail you'll be able to see on planets or the lunar surface on nights of excellent atmospheric conditions. Magnification "eats" light, and images become progressively darker as you increase magnification. Pile on too much "power," and the images will be too dark to be useful. A telescope can generally handle a magnification level that's 2 to 2.4 times the diameter of its objective lens or primary mirror expressed in millimeters. In the case of a 114mm telescope, maximum is about 240x or 250x.