Tubescope: $0-20 Refractor Telescope with camera mount

thingiverse

Experience Galileo-like astronomy with this DIY refractive telescope! Inspired by Cosmos and eclipses, it offers two versions - a handheld telescope using lenses you screw onto a camera or a camera lens version as a telephoto lens. The 40.5mm filter-style close-up lenses provide a unique, low-fi look with purple aberration. To build, use a 60mm Tu2 Mailing Tube, cut to 60cm for the handheld and 50cm for the camera version. Pair it with a 40.5mm +2 Close-Up filter from eBay at around $17 for two filters. Consider future improvements like 3D printed bodies, focusing enhancements, or even reflector telescopes. For assembly, print without rafts or supports and optionally spray the inside black. For the camera version, trim tube length to focus. Handheld telescope requires printing lens end caps and screwing lenses in place. Note that non-3D printed versions can be made with rubber end caps.