AstroMaster Series

Comparison of the Celestron AstroMaster Series

The Celestron AstroMaster Series is a line of entry-level telescopes that offers a variety of models, including refractors and reflectors, catering to beginners in astronomy who want a reliable and affordable option for observing celestial objects. Here's a detailed comparison of the different models in the series:

General Features of the Celestron AstroMaster Series

• Mount Type: The AstroMaster series features both equatorial mounts (for more advanced users) and altazimuth mounts (easier for beginners).
• Optical Designs: Available in both refractor and reflector designs, each with its own strengths depending on the type of observation (e.g., planetary vs. deep-sky).
• Ease of Setup: These telescopes are designed to be user-friendly, with simple assembly and intuitive controls, making them a good choice for new astronomers.
• Included Accessories: The series usually includes basic eyepieces, a finder scope, and sometimes a star diagonal for ease of use, but higher-end accessories (like Barlow lenses or additional eyepieces) may be sold separately.

AstroMaster 70AZ (Refractor)

• Aperture: 70 mm (2.8 inches)
• Focal Length: 700 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/10
• Mount Type: Altazimuth (up/down and left/right motion)
• Features:
  • Ideal for beginners, providing clear views of the Moon, planets, and bright stars.
  • The refractor design offers high-contrast images and is low-maintenance, with no need for collimation.
  • Lightweight and compact, easy to transport and store.
• Best For: Planetary observation, lunar views, and terrestrial viewing.
• Weight: Around 10 lbs (4.5 kg)

AstroMaster 70EQ (Refractor)

• Aperture: 70 mm (2.8 inches)
• Focal Length: 900 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/13
• Mount Type: German Equatorial (EQ)
• Features:
  • Similar to the 70AZ but on an equatorial mount, which is better suited for astronomical observations as it tracks the movement of celestial objects across the sky.
  • The longer focal length gives it better magnification for planetary views.
  • Slightly more challenging to set up for beginners but provides better tracking for longer observation sessions.
• Best For: Planetary viewing, star clusters, and learning how to use an equatorial mount.
• Weight: Around 13 lbs (5.9 kg)

AstroMaster 90AZ (Refractor)

• Aperture: 90 mm (3.5 inches)
• Focal Length: 900 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/10
• Mount Type: Altazimuth
• Features:
  • Provides more light-gathering power than the 70AZ, offering brighter views of deep-sky objects like star clusters and galaxies.
  • Still relatively lightweight and easy to transport.
  • An ideal option for beginners who want to step up their viewing experience.
• Best For: Planetary observation, deep-sky objects (e.g., star clusters), and bright nebulae.
• Weight: Around 12 lbs (5.4 kg)

AstroMaster 90EQ (Refractor)

• Aperture: 90 mm (3.5 inches)
• Focal Length: 900 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/10
• Mount Type: German Equatorial (EQ)
• Features:
  • Similar to the 90AZ but mounted on an equatorial mount for better tracking of objects.
  • Offers clear views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
  • Longer focal length and slightly higher magnification than the 70mm models, making it a good balance between size and performance.
• Best For: Beginner to intermediate users, planetary, and deep-sky observation.
• Weight: Around 15 lbs (6.8 kg)

AstroMaster 114EQ (Reflector)

• Aperture: 114 mm (4.5 inches)
• Focal Length: 1000 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/8.8
• Mount Type: German Equatorial (EQ)
• Features:
  • The reflector design provides better light-gathering capacity compared to similarly sized refractors, allowing for better views of faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
  • The 114mm aperture allows for more detailed views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
  • Requires occasional collimation, which might be a learning curve for beginners but ensures sharp images.
• Best For: Beginner to intermediate users, planetary, and deep-sky observation, especially those interested in deep-sky astronomy.
• Weight: Around 18 lbs (8.2 kg)

AstroMaster 130EQ (Reflector)

• Aperture: 130 mm (5.1 inches)
• Focal Length: 650 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/5
• Mount Type: German Equatorial (EQ)
• Features:
  • Larger aperture than the 114EQ, offering better light-gathering ability for fainter deep-sky objects.
  • The shorter focal length allows for wider field views, which is excellent for viewing large objects like galaxies and nebulae.
  • Requires regular collimation to maintain optimal performance.
• Best For: Intermediate users who want to observe both planetary and deep-sky objects in greater detail.
• Weight: Around 24 lbs (10.9 kg)

Comparison of Key Features

Key Differences

• Refractor vs. Reflector: Refractors (like the 70AZ, 90AZ, and 90EQ) are typically low-maintenance and offer good planetary views, whereas reflectors (like the 114EQ and 130EQ) offer better light-gathering power for deep-sky objects but require occasional collimation.
• Mount Type: The altazimuth mounts are easier to use and better for beginners, while the equatorial mounts offer more precise tracking, which is ideal for longer observations and astrophotography.
• Aperture Size: Larger apertures (like the 130mm in the 130EQ) gather more light, providing better views of faint objects in deep space, while smaller apertures (like the 70mm) are better for planetary observation.

Conclusion

The Celestron AstroMaster Series offers a range of telescopes for beginners, from small, easy-to-use refractors (70AZ, 90AZ) to more powerful reflectors (114EQ, 130EQ) that are ideal for users looking to explore both planetary and deep-sky objects. The series is excellent for those just getting started with astronomy, providing solid performance at an affordable price point. If you're just starting, a refractor with an altazimuth mount might be the easiest to use, while more experienced users may prefer the larger reflectors with equatorial mounts for better tracking and more advanced observations.