Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Telescope
Back-to-Back Winner! The Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ goes 2-for-2 in 2013, and it really wasn't close. This perennial best-seller is responsible for more new astronomy enthusiasts every year than any other on the market. The simple design introduces users to the principles of alignment, tracking objects, and making adjustments to see what they've always dreamed of through their telescope. With a complete package (telescope, tripod, mount, and accessories) available under $250, we recommend the AstroMaster as a gift for kids or adults who've expressed interest in looking skyward. Ideal for near and deep-sky observation, Celestron 's AstroMaster 114EQ 114mm f/8.8 Reflector Telescope
features a long focal length and a large parabolic mirror that produce
detailed images of the Moon, clear views of the planets, and the ability
to resolve distant objects such as nebulae and galaxies. The scope is
outfitted with a 1.25 rack-and-pinion focuser and two eyepieces to get
new users started, and an unmagnified red-dot finder to help set-up,
align and navigate easier.
The included manual equatorial
mount features slow-motion control cables make it easy to track objects,
even when wearing gloves, while also minimizing vibrations caused by
handling the mount with your hands — as well as clearly visible
indicators on the Right Ascension and Declination axes. An
adjustable-height aluminum tripod rounds out the rig with a tray for
accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and lights.
Based on Astronomy magazine’s telescope
"report cards", scopes of this size and type generally perform as follows . .
. Terrestrial
Observation:
Observing terrestrial objects (nature studies,
birding, etc.) is usually possible only with refractor and catadioptric
telescopes, and convenient only when the scope is on an altazimuth mount or
photo tripod. Most reflectors cannot be used for terrestrial observing. Scopes
with apertures under 5" to 6" are generally most useful for terrestrial
observing due to atmospheric conditions (heat waves and mirage, dust, haze,
etc.) that degrade the image quality in larger scopes.
Yes Lunar
Observation:
Visual observation of the Moon is possible with
any telescope. Larger aperture scopes will provide more detail than smaller
scopes, thereby getting a higher score in this category, but may require an
eyepiece filter to cut down the greater glare from the Moon's sunlit surface so
small details can be seen more easily. Lunar observing is more rewarding when
the Moon is waxing or waning as the changing sun angle casts constantly
varying shadows to reveal craters and surface features by the hundreds.
Great Planetary
Observation:
Very Good Binary and Star Cluster Observation:
Very Good Galaxy and Nebula Observation:
Fair Photography:
No Terrestrial
Photography:
Photographing terrestrial objects (wildlife,
scenery, etc.) is usually possible only with refractor and catadioptric
telescopes, and convenient only when the scope is on an altazimuth mount or
photo tripod. Most reflectors cannot be used for terrestrial photography. Scopes
with focal ratios of f/10 and faster and apertures under 5" to 6" are generally
the most useful for terrestrial photography due to atmospheric conditions (heat
waves and mirage, dust, haze, etc.) that degrade the image quality in larger
scopes.
No Lunar
Photography:
Photography of the Moon is possible with
virtually any telescope, using a 35mm camera, DSLR, or CCD-based webcam
(planetary imager). While an equatorial mount with a motor drive is not strictly
essential, as the exposure times will be very short, such a mount would be
helpful to improve image sharpness, particularly with webcam-type cameras that
take a series of exposures over time and stack them together. Reflectors may
require a Barlow lens to let the camera reach focus.
No Planetary
Photography:
No Star Cluster / Nebula / Galaxy Photography:
No Warranty:
2 years
What's in the Box
Telescope, Tripod, 2 Eyepieces, Finderscope, Planetarium software
Best Telescope for Beginners If you are a beginner, the AstroMaster Reflector Telescope
is by far the best choice on the market. It has a lot of higher end
features that other brands do not provide in this price range, and it is
an easy telescope to set up. This is extremely important for beginners
because you have to know how to set up a telescope correctly in order to
get the best out of it. Most beginners are still learning about
astronomy in general, and therefore, they are fascinated to see the
simple things and wonders of space.
With the AstroMaster Reflector Telescope, they might not be able to
see far off galaxies, like with a higher powered telescope, but they
will be able to see things like the rings of Saturn and the moons of
Jupiter. These things are fascinating for beginners, and it is an
excellent starting point. With this telescope, you will get access to
two different eyepieces that get up to 100 x magnifications. When using
this telescope, it has been recommended that you also use the CELE705
lens kit. These lenses will enhance your view, giving you the best
experience available.
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