Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ Altazimuth Telescope Refractor with Eyepice Filter Accessory Kit Review
As an astrophysics enthusiast, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ Altazimuth Telescope Refractor with Eyepice Filter Accessory Kit. This telescope is designed for both terrestrial and astronomical use, and I was eager to put its capabilities to the test.
Key Features:
- Dual-purpose design for terrestrial and astronomical use
- All-coated glass optics for clear, crisp images
- Permanently mounted StarPointer for easy alignment
- Altazimuth (Alt-az) mount for easy control
- Pre-assembled tripod with 1.25" steel legs
- Deluxe accessory tray for convenient storage
- Includes "The Sky" Level 1 planetarium software with 10,000 object database
Pros:
- Crystal-clear images: The all-coated glass optics deliver high-quality images with excellent contrast and minimal distortion.
- Easy to use: The permanent StarPointer makes alignment a breeze, and the altazimuth mount is intuitive to control.
- Portable and compact: The pre-assembled tripod is easy to disassemble and transport, making it perfect for travel or storage.
- Professionally assembled: The kit comes with a deluxe accessory tray for organized storage and easy access to components.
Cons:
- Limited zoom range: The telescope’s 70mm achromatic refractor lens has a limited zoom range, which may not be sufficient for some users.
- No motorized tracking: The telescope’s altazimuth mount is manual, which may not be suitable for those who prefer motorized tracking.
- Bulky tripod: The steel legs can be cumbersome to store and transport, and may not be ideal for those with limited space.
My Experience:
I was impressed with the Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ Altazimuth Telescope Refractor with Eyepice Filter Accessory Kit’s performance. I found the images to be clear and crisp, with minimal distortion or artifacts. The permanent StarPointer made alignment a breeze, and the altazimuth mount was easy to control.
However, I did find the limited zoom range to be a limitation. As an astrophysics enthusiast, I would have liked to explore more of the night sky, but the 10x magnification was not sufficient for my needs.
Conclusion:
The Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ Altazimuth Telescope Refractor with Eyepice Filter Accessory Kit is a solid choice for those seeking an easy-to-use, compact, and portable telescope. While it may not be ideal for serious astronomers or spectroscopists, it’s perfect for beginners, casual observers, or those on a budget. Consider the following when purchasing this product:
- Upgrade options: If you need more advanced features, consider upgrading to a more powerful telescope with motorized tracking and longer zoom range.
- Additional accessories: Take advantage of the included accessory tray to store and organize your kit, and consider additional accessories like moon filters or moon maps for enhanced viewing experiences.
- Warranty and support: Celestron offers a 1-year warranty and comprehensive customer support, so you can rest assured that you’re covered in case of any issues.
