Astronomer’s Delight: Celestron Astral 90 EQ Review
In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Celestron Astral 90 EQ, a highly-regarded equatorial mount designed for both amateur and professional astronomers. This review will cover the product’s features, performance, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision about investing in this telescope.
Design and Build Quality
The Astral 90 EQ’s build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy and robust design that exudes confidence. The telescope’s aluminum alloy body provides a solid foundation for the equatorial mount, while the durable wood and plastic components add a touch of elegance. The overall construction is well-engineered, making it easy to maneuver and maintain.
Optical Performance
The Celestron Astral 90 EQ boasts a 90mm aperture, making it suitable for observing a wide range of celestial objects, from the moon’s craters to distant planets. The optics are made from high-quality glass, ensuring sharp and clear images with good contrast. The lens is also quite accessible, allowing you to easily reach the eyepiece for quick adjustments.
Equatorial Mount Technology
The equatorial mount is where the Astral 90 EQ truly shines. With a backlash-free design, the telescope’s movements are smooth and precise, allowing for effortless tracking of celestial objects. The slow-motion controls are particularly noteworthy, providing pinpoint accuracy when adjusting the telescope’s position.
Key Features
- Equatorial mount with backlash-free design
- 90mm aperture with high-quality glass optics
- Additional 1.5x Barlow lens included
- Pan-and-Tilt latitude adjustment
- Slow-motion controls for precise tracking
- Easy-to-use operation
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Versatile and easy to use
- High-quality optics for clear, sharp images
- Durable construction
- Smooth, backlash-free equatorial mount
- Excellent customer support
- Cons:
- Pricier than some entry-level telescopes
- Limited compatibility with certain eyepieces
- No LED illumination (though this is minor complaint)
Conclusion
The Celestron Astral 90 EQ is an exceptional telescope that combines impressive optical performance with a solid, reliable equatorial mount. While it may be pricier than some entry-level options, the Astral 90 EQ offers unparalleled value for the serious amateur astronomer. Its high-quality optics, precise movements, and durability make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers. If you’re looking for a reliable and precise telescope that will grow with your passion for astronomy, the Celestron Astral 90 EQ is an excellent choice.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation:
If you’re in the market for a mid-range telescope with exceptional optical performance and a reliable equatorial mount, the Celestron Astral 90 EQ is an excellent choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or have limited experience with astronomy, consider the Celestron FirstScope or similar entry-level options.
