If you’re a beginner astronomer looking for an entry-level telescope to explore the night sky, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ might be right up your alley. This lightweight and collapsible refractor telescope has become quite popular among amateur astronomers due to its affordability and ease of use.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope and assess its features, performance, and limitations. This model is a 2.7-inch achromatic refractor telescope that comes with several accessories such as two eyepieces, a finderscope, and a tripod.
It’s designed for observing the moon and planets with its focal length of f/13 which provides clear images without any false color distortion.
However, it’s not ideal for viewing deep sky objects due to its limiting magnitude of 11.7. Throughout this review, we’ll examine how well this telescope performs in terms of image quality and whether we would recommend the Astromaster telescope for new stargazers.
Overview of the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope
If you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight telescope that’s easy to assemble, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ might be perfect for you. This refractor telescope is part of the Celestron AstroMaster AZ line and offers good value for beginner astronomers interested in observing the moon and planets.
The long length of this telescope produces natural-looking views of planets and the moon. Its focal ratio of f/13 is good for viewing these objects while avoiding distracting false colours. However, it struggles with deep sky objects due to its limiting magnitude of 11.7.
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ comes with a tripod, two eyepieces, and a finder scope. While it’s easy to set up, it can be tricky to use at first because the StarPointer finderscope is difficult to align and the tripod lacks precision and slow-motion controls.
This telescope might be best for those with little ambition beyond planets and the moon. It’s a complete package that includes everything they need to get started as a beginner astronomer.
Main Features Of The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope
You’ll appreciate the natural-looking views of planets and the moon with the long length of the 2.7-inch/70mm Celestron refractor telescope. Its achromatic optics produce clear, crisp images without distracting false color. The telescope’s focal ratio of f/13 is ideal for viewing planets and the moon, but it struggles with deep-sky objects.
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ includes two basic Kellner eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) for magnification up to 35x and 70x respectively. It also comes with a finderscope to help locate celestial objects, although some users may find it difficult to align. The tripod lacks precision and slow-motion controls, making it challenging to track moving objects.
Overall, this refractor telescope is an excellent value for beginner astronomers interested in observing planets and the moon. While it may not have a particularly high aperture or magnification capabilities compared to other telescopes on the market, its natural-looking views make it a great choice for those just starting out in astronomy.
Performance And Image Quality Of The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope
To get a clear and crisp view of planets and the moon, you’ll need to use the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope’s achromatic optics with its natural-looking images. The telescope has a focal length of f/13, which is ideal for viewing these celestial bodies.
Additionally, it comes with two eyepieces that provide magnifications of 20x and 45x, respectively. The telescope includes an erect image diagonal that allows for easier observation from a standing position. This feature is especially useful when observing bright objects such as planets or the moon.
While it may have some limitations when it comes to deep space observations, it’s easy assembly and natural-looking views make it worth considering for those starting out in astronomy.
AstroMaster 70AZ Tripod Performance
When setting up your Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope, it’s important to note that the tripod lacks precision and slow-motion controls. This can make it difficult to track objects accurately as they move across the night sky. However, this is a common issue with beginner telescopes in this price range.
The altazimuth mount type of the AstroMaster 70AZ makes it easy to locate and track objects in the night sky but may require some practice and patience. The focuser allows for precise adjustments to bring objects into sharper focus, although its plastic construction may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
Overall, while the tripod performance of the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ leaves something to be desired, it’s still a great entry-level telescope for those interested in exploring the field of view available from their own backyard. As with any new hobby or skill, there is a learning curve involved in using this telescope effectively. But with time and practice, you’ll be able to capture stunning views of planets and stars alike.
Limitations Of The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope
Don’t let the limitations of this entry-level telescope discourage you from exploring the night sky and discovering new celestial objects. The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope is a great telescope for beginners who are interested in observing the solar system, including Jupiter and its moons. However, it may not be suitable for more advanced users who want to observe deep-space objects.
One of the limitations of this telescope is its optical tube, which is only 2.7 inches/70mm in diameter. This makes it difficult to observe faint deep space objects such as galaxies and nebulae. Additionally, while the erect image diagonal makes it easier to observe from a standing position, it also reduces image quality by introducing additional optics into the light path.
Another limitation is that the tripod lacks precision and slow-motion controls, making it difficult to track fast-moving objects like planets or stars with high magnification eyepieces. However, if you have a smartphone you can use apps like SkySafari or Star Walk to help locate objects in the sky and make tracking easier.
Overall, while there are some limitations with this beginner telescope, it still provides an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in exploring our solar system and beyond.
Is The Celestron Astromaster 70 AZ Telescope Worth Buying?
Thinking about purchasing a beginner telescope? Wondering if the Celestron Astromaster 70 AZ is worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look.
This 2.7-inch/70mm achromatic refractor telescope is good value for those interested in observing planets and the moon. With a long length, it produces natural-looking views of these celestial bodies, while avoiding distracting false color. However, its limitations include struggling with deep sky objects and having a limiting magnitude of 11.7.
The tripod lacks precision and slow-motion controls, while the StarPointer finderscope can be difficult to align. While easy to set up, using this telescope may prove tricky for some beginners. It’s best suited for those with little ambition beyond planets and the moon, as it includes an erect image diagonal for easier observation from a standing position and Kellner eyepieces.
If you want to explore beyond planets and the moon or have more precise control over your observations, you may want to consider other options such as Celestron’s StarSense Explorer line-up or Vaonis Stellina Observation Station Hybrid Telescope that offer better features like an impressive app or super-easy astrophotography by smartphone respectively.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable option that provides clear views of these two celestial bodies along with easy assembly and mobility, then the Celestron Astromaster 70 AZ could be worth considering as a first purchase into the world of stargazing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable, lightweight, and easy to assemble.
- Produces clear, natural-looking views without false colour.
- Complete package with essential accessories included.
- Suitable for studying the moon and planets.
- Good value for beginner astronomers.
Cons
- Struggles with faint deep sky objects.
- Tripod lacks precision for tracking fast-moving objects.
- Initial difficulty in aligning the finderscope.
- Best suited for those focused on the solar system.
- Erect image diagonal reduces image quality.
Overall Verdict
If you’re a beginner astronomer looking for an affordable telescope that provides clear views of the moon and planets, the Celestron Astromaster 70 AZ could be worth considering as it offers easy assembly and mobility.
With its 70mm achromatic refractor objective lens and focal ratio of f/13, this telescope produces natural-looking views of celestial objects without distracting false color. It also includes an erect image diagonal for easier observation from a standing position.
The Astromaster 70 AZ comes with two basic Celestron-branded Kellner eyepieces, a tripod, and a finder scope. Its limiting magnitude is 11.7, which means it’s most suitable for observing bright objects like the moon and planets rather than deep sky objects. The manual alt-azimuth mount type lacks precision and slow-motion controls, but it’s relatively easy to set up.
Overall, if your primary interest is in observing the moon and planets without breaking the bank or investing too much time into learning how to use more complex telescopes, the Celestron Astromaster 70 AZ could be a good fit for you. However, keep in mind that its performance may not satisfy more advanced astronomers who are looking for greater magnification or clearer views of deep sky objects.
- Classic entry-level telescope on azimuthal mount for viewing objects on the earth and in the sky
- Image erecting high-angle prism for easy orientation in the sky
- 70/700 mm lens telescope with 2 eyepieces (20 and 4mm) for 35 and 175-fold magnification
- Barlow lens for additional amplifications and 5x24 finderscope
Celestron Astromaster 70AZ Telescope FAQ
What is the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope?
The Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope is a refractor telescope designed for beginners who are interested in observing the night sky. The telescope comes with an altitude-azimuth mount, which allows for easy pointing and tracking of celestial objects.
What is the focal length of the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope?
The Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope has a focal length of 900mm. This gives the telescope a focal ratio of f/12.7, which makes it ideal for observing bright objects like planets and the moon. With a long focal length, the telescope can also provide good views of deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
What is the aperture of the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope?
The Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope has an aperture of 70mm. This is not a particularly large aperture, but it is suitable for observing the moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects. The small size makes the telescope easy to carry and set up, which is ideal for beginners.
What kind of eyepieces comes with the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope?
The Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 20mm eyepiece and a 10mm eyepiece. These are Kellner eyepieces, which provide clear and sharp views of celestial objects. The eyepieces provide magnifications of 45x and 90x, respectively.
What is the field of view of the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope?
The field of view of the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope depends on the eyepiece being used. With the 20mm eyepiece, the field of view is 1.5 degrees. With the 10mm eyepiece, the field of view is 0.8 degrees. This makes it easy to find and track celestial objects.
Does the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope come with a tripod?
Yes, the Celestron Astromaster 70az telescope comes with a pre-assembled steel tripod. The tripod is adjustable and offers a stable platform for the telescope. The tripod also has an accessory tray, which is convenient for storing eyepieces and other accessories.
