Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope 31045 Review

The Real-Use Review: Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope 31045

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope 31045 promises an entry point into the world of astronomy with a balance of affordability and capability. Celestron, a reputable name in the telescope industry, aims this reflector at beginners and intermediate users, boasting a large 130mm aperture and an equatorial mount. The question is, does it deliver on that promise or leave you lost in space?

My journey to the AstroMaster 130 EQ started with a desire to share the wonders of the night sky with my kids. City lights drown out so much, and I wanted to give them (and myself) a better view of the cosmos. I needed a telescope that was relatively easy to set up and use, but still powerful enough to see more than just blurry blobs.

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ arrived well-packaged and, thankfully, with reasonably clear instructions. The components felt sturdy enough, although the tripod legs did give me a moment of pause. Compared to similarly priced telescopes, such as the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope or the Meade Polaris 130 EQ Reflector Telescope, the AstroMaster 130 EQ seemed to offer a slightly better combination of aperture size and mount type for the price. Initial excitement was tempered by a little bit of apprehension about the equatorial mount setup, something I’d never tackled before.

Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope 31045 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ was on a clear, moonless night in a relatively dark location about an hour outside the city. Setting up the equatorial mount took some patience, and I highly recommend watching a few online tutorials beforehand. Once aligned with Polaris (the North Star), tracking celestial objects became significantly easier. The views of the moon were impressive, revealing craters and surface details with surprising clarity. Initial setup took about 45 minutes including polar alignment.

However, aiming at fainter objects, like nebulae, proved more challenging. Light pollution still played a significant role, and the included eyepieces, while decent, left me wanting more magnification and clarity. The mount, while helpful for tracking, could be a little shaky, especially in even a slight breeze.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ has become a regular fixture for stargazing nights. The durability seems adequate, though the plastic components on the mount do raise some concerns about long-term wear. Cleaning the primary mirror requires care and a gentle touch, but it’s a necessary task to maintain image quality.

Compared to my previous experiences with binoculars, the AstroMaster 130 EQ offers a significantly more detailed view of the cosmos. It has certainly reignited my interest in astronomy, though I find myself already considering upgrades to the eyepieces and possibly a sturdier mount. The telescope is stored inside to protect it from the elements.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope 31045

Specifications

• Optical Design: Reflector. This design uses mirrors to gather and focus light, offering a large aperture for a reasonable price.
• Aperture: 130 mm (5.12 in). The large aperture gathers plenty of light, allowing you to see fainter objects.
• Focal Length: 650 mm (25.59 in). This determines the magnification achievable with different eyepieces.
• Focal Ratio: 5. This relatively fast focal ratio makes it suitable for observing deep-sky objects.
• Eyepiece 1: 20 mm (0.79 in). Provides a lower magnification view (32.5x) with a wider field of view, good for locating objects.
• Eyepiece 2: 10 mm (0.39 in). Offers higher magnification (65x) for closer views of planets and the moon.
• Mount: Equatorial. This type of mount allows for easy tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky.
• Optical Coatings: Aluminum. These coatings enhance reflectivity, improving image brightness.
• Weight: 24 lb (10.89 kg). The weight provides reasonable stability, though the tripod could be sturdier.
• Warranty: 2 years. This provides peace of mind in case of defects.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ performs admirably for its price point. It provides clear views of the moon, planets (Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings are easily visible), and some brighter deep-sky objects. The equatorial mount, once properly aligned, makes tracking objects significantly easier than with an alt-azimuth mount.

However, the included eyepieces are a limiting factor. Upgrading to higher-quality eyepieces can significantly improve image sharpness and contrast. The mount, while functional, can be somewhat wobbly, especially at higher magnifications.

Design & Ergonomics

The AstroMaster 130 EQ is reasonably well-designed, although some components feel a bit cheap. The telescope tube itself is sturdy, but the tripod and some of the mount components are made of plastic. The telescope is overall relatively light, making it manageable to transport.

There is a learning curve associated with setting up and using the equatorial mount, but it’s not insurmountable. The included StarPointer finderscope helps with initial aiming, but a Telrad or similar reflex sight would be a welcome upgrade.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ is somewhat questionable due to the plastic components. However, with careful handling and proper storage, it should last for several years. The primary mirror will eventually require cleaning, which should be done with specialized cleaning solutions and techniques.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and a StarPointer finderscope. The most common and beneficial upgrade is to replace the eyepieces for better quality ones. Standard 1.25″ eyepieces from other brands are fully compatible.

A Barlow lens can also be used to increase magnification. Upgrading the finderscope to a Telrad or Rigel QuickFinder can make aiming significantly easier. Lastly, for more advanced users, motor drives can be added to the equatorial mount for automated tracking.

Pros and Cons of Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Equatorial Reflector Telescope 31045