The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063: Review from Real Use
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 from Celestron promises to be a versatile telescope for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. It boasts a 90mm aperture, alt-azimuth mount for ease of use, and comes with two eyepieces for varying magnifications. This telescope is marketed towards beginners and intermediate users, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype after spending countless nights squinting at the sky with binoculars.
My interest in astronomy was recently reignited after a camping trip where the night sky was breathtaking. Binoculars just weren’t cutting it; I wanted to see the moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and maybe even glimpse a distant nebula. After researching various options, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ seemed like a good balance of aperture, portability, and user-friendliness for the price.
Unboxing the telescope, I was initially pleased with the apparent build quality. The optical tube felt solid, and the tripod, while lightweight, seemed sturdy enough. The alt-azimuth mount appeared intuitive, and the included accessories – two eyepieces and a star pointer – were a nice bonus. My first thought was, “This looks like a capable beginner’s scope.”
I considered other telescopes like the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector and the Meade Infinity 102mm Refractor. I ultimately chose the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ for its ease of setup and reported better performance for planetary viewing, which was my primary interest. I wanted something that was simple to assemble, and from reviews, this seemed to fit the bill.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The telescope looked the part, but I reserved judgment until I could actually use it under the night sky. I was excited to finally get a closer look at the cosmos, but a little worried about the potential for frustration with a beginner-level instrument.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ in my backyard, which, admittedly, has some light pollution. The first night was clear and relatively still. I started with the 20mm eyepiece and aimed at the Moon. The view was surprisingly sharp and detailed; I could easily see craters and maria.
The telescope performed well in the cool, dry conditions. The alt-azimuth mount made it easy to track the Moon as it moved across the sky, though fine adjustments were a little jerky. After switching to the 10mm eyepiece, the magnification increased significantly, but the image became slightly softer. After some adjustments, though, it was still a good, clear view.
The setup was quick and easy, as advertised. I did not need to refer to the manual, as the assembly was intuitive. My only minor issue was aligning the StarPointer finderscope, which took a little patience to get spot on.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ continues to deliver enjoyable viewing experiences. I’ve observed Jupiter and its moons, Saturn with its rings (although smaller than I expected), and even a few brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
So far, the telescope has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, although the tripod legs could be sturdier. I’ve kept the optics clean with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution, and the telescope is stored indoors when not in use. It’s easy to clean the optics, and the overall maintenance is simple.
Compared to my previous experiences with binoculars, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ is a significant upgrade. It allows me to see details that were previously invisible, and the larger aperture gathers significantly more light. It does outperform my old binoculars in clarity, magnification, and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063
Specifications
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 features a 90mm aperture, which is crucial for light-gathering ability. Its focal length is 1000mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/11.11. This means the telescope is well-suited for high-magnification viewing of the Moon and planets.
It comes with two eyepieces: a 20mm eyepiece providing 50x magnification and a 10mm eyepiece providing 100x magnification. These eyepieces offer a good range of magnifications for different viewing scenarios. The Altazimuth Mount allows for easy up-and-down and left-to-right movement. The fully coated optics enhance light transmission and image brightness.
The telescope weighs approximately 20 pounds, making it relatively portable. The included tripod features 1.25″ steel legs for stability. The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ comes with a 2-year warranty.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ performs admirably for its intended purpose: providing clear views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The 90mm aperture gathers enough light to reveal details that are invisible with smaller telescopes or binoculars. The included eyepieces offer useful magnifications, although upgrading to higher-quality eyepieces would further enhance the viewing experience.
A strength is the easy-to-use alt-azimuth mount, which allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects. However, the mount can be a bit shaky at higher magnifications, and fine adjustments can be tricky. A weakness is the budget StarPointer finderscope; an upgraded red dot finder would be a welcome improvement. Overall, it meets expectations for a beginner telescope.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ has a simple and functional design. The optical tube is made of lightweight aluminum, and the tripod is relatively easy to set up and take down. The alt-azimuth mount is intuitive to use, even for beginners.
The telescope is reasonably comfortable to use for extended viewing sessions. However, the tripod could be taller to avoid excessive bending over. The build quality is acceptable for the price point, although some components feel a bit plasticky. There is a minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ appears to be reasonably durable, although it’s not built like a tank. With proper care and storage, it should last for several years of occasional use. The telescope is easy to clean and maintain; simply wipe down the optics with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution as needed.
It should last for several years with proper care. The maintenance is simple.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and a StarPointer finderscope. It also includes a deluxe accessory tray for storing eyepieces and other small items. The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25″ eyepieces, allowing for a wide range of customization options.
Popular accessories include higher-quality eyepieces, a red dot finder, and a Barlow lens (which doubles the magnification of any eyepiece). The telescope can also be used with a smartphone adapter for taking photos of celestial objects. There are many customization options available.
Pros and Cons of Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063
Pros
- Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- 90mm aperture provides good light-gathering ability for clear views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
- Alt-azimuth mount allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects.
- Comes with two eyepieces for varying magnifications.
- Relatively lightweight and portable.
Cons
- Tripod could be sturdier, especially at higher magnifications.
- StarPointer finderscope is not very accurate.
- Fine adjustments on the alt-azimuth mount can be a bit jerky.
Who Should Buy Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063?
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ is perfect for beginners who are interested in exploring the night sky. It’s also a good option for casual stargazers who want a portable and easy-to-use telescope. It’s great for those interested in lunar and planetary viewing.
This product is not ideal for experienced astronomers who demand high-quality optics and a more stable mount. Those looking for deep-sky astrophotography should also consider more advanced telescopes with equatorial mounts and larger apertures. They may be better suited with a different choice.
Must-have accessories include higher-quality eyepieces and a red dot finder. A Barlow lens can also be a useful addition for increasing magnification.
Conclusion on Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063
The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 is a solid choice for beginners and casual stargazers. It offers a good balance of performance, ease of use, and affordability. While it has some limitations, such as a somewhat shaky tripod and a basic finderscope, these are minor drawbacks compared to its overall value.
The price is justified for the features and performance it offers. It’s well worth the investment.
I would definitely recommend the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ to anyone who is just starting out in astronomy or who wants a portable and easy-to-use telescope for casual viewing. So grab your Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ, head out under the night sky, and prepare to be amazed!