Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech

Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ Telescope: Features, Specs, and Price

Featured Image Source: Pixabay

Are you ready for the power to see the stars, the mysterious craters on the moon, the imposing rings of Saturn, and the many moons of Jupiter in their full beauty? If the answer is yes, we might have something that will help you out.

If you are new to the amateur astronomy world and do not want to drop too much money on a telescope, the Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ is the perfect instrument for beginners. This telescope boasts the perfect equilibrium between power, performance, quality, simplicity and, not to mention, affordability. Despite this, it is not accessible and cheap to a degree that it will put experienced astronomers off.

In this article, we will talk about the price and the main features and specs of this device. However, if you are craving for more information regarding this telescope, you can find out more about the Celestron Astromaster specs on TelescopeReviewer, a review specialized website.

Celestron Astromaster 114 EQ General Specifications

Before delving into the nitty details of this telescope, let us take a brief look at its specs so you will have an easy guiding point when we will start to break down its features:

  • Item number: 31042
  • Dimensions: 20in. X 33in. X 55i This makes it great for people who are facing spatial restraints
  • Price: About $160 – although it is frequently put on sale.
  • Weight: 17 pounds
  • Aperture: 114mm (4.49 in.)
  • Eyepiece magnification: 50x
  • ASIN: BOOOMLL6R8
  • Mount: Equatorial
  • Warranty: 2-year warranty on the telescope for damage and defects. Obviously, the warranty does not cover consumers in case of intentional acts of sabotage, or faulty use due to a failure to read the instructions.
  • Focal length: 1000mm
  • Eyepiece size: 20mm
  • Focal ratio: 8.77
  • Highest useful magnification: 269x
  • Lowest useful magnification: 16x
  • Materials: Steel and aluminum
  • Optical design: Newtonian reflector
  • Objects in database: 10,000

With such a plethora of great features, some people might think that the low price is some kind of trap. But in reality, there is no catch – this telescope was designed, from the ground up, to appeal to beginners, without sacrificing too much out of the stargazing experience of the more expensive models. On top of all that, the telescope is very easy to set up and disassemble. And for this, we have the thank the producers for the great care with which they wrote the instructions manual, which is very concise and easy to comprehend.

The only feature that many people have a problem with (according to the many user reviews we have read before writing this piece) is the red dot finder. Many consumers have reported having issues using it, mainly because it took a longer than average time to spot the object that they were seeking. Other than that, using the Celestron is a walk in the park, even for rookie stargazers.

Telescope Performance

The Celestron Astromaster is equipped with two different eyepieces: the first one, measuring 20mm, offers 50x magnification, while the second one, which measures 10mm, has double the magnification power. To put it in simpler terms, the eyepieces on the Celestron are significantly more powerful than what you would find on your standard, run of the mill beginner telescope.

Adding to the list of features is its 100-150 mm aperture and the sturdy, resistant body. This might not seem very relevant at first, but in reality, the aperture is one of the most important features to consider if you intend to purchase a telescope. For novice stargazers, the aperture of a telescope describes the diameter of its main lens or mirror (also called ‘’the objective’’).

When it comes to telescopes, there is one, simple rule that applies to them all: the bigger the aperture, the sharper and brighter your viewing experience will be. While there are cheaper telescopes with smaller apertures, 130 mm is the recommended diameter if you want the full stargazing experience without spending a ridiculous amount of money on a professional telescope.

The Celestron Astromaster can be used both for celestial and terrestrial viewing to the same degree, offering high quality, clear images of the sky and land. Whether you intend to view the fine lines of the Moon’s many craters or admire the wonders of nature in full swing, this telescope from Astromaster will render these images in full detail. Moreover, the telescope even has a special feature that allows you to take photos of the planets. But in order to access this option, you will have to install a camera adapter.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

Even though the Celestron does not require as much maintenance work as other telescopes, this does not mean you should not do it at least occasionally. As it is in the case of many telescopes, the image quality is highly dependent on the level of care you invest in it. A good habit you should try to develop is to always keep the lens cap on the telescope when you are not using it. Excessive dust buildup will not only affect the image, making it foggy and sometimes indiscernible but will also affect the long-term performance of the telescope as the dust particles gradually build up on the components.

Another good rule of thumb is to avoid touching the surface of the mirror. Furthermore, never leave your telescope outside – instead, store it in a dry room, in a bag or the box it came in. When it comes to cleaning it, use only a clean, microfiber cloth to gently remove any dirt.

Conclusion

When it comes to entry-level telescopes, the Celestron Astromaster is one of the best options on the market, suitable to both kids and rookie stargazers alike. It is sturdy, simple to install and use, and while it might not have the same image quality as its more expensive counterparts, it offers enough positive features to satisfy people who are just entering the world of astronomy. If you are looking for a good telescope below 300 euros, there are few better alternatives than the Celestron Astromaster.

Written By

Thanks for reading this article. If you're new here, why don't you subscribe for regular updates via RSS feed or via email. You can also subscribe by following @techsling on Twitter or becoming our fan on Facebook. Thanks for visiting!

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You May Also Like