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Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope

Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope

Item#: CELE250

Sale Price: $249.98 SAVE: $143.97 (37%)

List Price : $393.95

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  • A great beginner telescope at an amazing low price
  • Erect Image eyepiece can observe land or astronomy objects
  • Equatorial Mount setting circles help you locate and track objects
  • Quick and easy no-tool setup

More Info
Description

A fantastic Telescope designed for the first time buyer

Offering exceptional value, the AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope features a compact and portable design with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy.


If you're looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the AstroMaster Series is for you. The AstroMaster 130 EQ, like all telescopes in the Celestron AstroMaster series, is capable of giving correct views of land and sky. It has a 650mm focal length and produces bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It's easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with this fine instrument. Because of its larger aperture and light gathering ability, this Newtonian reflector telescope can also provide views of the brighter deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae.


The AstroMaster 130EQ is equipped with a permanently mounted StarPointer that lets you keep track of the stars, and a German Equatorial Mount with Setting Circles helps you accurately locate and track sky objects. It features all glass optical elements, as well as smooth operating steel tripod mountings with manual motion controls. Coated optics offer enhanced image brightness and clarity.


AstroMaster 130 EQ Telescope Features

  • Quick and easy no-tool setup
  • Permanently mounted StarPointer Finderscope
  • Erect Image Optics - Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use - on both Refractor and Reflector designs
  • Quick release dovetail attachment for a no-tool setup
  • German Equatorial Mount with Setting Circles - to accurately locate and track sky objects
  • Rugged pre-assembled tripod with 1.25-inch steel tube legs - Provides a rigid and stable platform
  • All coated glass optics for clear, crisp images
  • Deluxe accessory tray for convenient storage of accessories
  • "The Sky" Level 1 planetarium software with 10,000 object database and enhanced images

About Celestron
Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron has grown to become one of the world’s leading telescope makers, enjoying brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology. Celestron is also a leading designer, manufacturer, and importer of other high-quality optical products, including binoculars, spotting scopes, and microscopes in addition to their computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories. Their innovative products continue to receive numerous industry and consumer media accolades, adding to an already impressive list that includes awards for product innovation from Reader’s Digest, Popular Science, PC Magazine, Popular Mechanics, the Consumer Electronics Association, and more. Celestron is a privately held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities in Torrance, Calif.

Supplier Sku:
31045
What's Included:
Telescope, Tripod, 2 Eyepieces, Finderscope, Planetarium Software
Shipping Restrictions:
Available for shipment to the USA and Canada only.
Dimensions & Specifications

Recommended Usage

For the Beginner , Viewing Galaxies/Star Clusters , Viewing Nebulae , Viewing the Moon , Viewing the Planets

Warranty

2-Year Limited

Features

Equatorial Mount

Brand

Celestron

Weight Complete

24 lbs.

Finderscope

Fixed StarPointer

Lens Coating

Aluminum

GPS

No

GoTo

No

Telescopes Series

Celestron AstroMaster Telescopes

Optical Design

Reflector

Aperture

130mm

Focal Length

650mm

Focal Ratio

f/5

Mount Design

CG-3 Equatorial

Eyepiece 1

20mm (33x)

Eyepiece 2

10mm (65x)

Highest Useful Magnification

150x

Star Diagonal

1.25 Inch

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Buying Info
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What's Included: Telescope, Tripod, 2 Eyepieces, Finderscope, Planetarium Software
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Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope
 
4.1

(based on 100 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (29)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (60)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (7)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Accurate (69)
  • Strong construction (66)
  • Quality lenses (58)
  • Comfortable eyepiece (27)
  • Compact (26)

Cons

  • Unstable (16)
  • Difficult to use (8)
  • Heavy (8)
  • Poor lens quality (6)
  • Difficult to focus (5)

Best Uses

  • Astronomy (95)
  • Bird watching (15)
  • Travel (5)
  • Bright conditions (4)
  • Low visibility (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (84), Avid adventurer (13)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (19)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Fix to finderscope

This was my first telescope. I was worried I would get the "trashy Christmas telescope". After fixing the finder scope tonight, I'm quite happy. Its a sturdy mount. The eyepieces are c...Read complete review

This was my first telescope. I was worried I would get the "trashy Christmas telescope". After fixing the finder scope tonight, I'm quite happy. Its a sturdy mount. The eyepieces are comfortable, well made and not made cheap. It focuses well. Its weighted well, but you may need two people to move it.[...] Its made of steel, not plastic. It balances well, once you are educated.Now, about the Finder scope problem. There are two pieces of glass within the finder scope, that are adjustable. But this does not help much because, the two pieces of glass are to help triangulate your object into view, but the triangulation is not long enough. And one is not sure where to look at the finder scope. I have fixed this problem by gluing an object on the holding braces of the telescope, so I know where to look, basically I've elongated the finder scope. I fixed this during the day.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

decent, but needs improvement

Out of the box, the scope was decent. However, it has some construction problems. The tripod is a little whimpy for the weight it's holding. It was also way out of collimation when...Read complete review

Out of the box, the scope was decent. However, it has some construction problems. The tripod is a little whimpy for the weight it's holding. It was also way out of collimation when I took it out of the box. After getting the secondary mirror properly positioned, I found that the screws were too short. I had to add a spacer.

The LED in the star finder was also way too bright. I had to open it up and add a resistor to dim it. Despite what others say, I find the star finder quite usable now. It's not perfect, but it always gets me close to what I'm looking for. Be sure to adjust it per the instructions. It wasn't even close when it came out of the box.

After fixing the problems, I'm happy with my purchase. It has problems, but they were easily fixed, and it was cheap.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 100 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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Jan

18

2012

 
4.0

Very good telescope for first time buyer

By VJ

from Pittsburgh, PA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy to Use

Cons

  • Difficult To Focus
  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Astronomy
  • Bird Watching

Comments about Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope:

I got the telescope earlier than expected and was well packaged. It was very easy to assemble. But when tried to focus, it is a little difficult. The given CD did not have much on how to focus on an object. But Its not rocket science, so its fine. The equipment is a bit heavy.

Overall, I am really happy with the telescope. It serves the purpose and I am going to order higher magnification lenses very soon. The given 10mm and 20mm eyepieces is not enough for proper focusing on an object.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Was this review helpful? Yes / No

 - You may also flag this review

Jan

12

2012

 
4.0

Proud and pleased

By Kevlee

from Mansfield, TX

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Easy to Use
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

      Comments about Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope:

      Its my first and I am pleased.

      Service and delivery comments:

      Simple to place orders, the delivery was on time, arrived in great condition.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Jan

      3

      2012

       
      4.0

      Good Deal on a great scope!

      By Star Daddy

      from Da Big Easy

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Easy to Use
      • Good value
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • Poor Lens Quality

      Best Uses

      • Astronomy

      Comments about Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope:

      I consider myself a serious amateur astronomer and I live in the Big Easy where light pollution is a detrimental factor for perfect viewing. Nevertheless I totally enjoyed my first experiences with the Astro Master 130 and on the first night out it took a little getting used to the telescope. On the 2nd night I fared better. I'm glad I did my homework and research on this telescope before ordering. Do yourself a favor and never order anything you haven't research and reviewed, especially telescopes. I ordered the TELRAD FINDER and a set of Celestron eyepieces along with the scope initially because of the bad reviews about the attached star finder and eyepieces that come with the scope. The star finder scope that comes with the telescope is no good. It's garbage and I took it off and mounted my TELRAD finder and it works like a baby. Forget about it!!! Get one for your scope and I will guaranty that you won't regret it. You can't go wrong with the TELRAD. It's money well spent for a must have accessory. The eyepiece set is not the best but does the job of providing pleasurable viewing. Wish it had fine focusing but can't complain too much about it at this price. The tripod is a bit shaky but if you set it up on a hard surface you won't have any problems. Polar alignment was a piece of cake, made all the adjustments, etc. With a half moon out it looked great. I could make out Jupiter's bands and moons. Also checked out the Orion Nebula and it looked awesome. The Pleiades blew me away. I could faintly make out the clouds of gas surrounding the stars. Nice!!! Can't wait for a moonless night. Overall it's great telescope and it will be with me for a long time. I'm very happy with my purchase and my initial experience with the Astro Master 130 is very satisfying.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • Yes

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Dec

      3

      2011

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Great telescope!

      By Chris

      from Indiana

      About Me Avid Adventurer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Accurate
      • Quality Lenses
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Bad star finder
      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Astronomy

      Comments about Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope:

      This scope is a deal at the price. Great optics, crystal clear images and just overall great construction. The only problems I have is that it is a bit weighty, not unbearable by anymeans more awkward. Also, the star finder is not any good other than that it's pretty easy to use. Takes some practice to get used to Equitorial mount but I adapted quite quickly. I would reccommend a new star finder, a 2x Barlow, and about a 5-6mm eyepiece.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Dec

      3

      2011

       
      5.0

      amazing telescope at amazing low price

      By dwin

      from salt lake city, UA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Pros

      • Accurate
      • Compact
      • Easy to Use
      • Lightweight
      • Quality Lenses
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Astronomy
        • Bird Watching
        • Bright Conditions
        • Hiking/Backpacking
        • Hunting
        • Low Visibility
        • Travel

        Comments about Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector Telescope:

        easy no tool setup took less than 30 minutes, great veiws of the moon and saturn and cant wait to veiw other planets

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Displaying reviews 1-5

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        Customer Q & A

        Q1: The Celestron Astromaster 130EQ has only 650mm Focal Length while the Celestron Astromaster 114EQ has a 1000mm Focal Length. is this true?

        A: Yes, it's true: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ has a 650mm focal length, and the 114EQ has a 1,000mm focal length.

        Q2: Why does the Astromaster 130 have a low focal length? Since it is a reflector shouldn't it have a larger focal length?

        A: The focal length of a "pure" Newtonian reflector scope cannot be longer than its optical tube. The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ Reflector telescope's tube is only about 27 inches long. This makes it light and easy to handle, but it limits the focal length to 650mm.

        Q3: I'm looking at the Celestron Astromaster 130mm EQ Reflector and the Celestron Powerseeker 127 EQ, do any of these telescopes have a adaptable motor drive that i can buy separately?

        A: The AstroMaster and Powerseeker series telescopes use the Celestron Motor Drive for AstroMaster/Powerseeker EQ TelescopesAdding a motor drive is a great addition to the telescope.  It will allow for tracking of objects instead of turning the knobs to follow objects.  It also stops the vibration that happens when manually turning the telescope.  A great accessory!

        Q4: What is the weight and size/dimension of packing box during shipment?

        A: The shipping dimensions are 35Lx19Wx11H inches and the shipping weight is 42lbs.

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