Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope

Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope Review

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Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope Feature

• Quick and easy no-tool setup with Permanently mounted StarPointer
• Erect image optics - Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• German Equatorial mount with Setting circles - to accurately locate and track sky objects
• Rugged pre-assembled tripod with 1.25" steel tube legs - Provides a rigid and stable platform
• All coated glass optics for clear, crisp images

130mm (5”) diameter Newtonian reflector, 650mm focal length (f/5), German equatorial mount (CG-3) with RA and DEC slow-motion controls and setting circles, built-on Star Pointer finderscope, 20mm erect image eyepiece (33x), 10mm eyepiece (65x) 1.25”, adjustable height 1.25” steel leg tripod withaccessory tray, “The Sky Level 1” CD-ROM.

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Rerate Products

• Celestron Accessory Kit
• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter
• Celestron Omni 2X Barlow Lens
• Celestron Collimation Eyepiece 1.25"

Customer Review

Apr 13, 2012 00:04:04

Celestron Sky Maps (Plastic Comb)

Celestron Sky Maps (Plastic Comb) Review

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Celestron Sky Maps (Plastic Comb) Feature

• Ideal teaching tool for learning the night's sky
• Specially designed cover rotates to simulate the seasonal progression of celestial objects
• Illustrated reference section provides basic information and the visual characteristics of various types of stars, nebulae and galaxies

Celestron Sky Maps Chart - Illustrated Star Map Atlas / Deep Sky objects Reference Guide 93722

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Rerate Products

• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas
• Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope
• Celestron 21045 114mm Equatorial PowerSeeker Telescope
• Celestron Accessory Kit

Customer Review

Apr 11, 2012 20:52:04

Celestron T-Ring / T-Mount Canon EOS

Celestron T-Ring / T-Mount Canon EOS Review

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Celestron T-Rings For 35mm Cameras for Canon Auto Focus 35mm and Digital Cameras 93419

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Rerate Products

• Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter
• Celestron Universal T-Adapter 1.25in 93640
• Celestron T-Adapter for C5, C8, C9-1/4, C11, C14 Celestron Telescopes 93633-A
• Celestron Accessory Kit
• Celestron Vibration Suppression Pads

Customer Review

Apr 10, 2012 18:55:36

Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope

Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope Review

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Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope Feature

• 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
• Nearly 40,000-bject database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects

Amazon.com Review Celestron’s NexStar 4 SE is the smallest and most portable telescope in Celestron’s NexStar SE series. Using a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, the NexStar 4 SE puts the magnifying power of a four foot long telescope into an optical tube only 13 inches long.

Moon

The NexStar 4 SE features computerized finding and tracking of nearly 40,000 celestial objects, no-tool setup is easy, and planetarium software for your PC is included.

Jupiter

The NexStar 4 SE delivers great views of the Moon, the planets, and bright deep space objects. The standard equipment 25mm E-Lux plossl eyepiece gives a magnification of 53X, enough to see the Lunar disk, Saturn’s rings and the major cloud bands on Jupiter. It’s easy to add optional eyepieces to zoom in for more detail. Using a 12.5mm X-Cel eyepiece for 106X magnification I can see several cloud bands on Jupiter and I can even pick out the small dark shadow as one of Jupiter’s moons passes in front of the planet. On a good night I can push the magnification up to 230X with a 6mm plossl eyepiece while viewing the Moon and planets.

The NexStar 4 SE package also includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and the NexStar hand held computer controller. I don’t need star charts or a GPS reciever to operate this telescope. Celestron’s patented SkyAlign procedure is easy to use, and experienced users will like the two-star align and solar-system align options because they are even quicker to set up. The steel tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a solid base for the NexStar 4 SE. Vibration is not a problem, even while focusing at high power. The computerized tracking is also very good, easily keeping planets in the field of a high power eyepiece. The disadvantage of a computerized scope, of course, is battery consumption. I find that rechargeable NiMH batteries work very well in the NexStar 4SE; a set of batteries lasts all evening and I don’t need to worry about electrical cords getting tangled in the dark.

The NexStar 4 SE is a great portable telescope, just right for visual observing or for taking short exposure pictures of the Moon and planets. It’s only fair to warn you that a small telescope has its drawbacks, however; there are thousands of objects in the NexStar database that are simply too dim to see with a four inch telescope. --Jeff Phillips

Venus

Pros:

• Small, portable and affordable
• Very good optics
• Easy computerized tracking

Cons:

• Rechargeable batteries not included
• Small size limits deep space viewing

TE1) CELESTRON NEXSTAR 4SE TELESCOPE

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Rerate Products

• Celestron Accessory Kit
• Celestron 18778 AC Adapter for Computerized Telescopes
• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• Celestron Power Tank
• Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter

Customer Review

Apr 09, 2012 15:01:04

Celestron 52268 C90 Mak Spotting scope (Black)

Celestron 52268 C90 Mak Spotting scope (Black) Review

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Celestron 52268 C90 Mak Spotting scope (Black) Feature

• 90 mm (3.5") Diameter Maksutov spotting scope
• Multi Coated Optics
• Comes with 32 mm Eyepiece, 45° Erect Image Diagonal and 8x21 Erect Image Finderscope
• Compact and Portable Design
• Built-in T-Adapter threads for Ease of Adapting SLR Cameras

Celestron’s 52268 90mm Maksutov Spotting Scope delivers excellent high power optics in a compact, affordable package. The 52268 package includes a backpack style soft carrying case, an 8x21 erect image finder scope, a 1.25 inch size correct image 45* prism diagonal, and a fully coated 32mm plossl eyepiece for a magnification of 39X.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain design of the C90 uses a combination of mirrors and lenses; this “folded” optical system has a focal length of 1250mm in a body only twelve inches long. The Maksutov design delivers high power views without a trace of the chromatic aberration, also called blue fringing, that can distort high power views in competing refractor style spotting scopes. At 40X magnification where some low cost spotting scopes start to seem fuzzy, the C90 is just getting started. The C90 uses the same 1.25 inch eyepieces used in astronomical telescopes. The standard equipment 32mm plossl eyepiece yields a magnification of 39X, but many other eyepieces can be used to vary the magnification.

The Celestron model 52268 seems very well built, with excellent multi-coatings visible on the front lens. The real beauty of this 90mm Maksutov spotting scope, however, is in the view it offers. When I use an optional 12.5mm eyepiece to look at Jupiter at 100X I can clearly see Jupiter’s major cloud bands as well as its four moons. When I look at the Moon and stars I can easily push the magnification to 200X with an optional 6mm eyepiece. When I look at birds in the backyard, I’m treated to delightful views full of vibrant color and crisp detail. With a close focus distance of only 15 feet, the detail and texture I see is simply amazing.

High magnification viewing requires a solid tripod, of course. Celestron’s Heavy Duty Altazimuth Tripod comes with slow motion controls to allow the scope to be pointed precisely, and I can clamp the dovetail base on my CG5 mount for astronomical use. The other drawback to high magnification viewing is a narrow field of view; high magnification makes it hard to follow moving targets like birds in flight. Overall the Celestron C90 Maksutov Spotting Scope does a fine job as a companion to good pair of binoculars. The C90 also doubles as a portable astronomy scope; it won’t show the flag on the Moon but it will show thousands of craters on the Moon as well as showing the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Excellent high power optics
• Upgradeable with 1.25” eyepieces
• Adaptable for astronomy and photography

Cons:

• Not waterproof

Perfect for all Types of Viewing Situations! Celestron's C90 Mak is ideal for outdoor and wildlife observing, as well as hunting and celestial viewing. The Maksutov optical design is recognized for being a portable design that is easy to use and has a variety of applications, making it an excellent choice for both terrestrial and astronomical usage. This C90 Mak has excellent optics with razor sharp images over a wide field.

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Rerate Products

• Celestron 93230 8 to 24mm 1.25 Zoom Eyepiece
• Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter
• Celestron Telescope Moon Filter - 1-1/4" 94119-A
• Opteka T-Mount Adapter for Canon EOS 60D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, 7D, 5D, 1D, Rebel T3i, T3, T2i, T1i, XS, XSi, XTi and XT Digital SLR Cameras
• Celestron Accessory Kit

Customer Review

Apr 07, 2012 11:59:07

Celestron NexStar 90SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black)

Celestron NexStar 90SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black) Review

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Celestron NexStar 90SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black) Feature

• High quality 90mm (3.5") Maksutov-Cassegrain
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for quick tool no set up
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Good for terrestrial and celestial observing
• Includes "The SkyX" Planetarium software

Celestron's NexStar 90 SLT is the most compact telescope in Celestron's computerized NexStar line, with excellent Maksutov-Cassegrain optics that deliver delightful views of the Moon and planets. The NexStar 90 SLT package includes everything but the batteries. With a fully illustrated quick set-up guide, no tools are needed to assemble the telescope with its steel tripod, motorized mount, and computer hand control. Two eyepieces are included, a 25mm for 50X magnification and a 9mm eyepiece for 139X. The package even includes the latest version of "The Sky X", software that turns your PC into a virtual planetarium.

The Maksutov optical design of the NexStar 90 SLT gives the telescope a focal length of 1250mm in an optical tube only twelve inches long. This long focal length is ideal for bringing out detail on the Moon and planets. When I look at the Moon for example, the view is crisp and clear with no trace of false color. When I look at Saturn I can easily push the magnification to 200X with an optional 6mm plossl eyepiece. When I look at deep space objects I often like to use an optional 32mm plossl eyepiece (39X magnification) because objects like M45 the Pleiades cluster and M31 the Andromeda galaxy look better with a wider field of view.

The NexStar 90 SLT also features Celestron's patented SkyAlign technology. With SkyAlign I don't need a star chart or a compass to align the telescope, I just enter the date and time then point the telescope at three bright stars. SkyAlign tells me the star names, and allows the telescope to find over 4,000 stars, planets, and galaxies by just pushing a button. The accurate tracking makes it easy to get high power views of the planets, and allowed me to take some great pictures using a Celestron NexImage webcam. I also like the "Two-Star align" and "Solar System align" modes because I can often get the NexStar system up and running while older scopes are still waiting for their alignment stars to appear in he twilight.

I enjoy using the NexStar 90SLT because it has excellent optics in a compact, twelve pound package that I can carry outside in one trip and be ready to go in minutes. A computerized telescope may take practice to set up; if I don't enter the time correctly the alignment may fail for example. The other drawback of a computerized telescope, of course, is the short life of standard AA batteries. A rechargeable 12-Volt battery is a handy way to power the NexStar 90SLT, and I like to keep the tripod legs short and observe while seated because this gives me a solid and comfortable view. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• Compact and portable
• Easy computerized go-to tracking
• "The Sky X" planetarium software included

Cons:

• Short battery life with AA batteries

Suggested Options:

• Celestron Accessory Kit 
• Celestron PowerTank battery

Quarter Moon shot at 50X with a Powershot camera

Quarter Moon closeup shot at 200X with Neximage camera

Crater Ptolemaeus shot at 400x with Neximage and 2x barlow

Planet Mars shot at 400x with Neximage and 2x barlow

Planet Saturn shot at 400x with Neximage and 2x barlow

Designed to be an affordable entry level to mid-level computerized GoTo telescope, the NexStar SLT refractors, reflectors, and Maks are available in the most popular sizes and are loaded with valuable design features. With preassembled, adjustable stainless steel tripods, and quick release fork arms and tubes, NexStar SLT telescopes can be set up in a matter of minutes – with no tools required! You can see details of the lunar surface, Venus and its phases, polar caps on Mars, Jupiter and its four moons, Saturn with its rings plainly visible and much more! Most NexStar SLT’s can also be used as a land-based spotting telescope.

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Rerate Products

• Celestron 18778 AC Adapter for Computerized Telescopes
• Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• Celestron Accessory Kit
• Celestron Nexstar RS 232 PC Interface Cable

Customer Review

Apr 05, 2012 15:27:36

Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope

Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope Review

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Carson MM-200 Carson Micromax LED 60X-100X LED Lighted Pocket Microscope Feature

• LED lighted
• Runs on 3 SG3 Button Cell Batteries (Included)
• Power and zoom controls
• weighs 7.2 ounce

Lightweight and portable, the Carson MM-200 MicroMax pocket microscope is ideal for on-the-go science. The MicroMax offers a powerful 60 to 100x magnification range, making it easy to examine blood samples, bugs, and anything else that's worthy of a closer look. The microscope also includes a built-in LED light that provides a bright, clear image, along with a rubberized eyepiece for comfortable viewing. Best of all, the MicroMax fits conveniently in a jacket pocket, so you can bring it along wherever you go--whether it's a school field trip or a visit to a friend's house.

Specifications

• Magnification: 60 to 100x
• Batteries: 3 SG3 button cell (included)
• Dimensions: 1.25 by 3.25 by 0.75 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 1.1 ounces

The MM-200 micromax led from carson optical is a powerful 60-100x power magnification pocket microscope with an extremely lightweight and portable design. This pocket microscope features a built-in LED light that provides a bright, clear image and a rubberized eyepiece for comfortable viewing. The micromax led fits easily in your Pocket so you can bring it with you anywhere.

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• SE 30X Illuminated Jewelers Loupe
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• SE 3pcs Jewelers Eye Loupe 10x 30x Loupes + Dual 10X-20X

Customer Review

Apr 03, 2012 19:22:38