Celestron Astromaster 130EQ Review – Flawed Brilliance

The Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ holds a special place in my astronomical journey as it was my inaugural telescope. It is a piece of equipment with strengths and weaknesses, but I find its flaws to be part of its unique charm. While it does have its limitations, using it remains an enjoyable experience.

In 2019, I purchased the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ, a telescope known for its excellent balance of learning and stargazing. While not the simplest tool to use, it’s a valuable step towards an exciting celestial journey. In this Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ review, I’ll cover the essentials, from assembly and key features to optical performance and user-friendliness.

Celestron AstroMaster 130eq review – Key Features

• 130mm Newtonian Reflector Optical Tube assembly
• 650mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio
• Spherical Mirror
• CG-3 Manual German Equatorial Mount
• RA and Dec Slow Motion Cables
• 1.25″ 10mm Eyepiece
• 1.25″ Erect-Image 20mm Eyepiece
• Pre-Mounted StarPointer Finder
• Adjustable-Height Stainless Steel Tripod

Optical Performance of Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ

Despite the controversy surrounding the primary mirror, the rest of the AstroMaster 130EQ’s optical tube is fairly standard. Both the primary and secondary mirrors can be collimated, and the focuser is a standard plastic 1.25″ rack-and-pinion unit.

The tube is attached to its mount via a pair of felt-lined metal rings and a short Vixen-style dovetail. This design facilitates balance adjustments and eyepiece rotation for a comfortable viewing position. One of the rings includes a small ¼ 20 threaded screw/knob that enables a DSLR to be piggybacked on top, a feature useful for wide-field astrophotography.

• Aperture Size: The Celestron 130EQ boasts a generous 130mm (5.1 inches) aperture. A larger aperture allows the telescope to gather more light, which is fundamental for viewing faint celestial objects and obtaining brighter and more detailed images.
• Focal Length: This telescope typically has a focal length of around 650mm. The combination of a substantial aperture and moderate focal length provides a balance between image brightness and magnification.
• Optical Coatings: Celestron often equips its telescopes with high-quality optical coatings to enhance light transmission and reduce glare and aberrations. These coatings can positively impact image clarity and contrast.
• Observing the Moon: The AstroMaster 130EQ offers impressive lunar observations. Its ample aperture provides excellent detail on the lunar surface, showcasing craters, mountains, and other lunar features in sharp relief.
• Views of Planets: With its moderate focal length and decent aperture, this telescope provides good views of the planets in our solar system. Planetary details such as the cloud bands of Jupiter or the rings of Saturn can be observed with clarity.
• Deep Sky Observations: The telescope is capable of exploring deep-sky objects, including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. While not as powerful as larger telescopes, it can reveal many of these objects, especially under dark skies.
• Image Clarity and Brightness: Image clarity and brightness are generally strong points of the Celestron Astromaster 130 Eq. The telescope’s optical design, combined with a good aperture-to-focal-length ratio, helps provide sharp and well-illuminated views.

The Controversy Surrounding the Primary Mirror

The use of spherical primary mirrors in the AstroMaster 130EQ’s construction has raised concerns among users. A spherical mirror is unable to accurately focus light, a significant problem given the Newtonian telescope’s design which typically uses a parabolic mirror.

Celestron’s responses to these concerns have been inconsistent, leaving customers in the dark about the exact nature of their product. This lack of transparency, coupled with the risk of receiving a subpar instrument, has prompted many to question the AstroMaster 130EQ’s value.

Celestron Astromaster 130EQ Review – Ease of Use

The ease of use of the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is an important consideration, particularly for beginners and those new to astronomy. Here’s an overview of its user-friendliness:

• Setup: The initial assembly of the telescope can be a bit complex, especially for beginners. Setting up the tripod, attaching the equatorial mount, and aligning the optical tube can take some time and may require careful attention to instructions. However, once assembled correctly, the equatorial mount simplifies tracking celestial objects.
• Equatorial Mount: The German equatorial mount may have a steeper learning curve compared to alt-azimuth mounts. However, it offers the advantage of precise tracking of celestial objects, which can be challenging to achieve with other mount types.
• Balancing: Balancing the telescope on the mount is crucial for smooth tracking. While this process can be a bit finicky, it’s essential for accurate observations.
• Navigating the Sky: Learning to navigate the night sky with the equatorial mount takes time and practice. Beginners may initially find it a bit challenging to locate and track objects. However, the mount’s slow-motion controls for both right ascension (RA) and declination (Dec) can help users make fine adjustments to keep objects in view.
• Eyepieces: The quality of the eyepieces that come with the telescope may be considered basic. Upgrading to higher-quality eyepieces can significantly enhance the viewing experience.
• Stability: The tripod and mount are generally stable once properly set up. This stability is essential for vibration-free observations.
• Maintenance: Routine maintenance, such as keeping the optics clean and ensuring the mount is well-lubricated, is important for long-term performance.
• Portability: The telescope is relatively portable, making it suitable for taking to darker observation sites away from city lights. However, it is still a moderately sized instrument, so it may not be as portable as smaller telescopes.
• Community and Resources: Celestron provides resources, and there is a community of users and astronomy enthusiasts who can offer guidance and support. Access to instructional materials and online forums can aid users in mastering the telescope’s operation.

Pros and Cons of the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

Pros Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

• Impressive Aperture: The 130mm aperture provides excellent light-gathering capability, allowing for bright and detailed observations of celestial objects.
• Equatorial Mount: The German equatorial mount enables precise tracking of objects as they move across the sky, which is essential for both visual astronomy and astrophotography.
• Versatility: Suitable for both beginners and intermediate astronomers, offering room for skill growth and exploration of a wide range of celestial objects.
• Sturdy Construction: The telescope and mount are durably built, providing stability during observations and contributing to its longevity.
• StarPointer Finderscope: A valuable tool for accurately locating and centering celestial targets, enhancing the user experience.
• Deep Sky Observation: Capable of revealing various deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters under dark skies.
• Moderate Size: While not compact, the telescope is still reasonably portable, making it suitable for astronomers who wish to travel to darker observation sites.

Cons of the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ:

• Setup Complexity: Assembling the telescope, mounting it on the German equatorial mount, and aligning the system can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for beginners.
• Learning Curve: The equatorial mount, while advantageous for tracking, has a steeper learning curve compared to alt-azimuth mounts, requiring practice to master.
• Eyepiece Quality: The included eyepieces are considered basic. Upgrading to higher-quality eyepieces can enhance the viewing experience.
• Limited Astrophotography: The telescope is primarily designed for visual astronomy. While some basic astrophotography is possible, it has limitations for long-exposure photography due to its manual tracking.
• Tripod Stability: While generally stable, the tripod’s sturdiness could be further improved for more reliable observations.
• Maintenance Required: Routine maintenance, such as cleaning optics and lubricating the mount, is necessary to ensure optimal performance.
• Portability: While relatively portable, it is not as compact as smaller telescopes, which may limit its mobility.

What You Can Expect to See with the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

Even with subpar optics, the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ can offer impressive views of many deep-sky objects, given you have a better low-power eyepiece than the one included. Bright open star clusters and nebulae like the Orion, Lagoon, and Swan will look amazing under clear skies.

Within our solar system, the scope’s optical quality limits what you can see. With a good sample of the 130EQ, you can see details on Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and even tiny lunar craters. However, with a less-than-optimal unit, images of the planets can appear fuzzy and lack fine detail.

Maintenance – Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

Maintenance and care of your Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ are essential for optimal telescope performance and longevity. To keep it in top shape, regularly clean the optics using appropriate tools and solutions. Check and lubricate the equatorial mount’s moving parts while tightening loose screws. Maintain eyepieces and accessories, and store them properly. When not in use, cover your telescope and keep it in a cool, dry place. Safely transport your telescope in padded cases and perform routine checkups, following manufacturer guidelines. These practices ensure that your telescope continues to provide stunning views of the night sky while extending its lifespan.

Alternatives to Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ

Certainly, there are several alternatives to the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some options to consider:

1. Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope:
   • Aperture: 150mm
   • Type: Dobsonian Reflector
   • Mount: Dobsonian
   • This telescope offers a larger aperture for better light-gathering, making it suitable for deep-sky observations, and it comes with a simple, user-friendly Dobsonian mount.
2. Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P FlexTube Dobsonian Telescope:
   • Aperture: 130mm
   • Type: Dobsonian Reflector
   • Mount: Collapsible Dobsonian
   • The FlexTube design allows for a compact and portable setup, making it a great choice for those on the go.
3. Meade Instruments StarNavigator NG 130mm Achromatic Refractor:
   • Aperture: 130mm
   • Type: Refractor
   • Mount: Computerized Alt-Azimuth
   • This telescope combines a decent-sized aperture with a user-friendly computerized mount for easy object locating.
4. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain:
   • Aperture: 90mm
   • Type: Maksutov-Cassegrain
   • Mount: Motorized Alt-Azimuth
   • The Virtuoso offers a compact, portable design and motorized tracking for both visual and astrophotographic use.
5. Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope:
   • Aperture: 125mm
   • Type: Schmidt-Cassegrain
   • Mount: Computerized Alt-Azimuth
   • This telescope combines a compact design with a computerized mount for automated tracking and object locating.
6. Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain:
   • Aperture: 90mm
   • Type: Maksutov-Cassegrain
   • Mount: Tabletop Alt-Azimuth
   • The StarMax is a compact and portable option, perfect for tabletop use and beginners.
7. Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm Altazimuth Refractor:
   • Aperture: 102mm
   • Type: Refractor
   • Mount: Alt-Azimuth
   • This refractor telescope offers simplicity and ease of use for those new to astronomy.

Accessories and Upgrades

Accessories and upgrades can enhance the performance and versatility of your Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ telescope. Here are some valuable accessories and upgrades to consider:

• Eyepiece Set: Invest in a set of high-quality eyepieces with different focal lengths. These allow for a range of magnification options to suit various celestial objects.
• Barlow Lens: A Barlow lens can effectively double the magnification of your eyepieces, providing more flexibility in your observations.
• Red LED Flashlight: A red LED flashlight is essential for preserving your night vision during observations and adjustments.
• Moon Filter: A moon filter reduces the brightness of the moon when observing it, making lunar observations more comfortable.
• Celestron Motor Drive: If you want to add motorized tracking to your telescope for astrophotography or more convenient observations, consider a Celestron motor drive specifically designed for your telescope model.
• Celestron SkyPortal Wi-Fi Module: This device allows you to control your telescope wirelessly via a smartphone or tablet, offering easy navigation and tracking.
• Collimation Tools: Collimation is the process of aligning the telescope’s optical components. Collimation tools and aids, such as a laser collimator, can help maintain optical performance.
• Filters: Filters, like nebula filters and planetary filters, can enhance observations by reducing light pollution or enhancing specific wavelengths for better contrast.
• Astrozap Dew Heater: If you observe in humid or cold conditions, a dew heater can prevent dew from forming on the telescope’s optics, which can obscure your view.
• Astrophotography Accessories: If you’re interested in astrophotography, consider items like a T-adapter, T-ring, and auto guider system to connect your DSLR camera and guide your exposures.
• Higher-Quality Finderscope: Upgrading your finderscope to one with better optics can make locating and centering celestial objects easier.
• Sturdier Tripod or Mount: Depending on your preferences, you might consider a sturdier tripod or mount to improve stability and tracking accuracy.
• Smartphone Mount: Attach a smartphone mount to capture photos and videos of what you observe through your telescope.

Conclusion: Is the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Worth It?

The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ offers a blend of observing and basic imaging, making it an appealing choice for beginners. However, its inconsistent optics and average eyepieces may leave some users wanting more. With careful consideration and a willingness to invest in aftermarket accessories, the AstroMaster 130EQ could still be a worthwhile purchase for amateur astronomers.

The choice to purchase the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ should align with your interests and goals in astronomy. It’s an excellent option for those who are willing to invest time in learning the telescope’s operation and are interested in visual astronomy. Additionally, it provides a foundation for those who may wish to explore astrophotography.

Disclaimer – As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through affiliate links. However, the product recommendations are based on my genuine opinions and experiences.