In Depth Review - Celestron Omni AZ 102mm Refractor Telescope
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2024
- This video is an in depth review of the Celestron Omni AZ 102mm Refractor.
NOTE: It appears that this scope has been rebranded the "Celestron StarSense 102 DX", which includes push-to-go-to capabilities.
In this video, we'll unbox the telescope, assemble it, align the finder, and then use pro cameras to simulate what the human eye would see through the eyepiece.
110 Things to See with a Telescope:
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50 Things to See with a Telescope - Kids:
www.amazon.com...
50 Things to See on the Moon:
www.amazon.com...
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I’d l Iike to start by saying that I love your channel! I’m a little late getting into the world of astronomy.. as I just turned 54 years of age last month. I had been researching scopes, looking for “the best” overall instrument for my needs. This review helped me make up my mind.. I found a brand new Omni 102 for just under $300USD.. and I ordered a copy of your book as well!! Thanks for everything you do.. I’ll be following you, looking for advice and pointers as I begin the journey into this hobby.
@@glennnorwood21 Happy Birthday and congrats on the new telescope!
What is the mount and camera you used to take photos of star clusters ?
@@OMKARMANE19 EQ6R-pro mount. 294MCpro camera
Thank you so much for this video!! My husband and I just got this telescope for Christmas and we’re so excited to try it out but a bit intimidated. This video made me feel more confident, and seeing some samples of what we could see using it has made me even more excited to try it out!
Congrats on the new telescope!
Awesome review thanks to your great review and your obvious in depth knowledge I felt 110% comfortable purchasing this at Costco yesterday. This is my first telescope and look forward to more videos.
Great review! Yes, I hope Mr. Scott Roberts listens, lol. He is a good man, with his finger on the pulse of the astronomy community. Also just a sidenote, a couple years ago I was looking for a beginner telescope. After much research, I settled on the HWB1 sky 130. It’s a great little scope, that I continue to use to this day! Cost is US$199, and I believe is manufactured and shipped through Celestron. Keep the videos coming, great job!
Thanks for the feedback! Yes, I hope I can talk Scott or someone into bringing back a four inch refractor with slow motion controls at a reasonable price.
Thank you for the tutorial. I picked this up from Costco a few months ago and just got around to putting it together. After viewing the moon and Jupiter I am hooked! Excited to learn more so look forward to more of your videos.
Wonderful!
Just got my Omni 102AZ delivered today. Can't wait to put it together and start using it this weekend.
Excellent review and I cannot agree with you more. I've owned many vintage sears telescopes 2 and 3 inch from the 60s and 70s. I also own a 12 inch Z12 Zhumell Reflector. I bought the Omni AZ 102 mm refractor on a whim at COSCO and I'm impressed with its performance. Last night I took it out on a 16 degree F night and enjoyed views of Sirius, RIgel and the Orion Nebula. You cannot beat this telescope for price, convenience, and performance. It's a great grab and go telescope and easy to learn and use for beginners. Thanks for the video.
Just bought this thanks to your review! My first real scope. Thus far I've been using an 60mm hobby killer given to me by a neighbor. Also grabbed your book, '110 Things to See With a Telescope'. Dude I'm so stoked!! Enjoying your channel. Subscribed.
Thanks so much for the feedback on the channel! Enjoy the book!
I see someone crochets towels in your family! My grandma used to. I'm glad you made this video, just bought this for my husband for our anniversary. He's so excited!
Great to hear! Yes, Jennifer makes all sorts of things :-)
We got this telescope recently and it is very good we found it through your review and found it at Costco we only had it for a little while but we got a full moon picture and a star cluster as a new person to this hobby I rlly like it
This is literally the best tutorial I've ever seen. And the dog wiggle dance was the icing on the cake
Thanks!
My wifey just found one of these in a costco down in Phoenix.... she bought the very last one (display model) for 80. had all the pieces....Gonna set it up in the back yard on Christmas... can't use the deck until the Christmas lights go away. So glad I found your video :D
$80?????!!!!!!! This is pretty much the best scope under $500 right now.
@@LearnToStargaze yeah it was a display model... the diagonal had a crack in it though. We managed a jury rig repair on it :P... I was able to get a view of the radio tower on greens peak a mountain about 60 miles away. Hoping to use it tonight before weather comes in next week.
What a great very detailed video. I just got one at Costco for US $150! I thought there was no way this was going to be a useful scope at this price but was willing to take a chance. Thanks for not only addressing the whats but also the whys of owning a telescope in your review.
Wow! Glad you found it!
i always wanted to see how my beginners Telescope with perform with advance mounts. Today this video showed it. Great stuff 👍👍👍👍
Just picked this up at Costco. $199 USD. It's my son's birthday (leap year baby) and he's been obsessed with Astronomy since the age of 4. Can't wait to set this up with him! Love the review! You've got a new subscriber!
Thanks Mikael!
Thanks for the video. I had been agonizing over a refractor for long time, thinking I would get an 100ED APO OTA as my first scope . Thanks to your video, I decided to take the plunge with the XLT. Most Costco locations were sold out, but one had about 37 in stock!
If you are wanting a 100mm apo and don't want to spend that much on an Ota, apm makes a very very good 5 inch doublet archo that will amaze you in viewing and deep sky objects. I love mine.
This telescope actually came with an allen wrench that's actually in the mount arm
I’ll admit it took me 10mins too long to locate it. Very nice storage space for it, but terrible instructions provided on where to find it. I had a good chuckle all in all.
th-cam.com/video/cpQJytS0wYI/w-d-xo.html
Don't you mean alien wrench 👽
@@noahmeme2 No, the alien wrench is the one that he would see the alien (the one he is spying through the telescope) holding, and alien is probably coming straight at him, wielding said wrench ;-)
Gotta read the instructions lol
Another awesome video!!! I adore my AZ-GTe 102mm that you recommended. This would be a great budget option for my friends who have been so impressed with mine. Thanks for sharing. Clear skies!
Thank you for the review, just bought it from my local Costco. I haven’t been able to use it due to weather issues, but I’m looking forward for better weather and be able to get a great view of the moon.
Just purchased this telescope today for 99.99 at Costco! Glad to have found your review, it was very helpful thank you!
Last year, I ordered a Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ from Amazon but ended up receiving a Omni AZ 102 instead. Initially, I wasn't sure if I should keep it or return it for what I had originally ordered. After watching your review, I decided to keep the Omni and have been very happy that I did. Thanks for your review!
Awesome!
I bought your 110 things book after another of your videos a while back. It's a great book that I refer to again and again, even making comparisons while reading other books. Thank you.
Glad you like it!!!!
I love this telescope. had been looking for one for my future son in law for christmas and every place was sold out. In Costco on Christmas Eve and up in the front of the line was this gem. Just learning how to use it and now they moved out so think its time to get my own. Thanks for the video. alot of useful information.
Awesome video. Was super intimidated with buying this as a first telescope, but your video helped me with all the questions i would have had. thanks
Today is 12/5/2022, this telescope is back in stock at Costco in KC as of today ! I had ordered one on Amazon but returned it because Costco was almost half the price. Thank you for the great review!!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for making this video. Still learning to use it after two try’s, ordered the Barlow scope accessory and start pro finder, they’ll come in tomorrow.
I came up on this telescope because it was on clearance for $99.99. Feel better about this purchase now!
John, great review! These Alt-Az mounts have a small allen key in a hole that’s near the base of the mount arm just above the azimuth slip clutch. The key is for installing and tightening the the slow motion control rods as needed. I agree that this is good beginner rig. I recommend the Celestron StarSense telescopes with slow motion controls for under $500 U.S. for serious beginners who can afford it. Love your books!!!
Thanks!!
Thank you so much for this review. I've just bought one from Costco and I hope kids and I will say WOW when we see the first object.
I just picked it up at Costco today 03/26/22 for 150 bucks!!! And before I bought it I watch this video! Thanks for the info!
Wow! Cash left over for a 25mm plossel eyepiece?
Just picked one of these up for $139 USD at Costco, looking forward to getting it set up. I appreciate all of the helpful info.
Nice! I used this last night, I’m still impressed with the view using a quality eyepiece.
Hi. Im a beginner and new to your channel. Ive just purchased a Celestron Starsense 102dx. The telescope looks almost identical to the one you have purchased so glad you think its good for a beginner and impressed by what I should be able to see. Hopefully here in the UK, the clouds will clear soon and I can finally get out and use it.
I just bought the same one just a couple weeks ago! I’ve only used it in a light-polluted town so far and I’ve seen Jupiter with four of its moons, Saturn, a double star, a fuzzy Orion nebula, and a very small hazy smudge as the Andromeda galaxy. I think that’s good for not being in dark skies. The Starsense 102 is my first telescope so I’m also not experienced at all. I can’t wait to get out in some dark skies. Let me know your thoughts on it once you get some viewing time with it
The 102DX, and its brother, the 130DX are just about the best beginner scopes around. Yes, the optical tube on that scope and on this one are identical. You chose well!
@@shinyy187 You are certainly doing better than I am so far. Well done. Will report back once I get some experience with it.
@@jongroubert4203 Thanks Jon
Thank you 🙏 for the great review! I just bought mine today at Costco for $149.00 CAD, before tax. It’s my first telescope, and excited to start using it. Love your amazing channel!
Congrats! This is a great time of the year to begin observing with a telescope. Lots of easy and rewarding targets.
I saw it at Costco today for $249, how did you get it for $149 if you don't mind me asking?
@@everbrightcine I bought it in Burnaby, BC.
I bought your books 110 and 50 things to see with telescope. And post Christmas 2022, I picked up one of these new on Ebay, around $220 delivered. Now, I need some clear skies to see this late January early February 2023 comet flying around the little dipper, (the one with Polaris) visible a few hours before sunrise!
Good luck comet hunting! It’s been too cloudy for us too!
@@LearnToStargaze I spotted the Comet! I had a short time, before work in the morning to look, so I left my 10 inch Dob at home, and grabbed this Celestron. Searching between the Big Dipper and Polaris, with a 24mm eyepiece, I located Comet 2022 E3! Then switched to a zoom for a closer look! Totally worth losing an hour and a half of sleep before work!! Supposed to be clear this weekend, and Comet will be at Perigee! Around Feb 1st! Wishing everyone clear skies for this event! This scope gives great views, and will definitely be a keeper! Outstanding for the price and quality!
@@paulmurphy5489 congrats to spotting the comet!!!! I caught a view in an 8 inch dobsonian from the city, looking forward to getting out of town to see it from dark skies.
Great video. I just bought this at Costco in Canada today (on clearance) and can hardly wait to use it with my granddaughter! Thanks for the great video and I'll be checking out other ones you've done.
Have you tried it yet ?
@@Obesi-D Yes I have. But our weather has been really bad so I only had it out for a short time. The red dot viewer is great for lining up Venus but I haven't had much chance to enjoy it or to see what it can really do. I hope for better weather soon. And I need to get a barlow lens that fits it.
Love this one! Super helpful for my cheap telescope search. This one would be perfect and you confirmed my thoughts. Thanks!
Great video, walked by this model in Costco today and Googled reveiws. I purchased this because of this video!! Alao in Alaska so saving a ton on shipping regardless, only 200$ USD.
Awesome! I need to come up with a reward program for folks who bought this telescope and see all the items in 110 Things To See with a Telescope.
Hi, great video and thanks for the star shots at the end. Very informative!! Can you tell me if this mount will accommodate other telescopes? I.e. Is it a generic/dovetail mount? Thank you!!
Yes! The mount is generic. I often use it with my solar scope.
Great Review! I bought this as a beginner telescope back in 11/2020 at Costco and you are right It was gone for a long time. I just exchanged the one I originally got because I stripped one of the screws and getting anything from Celestron is almost impossible right now. I had no problem buying it again today. This telescope really got me into the astrology and astrophotography. I now some better telescope but still use this one a lot. I’m pretty impressed with how you set it up on the equatorial mount. What Field flattener did you use? I have a SVbony 305 Pro camera and want to see what kind of images can get. Thanks for the review.
Hi! Thanks for the great comment! I used a Lightwave 0.8x focal reducer. Cheers!
Just got this scope, really cool. Saw Jupiter and moons last night but still small with 10mm eyepiece. If I wanted a little larger more detailed view of planets would you recc buying the separate 5mm eyepiece or 2-3X Barlow or both? Kids most fascinated by planets right now, so trying to maximize planet appearance. What additional eyepiece or pieces would you recc, preferably just one for saving $.
A quality eyepiece like the Celestron X-Cel 5mm would perform better than Barlow, but a barlow would be cheaper.
Ah man. They're lots of fun and convenient to take out. Looking forward to getting one. Yes they are
Getting up in price.. I like your
Incouragement. Great video.
Hello John - I wanted to thank you for what you do. It was for your video that I pulled the trigger yesterday on this telescope, which I had seen in local Costco about 3-4 days ago. I am a beginner and was a little skeptical at first to buy a budget refractor, since my initial research had driven me towards a Reflector for this price range. However, I'm glad I found your video and I'm very pleased with my purchase. I was able to get pleasing views of Jupiter and Saturn on the first night (with the included eyepieces - hoping to have even better experience once the upgraded eyepiece arrives). The Mars looked very small, and perhaps Pleiades would require a broader field of view. I should be able to look at Moon tonight, once the filter arrives. Hoping to get your book soon to have a shot at the Messier objects. Thank you, again!
That’s wonderful!!! Enjoy the hobby!
I always wanted one and was lucky to get one for $50 at Costco on clearance! I'm so excited!
Wow!!!! That’s by far the lower price I’ve seen!
Just found one of these one Amazon for $250. I had to get it. Thanks for the great in depth review!
Congrats!
Thanks for the vid! We got an Omni AZ 102 today at Costco (US) for $159.99 - very happy!
Wonderful!
Thank you for the video. I purchased one for $199. And by the way, the allen wrench is located is a slot in the front of the mount.
I originally planned to pick this scope up for my kids. Checked online and in store at Costco earlier this year. I was unable to find it. I ended up settling for the Orion Starblast 4.5 for the kids. Over the weekend I was out and about decided to stop at Costco. Lo and behold Costco in Indiana had this scope on display and I ended up buying one as well $220.00 US on 12/15/23.
Nice find!
Thank you so much I just got this for Christmas and your video has helped me tons.
Great review, and very well timed as we bought this telescope last week (Costco Halifax), and it sounds like we had a lucky break since it doesn't seem to be readily available elsewhere. Is there a compatible Barlow lens you could recommend?
I have a few of them “ hobby killer” scopes. With some simple upgrades. They are not bad for kids or the beginner astrophotographer .. throw out the stock tripod and go to good will and find a ok camera tripod. Huge difference.. then get some good eyepieces . And a cellphone camera. Even with a 50x 400 scope using 965 adapted to 1.25 I can get the Orion Nebula.. I’ve got pictures of andromeda using my great grandfathers 1950s Lafayette 60x800 refractor.. the scope is not the killer. It’s the mounts and eyepieces.
Thanks for this review. I bought this telescope in November 2022, but I saw it during the Christmas holidays in November-December 2023. I'd advise checking Costco again during the Holiday season this year--they sometimes carry items like this seasonally. I just unboxed mine today (April 6 2024), and I don't see a red dot through Finderscope. I changed the battery but I still didn't see a red dot anywhere. Am I missing something? Finally, I'm a real "telescope newbie," so some things that might be "given" to others might not be obvious to me.
Might worth upgrading to a better red dot finder. Some of the ones that come with the scopes can be pretty unreliable.
@@LearnToStargaze Good suggestion. It worked later on--after I'd already sent the comment above--but I may still upgrade. I suspect the wires weren't connecting to the battery and that moving the adjustment knobs made them work.
Thank you so much for posting this video! I have been looking so long to get a telescope that our daughters (6 and 2) could enjoy and this is exactly the right fit, but from a features and budget standpoint. I went to Costco this morning and found it for $199. It was not online-in store only. I am amazed by how solid this build is, from the metal optical tube to the mount itself. We have already spent some quality family time outside enjoying incredible views of the moon and it’s only dusk! Anyhow, thank you again for this great video. Also, I must say that I really appreciated the fact that you acknowledged that, while binoculars are great, sometimes people just want to buy a telescope.
PS.
Just ordered a copy of “50 Things to See with a Telescope-Kids.” Looking forward to seeing what’s up there!
Wow Greg, thanks for the wonderful note! This made my evening! Enjoy the book and congrats on the new telescope!
Thank you - bought one before I saw your video. I wanted to get a cheap telescope that had the ability to send pictures to my phone - so that is why I bought it. I wish that part of it was a little better and that you had more on that in the video. However, based on your video I am going to keep the telescope. I was thinking of returning it.
The best iPhone images through telescopes are with SCT or Mak telescopes using the stacking technique. Note that this is only for the Moon and Planets.
You will find the Allen key for the slow adjustment knobs slid into the mount. It is item 10 on your parts list. Look just in front of the left/right slow motion knob at the base of the mount arm in the tripod head.
The Allen wrench is hidden in the mount!!!
I had the exact same confusion and noticed the manual mentions it (after 30 minutes of frustration of course)!
Hi John, I just purchased this telescope at Costco and I'd appreciate some advice on what else to buy, especially since Celestron has free shipping on their accessories. I live on a lake so viewing wildlife will be fun and I'd like to view the moon and other possible space objects too. You mentioned a "2X Barlow", but is there anything else I should consider? Oh, and I'll buy your "110 Things To See...." book.
Hi! Best to get proficient using what comes with the scope, eventually the hobby will have you wanting for better eyepieces and larger apertures.
Great video, thanks! If you look closely there’s actually a hidden Allan key attached to the telescope! Super cool
What an awesome review. Just went to Costco and saw this telescope at a ridiculous low price. I currently have a Meade ETX90 from the 90’s (without goto). And I feel I’ve outgrown that telescope. This celestron is a good 1/2” bigger aperture, but my ETX90 has a rather impressive for its size 1250mm focal length. Is this celestron enough of an upgrade? Or should I just save for that 8” dob?
Different telescopes for different jobs, but if the ETX90 works as a portable scope, I’d just save for the Dob.
@@LearnToStargaze thank you for your reply. I was just hoping it would be a decent upgrade for less than $200. I just need $600 more to afford that dob. 😬
I am really, really a newbie at astronomy. My wifebsays I havebtoo many hobbies, butbI figured at 56 it was time to add another. I had been looking at that telescope at Costco for the past month or so, and just couldn't pull the trigger. But your video changed that!
Just picked it a couple of minutes ago...the last one they had! Your last criteria was, "Does it make people say, 'Wow'?" Well, I haven't even made it home, but when I saw they had marked it down to $99.99...I've been saying "WOW" ever sincebI put it in the cart!
So looking forward to getting it assembled, calibrated, and put to the text. Now to order a couple of your books!
I can’t believe this is priced at $99 in some places! Celestron is using the same scope in different packaging for their Starsense line and charging about $500 now. It does really help to add a 25mm plossl eyepiece. Enjoy the new hobby!
Thank you for this great review. You convinced me. I am buying this Telescope
Yay! I got this from Costco in Dallas for $169. Quick question. What is that eye piece you are using with this telescope at 9:16 mark. what other eye pieces can we use with this telescope to increase the magnification. i would like to see a bit more detail of saturn.
Thanks for your review. it was great.
Hi! This is a 26mm Plossl with a 2x Barlow. This is my favorite combination. It’s not super high magnification (I’m not really a fan of magnification) but it provides a great view.
Thanks for the review! I was wondering if there is any significant difference in the focuser build / quality between the Omni 102AZ vs. the Starsense Explorer DX 102AZ that merits stepping up to the more expensive Starsense model? Other than that they look pretty much the same and having the phone app isn’t super important for me and seems like a good way to save $100.
I think they’re the same. The app really does a good job telling you which way to push the telescope, I’ve found it to be worth it.
Very nice review. Thank you! You now have a new Sub. 😁🎅🏻
My wife just picked up one of these at Costco for Christmas for our 8 yr. young grandson.
I can't wait to try it out in a dark lit lot in our town. We will also drive an hour north where it's much darker.
Perhaps I will purchase one of those 5mm lenses you recommended for his B-day in May. Time will tell.
Thanks for the kind note! Merry Christmas!
It’s not back! More’s the pity, but I think the scopes you saw for sale locally were a remaindered batch Costco Canada bought up. Chances are no one else will be able to find it. It’s not listed on Costco’s Canada website. That 102 Omni sold for $400 new but was discontinued 2 years ago I have it on good authority, as the new StarSense 102 is the same scope on the same mount but with the StarSense push to technology for $500 currently. I tested it - It works very well. But I agree, the other similar but cheaper refractors Celestron sells on repurposed camera tripods are not nearly as good. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend them at all, for the checklist reasons you outline. Cheers!
Hey there, Pretty awesome video, thanks for the review. I wonder if you got any specific recommendations of what Barlow to get for this telescope.
Thanks for the feedback! A basic Barlow from Amazon would work fine. This one for example: www.amazon.com/SVBONY-Standard-Telescope-Eyepiece-Astronomy/dp/B07Y21JQF5
I was able to pick up one of these a few days back. Looking forward to many nights with this refractor. It should compliment my Dobsonians very well. Thanks for the review.
Thanks!
I bought this at Costco here in the US for $200. My impressions about the scope has been a mixed bag, some good, some not so good.
Item 1, the alt/az mount. Mine came locked up tight in altitude. Trying to contact Celestron for technical advice was impossible, left on hold for over one hour and then dropped and finally the ‘leave a call back phone number’ feature of their automated call center instead dropped my call.
They did finally respond to a email. Adjusting the center nut on the fork did loosen the altitude but getting it set to just the right tension has been frustrating to say the least. The slow motion in altitude simply doesn’t work, no manner what adjustments I make on that nut.
Item #2, the red dot finder is so mis-aligned that even with adjustments at full limits it isn’t possible to get it right.
Celestron wants me to jump through so many complicated hoops for warranty service that their ‘warranty’ is essentially worthless! You are on your own.
But, that said, I feel the scope was cheap enough that, with some work, I can get it operational.
Oh yes, item #3, the attached dovetail is too short to adjust for balance if you plan to use the smart phone adapter.
Sorry for the rant, but, well that is what my personal experience was.
Little late to this post but this scope is at Costco today for $119.00 usd. Picked it up and will follow your channels.
Amazing price! I continue to be amazing by this little scope. Thanks for the follow!
just saw this telescope at Costco on Friday, I didn't get it because I was unsure of how it would be for the price ($150) but I'm going to have to go back and get it. My kids have been wanting a telescope for a while now, so this will make a perfect Christmas present
They’ll love it!
Sir I want to know few things.
1.How did you get rid of chromatic abberation while imaging ?
2.Did you used any filter for doing astrophotography with it ?
3.How did you get natural blue and orange star colours ?
I hope you will answer my queries
Hi! I didn’t do anything specific for chromatic aberration. I probably used an L-Enhanse filter. I don’t recall doing anything to bring out the star colors, this is simply a color camera. (I filmed this a few years ago, so it’s not fresh in my mind).
@@LearnToStargaze ok sir
Possiedo questo telescopio dal 2018. Nel tempo ho apportato degli aggiornamenti :
- Focheggiatore TS Monorail 96;
- Anelli e barra vixen più lunga;
- Diagonale a specchi di qualità
- Mirino ottico
- Set di oculari di qualità (ES), ma trovo ottimi anche gli economici oculari Celestron Ploss serie Omni (4-9-12-15-32mm e Barlow 2x)
- Treppiede EQ5;
- Montatura SW EQ5 e SW AZ5
Con queste modifiche fatte nel tempo il telescopio va benissimo.
Oltre a questo ho anche un SW Mak127, eccezionale per la Luna e pianeti, ma il Celestron AZ 102 Omni é fantastico per le stelle e la nitidezza delle immagini. Anche se prenderò un rifrattore APO 130 o C9, il piccolo Acromatico Az 102 rimarrà sempre con me.
Thank you for the video ! I just got one super exited ! Great info
Hi John, after discussing with my wife, we decided that a 6" or 8" Dobsonian is unfortunately not in our budget at this time. So, now I think I am looking for something around a 4"-4.5" aperture. I watched your review on the Explore FirstLight 114mm w/Nano mount. I liked the ease of use it provides. However, I was impressed with the performance of the Celestron Omni AZ 102mm, hence I'm here on this review.
I am wondering, since this particular scope is discontinued and difficult to find, are there any others in a similar size and price range that you would recommend? I am open to considering refractors or reflectors as long as the performance is similar. I like the nano and dobsonian mounts, but an AZ mount would also be acceptable.
Please let me know what you would recommend. I'd like a few options to compare.
Thank you,
Van
Hey Van, the optimal telescope in your price range would be the StarSense DX 102. This is often discounted on B&H photo in their refurbished section.
It's at Costco now 179
I have that same telescope that I purchased at Costco. 2 questions:
1. I have a budget of $500. What can I buy a mount + camera for that budget
2. I have a T2i DSLR, will that work for beginning space photography? What lens should I use? I live in a Bortle 6 area.
P.S. I won’t be upgrading in the future nor will be using a reflector because I don’t like the process of collimation
Thanks! (new subscriber here)
Hi! Typically you want to budget about $3000 for a bare bones setup that can take decent images of nebula. That said, the iEXOS-100 mount could hold that telescope, and that is often around $500. I bought my AVX mount for $450 or so used. I started with a T3i, and it worked fine for starting out. My biggest upgrade for astrophotography was the ASIair which controls and mount and camera, and removes the need for a computer in the loop. The next major upgrade is an astronomy camera like the 294MC pro.
thank you!
Thank you for the review! I recently purchased this telescope for my children! We are so excited about viewing the sky that I want to purchase more accessories to continue my kids curiosity. What accessories do you recommend? I want to be able to see planets more clearly since I get a lot of bight light when we have seen Jupiter and Mars?
For planets you might want to try a 5mm C-Cel eyepiece. For deep sky objects a 25mm plossl. Upgrading the finder to a bullseye like the star pointer pro would also be nice. Note that it’s more important to learn to use the telescope as is, accessories won’t necessarily make it more fun to use.
@@LearnToStargaze Thank you very much! Would a barlow work as well or would a 5mm C-Cel eyepiece work best. I just ordered your book 50 things to see with a telescope for kids. Would the 20mm and 10 mm eyepieces that comes with the telescope be enough to view the 50 things from your book? I can't wait to use it with my children.
@@yeseniaescobar3310 I think the X-Cel would have better clarity on the moon and planets. Enjoy the book!
Just bought this at Costco Australia for the equivalent of $236 USD. Our winter starts in June so should be some great viewing nights, winters are best here, clearest skies and milky way is in prime position.
Wow! Great find!
Got one from Costco yesterday for $159. Last night, for first light, I saw Jupiter and the 4 moons. Very sharp, and I can make out the equatorial bands using the 10mm eyepiece. Makes me want to get a good 2x or 3x barlow. I'm wondering if a 3x barlow would be too much, even though with 3x you would still be under the 200x magnification.
That would probably work. A high quality eyepiece like the 5mm X-Cel (by celestron) would also go a long way to improving the view. You can also add a blue filter for extra detail on the surface of Jupiter.
I bought one for my husband for Christmas. We just used it tonight and we loved it .
Thx for the video. Such a great comment! I am now considering between Omni AZ 102 and StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ. Do you think which one is better? Thx!
I have both of these telescopes. The LT 114Az is quite poorly designed (just google bird Jones optics) and quite frustrating to use. The Omni is a dream with the addition of a nice plossl eyepiece.
I'm in the market for a scope @ the $200 range. Is a Celestron Starblast 4.5 and the Celestron Cometron 114 the same except for the mounting base? I'm looking for the Starblast 4.5 but the Cometron is much cheaper (@$90 used) which would allow money for after market eye pieces. Or would you skip those and go after the Omni AZ 102mm? BTW: Thanks for your reviews
The Omni AZ 102 would be a much more enjoyable telescope. Mainly due to the slow motion controls, and that it’s a 4 inch refractor (no collimate requirements). The only upgrade it needs is a 25mm plossl eyepiece for deep sky objects and a barlow for planets.
is there a better tripod of this kind for this telescope? Like for example, I know there are different EQ tripods out there. This model is very nice in my opinion but a bit too light.
Sure, you could use this on an AZ-GTi, an Twilight I mount, a Celestron AVX, or an explore scientific iEXOS-100, anything with a vixen dovetail and enough capacity. They said, this is not an astrophotography scope, so I personally would not put it on an EQ mount (with the exception of what I did in this video).
I saw you talking about the possibility of using a DSLR to be able to take the photos, instead of using mobile phone mount,, but I didn't see a follow through on that aspect. Can I use my DSLR(Nikon ), and do I need other optional attachments?
Great review! Wish it was available here!
I bought one of the last one at my local costco ($200 CAD) and I'm already drawn into this hobby. I've read online a proper diagonal (dielectric preferably) is a must and there's lots of recommendations for the svbony red/gold line eye pieces. what upgrade path do you recommend?
Two inch mirror diagonal (dielectric is for landscapes) and a two inch, 26mm, wide field Svbony is a good choose.
Hi John. Video topic idea for you. I own the Omni AZ 102 also and I'm very confused on 1.25" vs. 2" options. It would be great if you could do a video on 1.25" vs. 2". Advantages and disadvantages. Since I own the Omni AZ 102, I'm trying to figure out if I should upgrade to 2" since the Omni can accept it, but I can't figure out the advantages and disadvantages and whether or not I should upgrade. Thanks!
That’s really just a question of budget, and personal preference. I’m finishing up a premium eyepiece video, and all the eyepieces are 1.25. Some, like the Hyperion series, fit both sizes. If there is a 2 inch eyepiece you allready really love, then it’s worth an upgrade. Otherwise, might be better to just get a premium eyepiece like the Baader Hyperion 24mm.
Awesome video! What are your thoughts on my Celestron AstroMaster LT70 AZ? I haven't got a Barlow lens yet but I do have a 20mm, 10mm and a 5mm lens.
I did a whole video on the LT70. I mean, it's designed for the Moon and planets. You can try a 70mm telescope on other things, but that's kind of like using a guitar and expecting it to play like a bass. Here is the video: th-cam.com/video/BtFLqkEulSU/w-d-xo.html
The Allen Wrench is on the optical tube! :)
Thank you for making this video!!
I bought this telescope from Costco as well. It was on sale for $40 off early December so I got it for $160 USD! What a great deal! This is my first telescope ever!
A comment and a few questions:
-The allen wrench you were looking for at 5:28 is in the tripod stand. That's what you get for throwing away the instructions at 2:29 😂
-I tried looking at Jupiter today with the 10mm eyepiece and I saw it and it's moons! But I couldn't see any of the details of its atmosphere and more importantly, it had blue and red light on the top and bottom of the planet. Is there a way to fix this issue with this telescope? I looked it up and it's called chromatic aberration.
-What eyepiece did you use at the end of the video were you showed us all those amazing long exposure photos? What magnification were those done at?
-What accessories and/or eyepieces would you recommend getting for this telescope for a better experience? Any specific brands or models?
Hi! Congrats on the telescope! I’m guessing the reason you didn’t see detail on Jupiter is the current seeing conditions. You can download an app called Astrospheric what tells you your sky quality. It’s also harder to see details when planets are close to the horizon. The chromatic aberration is a function of the fast focal ratio and doublet optics in the telescope (this telescope is designed for star cluster etc where the stars are dim enough where it’s not an issue), although you might try a plossl eyepiece and see if that helps. At the end of the video there is no eyepiece at all. There effectively is not really a “magnification” either, it’s technically called image scale or pixel scale (because I’m using a CMOS camera). The primary lens projects an image directly on the CCD of the camera. In this case you’re seeing about two or three degrees of sky. I am using a focal reducer on the camera, which takes the focal ratio down 0.8x.
@@LearnToStargaze Thank you so much for the reply!
@@LearnToStargaze Thank you thank you again! I looked at Jupiter earlier today when it was higher above the horizon and boy what a difference it made! I also downloaded the astropheric app. Clouds are good. Transparency is decent. But Seeing is not good at all. I can't wait for the best conditions to look at the sky with this! I also ordered a Televue Barlow lens and some filters. Exciting! Liked and subbed!
I'll also order a 25mm Plossl eyepiece soon too. What brand would you recommend? Are the 10mm and 20mm that come with the telescope not Plossl?
@@FixitFox you’re most welcome! Televue are known to be the best, I have a Meade 26mm that I enjoy for about half the price. There are others but I haven’t tried them. Here is the Televue: www.amazon.com/Televue-25mm-Plossl-1-25-Eyepiece/dp/B0001GO16M/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2LOVS0W6BHJ37
@@LearnToStargaze I picked up this at Costco this week... reading through the comments where you say to pick up a barlow and plossl and wondering which barlow you suggest and do I need only one eye piece or should have another size as well? Thank you for the video and inspiration!!
The thing that most beginners are looking for is something like this?
What objects can we see with it.
1. Planets
2. Clustuers like M42, ptolemy cluster or maybe omega centauri.
3. Other objects?
4. Like the 130 mm reflector I have that costs aroud 250 USD is able to show +6 magnitude stars.
Yes.
Great review thx! Quick question...I bought one at Costco and set it up today. It's daytime and I tried both the 10mm and 20mm eyepieces to look at an oil tanker probably 1 mile offshore. Focus is very fuzzy on both eyepieces.
Any thoughts on what would cause fuzzy focus? Thx in advance!
Have you adjusted the focusing knob through its full range of motion?
My wife just got this for my boy and I for Christmas. Now I really want the other mount and camera!
I reside in Burnaby, Canada (Suburb of a Vancouver) …lots of light pollution. Which area are you in?
Congrats on a great telescope! I live in Halifax.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks! I just looked up the prices on the mount and scope and my jaw kinda dropped lol…can you recommend any budget friendly motorized scope + camera for sub 1k combined?
@@kagemusha168 Astrophotography is a completely separate hobby from stargazing with a telescope which is what this channel is about. I am working on a “budget friendly” astrophotography setup video, which should be posted a week or so. By budget friendly, I’d talking just over $3000 USD. Follow the channel astrobackyard (he’s based in Toronto) if you’re interested in that hobby, though most of his basic setups come in at around $6000. If you’re only interested in photographing the Moon and planets, a cell phone and a Celestron 6se would do for around $1000. There is a guy that does astrophotography on a super tight budget, and that’s the channel AstroBiscuit, his budget setups require a quite a bit of DIY.
My neighbor is selling his Celestron Omni XTL 150 with the CG4 mount for $350. Do you think this is a good buy? it's my first telescope to get into the hobby and since I have a mirrorless Sony Alpha 7rII camera, the 150mm aperture caught my attention to use it for astrophotography
Do you think I should buy it? or which one would you guys recommend in that price range?
No. That would be stressful for many reasons. Newtonians are complicated for astrophotography, and the mount doesn’t seem to be able to connect to an autoguider which is required to take photos. Be sure to specify which hobby you’re talking about though, that is a stargazing telescope, which is quite different from those used in the very different hobby of astrophotography.
It’s back at Costco. I saw it yesterday. 289 so price has inched up but still a great entry level scope.
20221119 price at Costco Canada now 279. You’ll typically find it on the front fence upon entry or in the middle section around the books.
20221128. Further price reduction at Costco. Cyber Monday it’s $219 CAD online / 199 in-store if your local has one. This means that this scope is well under $200 USD at the moment. What do you think about that John??
Impressive price point!
@@LearnToStargaze its currently at costco for $160. Been doing so much reaserach maybe this video will push me to pull the trigger
Thanks for the review! Just got this on clearance at Costco for $99.97 US
The allen wrench is in the tripod at the horizontal mount.
Yup. Noticed that just after I posted the video.
THANK YOU FOR POSTING! I just got this at costco too. I have a few questions, what is the mount that you use at the end to find deep space objects and which telescope would you say is better this one or Celestron - PowerSeeker 127EQ. My son is 12, and I just became the Astronomy MB teacher for my sons Scout troop. But, Im having a problum replicating the experance I had with MY dad, his hobbies were cameras, telescopes and binoculars. Basically anything with a lenses, lol. He taught me alot, but passed too early. But HE would always find the objects, he showed me how to keep them in view as they moved across the sky though. So is there a low cost but good mount that will help me find the objects in the sky? Please help!
Hi! The mount at the end is the eq6r-pro. Here is a review of the 127EQ: th-cam.com/video/IXfR7YTF5a4/w-d-xo.html
A good low cost mount would be the AZ-Gti or AZ-GTe. Cheers!
I know I'm a year late to this but I just got this scope too and it comes with a tiny little allen wrench hidden on the scope. Lol, absolutely great video though!
Thanks!
very helpful, but the red dot finder is confusing. does it turn 'on' and 'off'? I see a small white dot and it clicks, when I turn the little knob, but I can't tell the difference it might be making. otherwise -- fabulous, down and dirty, primer on this telescope !
can you by the 2x Barlows anywhere (e.g. Amazon) -- and does that extend the length of the eyepiece as in the video - so that it's a little higher when looking through it?
The red dot finder produces a very bright red dot, if you don’t see it, either the battery is dead, or the little plastic battery protector is still in place. The on off knob also serves as a brightness knob, it’s best to turn down the brightness a bit. Yes, the amazon sybony Barlows seem to work fine.
Sorry for bother you I just order one of this, but i wanted to know how it compared with the Explore FirstLight? Are these close or the firstlight is better? Now I will see what can I see with this one and then buy a bigger lens may be the first light 127mm or 152mm ? Thank you very much for posting I will let you know what I found in the sky.
Which firstlight? Refractor or reflector? This is a refractor. It will outperform reflectors in contrast up to at least 130mm. It will have chromatic aberration that reflectors do not.
Great video I just saw the same telescope at Costco today for 279 dollars Canadian think I will wait a bit and hope the price will go down
That seems to be the most popular price in Canada. It did drop last year below $200Can, but I think that’s unlikely to happen again. But who knows? It’s still an amazing price at $279.
Very curious about what is the guiding and photo software on your iPad (?) ? Is that camera specific or is it something generally available?
It’s an ASIair. Basically a small computer that sits on the telescope and connects everything together.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks, speedy reply. I’ll take a look.
On a recent trip to Costco I saw this telescope. I forget the price. I was tempted to throw it in my cart, but I dont have the room to expand my telescope collection right now.