Why is this telescope considered better than the Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope with 5 inch diameter and this 4.5?
185343
They're comparable in price and aperture and, since they're both Newtonians, their focal lengths are probably close. Their focal ratios are different, though. The Celestron has a focal ratio of f8 while the Orion has an f4 which translates to a brighter image. Also the Orion is on a Dobsonian mount, rather than the Celestron's slow motion controls, making it easier for a brand new user to point. In my opinion, though, once the slow motion controls are mastered, it's easier to track an object. Also, if you get the Orion, get rid of the red dot finder and get a small finder scope instead. The red dot finders, in my experience, are not reliable. If the battery runs out, it's useless.
185344
They're comparable in price and aperture and, since they're both Newtonians, their focal lengths are probably close. Their focal ratios are different, though. The Celestron has a focal ratio of f8 while the Orion has an f4 which translates to a brighter image. Also the Orion is on a Dobsonian mount, rather than the Celestron's slow motion controls, making it easier for a brand new user to point. In my opinion, though, once the slow motion controls are mastered, it's easier to track an object. Also, if you get the Orion, get rid of the red dot finder and get a small finder scope instead. The red dot finders, in my experience, are not reliable. If the battery runs out, it's useless. They're comparable in price and aperture and, since they're both Newtonians, their focal lengths are probably close. Their focal ratios are different, though. The Celestron has a focal ratio of f8 while the Orion has an f4 which translates to a brighter image. Also the Orion is on a Dobsonian mount, rather than the Celestron's slow motion controls, making it easier for a brand new user to point. In my opinion, though, once the slow motion controls are mastered, it's easier to track an object. Also, if you get the Orion, get rid of the red dot finder and get a small finder scope instead. The... » Read More They're comparable in price and aperture and, since they're both Newtonians, their focal lengths are probably close. Their focal ratios are different, though. The Celestron has a focal ratio of f8 while the Orion has an f4 which translates to a brighter image. Also the Orion is on a Dobsonian mount, rather than the Celestron's slow motion controls, making it easier for a brand new user to point. In my opinion, though, once the slow motion controls are mastered, it's easier to track an object. Also, if you get the Orion, get rid of the red dot finder and get a small finder scope instead. The red dot finders, in my experience, are not reliable. If the battery runs out, it's useless. « Show Less
989237
This was my sister's first telescope, and it was a piece of cake for her to use. May be the best beginner's telescope ever. Better yet, it will still serve you after you move up to bigger, more powerful telescopes (bigger telescopes are a bigger pain to carry and set up. The StarBlast 4.5 can sit on a shelf, then be set up in seconds.) It also has a heck of a good price.
1540431
I know I have a celestron 4se computerized and it worked beautifully. It's a little difficult for the settings to get color but once you do, you will be amazed.
2010274
I think a refractor telescope is hard to use and hard to see objects other than a bright moon. I would suggest looking into a reflector telescope instead. As far as the telescope itself, I think it is well built and good quality. It was just hard for our 9 yr old to use...and hard for me too.
1533029
This would like telescopes that claim 500X power. It's just not possible. When you get to high power optics, all the pieces become super critical, especially the stand or mount. At high magnification, even a slight vibration destroys the view. The Practical limit is probably 1/2 of what they are claiming. But, that is still good for many study applications.
1754724
I own both and like them both. The Orion is easier to aim for me because the lack of the big round anchoring structure at the base of the Astroscan. If I was going to use a telescope for a child, the Astroscan is much more sturdier and the mirror is completely enclosed and safe from damage. The image quality and ability to use a variety of lenses is about the same for both.
1510207
I called Celestron and yes they are identical. You are paying more for the "Comsos" brand. Get the InfiniView model and save money.
1058013
The Dob will definitely give you more deep space objects than the refractor. I got my son one of those last Christmas. It is rather large in comparison to the refractor, but rotates well on its base. His is not computerized and he has gotten very adept at finding nebulae and Messier objects. I think the refractor is more for planets and moons in our close by system. Visual tracking is okay, remember that the image is reversed in the Dob.
1554883
Sorry Kevin, i am the wrong person. i bought this telescope for my son and he couldn't use it and i am stock now. I bought it cuz i thought it would be just easy. but i was wrong.
85767
I'm pretty sure they are the same...the X2 "Shorty" Barlow...def worth it. The XT8 is a GREAT telescope.
1842191
Hello Patty, Honestly I dont know. It might have to do with the total focal lenght, I ran into a problem with attaching a reducer then the diagonal then the bifocal then the eyepiece, and i could not focus properly. You best bet is to call Celestron on Monday, sorry I could not help more, Jim
1981175
Exactly. But it's still worth it. The user interface on Celestron scopes is worse than archaic. It's actually inexcusable. This speeds up alignment a lot.
1646852
Thanks EvanThat does make sense.I have also since found out this item is discontinued by Celestron and replaced by the avx mount. May hunt to buy one of those instead but imagine same applies.
1446829
It's a beginner scope that skews in the direction of deep sky observers. A reflector has more inches of aperture per buck than a refractor scope. The more aperture, the deeper the viewing.
1689632
As Daniel said, it will be compatible with any 1.25" eyepiece. Looking up NexStar 4SE, I see it comes with a 25mm focal length Plossl eyepiece. The X-Cel eyepiece you've asked about is also a 25mm, so you probably don't want to duplicate the focal lengths (unless you're looking for a little wider field of view). I think you'll want to get a shorter focal length - 18mm, 12mm, 9mm, etc - to get more magnification. Divide the focal length of the telescope by the FL of the eyepiece to get the magnification. In this case 1325mm / 25mm was giving you 53X. I have several of these eyepieces and like them. As Daniel said, it will be compatible with any 1.25" eyepiece. Looking up NexStar 4SE, I see it comes with a 25mm focal length Plossl eyepiece. The X-Cel eyepiece you've asked about is also a 25mm, so you probably don't want to duplicate the focal lengths (unless you're looking for a little wider field of view). I think you'll want to get a shorter focal length - 18mm, 12mm, 9mm, etc - to get more magnification. Divide the focal length of the telescope by the FL of the eyepiece to get the magnification. In this case 1325mm / 25mm was giving you 53X. I have several of these eyepieces... » Read More As Daniel said, it will be compatible with any 1.25" eyepiece. Looking up NexStar 4SE, I see it comes with a 25mm focal length Plossl eyepiece. The X-Cel eyepiece you've asked about is also a 25mm, so you probably don't want to duplicate the focal lengths (unless you're looking for a little wider field of view). I think you'll want to get a shorter focal length - 18mm, 12mm, 9mm, etc - to get more magnification. Divide the focal length of the telescope by the FL of the eyepiece to get the magnification. In this case 1325mm / 25mm was giving you 53X. I have several of these eyepieces and like them. « Show Less
1310869
I could not get my Celestron XCel series 2X Barlow to focus. It was way beyond the focuser's travel and others have noted this but apparently Orion's Shorty 2X Barlow will work with this telescope as well as GSO 2x barlow from Agena AstroProducts. The useful magnification on this telescope is 200X but that is probably counting on optimum conditions. For planetary views with average conditions with a 100mm telescope, magnification of 100X to 120X are probably expected to be the clearest.
1193215
1.25 inches, it is the diameter. You need an adapter to used it in your telescope or a 0.965 inches eyepiece.