Customer Reviews

Celestron 21064 AstroMaster 90 EQ Refractor Telescope

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Just ordered this based on the outrageous deal on Amazon right now. I have had a few "entry level" department store scopes in the past, but sold them after quickly losing interest and being frustrated with the poor optics and mounts. The optics on this Astromaster 90 are fantastic. The mount is big and sturdy, but requires some learning. Once an object is located, it is quite simple to keep it in view.

The only challenge is that this is a fairly large scope with a long tube. Viewing objects directly overhead with the scope pointing vertically requires you to get very low to see through the viewfinder.

This is not our first scope, but it's intended for first-time buyers. We purchased it to compliment our main scope, a Celestron XLT 150.

As entry-level scopes go, the Astromaster 90 EQ's a reasonable value. The construction and optical quality is high enough to yield a solidly performing scope, as long as your expectations are not too high. If you're willing to tinker with the mount a little, you can improve it's performance measurably at little additional cost.

At 90mm, this scope has enough light-gathering power to support magnifications up to 150x or so before the view gets too dim (more power means less brightness in the image) - more than enough to view details in Saturn's rings and on the moon.

The focuser and accessories work well enough, but the mount tripod is a bit wobbly. You can easily upgrade it with a clamp here and there if you're willing. As entry-level scopes go, this mount is certainly competitive, and offers more options for improvement than others in its class because of its steel legs.

I researched telescopes quite a bit before purchasing this product. It was packaged well with no broken pieces upon arrival. Easy to set-up and the CD-ROM included is a wonderful guide to the skies since this telescope does not have a computerized tracking device. It does take a little bit to 'hunt 'n' peck' at the sky to find what you're looking for, but once you zero in using the 20mm, it's easy to switch to the 10mm for a closer look. I have since ordered a 2x Barlow to optimize my viewing pleasure.

Eventually, I'll be upgrading to a bigger lens' scope, but if you're looking for a decent telescope with a lower price tag than what a 4" lens will give, this is a very good option.

My daughter and I really enjoy this telescope. The first night we used it we could see jupiter and four of the sixty one moons around it. The moon was really neat too.

It's a great telescope for planets. you can see jupiter, the red spot and moons.you can see saturn rings it has very good images it is a great telescope for an affordable price.

Pretty nice 90mm refractor telescope, but don't buy the equitorial mount. Get it with an altitude/azimuth mount and you will be much happier.

The telescope's OTA is lightweight and the dew cap is coming removed in hand completely whenever I remove the lens cap. Instead of pressure fitting this dew cap, Celestron must have fixed it firmly to the OTA. The counterweights have a pin stuck at the middle and it's certainly annoys me everytime when I load them to the shaft. But, Celestron says that, it's the way they produce the telescope. There is no rigidity on the mount and the Planetarium software CD included works only with graphic drivers and softwares on your PC. Unless having these things, better don't buy the scope. Also, the telescope doesn't has much quality and I guess it's selling only because of Celestron's reputation. The product packaging was also not appropriate for the counterweights inside the large box. I would say that my overall experience is pathetic. Be sure, that this scope will not look the same as you see it in the Celestron setup videos and other photos and it will surely disappoint you in one or the other way in regard with the design. I think Celestron's products will have quality only when we go beyond $500 in our purchase. I am certainly regretting to have bought this one. If you want a heavy scope then go for the Omni XLT 120 or 127 which are perfectly rigid in construction.

Celestron 21064 AstroMaster 90 EQ Refractor Telescope
I ordered this telescope for my husband because he likes to watch birds from our highrise windows. The description said it was good for beginning stargazers and good for terrestrial viewing. It arrived very quickly and was easy to set up. So far, we have not been able to focus on anything ... so, everything we see is a big blur ... I am hoping we can adjust this telescope to view objects that are closer than the moon. I am beginning to think I should have purchased a really great pair of binoculars instead.