The downside is that it is generally in the higher budget range and that it is less portable, heavier, and bulkier. Robin is the Vice President of the Society for Popular Astronomy, and even has an asteroid named after him (24728 Scagell), but neither the asteroid nor Robin poses a threat to civilization as we know it. Therefore this makes for a real (relative) bargain and a great option. Modified vs Unmodified DSLR Astrophotography: The Ultimate Showdown! Its StarSense technology links a smartphone to a telescope in a simple, yet robust fashion. The Celestron dx 102az telescope is not good for viewing faint objects. And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com. The extra aperture is the main draw of the 130mm. Thanks for the great review! They are completely manual though and do not have the StarSense technology and smartphone interactivity (although you may be able to replicate this with other adapters and apps. a 6" or even 8" dobsonian ( Links on what to expect in different telescope aperture sizes ). So, if you want a telescope that can form clearer images, go for the Celestron Starsense Explorer dx 130az. Any additional thoughts you have to sesparate the two? Its also portable and has a better optical design. Way better scope but not comparable mount wise. Space is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Which eyepieces would you suggest to replace those less-than-ideal ones that come with the Stars Sense 130? Youll be able to see Andromeda and other galaxies. If you compare their size, 130az is quite big and heavy. What eyepiece should I upgrade for this telescope? Buy from scopes' recommended retailer, HighPoint, StarSense Explorer technology helpful in locating targets. However, reflectors tend to give you more aperture (power) for the same price, with the downside being the bigger size and more cumbersome operation. Celestron dx 130az has a focal ratio of f/5. This is much less precise than a real GoTo system with tracking but much simpler, easier, and more reliable than a motorized telescope. Trying to decide between these 2 scopes Im finding it difficult. This is necessary when aligning the telescope, as you need to point it at a recognizable object at the start of observing. Celestron Starsense Explorer 8 Dobsonian, Celestron Starsense Explorer 10 Dobsonian. There is a great deal on a Celestron 102 DX at Amazon for $359, only 50 dollars more than the Popular . For use as a grab and go/ compliment for my 8in dob. Your smartphone's camera must be sensitive enough to image the brighter stars on a night setting. Bear in mind that not all smartphones will work, so remember to check your model against a list on the Celestron website before taking the plunge. You wont be taking this on trips. I would recommend it though. Celestron dx 102az has an aperture of 102 mm as the name says. The method of alignment is to aim the telescope at a chosen object which is where the red-dot finder comes in handy and then move the red crosswires on the app to the same object shown on the phone view. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Celestron StarSense Explorer Guide For Beginners It takes just 15 minutes to set up the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. So whether you buy this model or opt for the full Go To version, or indeed the NexStar 130 mm SLT reflector, is a decision that you will have to make depending on your observing interests. Thanks Zane; Ill take a look at Dob reviews. View Map. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone So undoubtedly, Celestron dx 130az is the winner. 6mm goldline and/or a 2x Barlow would be my first picks. You need to consider where you will use it and store it. You can see a quick summary below, or read on for further detail: *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. Which Celestron StarSense telescope is best? Are the Celestron StarSense Explorer good telescopes? There are six different models to suit different budgets and priorities. SKU: CEL-22461. In this review Ill cover the pros, cons and the 102AZs features to ultimately help you decide on whether the system is worth investing in or a beginner level device that you should skip out on. A 6mm gold-line eyepiece will provide 108x with the StarSense Explorer DX 102, which is near the upper bounds of what the optics of this telescope can handle. Trusted Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain design, Small and compact for the power it provides, More expensive than other models like the Dobsonians that provide a better price-to-aperture ratio, but are also significantly larger, Smaller size and greater portability for the, If you have the space and plan to mostly use at home then the, If you have the budget but value something lighter and more portable, then the, If you want the cheaper option and have the space then the, If you want the cheaper option but prefer something lighter and more portable, then the, If you have the budget and space (and dont care about portability) then the. Unfortunately, the adjustment range on the device supplied did not allow it to be aligned accurately, and for the test, we used another one that we already had. You can take a number of its key characteristics from its name: Not in the name, but worthy of note, is that it is a refractor telescope (as opposed to a reflector). Particularly under dark skies, bright nebulae like Orion and the Lagoon look great, but planetary nebulae such as the Cats Eye are really too small and dim to be interesting in the 102. Dx 102azs optical design also has chromatic aberration issues. The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ offers access to the myriad targets that grace our night sky, but can be tricky to locate if the astronomer is just starting out in skywatching. DXC Technology helps global companies run their mission-critical systems and operations while modernizing IT, optimizing data architectures, and ensuring security and scalability across public, private and hybrid clouds. But with eight different models, which is right for you? The refractive nature of the optics means collimation wasnt necessary a problem and the starsense app allowed users to get stuck in quite quickly. Often this makes for more comfortable viewing with less stooping. Telescope Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth. I'll be observing from my front/backyard, which is in a location with a Bortle scale of 4 (rural/suburban transition). Hope this post was helpful to make your choice. What Do The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ's Specifications Mean? In fact, you do need to apply a lot of force to twist it. How were you able to loosen the tightness in the altitude axis? The larger the aperture is, the brighter you can see in the telescope. Theres a hex nut inside the dovetail clamp; a socket wrench will do the job. Refractor optics can be further broken down into achromatic and apochromatic, where the former and lesser quality of the 2 is used within the StarSense Explorer. However, the system has a few notable limitations that could curtail observing sessions. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ 130mm f/5 AZ Reflector Telescope (24) Price View Cart. The alt-azimuth mounting means that you can move the instrument around two axes up and down (altitude) and from side to side (azimuth). Avoid! Add to Wish List Item in Wish List . Also I dont speak for Celestron and to prove so I will say the eye pieces are complete trash and it should come with a collimating tool. These are very average specs and maybe even subpar when you consider reflector telescopes tend to offer a lot more bang for the buck nevertheless, the specs . However, the mount does have a couple minor issues. The 130 is better but still pretty small for that price. There are a few differences between each of the models, so lets look at each of them in turn to help decide whats right for you. However, I want to share a great tip with you. Read the full Earning Disclosure here. Stargazing Help is a participant in Amazon Associates program. Thank you for the advice Mike and Tfer. I'm aware the reflector has a larger aperture (though the secondary mirror erodes this advantage a little?) ==>Click Here To Check TheCelestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZsPricing On Amazon! Reading through the specs, I cant see the difference. Thats because of their aperture. Your 5 year old will not be able to reach the eyepiece of the 130mm without assistance or something to stand on (which usually leads to grabbing for something and the only something in the area is the telescope which you just centered in on the object you want to show). Low powered (25mm) and high powered (10mm) eyepiece. However, due to how simple and easy it is to use as result of the app, its not a bad comprise despite being less accurate. StarSense Explorer Smartphone App-Enabled Telescopes | Celestron Heres how it works. These reasons may make it the best option for kids. I am sorry but I have zero knowledge on this so please excuse my raw language ! All these instruments are standard members of the Celestron range and are available in other mounting packages. The DX 102 includes a 1.25 Amici prism star diagonal, which is mostly plastic and has some issues with glare and a diffraction spike on bright targets. Once youre accustomed to the instrument, finding objects is extremely quick and fun. Thank you in advance! Can you explain how they are still about equal in light gathering? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Celestron is one of the most reliable telescope manufacturers in the world. The body of the eyepieces is fully built on plastic. Robin Scagell is a lifelong astronomer. Some drawbacks do become evident. ), Deimos vs Uranus (How Are They Different? Though you won't have the activation code, it will open and test your phone for compatibility. Though most other popular telescopes are on months-long backorders, the DX 102 and its cousin, the DX 130AZ, appear to be in stock most of the time, and even when they areon backorder, there have been reports that deliveries are quicker than usual. Celestron has been attempting to use various methods of technological assistance for the past two decades first with the NexStar series of telescopes and SkyAlign (to mixed results), then with their StarSense technology (a flop), their AstroFi and NexStar Evolution telescopes, and now the StarSense Explorer. The StarSense app displays the cameras view of the night sky, using a time exposure if necessary so it may take some seconds to appear or refresh. Rating: 9/10. The DX 102s optical tube is a 102mm f/6.5 refractor with a focal length of 650mm, the same as used on many other Celestron telescope/mount packages like the Omni 102 AZ and NexStar 102SLT. The Celestron StarSense DX 102AZ features a doublet lens composed of two different types of glass, offering bright views of targets. It is the most portable (being the lightest) and is generally the cheapest. (14) notify when in stock. No, your phone cant take pictures while using the Starsense app. You can unsubscribe at any time. . It has a focal ratio of f/6.5, which means that it has a . Does the difference between this and the Meade infinity 102 justify the $170 increase? Hence Celestron dx 130 wins again this round. What these StarSense Explorer telescopes do is attach your smartphone then, using the app, scan the night sky above you, tell you what you can see on that particular night, and then guide you to it. This helps remove much of the frustration that can occur when starting with astronomy that it is too hard and takes too long to find things to look at. For $399 you can get a much more capable telescope with a larger aperture, e.g. Celestron StarSense Explorer: 8 Models Compared (2023) The 130 mm (5-inch) aperture is fairly large and will enable great views of planets and deep-sky objects when the night sky conditions are right. *This post may contain affiliate links. Similar cost. Celestron Astro Fi 130mm f/5 Reflector Telescope. Here lately though, it has not been able to track location. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. We may earn commissions by recommending products on this website. Thanks! The only shortcoming I guess you could say is its average specs and its Starsense technology being somewhat hit or miss however, from the research Ive done on it, the 102AZ is a device worth checking even if its a little more expensive than an equally powerful reflector system. will also probably upgrade in 5 years or so. (Assume eyepieces are upgrade on either scope of course). As noted above, the 102 in the name refers to the telescope's aperture of 102mm (4-inch). I'm interested in spending perhaps an hour or so every week or two doing astronomy. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Skies &Scopes. The Celestron StarSense Explorer comes in six different models. You can zoom in for better precision. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). New tabletop game 'Death in Space' lets you mine for precious gems in the ravaged Tenebris system. There are some issues with glare and ghosting, and they are slightly inferior in sharpness to a true Plossl design, but both eyepieces are comfortable to use and work well, though they are a bit below what you should be expecting in quality at this price point. In fact, they are as big as a fairly small person, so this isnt an option if you have limited space or want something portable. The 102 refractor will have CA on bright objects, while the 130 reflector will need (regular?) On Aliexpress it costs around $418. So, it doesnt require collimation or cleaning. In terms of which one is right for you, there are two key things to look at it price and size: The fact that the price difference is fairly large actually helps narrow it down as, if you know your budget, you just need to pick what matters to you most: Please let us know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below. UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night skyno telescope experience required. -cam, Zane great review as always thanks. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Refractor devices can also double as a spotting scope of sort and the 102AZ is no exception. He began his working career with Kodak, back in the days of film, and then spent time observing from the Pic du Midi Observatory in the French Pyrenees. The StarSense has an Aperture of 102mm, a focal length of 650mm resulting in a focal ratio of just under f/6.5. Ultimately, due to the somewhat inferior nature of the phones used (at least when compared to a GoTo Computerised Mount) the field of view will only be limited to a max of 0.25 degrees (half the width of the moon). Each is different but they all feature the StarSense Explorer technology that provides a great halfway point between computerized (GOTO) telescopes and manual ones (see FAQs below if you want more information on GOTO telescopes). So, what is so special about the Celestron dx eyepieces? Whereas Celestron dx 130az has an aperture of a whopping 130 mm. Also, you look into an eyepiece on the side, rather than at the bottom. https://www.NexStarSite.com. One is achromatic and another is apochromatic. Unlike other reflectors, it uses a parabolic-style mirror inside. It has one 25mm Kellner eyepiece with 26x magnification power. With all models, if the conditions are right you should be able to view the planets of the solar system and deep-sky objects like other galaxies. 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Confusingly, the instructions then refer to the knob at the bottom of the clamp! we can explore many things and possible to learn new skills. I have two young kids (between 5-10 years old) and would like to try and get them interested. A 2 diagonal and eyepieces would allow for a wider field of view, but are expensive and would make the scope unable to properly balance on its mount, as well as straining the lightweight mount and tripod. The 80 mm model is the smallest with the weakest viewing capacity, and the 254 mm model is the largest with the best. Which is better than the image youll see from normal reflector optics. All the telescopes from Celestron Edge HD and Schmidt-Cassegrain are compatible with the Starsense app. The StarSense has an Aperture of 102mm, a focal length of 650mm resulting in a focal ratio of just under f/6.5. But it can suffer from spherical aberration. how do they compare? The erect-image diagonal (which is necessary to allow the instrument to focus) introduces very little distortion, only marginally noticeable on a star image using a magnification of 130x. Compare Celestron StarSense Explorer vs Celestron NexStar 130 SLT vs Alignment procedure depends on a mirror, which collects dew, Instrument is stiff to move without slow motions. The advantage with these models is that the Schmidt-Cassegrain design allows high aperture in a much more compact body. A pair of flexible slow-motion cables are included for making fine adjustments, though the backlash from them can be annoying when using high magnifications, and its not as intuitive as a simple Dobsonian mount, for instance. That leaves 130az with more options for planetary views. If you disregard factors like size and portability, then the Celestron Starsense Explorer 10 Dobsonian is the best as it has the highest aperture and will provide the best views. When you unbox your new StarSense Explorer DX, you'll find: 130mm Newtonian reflector optical tube. Find out more about how we test and review products. The initial advent of computerized star catalogs, which were loaded into telescope handsets, made it possible to align a telescope on the sky by pointing it at just three bright stars. ), but techy enough to use either. If you prefer a smaller refractor, then the 102AZ below could work but will almost certainly cost more. This telescope is full of design flaws. So, as you can see both telescopes have their strong and weak points. So all that is left is light gathering. Optically the telescope is well up to standard for a short-focus achromatic refractor and is well-suited to deep-sky observing. StarSense dock for your smartphone. Winner: Between the two telescopes, Celestron Starsense Explorer dx 130az has superior image formation quality. For further details on these telescopes, you can also check outCelestrons website. The Starsense app will work with most of the telescopes that have computerised mounts. The StarSense Explorer DX 102 includes two 1.25 eyepieces: a 25mm Super Konig providing 26x and a 10mm Konig providing 65x. The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is different from the models above in that it is a reflector telescope. In order of aperture, the Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 102AZ is the second most powerful in the range. Get to know more about us here. StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ ; Optical Design : Newtonian Reflector : Refractor : Aperture : 130mm (5.12") 102mm (4") Focal Length : 650mm (25.6") Same focal length. For example, if Saturn or the Andromeda galaxy are above you that night, you can select them on the app and then follow the arrows on the app to point the telescope at them. Then along came plate solving the software to identify a field of view of stars in a photograph and the great computing power, position sensing, and imaging capabilities of a modern smartphone. They are generally more expensive though. The mounting of the Celestron StarSense DX 102AZ is completely manual, with flexible rods to allow what are called slow motions, to provide finer control over the movement than simply pulling and pushing the instrument. How would you rate the StarSense DX6 version (6 inch SCT) compared to a Skymax 127 on GTi mount? Overall, this is a brilliant option if you want near-perfect viewing of planets and galaxies and have the space to use it. For purchasing this telescope, we highly recommend HighPointScientific, the largest telescope retailer in the United States. Saturns ring or Jupiters clouds can be seen clearly with more colours. The details will be a lot better than dx 102az. But youll find the images quite sharp. The eyepieces are supplied with tight plastic covers and how many beginners will try to twist these off, rather than prise them off? . The mirror can become dewed up within minutes on some nights often the clearest. Rather, the mount uses an adapter and the computing power of your smartphone to help you find your way around the sky, which well get to after covering the basics of the telescope(s) itself. In principle, the StarSense Explorer tech is basically a bracket to point your phone at a small mirror that has been aligned to the telescope mount, and then uses the phones onboard camera and processing power to plate-solve. Optical Design: Newtonian Reflector. After much debate, we finally know everything that there is to know regarding the two telescopes. Therefore these models will suit those where space is at a premium at home and would prefer something smaller, easier to store, and more portable. In that regard you cant completely be reliant on the app, which may or may not be reasonably accurate considering the quality of your phones camera nevertheless, this shouldnt be a deal breaker if you were to decide on this telescope. STARSENSE EXPLORER APP: The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time & location. COAST HX4 Dual-Color Utility Beam LED Clip Light. After a career that included making telescopes and editing a photography magazine, he became an author of popular astronomy books including Complete Guide to Stargazing, 101 Things to Spot in the Night Sky and Night Sky Atlas. It's siblings, though, 80AZ , 102AZ, and 130AZ, are much . Celestron StarSense Explorer vs Celestron NexStar Telescopes: How do they compare? India | GlobalLogic In order of aperture, the Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 102AZ is the second most powerful in the range. This refers to the telescopes build and shape. Celestrons StarSense Explorer line of telescopes are some of the newest, and arguably most innovative telescopes on the market, and the newest effort of Celestron to make using a telescope as easy as possible. DXC Technology | India Celestron StarSense Explorer DX100AZ vs. DX 102AZ But with dx 130az you can. Which makes it better for planetary views. ), Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Review (Is The StarSense Software Worth The Price? The clunky movement and delicate optics could limit the usefulness of the instrument for more detailed observations, but the system certainly does get you observing within just a few minutes, unlike more advanced telescopes, thus overcoming one of the greatest hurdles that beginners face. I had what seemed to be a related question, which has come up somewhat in that main thread: whether to purchase the DX 130AZ vs 102AZ? Read why we prefer High Point Scientific to Amazon. However, refractors are traditionally more robust than reflectors, so there is no ideal instrument to suit everyone. Youd have to either detach the phone and try not to move the telescope or use two separate phones. Its focal length is 660 mm. Faint objects like planetary nebulae or galaxies are off-limit. StarSense Explorer 10" Dobsonian Telescope | Celestron The telescope attaches to the mount using a standard dovetail, but as it came out of the box the clamp assembly was twisted through 180 degrees, with the locking screw at the bottom. $469.95. Celestrons main explanation is that many beginners would buy the bracket and attempt to fit it onto substandard telescopes (or simply do it improperly) and become frustrated. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ Reviewed: Partially Recommended Now that we know a little bit about the two telescopes lets take a look at this graph for a more comprehensive view: Both the Celestron telescopes are good choices in their respective categories. All you need to do is install the app, enter the unlock code that came with your telescope, and dock the phone to your telescope. if youre not butchering it for the StarSense hardware, thats what Id buy. Its not a bad telescope to have. The amount of celestial objects StarSense Explorer picked up under these conditions was truly amazing.Image by @wellreadnaturalist pic.twitter.com/QaPUPss0qM. Stargazinghelp.com is a knowledge hub for professional and amateur astronomy and astrophotography enthusiasts. For information: The StarSense technology on these telescopes enables you to use your smartphone to give you much of what youd get from a GOTO telescope. One 10mm Kellner and one 25mm Kellner eyepiece. With the tripod attached the length would be 1.24 metres too. Due to an a enclosed tube being used, the optics wont need to be cleaned or collimated all the time. Just follow the arrows to locate stars, planets & more! Overall, while it would not always be our first choice, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102 is definitely one of my favorite beginner scopes in its price range. Neptune and Uranus will be barely visible. Celestron StarSense Explorer telescopes are manual, not computerized, but their design gives you many of the advantages of this technology. But its only limited to brighter objects in the night sky. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope review The other telescope offered on the same DX mount is a $400 130mm f/5 Newtonian reflector. Its a simple, aluminum-legged alt-azimuth mount with slow-motion controls on both axes. Required fields are marked *. The images will generally be sharper because misalignment isnt very common, Refractor based devices tend to be more expensive than their similarly powered reflector counterparts (A 4 inch reflector may only set you back $100 one example being the. Any advice would help. The StarSense Explorer DX mount is nothing more than a repainted Omni XLT AZ or AZ3 mount with a bracket for the StarSense Explorer device. Mostly Astromaster and Powerseekers. Free shipping. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our team of experts has reviewed and ranked 180+ telescopes based on price and quality. The pricing of this instrument is not significantly less than that of the Celestron NexStar 102 SLT the same instrument on a fully motorized mount, which has the great advantage of tracking objects for you.