5.1-Inch Celestron Telescope Offers Deep-Sky Views
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, a 5.1-inch Newtonian reflector telescope, comes with a manual alt-azimuth mount and StarSense smartphone dock, making it suitable for viewing deep-sky objects and planets under dark skies with 26x and 65x magnification options
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a 5.1-inch (130mm) f/5 Newtonian reflector telescope, designed for viewing deep-sky objects and planets under dark skies. It features a parabolic primary mirror and flat secondary mirror, and comes with two 1.25-inch eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm, which yield 26x and 65x magnification, respectively.
The telescope has a manual alt-azimuth mount and tripod, along with a StarSense smartphone dock, which makes finding objects easy without the need for motors. However, the mount and tripod design does have a limitation, as the telescope cannot be pointed straight up.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is suitable for viewing large deep-sky objects under dark skies, thanks to its sharp parabolic optics and wide field of view. It is also lightweight and very portable, making it a great option for those who want a telescope that is easy to take on the go.
## What to Consider When considering the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, it's worth noting that it has a small aperture, which can make some deep-sky objects hard to track down. Additionally, the included eyepieces are rather cheaply made, given the price of the telescope. The f/5 focal ratio also demands good eyepieces to shine, and the telescope does not come with a collimation tool.
## Why it Matters The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a solid option for those looking for a tripod-mounted, smartphone-guided telescope. It offers a great way to view deep-sky objects and planets under dark skies, and its manual alt-azimuth mount and StarSense smartphone dock make it easy to use. However, it's worth considering the various Dobsonian alternatives and fully motorized GoTo options before making a purchase.
The telescope's ability to be used as a fully manual telescope, with or without the phone and StarSense, adds to its versatility. Overall, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a good choice for those who want a portable and easy-to-use telescope for viewing deep-sky objects and planets.
