Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes Review

Let’s Talk About Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes promises to bring the wonders of the night sky to anyone, regardless of prior experience. Marketed as an accurate, easy-to-use “point and shoot” telescope for beginners, it leverages smartphone technology to guide users to celestial objects. This Celestron telescope seemed like a game changer, potentially bridging the gap between complex astronomical equipment and curious stargazers.

I’ve always been fascinated by astronomy, but intimidated by the learning curve and equipment associated with it. I wanted a telescope that was simple to set up, easy to use, and could reliably show me more than just blurry dots in the sky. The StarSense Explorer’s integration with smartphone technology immediately caught my attention.

Out of the box, the telescope feels surprisingly well-made for its price point. The optical tube has a decent heft, and the tripod, while lightweight, seems sturdy enough for casual observing. The smartphone dock is a clever addition, integrating seamlessly with the telescope’s design. Compared to a traditional beginner telescope with confusing star charts and manual alignment, the Celestron StarSense Explorer seemed refreshingly modern. It also seemed more intuitive than competing “smart” telescopes that rely solely on built-in computer systems. My initial impression was excitement tempered by cautious optimism. Could this telescope really deliver on its promise of making astronomy accessible to everyone?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes took place in my backyard, which unfortunately suffers from significant light pollution. I was eager to see if the StarSense technology could overcome this obstacle and guide me to some interesting objects. Setup was straightforward, and the app was easy to download and configure. Aligning the telescope with the app was relatively painless, taking only a few minutes.

Even with the light pollution, the StarSense Explorer successfully guided me to the Moon, Jupiter, and a couple of brighter stars. Viewing Jupiter and its moons was a definite highlight, although the light pollution did limit the clarity and contrast. The telescope was surprisingly easy to use, even for a complete beginner like myself. There were initial issues connecting to the phone, but turning off the cellular data on my phone allowed the App to connect.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable tool for exploring the night sky. I even took it on a camping trip to a darker location, where the views were significantly improved. The telescope has held up well to regular use, with no signs of significant wear and tear. Cleaning the lens is easy with a standard lens cleaning cloth.

Compared to my previous experiences with other beginner telescopes, the StarSense Explorer is a clear winner. The smartphone integration eliminates much of the frustration associated with traditional telescopes. I have found myself using it far more frequently simply because it’s so easy and fun to operate.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes

Specifications

• The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes features an 80mm objective lens diameter. This larger aperture gathers more light, resulting in brighter and sharper images compared to smaller telescopes.
• It has a focal length of 900mm and a focal ratio of f/11. These specifications contribute to its ability to provide high-magnification views of celestial objects.
• The telescope offers a magnification range of 11-189x. This range allows for versatile viewing, from wide-field observations to detailed planetary views.
• It comes with a red-dot finderscope. This is included in case the phone can’t be used, although the value is limited without the StarnsSense app.
• The optics are fully-coated. These coatings enhance light transmission and improve image brightness and contrast.
• It includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, and a 2x Barlow Lens. This allows for different magnification options right out of the box.
• The included StarSense smartphone dock integrates with the app. It lets your smartphone guide you to celestial objects.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes excels at making astronomy accessible to beginners. The StarSense technology accurately identifies stars and guides the user to specific objects with minimal effort. With the 80mm aperture, the telescope delivers impressive views of the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects.

Its main strength lies in its ease of use, making it perfect for those new to astronomy. However, the reliance on a smartphone and the limitations imposed by light pollution are potential weaknesses. It meets expectations as an entry-level telescope, but may leave experienced astronomers wanting more.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes has a user-friendly design, and is fairly lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. The altazimuth mount is simple to operate, and the slow-motion controls allow for smooth and precise adjustments. The build quality is decent, although some components feel a bit plasticky.

There is a slight learning curve associated with aligning the telescope with the app. Overall the system is very intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes should last for many years. The optical tube is relatively durable, but the tripod and smartphone dock could be vulnerable to damage if mishandled. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning the lens with a soft cloth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a 2x Barlow lens, and a red-dot finder. This gives users a good starting point for exploring different magnifications and viewing options. While not explicitly designed for extensive customization, the telescope is compatible with standard 1.25″ eyepieces from other brands. This allows users to upgrade their eyepieces for improved performance or different viewing experiences.

Pros and Cons of Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes

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Who Should Buy Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes?

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes is perfect for beginners who are interested in astronomy but intimidated by traditional telescopes. Families with children who want to explore the night sky together would also greatly benefit. It’s also a good choice for casual observers who want a simple and portable telescope for occasional stargazing.

Those who should skip this product are experienced astronomers looking for high-performance equipment or individuals who prefer not to rely on smartphones for their hobbies. A must-have accessory is a good quality lens cleaning kit to keep the optics in top condition.

Conclusion on Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 80mm Refractor Telescopes is an innovative and user-friendly telescope that makes astronomy accessible to everyone. Its smartphone integration is a game-changer, eliminating much of the frustration associated with traditional telescopes. It delivers good optical performance for its price point, making it a great value for beginners.

The price is certainly justified for what you get: ease of use, decent optics, and a fun, engaging experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get started in astronomy. So, ditch the complicated star charts, download the app, and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of the universe!