Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 Review

What Makes Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 Stand Out?

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 is an entry-level refractor telescope aimed at beginners and families looking to explore the wonders of the night sky without breaking the bank. Marketed by Celestron as an affordable and user-friendly option, its key features include fully coated glass optics, a fast f/5 focal ratio for wide-field viewing, and a lightweight, no-tool setup. It promises to be a versatile instrument suited for both terrestrial and astronomical observations, making it an appealing choice for novice stargazers.

My interest in the Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS stemmed from a desire to introduce my children to astronomy. I wanted a telescope that was easy to set up and use, offered decent image quality, and wouldn’t be too fragile for young hands. After years of handling tactical gear, I appreciated the need for robust equipment, even in a hobby telescope.

Unboxing the Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS, I was initially impressed by its compact size and lightweight design. The materials, mostly plastic and aluminum, felt adequate for the price point, though certainly not premium. The build quality seemed reasonable; the components fit together snugly, and the mount felt surprisingly stable for its size.

I considered the Orion SpaceProbe 76mm AZ Reflector Telescope and the Meade Infinity 70mm Refractor Telescope as alternatives. The Orion offered a larger aperture, but its reflector design seemed more complex for a beginner. The Meade was similarly priced, but the Celestron’s reputation for ease of use swayed my decision.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS seemed like a good starting point, but I remained skeptical about its optical performance. I hoped it could deliver on its promise of providing clear, bright views of celestial objects.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 in my backyard, which offers moderately dark skies compared to the light-polluted city center. The first night was clear and cold, perfect for observing the moon and some brighter stars. Setting up the telescope was indeed quick and easy, as advertised; I had it assembled in under 10 minutes without any tools.

The telescope performed reasonably well under these conditions. The moon appeared crisp and detailed, with noticeable craters and shadows. However, observing fainter stars and nebulae proved more challenging. The image quality degraded significantly at higher magnifications, with noticeable chromatic aberration (color fringing).

One issue I encountered was the alt-azimuth mount, which, while sturdy, made fine adjustments somewhat difficult. Tracking objects at higher magnifications required constant tweaking, which could be frustrating for a beginner.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, although the plastic components feel somewhat vulnerable to impacts. I’ve made sure to store it in a padded case when not in use to protect it from damage.

Cleaning the optics is relatively straightforward; I use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution to remove dust and fingerprints. The mount requires minimal maintenance; I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my previous experience with a higher-end Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, the Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS falls short in terms of optical performance and ease of use. However, considering its price and target audience, it is a decent performer. It provides a good introduction to astronomy for beginners, even though it has significant limitations.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087

Specifications

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 features an 80mm aperture refractor telescope. Its focal length is 400mm, resulting in a fast f/5 focal ratio. The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 20mm eyepiece providing 20x magnification and a 4mm eyepiece providing 100x magnification.

• The 80mm aperture gathers enough light to observe the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects.
• The fast f/5 focal ratio results in a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and track objects. This is especially useful for beginners.
• The included eyepieces provide a range of magnifications suitable for different types of observations.

These specifications are essential for understanding the telescope’s capabilities and limitations. The aperture determines the amount of light the telescope can gather, while the focal ratio affects the field of view and image brightness. Choosing the right magnification is crucial for optimizing the viewing experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 performs adequately for an entry-level telescope. Its optical performance is decent for observing the moon and planets, but it struggles with fainter deep-sky objects. The image quality is generally sharp at lower magnifications, but it degrades significantly at higher magnifications due to chromatic aberration.

Its strengths include its ease of setup and use, making it suitable for beginners. However, its weaknesses include its limited optical performance and the somewhat unstable alt-azimuth mount.

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS meets basic expectations for an entry-level telescope. It provides a taste of astronomy for beginners without requiring a significant investment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 has a simple and functional design. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to transport and set up. The materials, mostly plastic and aluminum, feel adequate for the price point.

The telescope is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and intuitive controls. However, the alt-azimuth mount can be challenging to use for fine adjustments, especially at higher magnifications.

Durability & Maintenance

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 is reasonably durable, although its plastic components are vulnerable to impacts. With proper care and storage, it should last for several years.

Cleaning the optics is relatively easy, requiring only a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. The mount requires minimal maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 comes with a 20mm eyepiece, a 4mm eyepiece, and a finderscope. It also includes a tripod and an accessory tray.

While the telescope is not highly customizable, it is compatible with standard 1.25-inch eyepieces. This allows users to upgrade to higher-quality eyepieces for improved performance.

Pros and Cons of Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087

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Who Should Buy Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087?

Perfect for families with young children interested in astronomy. The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS is also suitable for individuals who are new to astronomy and want an affordable and easy-to-use telescope to get started.

Individuals looking for high-quality optical performance or advanced features should skip this product. Experienced astronomers will likely find its capabilities too limited.

A must-have accessory is a higher-quality eyepiece. Upgrading the included eyepieces can significantly improve the viewing experience.

Conclusion on Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087

The Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS Telescope, Black 21087 is a decent entry-level telescope that provides a good introduction to astronomy for beginners. While it has its limitations, including chromatic aberration and a somewhat unstable mount, its ease of use, affordability, and portability make it an appealing option for families and individuals looking to explore the night sky without breaking the bank.

The price is justified for what it offers. Considering its target audience and feature set, it delivers reasonable value.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use telescope to get started in astronomy. However, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations and consider upgrading the eyepieces for improved performance. Start your astronomical journey today!