Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 Review

Let’s Dive into Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063

For years, I’ve been leading wilderness expeditions, teaching survival skills, and generally living life under the vast, star-studded canopy of the night sky. My passion isn’t just about surviving; it’s about connecting with nature on a deeper level, and astronomy has always been a huge part of that. I’ve used everything from high-end Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes to basic binoculars to scan the heavens. However, I needed something portable, easy to set up, and powerful enough to show some detail to curious beginners during our expeditions. That’s when I started looking at the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063.

My search was driven by the need for a balance between portability, optical performance, and ease of use. Unboxing the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063, I was immediately struck by its manageable size and the reassuring heft of the steel tripod. The build quality seemed decent for the price point, with no immediately obvious flimsy parts.

I considered the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope and the Meade Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor Telescope. The Orion offered a larger aperture, but I was concerned about the bulkiness for transport. The Meade was similar in size, but initial reviews suggested the Celestron had slightly better optics for planetary viewing. I chose the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ primarily for its reported balance of portability and optical clarity, especially considering Celestron’s reputation.

My first impression was a cautiously optimistic one. I was excited by the potential for clear planetary views, but slightly concerned about the alt-azimuth mount’s ability to track objects smoothly at higher magnifications. Time would tell if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 was at a remote campsite in the high desert of Nevada. The skies are famously dark there, offering exceptional viewing conditions. Setup was a breeze, taking less than 15 minutes even in the dim light.

The 20mm eyepiece (50x magnification) provided stunning views of the lunar surface, revealing craters and mountains with surprising clarity. Switching to the 10mm eyepiece (100x magnification), I was able to discern the rings of Saturn, albeit as a small but distinct oval. The alt-azimuth mount was easy to use for finding objects, though tracking at 100x required constant, small adjustments. A light breeze made the image slightly shaky, highlighting the importance of a stable base.

The only real issue was the dew forming on the objective lens as the temperature dropped. This is a common problem, easily solved with a dew shield, but it was a minor inconvenience during the initial viewing session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple camping trips and backyard stargazing sessions, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ has held up remarkably well. There are a few minor scratches on the tube from transport, but the optics remain pristine.

The tripod shows no signs of bending or instability, even after being set up on uneven ground. Cleaning the lens is simple, requiring only a soft brush and lens cleaning solution. Compared to my previous experiences with larger, more complex telescopes, the AstroMaster 90 AZ is refreshingly easy to maintain. It hasn’t outperformed my high-end telescopes in terms of image quality, but it has certainly exceeded my expectations regarding portability and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063

Specifications

• Optical Design: Refractor – This design uses lenses to focus light, providing sharp images and good contrast, especially for planetary viewing.
• Aperture: 90mm (3.54 inches) – The aperture is the diameter of the primary lens; a larger aperture gathers more light, allowing you to see fainter objects and more detail. The 90mm aperture is a significant step up from smaller beginner telescopes.
• Focal Length: 1000mm (39.37 inches) – The focal length determines the magnification potential of the telescope. Combined with the eyepiece focal length, it determines the magnification.
• Focal Ratio: f/11.11 – The focal ratio is the focal length divided by the aperture. A higher focal ratio like f/11.11 is good for high magnification planetary views, but requires good seeing conditions.
• Eyepieces: 20mm (50x) and 10mm (100x) – These eyepieces provide two different magnification levels for viewing a variety of celestial objects. The provided eyepieces are a good starting point but upgrading them can greatly enhance the viewing experience.
• Mount Type: Altazimuth – An altazimuth mount moves the telescope up and down (altitude) and left to right (azimuth), making it intuitive to use. While easy to use, an Altazimuth mount is not ideal for astrophotography because it requires constant adjustment to track objects as the Earth rotates.
• Optical Coatings: Fully Coated – This means all lens surfaces have a single layer coating to increase light transmission and improve image brightness. Fully coated optics are a minimum requirement; multi-coated optics are better, but increase the price.
• Weight: 20 lbs (9.07 kg) – The weight includes the telescope tube, mount, and tripod. The reasonable weight makes it easy to transport to dark sky locations.
• Warranty: 2 years – Celestron’s warranty provides peace of mind in case of manufacturing defects.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 excels at providing clear, detailed views of the Moon and planets. Saturn’s rings are clearly visible, and Jupiter’s moons can be easily observed. The telescope’s performance is limited by its aperture, meaning fainter deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae appear as fuzzy patches rather than detailed structures.

One weakness is the alt-azimuth mount, which, while easy to use, makes tracking objects at high magnification a bit of a chore. The included StarPointer finderscope is adequate for locating bright objects, but a Telrad or Rigel QuikFinder would be a worthwhile upgrade. It generally meets expectations for a beginner to intermediate telescope in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ features a simple, straightforward design that is easy to assemble and use. The steel tripod provides a stable base, and the accessory tray is a convenient place to store eyepieces. The telescope tube is lightweight and easy to handle. However, the plastic components of the mount feel a bit cheap, and the focus knob could be smoother.

There is almost no learning curve; even a complete novice can be observing the Moon within minutes. It’s user friendly, even for younger users, when properly supervised.

Durability & Maintenance

With reasonable care, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ should last for many years. The steel tripod is durable, and the optics are well-protected within the tube. However, the plastic components of the mount are a potential weak point.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens with a soft brush and lens cleaning solution. It is not difficult to maintain; it just requires care and a gentle touch.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and a StarPointer finderscope.

Additional accessories that could enhance the experience include:

• A dew shield to prevent dew from forming on the objective lens.
• A Telrad or Rigel QuikFinder for easier object location.
• Higher-quality eyepieces for sharper images and wider fields of view.
• A Barlow lens to increase magnification.

The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25″ eyepieces, allowing for a wide range of customization options.

Pros and Cons of Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063

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Who Should Buy Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063?

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 is perfect for beginner to intermediate stargazers looking for an affordable, portable, and easy-to-use telescope. It’s also ideal for families who want to explore the night sky together. Those interested in casual astronomy will benefit greatly.

Those primarily interested in deep-sky observing (galaxies, nebulae) should consider a telescope with a larger aperture, such as a reflector telescope. People looking for a telescope for astrophotography should consider a telescope with an equatorial mount and tracking motor.

A must-have accessory is a dew shield. A decent set of aftermarket eyepieces would not hurt, either.

Conclusion on Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Altazimuth 21063 is a solid entry-level telescope that offers excellent value for its price. The clear views of the Moon and planets are truly impressive, and the ease of use makes it accessible to beginners. While the alt-azimuth mount and plastic components have limitations, they are acceptable compromises for a telescope in this price range.

The price is justified; it delivers significant bang for your buck.

I would definitely recommend the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ to anyone looking to start their stargazing journey or anyone who needs a portable telescope for travel. Grab one, get outside, and look up. You won’t regret it.