Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Review

What Makes Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope Stand Out?

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope is marketed as a dual-purpose telescope that bridges the gap between terrestrial and celestial viewing. From Celestron, a well-known name in the astronomy world, this telescope boasts features like erect image optics and a permanently mounted StarPointer, aiming to provide a user-friendly experience for both beginners and experienced observers. The promise of easily viewing the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn, coupled with its terrestrial capabilities, makes it an intriguing option for those wanting a versatile telescope.

I was looking for a telescope that could do more than just stargazing. I needed something I could use to observe wildlife during the day and explore the night sky. The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ‘s dual-purpose design caught my eye, as it seemed to offer the best of both worlds.

Unboxing the AstroMaster 90 AZ, I was immediately impressed by how lightweight and seemingly portable it was. The build felt sturdy enough for a beginner-friendly scope, although the plastic components didn’t scream “high-end.” Still, the promise of no-tool setup and the included software added to the initial excitement.

Compared to similar entry-level telescopes like the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST or the Meade Polaris 130EQ, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ seemed less intimidating to set up, although the Orion offered a larger aperture. I opted for the AstroMaster 90 AZ due to its lighter weight and apparent ease of use for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, something the others didn’t explicitly advertise. My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism – hoping that the ease of use and dual-purpose nature wouldn’t compromise the viewing quality.

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

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ was in my backyard, a suburban environment with moderate light pollution. I started with terrestrial viewing during the day, observing birds in a nearby tree. The erect image optics worked as advertised, providing a correct, upright image, which made it much easier to track moving subjects.

That evening, I attempted to view the moon and Jupiter. While the moon was clear and crisp, Jupiter appeared as a bright dot, and I struggled to discern any detail or its moons initially. The permanently mounted StarPointer was helpful for initial alignment, but it took some fiddling to accurately center objects, especially at higher magnifications.

The altazimuth mount was easy to move, but I found it difficult to make fine adjustments. This made precise tracking of celestial objects challenging, especially at higher powers.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ has proven to be reasonably durable. The tube and mount have held up well to being moved around, though I’m careful with the plastic components. Cleaning the optics is straightforward, but dust seems to accumulate quickly, requiring frequent attention.

The telescope’s performance is heavily dependent on viewing conditions. In areas with significant light pollution, deep-sky objects are almost impossible to see. The AstroMaster 90 AZ doesn’t outperform dedicated telescopes for either terrestrial or celestial viewing; it’s a compromise. Compared to a dedicated spotting scope, the terrestrial image isn’t as sharp at high magnification. Compared to larger aperture telescopes, it does not reveal faint details of nebulae or galaxies.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope

Specifications

• Aperture: 90mm. This determines the light-gathering ability of the telescope, influencing how bright and detailed the images will be.
• Focal Length: 1000mm. Coupled with the aperture, this influences magnification and field of view.
• Focal Ratio: f/11. This value indicates how “fast” the telescope is, impacting its ability to capture faint objects. A higher number means it’s more suited for bright objects like planets and the moon.
• Mount Type: Altazimuth. This mount allows movement in two directions: altitude (up and down) and azimuth (left and right), making it intuitive for beginners.
• Eyepieces: Comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), providing different magnifications. These allow for varying levels of detail and field of view.
• StarPointer Finderscope: A permanently mounted red dot finder that helps align the telescope with celestial objects. This facilitates locating and centering objects in the telescope’s field of view.
• Erect Image Optics: Provides correct image orientation for terrestrial viewing. This makes it easier to view objects on land, such as birds or landscapes.

These specifications mean the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ is better suited for brighter objects like the Moon, planets, and some brighter nebulae, and for daytime terrestrial viewing. The altazimuth mount is beginner-friendly but lacks the precision for long-exposure astrophotography.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ performs reasonably well for its intended purpose as a dual-purpose beginner telescope. It provides decent views of the moon and planets, especially Jupiter and Saturn. However, the provided eyepieces could be better, and upgrading them significantly improves image quality.

The erect image optics are a definite plus for terrestrial viewing, making it easy to observe wildlife and landscapes. The altazimuth mount, while easy to use, requires constant adjustments to keep objects in view due to the Earth’s rotation. The StarPointer is helpful for initial alignment, but requires careful calibration.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for a telescope in this price range. The optical tube feels sturdy, but the mount and tripod are mostly plastic, which feels less robust. The telescope is lightweight and relatively easy to transport, making it suitable for taking to darker locations.

The altazimuth mount is intuitive to use, requiring minimal learning curve. However, the fine adjustment knobs could be smoother and more precise.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ should last for several years of occasional use. The plastic components are the most vulnerable to damage. Regular cleaning of the optics is necessary to maintain image quality, and the no-tool setup makes disassembly for cleaning easier.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ comes with two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm) and the StarPointer finderscope. Aftermarket accessories like higher-quality eyepieces, a Barlow lens (to increase magnification), and filters can significantly improve the viewing experience. The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25-inch eyepieces, making it easy to upgrade.

Pros and Cons of Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope

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Who Should Buy Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope?

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ is perfect for beginner astronomers and families looking for a versatile telescope for both terrestrial and celestial viewing. It is also suitable for casual observers who want an easy-to-use and portable telescope for occasional stargazing.

Those primarily interested in deep-sky astrophotography or serious planetary observing should skip this product and consider telescopes with larger apertures and more precise equatorial mounts. A must-have accessory is a decent set of plossl eyepieces, which enhance image clarity and viewing comfort.

Conclusion on Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope

The Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ Refractor Telescope offers a solid entry point into the world of astronomy, particularly for those seeking a dual-purpose instrument. While it has limitations in terms of light-gathering ability and build quality, its ease of use and affordability make it a worthwhile option for beginners and casual observers. The price is justified for its versatility and beginner-friendly features, but potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and consider upgrading the eyepieces for a better viewing experience.

I would recommend the Celestron AstroMaster 90 AZ to anyone starting their astronomical journey or needing a telescope that can also be used for daytime terrestrial observation. If you’re ready to explore the cosmos and the world around you, this telescope is a great place to start! Grab yours today and begin your adventure!