Youll need more expensive telescopes from Celestron to take pictures. This free guidetells youwhat gear you need to get started photographing the Milky Way, Planets, or Deep Sky Objects. Since both are beginner-level telescopes, comparison comes to mind. No, your phone cant take pictures while using the Starsense app. These are very average specs and maybe even subpar when you consider reflector telescopes tend to offer a lot more bang for the buck nevertheless, the specs should be competent for beginners. There are four instruments in the Celestron StarSense Explorer range: an 80 mm refractor, a 114 mm reflector, the 102 mm refractor under test, and a 130 mm reflector. However, due to how simple and easy it is to use as result of the app, its not a bad comprise despite being less accurate. we can explore many things and possible to learn new skills. 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Celestron has been attempting to use various methods of technological assistance for the past two decades first with the NexStar series of telescopes and SkyAlign (to mixed results), then with their StarSense technology (a flop), their AstroFi and NexStar Evolution telescopes, and now the StarSense Explorer. In fact, they are as big as a fairly small person, so this isnt an option if you have limited space or want something portable. Join us in this discussion to learn more. Compare Celestron StarSense Explorer vs Celestron DX 102AZ vs Celestron 130 Both are pretty mediocre, a Dob would probably be a better choice. I dont intend on using the phone attatchment, but will probably upgrade the diagonal and finder scope on either. With Celestron dx 130az you will get about 200x magnification. The only major complaint was to do with the inaccuracy of the apps tracking ability, especially when users decided to look further out. Alignment procedure depends on a mirror, which collects dew, Instrument is stiff to move without slow motions. . Refractor optics can be further broken down into achromatic and apochromatic, where the former and lesser quality of the 2 is used within the StarSense Explorer. This is fortunate, as the Quick Start manual ends at this point. Although it's portable and definitely portable it wouldn't be as easy as moving a 102az. For purchasing this telescope, we highly recommend HighPointScientific, the largest telescope retailer in the United States. Its a simple, aluminum-legged alt-azimuth mount with slow-motion controls on both axes. Which is better than the image youll see from normal reflector optics. Their Starsense explorer has been quite popular among stargazing beginners. Unwary users are likely to try polishing it with glass cleaner or even abrasive solutions. The advantage with these models is that the Schmidt-Cassegrain design allows high aperture in a much more compact body. However, we have some reservations on telescope vendors and recommend that you go with HPS. if youre not butchering it for the StarSense hardware, thats what Id buy. You wont be taking this on trips. In this review Ill cover the pros, cons and the 102AZs features to ultimately help you decide on whether the system is worth investing in or a beginner level device that you should skip out on. The prowess of the instrument is more suited to beginners than to dedicated observers. The series also includes an 80mm f/11 refractor and a 114mm f/9 reflector, both for $180 on the lighter LT mount. In instructions intended for raw beginners, points such as this are vital. Therefore these models will suit those where space is at a premium at home and would prefer something smaller, easier to store, and more portable. Why use such a time-consuming means of attachment? Each is different but they all feature the StarSense Explorer technology that provides a great halfway point between computerized (GOTO) telescopes and manual ones (see FAQs below if you want more information on GOTO telescopes). In order of aperture, the Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 102AZ is the second most powerful in the range. Required fields are marked *. The instrument comes in just two main parts the tripod and the tube assembly so it seems straightforward to assemble. The eyepieces supplied, although in lightweight plastic barrels, are of good optical quality. On Aliexpress it costs around $418. New tabletop game 'Death in Space' lets you mine for precious gems in the ravaged Tenebris system. That being said the main difference is only that the Apochromatic is better at focusing wavelengths of light resulting in fewer visual discrepancies occurring when viewing through it. They wont find things automatically for you, but they will search for what you can see and guide you to look at whatever planet or object you want to look at. ), Deimos vs Titania (How Are They Different? Celestron StarSense Explorer vs Celestron NexStar Telescopes: How do they compare? Similar cost. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! Sony A7III vs A7RIII Astrophotography: Which One to Shoot Infinity! The coating inside is of low quality. However, the mount does have a couple minor issues. Watch this video from Celestron for a quick overview of these two models and also to give you a good perspective of the size of them standing next to a grown man: Overall, this is a brilliant option if you have the space to use it. All Rights Reserved. The downside to large dobsonians like this is the size they are heavy and large. Would a barlow lens be a good addition to this setup? The clutch that holds the telescope in altitude, on the test model anyway, is fierce, so to move it you need to grasp the tripod firmly with one hand and wrench the tube up or down with the other as per the instructions. The StarSense Explorer DX mount is nothing more than a repainted Omni XLT AZ or AZ3 mount with a bracket for the StarSense Explorer device. Improved focal ratio for better photography, Less cumbersome than the larger models below, Less power (aperture) than the two reflector options below, More aperture and better views with 4.5 inch aperture, One of the cheaper options alongside the 80AZ model, Larger, heavier, more cumbersome, and less portable than the refractors above, Large aperture for the best views of objects in the night sky, Larger, heavier, more cumbersome, and less portable than the other models. The model I tested is the Explorer DX 102AZ refractor telescope ($400). If on the other hand youre willing to spend a bit more for telescope that are more powerful but will require a bit more tinkering, the SkyWatcher Dobsonian 6-inch or the skyquest XT6 is most certainly worth looking into too. Winner: Even for this round the clear winner is Celestron Starsense Explorer dx 130az. These are very average specs and maybe even subpar when you consider reflector telescopes tend to offer a lot more bang for the buck nevertheless, the specs . It is the most portable (being the lightest) and is generally the cheapest. That leaves 130az with more options for planetary views. I have two young kids (between 5-10 years old) and would like to try and get them interested. The camera views the sky through a mirror, enabling you to view the phones screen at a convenient angle. Mainly interested in the mount and optical tube. This is the best measurement of a telescopes capacity to provide good views. Should I buy a used StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ? Galaxies are almost certain to disappoint, as few will show detail under dark skies, and a beginner will struggle to see them all in light-polluted conditions. StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope. But with eight different models, which is right for you? Also note, that the same telescope is also being sold as the Popular Science StarSense Explorer DX 5. Generally, refractors are less bulky and easier to operate. There is an issue though in that if you are using your smartphone attached to the telescope to use the StarSense technology then you wont be able to attach it to the eyepiece to take a photo at the same time. I consider myself handy and am not too worried about collimating a reflector (but would prefer to not have to do frequently). The reason why this is a problem is because simply adjusting the axis to allow for a more smooth motion may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to do. Especially the Starsense explorer dx 120az and 130az. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Skies &Scopes. They are generally more expensive though. A used StarSense Explorer scope will likely be missing the code for the app and many of the scopes floating around have had their phone brackets yanked off as well for use on other instruments. The main advantage of the 102mm is nothing to adjust (optically). Youd have to either detach the phone and try not to move the telescope or use two separate phones. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. The optics are fitted into a closed tube. Read the full Earning Disclosure here. I've been following the StarSense Explorer main thread, which has a lot of great information and seems particularly targeted towards adapting the bracket/mirror towards other telescopes. In this range, the 80 mm refractor and 114 mm reflector are supplied on lighter-weight mountings, while the 102 mm refractor and 130 mm reflector have the same heavier mounting. So whether you buy this model or opt for the full Go To version, or indeed the NexStar 130 mm SLT reflector, is a decision that you will have to make depending on your observing interests. As for other key specifications, dx 102az has a focal ratio of 6.5. The StarSense has an Aperture of 102mm, a focal length of 650mm resulting in a focal ratio of just under f/6.5. Buy Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ 102mm f/6.5 AZ Refractor Telescope featuring Use Smartphone App for Star Navigation, Follow Directions to Find Great Objects, Advanced Precise Alignment Algorithm, 102mm f/6.5 Refractor Optical Tube, Single Fork-Arm Manual Alt-Azimuth Mount, Dual Axis Slow-Motion Control Arms, Includes 26x & 66x 1.25" Eyepieces, 90 Erect-Image Diagonal, Adjustable . You cant also take pictures of the sky with the help of the telescope. So the views become much sharper and clearer. Interestingly, it seems the 130mm is also now out of stock. You can find the Celestron dx 130az on Amazon which costs around $450. I understand because they have the same focal length they give the same views in any given eyepiece, but using the area of a circle (pi x radius squared) 102 = 8171, and 130 = 13273. Every slow-motion control I've ever seen attaches to the mount using visible small thumb screws. My guess is that it is the wind. . Once you undergo a super-simple alignment procedure, the StarSense Explorer app has thousands of objects it can find for youthe Moon, planets, most of the Messier catalog, and many more. It would kill your phone quite fast. Our Verdict: The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102 AZ telescope is a beginner's ultimate telescope. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope review | T3 They are completely manual though and do not have the StarSense technology and smartphone interactivity (although you may be able to replicate this with other adapters and apps. Celestron StarSense Explorer Guide For Beginners Read why we prefer High Point Scientific to Amazon. ), Deimos vs Europa (How Are They Different? The package comes with two eyepieces, giving two useful magnifications of 26x and 66x, and what is termed an erect-image diagonal. StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ ; Optical Design : Newtonian Reflector : Refractor : Aperture : 130mm (5.12") 102mm (4") Focal Length : 650mm (25.6") Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Review: Don't Fall Into The Trap. Once done, the handset was able to direct the telescope to any other object in its database, but it needed position encoders on its axes. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ review: Design. Compare Celestron StarSense Explorer vs Celestron NexStar 130 SLT vs Celestron 130 vs Celestron DX 102AZ . Normally, this is done for astrophotography to avoid performing a time-consuming GoTo alignment and is only used to find one target. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Finally, there is a standard red-dot finder to help in pointing the telescope at objects. The 80 mm model is the smallest with the weakest viewing capacity, and the 254 mm model is the largest with the best. Celestrons main explanation is that many beginners would buy the bracket and attempt to fit it onto substandard telescopes (or simply do it improperly) and become frustrated. The extra ingredient over a standard manual mounting is the attachment for a smartphone, directly fixed to the central assembly. ), Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Review (A Good Beginner Device!? This helps remove much of the frustration that can occur when starting with astronomy that it is too hard and takes too long to find things to look at. Celestron dx 102az weighs around 6.4 kg. Open star clusters look great and benefit from the 102AZs wide field of view, but globular star clusters are little more than fuzzy balls. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone RECOMMENDED BUY FOR THE STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY. Can you describe how you were able to loosen? There are some issues with glare and ghosting, and they are slightly inferior in sharpness to a true Plossl design, but both eyepieces are comfortable to use and work well, though they are a bit below what you should be expecting in quality at this price point. This is exactly the same model from Celestron just being sold with different marketing and so is worth comparing the prices to find the best deal. Your smartphone's camera must be sensitive enough to image the brighter stars on a night setting. The 5 reflector seems like a solid scope. There are some other manuals as well as computerized scopes in the DX 102 AZs price range that you might want to take a look at: A new star diagonal is probably the #1 thing you can do to improve the StarSense Explorer DX 102s performance. All the telescopes from Celestron Edge HD and Schmidt-Cassegrain are compatible with the Starsense app. This would be my first telescope and looking for Push To feature to help my 9 year old and me get into exploring the skies. We are an independent astronomy and astrophotography-focused publication that conducts objective research to make product recommendations. One is achromatic and another is apochromatic. The only shortcoming I guess you could say is its average specs and its Starsense technology being somewhat hit or miss however, from the research Ive done on it, the 102AZ is a device worth checking even if its a little more expensive than an equally powerful reflector system. Starting with the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ. The tripod allows it to extend up to 1.24 metres. HIGH-QUALITY 102MM REFRACTOR: Fully coated glass optics provide bright, sharp, clear views of craters on the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Pleiades Open Star Cluster. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX100AZ vs. DX 102AZ How Do The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZsOptics Work? For a summary of the entire discussion take a look at this table: Between these two Newtonian and refractor telescopes Celestron dx 130az is a better option. Unlike household mirrors, its reflective coating is on the front surface rather than the back, so regularly wiping it clear could result in damage to the coating. What Do The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ's Specifications Mean? The StarSense app displays the cameras view of the night sky, using a time exposure if necessary so it may take some seconds to appear or refresh. However, there are some key differences between them. Thank you for the advice Mike and Tfer. Why you can trust Space.com As for the weight, when fully assembled it comes in at a very portable 6.44kg so you or anyone thats even younger shouldnt have too much of a problem moving it around or even storing it, whether it be at the home or for whenever you decide to take it to an area with minimal light pollution. Heavy and large. Overall, while it would not always be our first choice, the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102 is definitely one of my favorite beginner scopes in its price range. What these StarSense Explorer telescopes do is attach your smartphone then, using the app, scan the night sky above you, tell you what you can see on that particular night, and then guide you to it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your 5 year old will not be able to reach the eyepiece of the 130mm without assistance or something to stand on (which usually leads to grabbing for something and the only something in the area is the telescope which you just centered in on the object you want to show). Robin is the Vice President of the Society for Popular Astronomy, and even has an asteroid named after him (24728 Scagell), but neither the asteroid nor Robin poses a threat to civilization as we know it. You can see a quick summary below, or read on for further detail: *This website makes money through affiliate commissions. The Celestron Starsense explorer dx 102az telescope uses one of the oldest types of telescope optics. All these instruments are standard members of the Celestron range and are available in other mounting packages. Looking for something portable at the moment, with plan to add a 10 dob in the future. Rather, the mount uses an adapter and the computing power of your smartphone to help you find your way around the sky, which well get to after covering the basics of the telescope(s) itself. What about the Skywatcher skymax 102, 127 AZ GTI WIFI telescope? Its focal length is about 650 mm.
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