Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ

Product Description

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ telescope is a refractor telescope designed for beginners in astronomy, featuring a 70mm diameter objective lens and fully coated optics. StarSense technology enables real-time night sky analysis using a smartphone, guiding users to celestial objects. The telescope’s 350mm focal length results in a focal ratio of f/5, producing bright, clear images of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. Users can easily observe Jupiter’s belts and moons, Saturn’s rings, as well as nebulas and galaxies in dark sky conditions. The StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ represents a relatively new innovation in Celestron’s Astromaster series, offering easy setup and operation for new astronomers.

Manual operation with app assistance enables users to develop their skills and understand the night sky better. The telescope is suitable for observing planets, nebulas, and some galaxies. Two eyepieces are included: a 10mm and a 20mm, providing a range of magnification options. The telescope lacks GoTo controls and motors, requiring users to adjust its position manually.

Should you buy Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ as your first telescope?

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ is an excellent choice for your first telescope. StarSense Explorer technology allows users to mount a smartphone and use a guided app interface, making it exceptionally user-friendly for beginners. The telescope punches above its price point with a compact design and performance that competes with reflectors in its class. It excels at observing the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length provide a good balance of magnification and image quality. Regular maintenance is required to keep the optics clean and the mount adjusted for optimal performance. Budget-conscious beginners will find great value in this easy-to-use telescope that guides them through the night sky.

Is Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope easy to use?

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope offers exceptional ease of use. StarSense technology integrates with smartphones for effortless celestial object location. Users point their smartphone at the sky to access the StarSense app. The app guides users to desired objects, eliminating manual alignment. Telescope design caters to beginners, children, and casual astronomy enthusiasts, providing a hassle-free stargazing experience.

Should you buy Celestron LT 70AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope for kids?

The Celestron LT 70AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope is an ideal choice for kids interested in astronomy. This telescope eliminates technical hurdles for new astronomers with its easy-to-use design and user-friendly smartphone app. The refractor design is recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and easy setup. The telescope punches above its price point in quality and performance, offering features found in more expensive scopes. Limitations include a wobbly mount at times and a 70mm aperture that restricts views of distant objects. The telescope is well-suited for observing double stars, the Moon, and planets. Families will find good value in this affordable scope for introducing children to stargazing, despite better beginner telescopes being available on the market.

What can you see with Celestron LT 70 AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope?

The celestial wonders you can see with the Celestron LT 70 AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope are listed below.

• Jupiter
• Saturn
• The Moon
• Pleiades (M45)
• Double Cluster
• Double stars
• Orion Nebula (M42)
• Galaxies

Should you buy Celestron LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope with StarSense Explorer to observe planets?

The Celestron LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope with StarSense Explorer is a suitable choice for beginner astronomers to observe planets. Its 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length provide bright and clear images of celestial objects. Users can view the Moon’s surface details, see Jupiter’s cloud bands, and observe Saturn’s rings. The telescope is limited compared to more advanced models but serves as a great starting point for amateur astronomers on a budget. StarSense Explorer technology includes a companion app that helps navigate the stars and find celestial objects, demystifying astronomy for beginners. The telescope is well-suited for lunar observation, planetary viewing, and double star observation. Larger 114mm telescopes offer better views, but the LT 70AZ provides good optics for its price range. The f/10 focal ratio makes it ideal for planetary observation. Users should have realistic expectations, as it cannot provide Hubble-like views of space.

Should you buy Celestron LT 70AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope to observe galaxies?

The Celestron LT 70AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope should not be purchased for observing galaxies. Its 70 mm aperture and f/10 focal ratio provide limited capability to observe faint objects like galaxies due to low surface brightness sensitivity. The telescope is better suited for observing brighter objects such as the Moon, planets, double stars, and planetary nebulae. Galaxies require telescopes with apertures of at least 150-200 mm and better light-gathering capacity for detailed observation. Advanced optical designs like reflector or catadioptric telescopes are more capable of observing faint objects. The manufacturer does not recommend this telescope for observing nebulae and galaxies.

Should you buy Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope for astrophotography?

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope is not recommended for astrophotography. Its small 70 mm aperture limits light collection, making detailed image capture of faint objects challenging. The telescope lacks the ability to directly attach a camera, essential for astrophotography. Users can capture images with a smartphone adapter, but results will not match those from dedicated astrophotography equipment. The telescope is better suited for visual observations of the moon, planets, double stars, and some planetary nebulae. It excels as an easy-to-use, app-enabled telescope for beginners exploring the night sky, performing above its price point in terms of ease of use and visual performance.

Is Celestron LT 70AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope portable?

The Celestron LT 70AZ StarSense Explorer Refractor Telescope is highly portable. The telescope weighs only 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg), making it lightweight for transport. The entire kit weighs 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg), remaining manageable for most users. Its compact size of 33 x 7 x 7 inches (84 x 18 x 18 cm) contributes to easy transportation and storage. The lightweight frame and quick setup design allow for easy setup at camping trips or remote observing sites. Users set up the telescope rapidly, enabling quick observing sessions. The tripod’s adjustable height of 45-65 inches (114-165 cm) and 1.25-inch (3.2 cm) leg diameter offer stability while maintaining portability.