Telescope Nerd » Orion Observer 70mm EQ

Orion Observer 70mm EQ

(10 customer reviews)

From: $129.99 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)

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The Orion Observer 70mm EQ is an entry-level refractor telescope with a 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length. It features a sturdy EQ mount with alt-azimuth control, multi-coated achromatic objective lens, and comes with two Kellner eyepieces (10mm and 20mm). Manufactured by Synta, the telescope offers high-quality optics and a zero-backlash focuser for easy tracking of celestial objects at an affordable price point.

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Product Description

The Orion Observer 70mm EQ telescope is a refractor telescope designed for entry-level astronomers. Orion Observer 70mm EQ telescope features a 70mm aperture, 700mm focal length, and a sturdy EQ mount with alt-azimuth control. Multi-coated achromatic objective lens provides excellent optical quality and crisp images. Telescope comes with two Kellner eyepieces (10mm and 20mm) and a zero-backlash focuser for easy tracking of celestial objects. Synta, a well-known manufacturer of astronomical instruments, produces this high-quality, affordable telescope that represents great value for its price.

Should you buy Orion Observer 70mm EQ as your first telescope?

The Orion Observer 70mm EQ is a recommended first telescope for beginners. It offers a good balance between price and performance, allowing new astronomers to start observing without breaking the bank. The telescope provides clear views of the Moon, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings. Its 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length make it suitable for planetary observation. The telescope is easy to set up and use, with an adjustable tripod and equatorial mount for smooth tracking. Portability is a key feature, weighing only 5.5kg and measuring 122x18x18cm. The achromatic refractor design reduces chromatic aberration, though some color fringing may still occur around bright objects. Deep sky objects are challenging to observe due to the small aperture size. Buyers interested in viewing nebulae and galaxies should consider alternatives with larger apertures. Upgrading to a more powerful telescope is possible in the future as astronomy interests develop.

Is Orion Observer 70 Refractor Telescope with Equatorial Mount easy to use?

Orion Observer 70 Refractor Telescope with Equatorial Mount offers ease of use for beginners. Getting started requires time and patience. Setup and alignment take effort initially. Lower price point makes it ideal for astronomy novices. Smooth tracking enables easier night sky observation. Users become proficient with practice, navigating the telescope and mount effortlessly.

Should you buy Orion 70mm Observer EQ Telescope for kids?

The Orion 70mm Observer EQ Telescope is recommended for kids as a solid beginner option. Children can easily use this telescope to learn astronomy basics. The 70mm aperture provides sufficient clarity for viewing celestial objects. The equatorial mount offers poor stability but remains suitable for young users. Setup is straightforward, allowing quick start for observations. The telescope produces crisp images of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. Zero cool-down time enables immediate use after setup. No collimation hassles simplify use for beginners. The affordable price makes it an excellent entry point for astronomy. The scope’s performance exceeds expectations for its price range. Parents should consider a tabletop Dobsonian for a more stable mount. Advanced users will outgrow this telescope and require a larger aperture.

What can you see with Orion Observer 70mm Telescope with Equatorial Mount?

The celestial wonders you can see with Orion Observer 70mm Telescope with Equatorial Mount are outlined below.

  • Rings of Saturn
  • Four largest moons of Jupiter
  • Belts on Jupiter
  • Lunar craters
  • Lunar mountains
  • Lunar lava flows
  • Pleiades (M45)
  • Double Cluster
  • Beehive Cluster (M44)
  • Double star systems
  • Multiple star systems
  • Star clusters
  • Nebulae

Should you buy Orion 70mm Observer Telescope with EQ Mounting System to observe planets?

Yes, you should buy the Orion 70mm Observer Telescope with EQ Mounting System to observe planets. The 70mm aperture refractor telescope collects sufficient light to reveal planetary details like Jupiter’s bands and Saturn’s rings. Its equatorial mount enables smooth tracking of celestial objects across the night sky. The Orion 70mm Observer serves as an excellent beginner telescope, offering good image quality and resolution for planetary observation. The 70mm aperture gathers 36% more light than a 60mm refractor, providing enhanced views of planets and other stellar objects. The telescope’s portable design and easy setup make it ideal for on-the-go astronomy. Regular maintenance, including collimation and proper cool-down time, ensures optimal performance. For beginners interested in planetary observation, the Orion 70mm Observer Telescope offers a solid starting point with room for future upgrades to larger aperture telescopes.

Should you buy Orion Observer 70 Refractor Telescope with Equatorial Mount to observe galaxies?

The Orion Observer 70 Refractor Telescope is not recommended for observing galaxies. Its limited 70mm aperture restricts light-gathering capacity for faint objects like galaxies. Larger telescopes with 150-200mm apertures provide better alternatives for galaxy observation. The equatorial mount challenges beginners with complex setup and tracking. The Observer 70 excels as an affordable, portable entry-level scope for brighter celestial objects. Its refractor design and aluminum tube offer easier maintenance. Experienced astronomers find it useful as a secondary telescope for quick observing sessions or travel. The 700mm focal length suits observation of the Moon and planets. Outreach programs benefit from its simplicity and portability. Observers serious about galaxy viewing should consider telescopes with minimum 150mm apertures for sufficient light-gathering ability.

Should you buy Orion 70mm Refractor Telescope with EQ Mount for astrophotography?

We strongly advise against purchasing the Orion 70mm Refractor Telescope with EQ Mount for astrophotography. The telescope’s 70mm aperture is insufficient for capturing high-quality images of faint celestial objects. EQ mounts lack the necessary tracking capability to compensate for Earth’s rotation during long exposures. Lower quality accessories provided with this telescope are inadequate for astrophotography needs. Better alternatives exist for astrophotography, such as reflector telescopes with larger apertures and advanced mounts. Dobsonian mounts are preferred due to their stability and tracking capability. Wide field photographs require a tracking mount to ensure sharp images, which this telescope lacks. Advanced mounts with computerized tracking and precise control are essential for successful astrophotography.

Is Orion Observer 70 Refractor Telescope with Equatorial Mount portable?

The Orion Observer 70 Refractor Telescope with Equatorial Mount is highly portable. Its optical tube detaches from the equatorial mount via a dovetail attachment for easy transport. The entire system weighs only 5.5kg, making it lightweight compared to other telescopes. The mount features a sturdy yet lightweight steel structure requiring less maintenance. Adjustable tripod legs allow setup on uneven terrain. Users can quickly assemble and disassemble the telescope for quick observations or relocation. The compact size and detachable components facilitate storage and transportation to different observing sites.

Specifications

Telescope type

Refractor

Optics structure

Achromatic Refractor

Optical design

Refractor

Optics material

Glass

Aperture size

70mm

Focal length

700mm

Limiting stellar magnitude

11.7

Focal ratio

f/10

Aperture ratio

1:10

Resolution limit

1.91 arcseconds

Resolving capacity

1.91 arcseconds

Light gathering capacity

100

Lowest useful magnification

14x

Maximum useful magnification

140x

Tube material

Aluminum

Tube diameter

80mm

Type of focuser

Rack-and-Pinion

Eyepiece size

1.25"

Magnification of eyepiece

10mm, 20mm

Mount type

Equatorial

Mount structure

Steel

GoTo controls

No

Motors

No

Type of electronics

None

Batteries

None

Power supply

None

WiFi

No

GPS

No

Includes hand controller

No

Tripod height

63-90cm

Tripod leg diameter

1.25"

Tripod material

Steel

Finderscope

6×30

Barlow lens

No

Size dimensions

122x18x18cm

Weight

5.5kg

Portability

Good

Ease of use

Easy

Assembly

Required

Release date

2015

Brand

Orion

Telescope series

Observer

Manufacturer

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

Country made in

China

10 reviews for Orion Observer 70mm EQ

  1. gcampos (verified owner)

    It’s a great beginner scope, well-made and sturdy. Setup was challenging due to poor instructions, but I got it running after some trial and error. The smooth panhead makes navigating the night sky easy.

  2. Lewis (verified owner)

    Orion Observer 70 EQ Refractor Telescope took only half an hour to assemble. Sun viewing performance stood out immediately. A solar filter allows completely safe sun observation.

  3. Emily (verified owner)

    Assembly was a breeze, taking only about an hour with clear instructions. Tracking celestial objects is simple. Views of the moon and planets are incredibly clear. Focusing is effortless with the 1.25-inch eyepiece holder. Compact size makes the telescope portable for stargazing adventures. Blue color adds a nice aesthetic touch. Early morning planet observations have been fantastic.

  4. udavis (verified owner)

    The mount is completely intuitive, making navigation a breeze. Portability is a major plus – it’s lightweight and perfect for trips or storing in smaller spaces.

  5. Jason (verified owner)

    Orion Observer 70 EQ Refractor Telescope’s smaller size is a pro for portability and easy storage. Excellent image quality provides crisp, clear views of the moon and planets. Decently detailed views of Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s rings are visible.

  6. Genésio (verified owner)

    Orion Observer 70 EQ Refractor Telescope delivers impressive visual quality for observing the night sky. The 70mm aperture works great for viewing the moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. Jupiter and Saturn appear crisp and clear through this scope. Moon details are stunning – craters and mountains are easily visible. The panhead tripod is sturdy and user-friendly. Tracking objects across the sky is simple with this setup. The equatorial mount impresses me by allowing smooth object tracking over extended periods. Instructions could be better for early setup.

  7. kevin38 (verified owner)

    The views are stunning – I’ve seen moon craters and planets with amazing clarity. Solar viewing is a pro feature, letting us safely observe the sun. It’s bigger than expected but still portable. The EQ mount excels at tracking celestial objects. I invested in a separate tripod, which was an added expense but worth it. Affiliate marketers exaggerate its capabilities for far-away objects.

  8. Jonathan Gonzalez (verified owner)

    The Orion 70mm Refractor Telescope impressed me with its pretty look and bold, sturdy EQ mount design. The Orion Observer 70mm Telescope is functional and performs its intended purpose. Great views of the moon and planets are possible with this telescope. Portability is a plus due to its relatively small and lightweight design. Perfect for camping trips and observing the night sky without much hassle. Mount stability is a major issue. Shaky mount makes solid focus difficult on observed objects. Creative ways to stabilize the mount are necessary but can be a pain.

  9. harry26 (verified owner)

    The equatorial mount is smooth and sturdy, making object tracking easy. The achromatic lens provides clear, detailed views with minimal chromatic aberration. I’ve observed the moon’s craters and mountains in impressive detail, and even spotted planets and their moons. Setup is relatively straightforward with detailed instructions. The telescope can be unstable if not properly set up, so careful instruction-following is important.

  10. Emeline (verified owner)

    Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope features a smooth panhead mount, making celestial object tracking a breeze. Lightweight design was a key factor in my decision.

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