Celestron AstroMaster 70az - Review, Assembly, & Testing

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hello Stargazers! We're excited to announce that we're now on Patreon! Follow us for behind-the-scenes footage from LearnToStargaze and updates on the development of our stargazing retreat, "Stargaze Nova Scotia." www.patreon.com/LearnToStargaze

[@beansinacan500]

I got the 70az and I was shocked at how well I could see the Orion nebula and other objects in the sky. I even live in the middle of a city that's pretty bright at night too

[@chinnu0075]

Is it easy to assemble? I'm a beginner and have no idea how to use a telescope. All I want is sturdy, portable and a telescope to watch moon and stars and take pictures! Can I go for it? Plz let me know🥺

[@beansinacan500]

@@chinnu0075 it's pretty easy to set up. It was my first ever telescope and it took me 10 minutes to set it up. Be sure to align the red dot finder during the day that way all you have to do at night is point it at what you want to look at and enjoy the view!

[@chinnu0075]

@@beansinacan500 can you tell me how do I align that red dot? Please don't mind my continuous queries 🫣

[@beansinacan500]

@@chinnu0075 well you turn it on, aim your telescope at a chimney, tree top or something you can see clearly through the telescope. I can't stress this enough, DO NOT POINT THE TELESCOPE ANYWHERE NEAR THE DIRECTION OF THE SUN. Then look through the finder with it on and turn the adjustment screws until the dot or cross hair is aligned perfectly with what the scope is looking at

[@chinnu0075]

@@beansinacan500 thanks alot mate! I'll keep this in mind👍

[@henri-julienchartrand3387]

I just loved the math and your pratical approach at the end with real people. I want to see more!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback!!!

[@mattcolby1999]

I just picked this one up for 50 dollars. I was hesitant because the reviews aren't the best, but this video reassured me. I've always wanted a telescope and I couldn't pass up that price. I live in a rural area with no light pollution and can't wait for a clear night to go stare at the moon now.

[@southwestadventures5508]

How did you get on buddy?

[@w3tua]

I saw this model at Walmart for $70 just before Christmas 2021. Ed Ting rails against buying telescopes from a place such as this but it was too cheap to pass up. It's been a great scope so far. To improve it much more, I bought a Neewer tripod which is much steadier.

[@southwestadventures5508]

@@w3tua Worth getting then as a beginner?

[@robertsonsid]

The Chromatic Aberration Index (CAI) is quite different between the scopes. The 100mm F6.5 has a CAI of 1.7 where as the 70mm F10 has a CAI of 3.6. The Sidgwick standard is 3.0 for good color dispersion for good planetary images. Use the 100mm for DSO's and the 70mm for planets.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Go to know. I somehow was unfamiliar with the CAI! I just learned something. Thank you!

[@millenialfalcon8243]

BUYERS BEWARE: Differences between the AstroMaster 70az and the AstroMaster "LT" 70az. LT 70az is 70mm, 700mm focal length, f/10 ratio 70az is 70mm, 900mm focal length, f/13 ratio Higher f/ ratio will result in higher magnification with the same eyepiece and a narrower field of view. Good for moon, planets and smaller bright DSO's like clusters and double stars. The other BIG difference is the f/13 70AZ comes with a much better, heavier built tri-pod mount. The legs are larger in diameter and the mount head is larger and better built.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

I have 70 AZ ,70 mm .900mm focal length.could you tell me which Barlow lens I should use and should I go for 5 mm or 6mm eye piece?

[@millenialfalcon8243]

@@ranjitkoothuparambil9782 What eyepiece and barlow you use will depend on what object you are looking at and what your sky condition will allow. With your scope's diameter of 70mm, the highest magnification you should use is about 150x. With your 900mm focal length, this would need a 6mm eyepiece (or 12mm with 2x barlow) My recommendation for this scope. Replace the diagonal with Celestron #94115-A. Then get some good Plossl eyepieces. WIthout a barlow: 30-32mm, 23-25mm, 17-20mm, 12-14mm, 8-9mm, 6-7mm. With a good 2x barlow: 30-32mm, 23-25mm, 17-20mm, 12-14mm. Or... get a zoom. A decent inexpensive zoom is the Svbony SV135. It covers 7-21mm. Pair this with some wider view Plossls, 30-32mm and 23-25mm. Barlow optional.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

@@millenialfalcon8243 thank you so much these valuable tips !

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

To start with I will buy Celestron 94115-A with Svbony Wide Angle Eyepieces 1.25", Telescope Eyepieces 6mm. Expecally to see Jupiter and its moon and Saturn .is this ok combination to start ?

[@millenialfalcon8243]

@@ranjitkoothuparambil9782 Yes, with the 6mm you will see Saturn's rings and the color bands of Jupiter and its moons. They will be small and dim but that is about the limit of the 70az. If you want more, you will need a larger diameter scope. A 102mm is a good size to start with. Much brighter and will begin to show dimmer objects like the brighter nebulas and galaxies. But if you have the money, GO BIG. Or stay small (with shorter focal length) and get a tracking mount and camera for EAA (electronically assisted astronomy) Looking at that eyepiece, I would pay another $10-15 for the SV135 7mm-21mm zoom instead. But the 6mm would go well with the 20mm and 10mm you should have received with the scope.

[@scotttaylor7084]

Thanks for the review. I gifted a small telescope to my granddaughter and we are reviewing the book 50 Things to see with a Telescope Kids. I always learn from your books even though I have other books. Keep up the great work teaching us what we can see in the night sky!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks Scott!

[@Ginzaloon]

I have been wanting to get a Telescope 🔭 for the last two years but couldn’t find something with in my budget due to my coin collecting hobby.. I just scooped this 70AZ from the Walmart Clearance Section for no BS $50.00. It’s a full moon tonight and hope I have enough time to get this bad boy set up & get to check out the moon tonight…. Thanks for the tips in this video!!

[@w3tua]

I bought one at Walmart a few months ago for $70 and it's a great little scope. The tripod stinks but I bought a better one, which I also use for photography, and it's doing a great job.

[@notarobloxplayer993]

bro 50???. your luck, btw im planning to get this one

[@TwoBs]

My son just got this one for Christmas from my mom, and we have been pretty surprised with what we’ve been able to view during the day (rural WV, so we can see some pretty good details on the mountains if we look hard enough) but it has been cloudy and rainy every single night since getting it. 😩 We went ahead and installed the software that came with it and registered the product, which isn’t too bad, but we’ll look into the software you use. Obviously, we’re total noobs with all of this. Most we have had over the years were the cheap little telescopes you can get for kids for under $50 which obviously wasn’t going to ever give us a clear view of much, but they were nice to have to teach him the basics of using one and learning about the typical parts one will have. This one has been a gem, though, considering it was a gift. It will be a good one to use. Thanks for the video review!

[@MoreAnarchylol]

Man is a chad for still responding to comments

[@LearnToStargaze]

Isn’t being a “Chad” like being a “Karen”?

[@MoreAnarchylol]

@@LearnToStargaze No it’s like being a very good person

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@MoreAnarchylol ok, I’ll accept that :-)

[@esferaceleste3813]

Hi. My theory is that Astrobiscuit experimented with tiny reflecting telescopes that have low F ratios and very large central obstruction compared to the tiny mirrors. An unobstructed telescope, such as the tiny refractor, will outperform Newtonian telescopes in contrast and resolution, but it´s also true that less aperture can bypass the effects of bad seeing.

[@cassadylight2913]

You just spoke Greek to me

[@joehonzynethddagatay3505]

I also know astrobicuit but both of the refelcter are not the same miror but both of the still failed

[@esferaceleste3813]

@@joehonzynethddagatay3505 Yes, there´s another weird thing about fast F ratios in reflector telescopes. The thing is that they are made with the sole porpouse of collecting light and perform better for wide field objects and nebulae (low power). This is because it´s too laborious to parabolize short F ratio mirrors in order to produce a good image on planets. Refractors can tolerate bad optics and miscolimation effects rather than reflectors. That is why sellers will always say that refractors are very good for planets but reflectors are only good for deep space which is of course a false statement. If you buy a good parabolic reflector or make it on your own, you can reach same visual quality as a refractor, only if optics quality is the same or better than refractor of same aperture and focal ratio.

[@muratd.2]

Thank you. Just fyi, i recently purchased 70az and it came with 90 degree eyepiece.

[@jaimewhynot9929]

Another great review! I have 3 of your books, they are great references to help plan my observing sessions and great to have when I'm out observing as well!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Awesome!

[@davidbentley8848]

Thanks for the vid, pondering buying my first telescope so enjoyed the rundown of the 70az. p.s. Pink Bunny is Awesome, another shout out to His Royal Biscuitness, ..😂😂

[@marcmears3398]

About 30yrs ago I did an experiment with three telescopes. A 6", a 8" and a 10", all had excellent optics.I spent a week of observing Jupiter going back and forth between each scope on the same night to see if on a night of average seeing if a smaller aperture would give better results. The conclusion was that when the seeing was bad none of the scopes performed well. On nights of average seeing the 10" intermittently outperformed all other scopes, giving more color and more contrast. On nights of good seeing all I can say is I wish I had a 12" scope!! bigger is better.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great experiment!

[@marcmears3398]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks, through this experiment I leaned that on most nights nothing beats aperture provided your scope is truly diffraction limited.

[@rcuevasvidea]

I have had both aperture refractors, Meade brand, and definitely the small aperture is better in visual of planetary than the large. However the large aperture refractors are good for DSO.

[@jericsec1358]

This is so beautiful, ive got a F70060 a cheap Chinese made telescope, however im still happy to have one, once in a while im bringing my telescope to a park where less fortunate children's are playing at night and conduct a free moon viewing to them, which made them really happy, Wishing to have one of this telescope 🙏🙏, that i can bring to a remote mountainous area and conduct a moon viewing in schools ,,

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great comment!

[@davidhoskin6144]

Congrats on another great astro video for amateur astronomers on a budget!

[@coreystamper8248]

What nooo

[@millenialfalcon8243]

Wish the StarSense version of this 70AZ scope was available in the US. Only the 80AZ StarSense and larger offered here.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Isn’t the 70 on the yoke & rod mount? If I recall, that’s one of those astronomy repellant mounts.

[@millenialfalcon8243]

@@LearnToStargaze Think that was only the PowerSeeker version. Other versions were not that I've seen. Pics of the StarSense version its hard to tell it apart from the 80az. Maybe the info or pics are mixed up.

[@millenialfalcon8243]

@@LearnToStargaze Main reason I wished the 70az was offered here was because it is the cheapest way to get the StarSense system. If I remember correctly, back in BC (Before Covid) the StarSense 70az was about $130 and the 80az was $180. I wanted the 70az to take the phone bracket off and put it on my Dob. Maybe use the scope as a finder one day after I can get a much larger Dob to put it on. 😁 I ended up getting the Popular Science 100az when it came out and use it as my grab-n-go. $100 less than the 102az made "Sense" to me. Paired with a Baader Zoom I already had makes it a simple, robust, capable, and portable scope. Have you been able to hands-on compare the 100az to the 102az? Curious if there is any real performance difference to justify the $100 price difference ($135 diff right now as the 100az is on sale at Celestron)

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@millenialfalcon8243 I think the 100 and the 102 are the same lens (Check the focal length, if they're both 660, it's the same. For the Starsense, I purchased a used Starsense 114 from $100 on B&H photo (used), and put the starsense on a Dob.... you can see the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYvWZmSwo7uHo8U

[@millenialfalcon8243]

@@LearnToStargaze That is my guess as well but some on Cloudy Nights think the 102 really is 2mm wider and claim it has XLT coatings and the 100 does not. They speculate this could add up to 7-10% more light transmission. They also think the 102 has less CA, partially because the 100 has a harder time maintaining collimation due to the plastic focuser vs the metal on the 102. But all I have read is speculation that the 102 gives slightly better views than the 100 but havent seen anyone do a hands-on side by side comparison. Is the 102 really worth an extra $100-$130? BTW, thank you for your replies.

[@christinecoulombe798]

As others have said, mine also came with a 90. Seems they did change that after you purchased yours.

[@raybay6612]

Very informative. Can you do a review on a relatively new contender that seems small yet powerful: Sarblue Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope 60?

[@backinblack1981]

Hey, your video encouraged me to buy this (and my first) telescope! In the USA it's cheap, but here, in Brazil, it costs about USD 500 (!) My idea is to attach it to a mirrorless camera to take some pictures of the Moon and South constellation. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. And congratulations for the sympathetic and didactic presentation of the equipment.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! Congrats on the new telescope! It would be easier to just use a phone camera for the Moon and planets. You probably won’t be able to photograph anything else no matter what camera you use. Best to enjoy the telescope for what it is designed for, using just your eyes.

[@backinblack1981]

@@LearnToStargaze Tks again!

[@hayannerodrigues1855]

Como está sua experiência com este modelo Hector?

[@Astronomer118]

Nice video i am looking for a phone adapter that is suitable for a 20 and 4 mm eyepiece any suggestions?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Currently there is only one phone adapter that functions well, the Celestron NeXYZ. Even this can be quite a challenge on very small telescopes.

[@BackwoodsNation]

I just bought mine and it come with a 90 and not a 45.. Just a heads up they may have made some changes.

[@marcosfilipeandrade9382]

I bought a 70az and I'm really enjoying it. Since I bought it, I've been able to see Jupiter and its 4 moons. I'm waiting for a suitable day to see the moon. I still haven't been able to see Saturn. I live in Brazil. Here it costs 481,27 dollars. Yes, its very expensive in my country, so sad.

[@LearnToStargaze]

If you’re having fun, that’s awesome!

[@sancoll]

e ai td bem? estou pensando em pegar o 70az pela Celestron Brasil, você ainda tem ele? ainda acha que valeu a compra? conseguiu ver a Lua? Saturno? abraços!

[@markdombek2551]

Good review all around and it is most certainly agreed that AstroBiscuit did a fine, comparative review of the 60mm f/12 version of this telescope ('Incredible Telescope for Under £100'), which is definitely worth viewing.

[@APlayerinVR]

I just bought myself the LT 70AZ for Christmas, to use for astrophotography but also for terrestrial photography as a cheaper zoom lens. I chose it because of the Astro Biscuit video you mentioned, and also because this telescope was less than half the price of a 500MM F/6.3 'proper' camera lens. I hope it works well and I have found a loophole in the very much over-priced camera telephoto lens conspiracy :) I should get it in 2 days or so.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think the askar FMA 180 is the loophole. The 70az is doublet optics, so you’ll have aberrations. Telescopes designed for taking photos have “APO” in the specs.

[@APlayerinVR]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks for the info. I wish I had asked here before purchasing :). I am going to try out the LT 70AZ, since it is on the way already. But I will definitely remember the "APO" spec, and the askar FMA 180, if the LT 70AZ is not working for me, thank you.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

It would be interesting to see the 70/700 mm vs the ES 102/1000 mhz, both are F10. I guess the planet looked better with the 70/700 mm than with the F6.5 102 mm OMNI because of the higher focal length / F-ratio. But i bet it will look much better with the 102/1000 mm ES than with the 70/700 mm since they have the same F-ratio.

[@LearnToStargaze]

F ratio should not really matter for visual astronomy. Only aperture determines the resolution. Higher focal lengths only help in so much as it helps reduce chromatic aberration in poor optics.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@LearnToStargaze in that case if I understood correctly, when there are atmospheric turbulences it could be that a telescope with a smaller aperture delivers a better image than a bigger one ? But when the sky is clean, with no turbulences, the telescope with the bigger aperture is better ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@3dfxvoodoocards6 in very specific circumstances it’s possible that a smaller aperture telescope could show better performance, according to one of my astrophysicists text books, and some subjective observations of Jupiter. But fundamentally, aperture determines resolution, so you would never choose smaller aperture telescope for this reason.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you for your answer :)

[@jaychunkylee]

Can you attach a sony alpha a55 slt to this scope

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sure, just a t-adapter and a $2400 EQ6R pro to keep it stable. (The images still won’t be very good though).

[@jaychunkylee]

@@LearnToStargaze its just for the moon so I can get used to using a scope then eventually I'll upgrade my scope and tripod to go deeper

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@jaychunkylee I wouldn't bother a cell phone would probably take just as good of an image through the telescope. Your camera lens has about the same resolution as the telescope, no need to attach it to a telescope this small.

[@freeman10000]

If I bought this telescope I would put it on a quality steady mount, use premium eyepieces and replace the diagonal. Then you would have a wonderful scope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes. Great for viewing the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter.

[@BeatlesbeBeatles21]

Great video! Thank you for providing such an easy to follow video!

[@lisarobinson2507]

I love, love, love the way you explain and really take time by actually doing the math on the white board. Beginner here so this was so vital. Have all the books in my cart!! Can you recommend the best 90 degree diagonal for this telescope??

[@LearnToStargaze]

For a 1.25 inch diagonal, I just bought a basic one on amazon for about $30. Thanks for your wonderful feedback on the video (sorry I'm just seeing this now)!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

I recently bought a used Celestron Astromaster Lt 70az ($17) and a Celestron Inspire 90az ($45) on Ebay.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Are you having fun with those?

[@jds2.o289]

I just picked one up from walmart for 58$ excited to see the night sky with my kid

[@ShyamSingh._]

I think focal length for 70az astromaster is 900mm

[@LearnToStargaze]

There are two versions at different focal lengths.

[@Funkywallot]

Im confused. The title says AstroMaster 70az, while you clearly see the print AstroMaster LT 70 on the tube ? What ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

AZ is simply the style of mount. There are two versions of this scope, the LT version has a slightly shorter focal length, but the same aperture.

[@Funkywallot]

@@LearnToStargaze Maybe Im a little slow ... your review is about the 70 Az but the telescope shown in the video is a LT70 ? And what telescope are you reviewing ? The AZ or the LT ? Sorry for nitpicking LOL. Oh wait...I got it now... Its the american way of removing certain letters in the description, Its the AstroMaster LT70az, right ? Like the car Mustang and not the " Ford Mustang" Yeah, Im used to it now lol

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Funkywallot they are both the 70az.

[@sudzyplayz516]

Love your fifty things to see with a small telescope book!

[@LearnToStargaze]

That's a classic! If you liked that book, you'll love 110 Things to See with a Telescope, or 50 Things to See on the Moon.

[@markwiygul6356]

So for the moon or jupiter or saturn, the 70mm would out perform the 100mm because to gather less shimmering light in a poor atmosphere? and possibly way out perform a 10" dobsonian under those same poor atmosphere conditions? I don't think so. I've looked through a 100mm short f5 focal length telescope and a 60mm long f11 focal length telescope (and a 10" f8 dob), and for those bright objects the 60mm outperforms the 100mm but not the 10" dob, but it's because of the focal length, which gives you a crisper sharper image under the same magnification. The dob is a medium focal length, and the massive increase in aperature more than offsets a small tradeoff in focal length. But with the 100mm short focal length refractor, the 60 or 70 mm refractor will have less lens aberration too. The only benefit of the short focal length is lower magnification and larger field of view, and cheaper to manufacture and ship, lowering costs, and also being less wobbly on a skinny economy tripod (since it weighs less). If you want to look at the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars or Venus, go with a long focal length of at least f10

[@LearnToStargaze]

Depends on sky conditions. Obviously resolution increases with aperture.

[@nathankovoor223]

You think Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ Telescope is better to get since it’s kinda between 70AZ and 100AZ

[@LearnToStargaze]

Slightly better than the 70az. But still designed primarily for the Moon and planets.

[@nathankovoor223]

@@LearnToStargaze All right, thanks for answering my questions. I’m planning to get this for Christmas, so I just want to know which is the right to get.

[@JohnReadAuthor]

@@nathankovoor223 the Celestron Omni 102az from Costco in the US is currently the way to go.

[@DavidMFChapman]

I am enjoying the high-quality videography and editing! Regarding the views in smaller apertures, I recall watching the transit of Venus (across the Sun) in 2012. Casual observers said they preferred the view in my 70 mm refractor and my friends 50 mm refractor compared with the bigger telescopes at the observing event.

[@tofifichannel7199]

Really nice video, a great review!!!

[@Polaflamme]

Loved your video. From today, which one would you recommend me between this one and the Orion 10015e?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi and thanks! Try the Z130, should be the same price/style as the Orion, but better equipped.

[@jhonnyblossom3034]

I am watching this video because today I bought the same telescope at Walmart for $70.dollars 👍👍👍👍✌

[@jsdrumming]

Which one would be better to see the moon? I thought at the end he would do more comparison.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I did a short on that. Look up “Moon through 10 telescopes”

[@angelsmith1761]

Please do a review of the small Sarblue (Acuter) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope 60mm. Seems to be quiet good for such a tiny and compact unit.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I might someday, but on paper, the telescope fails all 5 tests that determine the minimum acceptable quality for an entry level telescope.

[@angelsmith1761]

I saw this video about it ,and the review was quite deep He seems to know his stuff...kzbin.info/www/bejne/apS5mpdvlr2eeposi=4kdLsNlb3IAyP55b

[@angelsmith1761]

@@LearnToStargaze kzbin.info/www/bejne/apS5mpdvlr2eeposi=4kdLsNlb3IAyP55b

[@amberlynn8260]

Hi its me again lol, i have a question, do u recommend a barlow lens to look further? Im a newbie but would like to do a deeper dive into the sky... And if so, do you recommend a certain one for the celestron astromaster az? your vids are great btw!! Learning lots!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! No, Barlows are typically more trouble then they’re worth. With telescopes, typically less magnification is better since it makes targets easier to find.

[@MrBloonbloon]

Does the distortion get worse or better with a dobsonion? I am thinking of buying 8in one, for 700 cdn(is that standard price?). plus 50 shipping to canada. Also can i just plant the dob on the side of the road to view things or does it need something else below it outside. Thank you for your videos. I really want to show my parents some of sky objects.

[@freeman10000]

I have an 8" (200mm) Dobsonian reflector and an 80mm refractor. The views of Jupiter and Saturn are definately better in the larger telescope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The resolution in the dobsonian is far superior, that will more than compensate for almost any small aperture seeing advantage. Also, the 70mm's advantage ends at the Moon and planets. The dobsonian is far better at deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.

[@thelegend27_oc91]

Woah! I stumbled on here looking for a long focal length telescope for my planetary setup, and I ended if finding the author of one of my favorite stargazing books! Small world I guess?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Which stargazing book is your favorite?

[@supermario8416]

Can you please tell me the size of the tripod legs of the 70 and 100 mm version ? Does the 70 mm version have 1.25 inch legs and the bigger 100 mm one 1.75 inch tripod legs ? On the Celestron site, both are listed as having 1.25 inch legs but I can clearly see in your video that the 100 mm has bigger legs that the 70 mm.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I have no idea, I traded this telescope for a guitar.

[@ka_shh]

Hey, do I need to buy a 6mm or maybe 15 mm eyepiece along with this telescope ? For getting bigger and clearer images of planets or should I buy a 2x barlow instead? Or are the 10mm and 20mm eyepieces that come with it are enough ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

A barlow would be fine for magnifying the planets. A proper eyepiece would cost slightly more than the telescope (a 10mm badder Hyperion I believe is about $160 USD). Seeing the planets “clearer” would require a larger aperture telescope.

[@vuarizonagarden]

Hi, is there any eye piece that i can buy that would allow more magnification to see Jupiter better for this telescope? Or the 10mm is the max? Thanks.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’ve found that higher quality eyepieces help with contrast and clarity, these typically cost about the same price or more as the telescope, a 10mm Baader Hyperion for example. This telescope has a very small aperture, so that’s going to be the limiting factor.

[@vuarizonagarden]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks.

[@Wilkos777]

@10:00, why is it that viewing Jupiter from Earth is like viewing light under/through water, aka refracted light?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Because the atmosphere is essentially a fluid. That’s why all the best telescopes are located in Space.

[@Wilkos777]

@@LearnToStargaze I broke in a Celestron Astromaster 70. I viewed the full moon last night, 70mm aperture. I'm a pro now. 👍🏼

[@wogboy12]

G’day mate. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺. Can you please tell me the phone mounts that you have for the Celestron 70AZ please. Thanks and Happy New Year 👍

[@LearnToStargaze]

I use the Celestron NeXYZ. Cheers!

[@jessjoy722]

I have this telescope and have tried everything and the view is still blurry. I'm new to this, but I absolutely love space. Can you help me at all?

[@LearnToStargaze]

What eyepiece combinations have you tried? Does the focuser move all the way in and out?

[@kyleighthornton4440]

I just got a telescope from a garage sale but it can only see close up and is very blurry when i am trying to focus on something like the moon. Do you possibly know why?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Probably only included a 4mm eyepiece. Get a 25mm plossl eyepiece from Amazon, that should help.

[@jonathanwalton999]

What do you think of the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ

[@LearnToStargaze]

The telescope is too small and the mount is too flimsy. StarSense is cool though, just not the LT versions.

[@02jabjim]

Hi John , I just recently came across this telescope used , but the mount is broken , could you tell me another mount I can get ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’ve been fixing my mounts with “Fix-it Stick All Purpose Bonding Putty”. You should try that first. Mounts at this price point tend to cost more than telescopes.

[@02jabjim]

@@LearnToStargaze ok cool I’ll def try that first , would a camera tripod work ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@02jabjim I camera tripod may screw into the telescope, but it won't work well for tracking objects or pointing high in the sky.

[@02jabjim]

@@LearnToStargaze ok cool , Thank you John 💫

[@keeplookingup911]

Can you review the most powerful commercial telescope - Intermediate and professional level

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’m not sure planewave would send me their intermediate telescope, (about $20,000) but there’s no harm in asking. Commercial professional telescopes like the planewave 150 start around $1,500,000. That’s why most of this channel is beginner telescopes. observatorysolutions.com/planewave-pw1500/

[@eterenostalgia5088]

Here Italy, one question please, is better the Astromaster 102/660 or the Skywatcher Heritage 130/650 (Newton with parabolic mirror) ???

[@LearnToStargaze]

Personally I’d go with the 102 refractor. I just wish it had slow motion controls. A lot of people like the Heritage 130, but it’s basically a tabletop scope, which I don’t find as pleasing to use.

[@FueledbyFaith]

I see comments talking about changing out the eyepieces and the diagonal for this scope to improve it. As a newbie to telescopes, are all these universally changeable? Or should I try to buy a new diagonal/barlow/eye pieces from the same company?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’d say 99% of sub $1000 telescopes take 1.25 inch eyepieces. Larger more expensive telescopes also take 2 inch diameter eyepieces.

[@mrbb8982]

Are you able to use a barlow lense with the 70az?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, just make sure it’s a high quality one, and try not to go over the telescope’s max useful magnification of 140.

[@BosoxPatsfan603]

I just picked this up yesterday and I only paid $31. I haven't put it together yet but will be very soon.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Be sure to check out Jupiter in the west before it’s too low. Tonight will be all about the Moon.

[@tngirl341]

I got mine 3 days ago at Walmart for $80!!! Exact same telescope 😁

[@annabelcarrizal7400]

R u having the same issue with reverse image?

[@michaelxdykstra]

how does one know when is a good night to view? (moon jupiter saturn)

[@LearnToStargaze]

I use the free app Stellarium to plan my observing.

[@tejusvjoshi9101]

Is it a good deal for 160$? Or should I get an Astromaster 102AZ with a 2x barlow for 357$? (My budget goes better with the 70mm). Should i wait and increase my budget for the 102??

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 70 is a toy telescope, good for the Moon and Jupiter, Saturn etc. the 102 AZ is an okay beginner telescope with its higher aperture. $375 is a LOT for the astromaster 102. A used 102, like the Skywatcher Star Travel 102 can usually be found for under $250.

[@LearnToStargaze]

This often shows up used or on sale: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1466510-REG/sky_watcher_s10100_startravel_102mm_f_4_9_refractor.html

[@tejusvjoshi9101]

@@LearnToStargaze The problem is that I live in India and the prices I told you are the only available deal. For getting the 102 I would need to save more for at least 1 year. Should i get the 70AZ or will the wait make a huge difference?

[@LearnToStargaze]

You might try the used market or building your own if you want to take the hobby seriously. Have you joined an astronomy club?

[@tejusvjoshi9101]

@@LearnToStargaze Hey, I just surfed and found some1 selling the astromaster 130 eq for the same prize as 70 AZ. Should i get the 130 eq reflector?

[@azena.]

Breaking out the Maths there! Love it ❤❤

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup!

[@davidsimard1522]

By using a filter to color the objet would that work ????

[@LearnToStargaze]

If you want to turn the Moon red for Halloween I guess.

[@hmuphilly9129]

What kind or chair is best are there specific chairs for viewing at stars? I have bad neck pain and scholiosis

[@LearnToStargaze]

There are what’s called zero gravity chairs. Also refractors are not a great option if you have neck issues since the eyepiece can get quite low. A telescope like the DX 5 would be a better option. Newtonians would also be better, but they would be much larger than the DX 5 (which is an SCT) for the same level of performance.

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@LearnToStargaze but newtonians and cassgrains need to be checked more for colimation Can you perhaps film a through video how to on colimation?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@hmuphilly9129 I’ve done 4 or 5 videos they include collimation of Newtonians. SCTs tend to be well collimated at the factory.

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@LearnToStargaze ill take a look see, though how come the starsense SCT is only UK shipped?

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@LearnToStargaze I saw a astro chair around 300 dollars my god. I could get a telescope for that price lol

[@redlinedfeerex3011]

Just purchased the 70az for $78 at Walmart as a gift for someone .

[@semmicolon]

astro biscuit recomended the 60az, which is cheaper than the 70az... is there a major difference between these?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Just a bit of aperture (more means better resolution) and light gathering. Otherwise they’re both pretty underpowered for anything other than very basic objects.

[@alexutzu24ianuarie]

Man your channel is great

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@robinmabbott7334]

13:10 why are the images of Jupiter jumping all over the screen ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Because the mount cannot hold the weight of the camera, and I’m struggling to hold it on target.

[@SeepyWeeps]

Thanks for the video! Can I get some help with something? I have the same tripod, I got it second hand, and when the telescope is tilted up a little bit it just falls down. I can't seem to get in under the big orange plastic peices to tighten anything and i dont want to risk breaking it because i dont know what im doing. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The panhandle should twist clockwise to tighten that axis.

[@SeepyWeeps]

Well I'm not embarrassed at all considering it was in your video and i somehow missed it.. my bad, thank you!

[@l.cjohn.8531]

I have a question If I take x2 barlow to az70 can I see the Orion and DSO?

[@LearnToStargaze]

You can see Orion in binoculars. Remember, Barlows are for planets. For DSOs, generally less magnification is better. The biggest determinant of your ability to see deep sky objects is the darkness of your skies. That said, a 70mm telescope is a bit on the small side for deep sky objects other than Orion and a few others.

[@l.cjohn.8531]

@ thanks for your answer I’m just starting look up the sky and wanna find my first telescope, I hesitating between Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ, Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ and Starsense LT 80AZ. Wich one is a good telescope for newbie like me? Can you help me

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@l.cjohn.8531please watch my video “A telescope for every budget”. I cover this in great detail.

[@l.cjohn.8531]

@@LearnToStargaze

[@l.cjohn.8531]

@@LearnToStargaze thank you so much now I have found my first telescope for me now. Have a good day

[@UTubeSL]

Thanks for this. Subscribed! You were interested in feedback. Firstly, loved the application of your degree! Gives you a great differentiator and potential new angle to others. Secondly, you mentioned checking later in the video whether the resolution of the moon would be noticeably different, so would have been great to see that, perhaps like Jupiter, through the smartphone and getting your comments on it. Thanks again and have a great weekend!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately we did not get to see the Moon in the weeks after filming but before we released the video. It’s been quite cloudy here in Halifax!

[@prissyFoshizzy]

I need help! I'm suspecting my lt70 was dropped. I don't see no lense broken, but now I can find the moon (or the light from the moon) but it won't focus!!! Any thoughts??

[@LearnToStargaze]

Try the scope during the day on distant objects like trees and buildings. Only use the highest focal length eyepiece. Align the finder to the telescope just like in this video. Good luck!

[@Rizqi_jo]

Give me the best choice, between produk on this review or celestron starsense explore 80 LT

[@LearnToStargaze]

Neither. Look for a 102mm refractor.

[@Rizqi_jo]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks. Tetapi saya sudah terlanjur membeli refraktor Vixen space 70 AZ. Semoga itu saja cukup

[@pilaipornphupong]

Which celestron starsense is the best ?

[@SanderSmit77]

So the AstroMaster 70LT is 700mm vs the 70 which is 900mm, making the LT very similar to the Powerseeker 70? The Powerseeker mount does have the fine tuning through the lock bar. It does seem the Astromaster comes with better eyepieces, the Powerseeker comes with a 20mm eyepiece and a ridiculous 4mm eyepiece and a poor barlow. The Powerseeker is cheaper though, it might make the most sense to get the Powerseeker with a better quality eyepiece like the 23mm SvBony aspherical 62 degrees for about the same price as this LT? Is this tube metal (the Powerseeker is plastic, might give more reflections?)?

[@millenialfalcon8243]

Just found out the mounts are different too. The mount for the 900mm version has larger diameter legs and a larger, better mount head.

[@certifiedfinancialplanner]

great video. Do you have a recommendation for someone new to astronomy looking for a telescope? something under $300 or so preferably. Any options stand out?

[@LearnToStargaze]

To offer a recommendation, I would need to know more about your stargazing expectations.

[@certifiedfinancialplanner]

@@LearnToStargaze I would say I don't know what I don't know :) New to star gazing and astronomy. For now focus is moon and planets, with other routine stargazing of whatever is possible. Hear about this or often the solomark 70700, but so tough to tell from reviews what to do with a $300 budget.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@certifiedfinancialplanner The solomark is what's know as a hobby killer telescope (skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/choosing-astronomy-equipment/hobby-killers-what-telescopes-not-to-buy/). This is not the time of year to buy a telescope (the good ones are out of stock).For an all-around good beginner telescope at $300, get a 6 inch dobsonian, even if you have to get it on facebook marketplace like I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oobanaarpM2ri5I

[@certifiedfinancialplanner]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks!

[@vintagesupermarkets5210]

@@LearnToStargaze would you recommend the dobsobian vs the 70 mm refractor? I'm a newbie here too.

[@dailyamusing235]

What about the powerseeker70ad?

[@LearnToStargaze]

What about it?

[@ka_shh]

Hi, I need help in figuring out which telescope to buy. Should I go with Astromaster 70az because it has a better az mount or I should go with starsense 80az because of the starsense ? I am really confused and you have tried almost every type out there so I feel like you could help me in making a better choice. (I would prefer something I could go further than planets with, someone in the comments said he was able to see the orion nebula with the 70 az.. )

[@LearnToStargaze]

My requirement is at least 100mm of aperture, more aperture means higher resolution views of the planets. You can see the Orion nebulae without a telescope at all, you just need to know where to look.

[@ka_shh]

@@LearnToStargaze oh okay thank you for advice, I thought of the starsense 114 az version, the one you have also made the video on but I read a lot of reviews where people say that the optics quality isnt that good. I think its best for me to save up a bit and buy a better telescope with more than 100 mm apperture just as u said.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@ka_shh Yes the optics are quite poor. I like the starsense DX series as an extry level telescope, or the classic dobsonian (8 inch is ideal, but the 6 inch versions will do, all brands are pretty much equal when it comes to Dobsonians).

[@niekbakker6443]

great video! i wanna buy a telescope myself, could you do a review on the starsense explorer 70az?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hello! I already reviewed the starsense 114lt. The Starsense App is great, however there is little use for the starsense app on the 70az, since the telescope is simply not very powerful. As I said in this video, a 70mm refractor is good for the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. You don't need Starsense to find those objects.

[@crgamingison8718]

Do u think Celestron Powerseeker 70Az is better than this telescope?

[@LearnToStargaze]

That is effectively the same telescope.

[@crgamingison8718]

@@LearnToStargaze :o

[@nikki49010]

I bought this telescope for my daughter and we see absolutely nothing. Any tips? BTW your math skills are amazing!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the comment! Try practicing during the day on distant objects. Learn to focus the telescope perfectly so that objects are sharp. Then, at night, start with the Moon. Only search for targets with the eyepiece with the larger focal length. Good luck!

[@rebeccawhitaker1736]

Hi, I just got this telescope but the eye piece isn't fixed, I've tried tightening the screws but it still spins around. Is this right?

[@LearnToStargaze]

No, something’s not right. Is there a stripped screw on the diagonal or the focuser assembly itself? Or does the fitting at the end of the focus assembly spin freely?

[@rebeccawhitaker1736]

@LearnToStargaze it was all spinning, I think I have fixed it but I'll let you know later tonight when I use it

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@rebeccawhitaker1736 good luck! If it weren’t so cloudy tonight I’ll take that scope out again and give it a test on some deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, and open clusters M36, M37, and M38. Good luck!!

[@rebeccawhitaker1736]

@LearnToStargaze I didnt realise how cloudy it is, im used to London sky's with hardly any stars so even just looking at the stars in virginia is amazing

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@rebeccawhitaker1736 was surprised how cloudy Virginia was. I was there all summer and only had 3 or 4 nights of clear skies.

[@jonathanmacdonald2416]

What mount is that for the cell phone??

[@LearnToStargaze]

Celestron NeXYZ

[@jonathanmacdonald2416]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Total newbie here

[@GreenScreenBartender]

I'd love for you to review those Gskyer telescopes I see all over Amazon. As a first time buyer I almost got one but after some research (which there's next to nothing to find about them online) they're apparently a Chinese company that's taken a defunct German brand. I see good reviews on Amazon but you can never trust those these days. Would love to finally see a credible review of their products.

[@LearnToStargaze]

See my review of the Celestron travel scope. It’s the same as a Gskyer.

[@ChynaFearsBuckwheat2001]

How long did it take for assembly? Thank you :)

[@LearnToStargaze]

A few seconds? This is just a toy telescope, it’s not that complicated.

[@ChynaFearsBuckwheat2001]

@@LearnToStargaze I just found out. I set up my kid's and when we found the moon, you couldn't really see much details or definition at all.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@ChynaFearsBuckwheat2001you should still see a few hundred craters with relative clarity assuming you’ve got it in focus.

[@ChynaFearsBuckwheat2001]

@@LearnToStargaze Cool, I'll try it again, as I was definitely having troubles with the focus. Thanks for the responses, I appreciate that.

[@DomiNinja66]

What is the difference between the 90° and 45° diagonal?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 45 is for terrestrial observation. It only bends the light path 45 degrees. The 90 is for space, bending the light path 90 degrees.

[@tejusvjoshi9101]

How was your view of saturn?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Never tried it. Traded this scope for a guitar. Saturn would be sharp, but lacking detail in a scope this tiny.

[@annabelcarrizal7400]

Is it that this type of telescrope ur image will be upside down? This is the first time i own one and I wanted a upright image. How can i get this solved, full moon is coming on 17th need help

[@LearnToStargaze]

No it won’t be upside down, but depending on what type of diagonal you are using, it might be a mirror image of your target. If you’re observing the Moon, the book “50 Things To See On The Moon” includes mirror images of each lunar feature designed for those using that type of diagonal.

[@USDM_Jesus]

just got mines first telescope been really struguling but the one thing is that mines came with a 90 degree diagnal

[@thegreatstromboli]

I just got my AstroMaster 70AZ a couple of weeks ago. I like it but want better. I just can't afford it just yet. Oh... I bought my AstroMaster for just $78!!

[@lando_04_]

what is the best barlow for the 70az?

[@LearnToStargaze]

An Svbony Barlow (2x) from Amazon would work fine with that telescope.

[@lando_04_]

@@LearnToStargaze oh ok thanks

[@MasterOoogway69]

I got my telescope the same one and from Christmas and its January and I havnt been able to see the planets because the planets are below me but in the day the oboe mex

[@baneverything5580]

I saw the bands of Jupiter with the 70mm short tube Celestron Travel Scope using the stock 20mm eyepiece and the budget (20 bucks each) Svbony 90 degree diagonal and 2x Barlow for 40x magnification. I also bought their 10mm Plossl for 14 bucks but the Celestron 10mm is fine. These little scopes are very good but the tripod is terrible.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Jupiter is at opposition, you can probably see the bands in a nice pair of binoculars :-)

[@kenny75photography2]

Do you think this telescope is better than some of the harsh reviews it received?

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s good on the Moon and planets, but I would not personally recommend it for personal use, as it’s too small for deep sky objects.

[@datiopoopooo]

how do you find jupiter and other planet’s

[@LearnToStargaze]

Tonight Jupiter is that bright object in the South. But an app like Stellarium can help you identify the planets.

[@wasil3k]

Will it be even better if i use it with S22 ultra?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The phone? Doubtful. But you never know.