Celestron Inspire 100AZ - The perfect Beginner Telescope?

[@Gr13fKvlt]

Being a father is the greatest thing in the world. I can’t wait to do this with my children. Thanks for the review and God bless y’all.

[@thecincinnatikid5133]

Giving this to my daughter tomorrow for her bday she turns 4 tomorrow, and really wants a telescope

[@I_Am_AI_007]

​@@thecincinnatikid5133Heck. I am 25 and planning to buy this thing. Your daughter is 4 and you're gifting this to her which means you're an amazing father.

[@Robert08010]

I think this is an ideal first telescope!! Most people wont really know what they want long term until they have some experience. At $200, this is a great way to get that initial experience and then figure out whether you want to go further and in which direction. For several years I have been recommending the cheaper Celestron 70AZ but seeing this mount and the 100mm aperture, I would definitely go for this. I had a 3 inch reflector as a kid and a 4.5 inch reflector as an adult but neither saw much use because aligning them to find a target is much harder for the beginner. I literally tried the hobby and lost interest twice until I found a refractor, (the Celestron 70AZ) in a thrift store for $50. I instantly found it easier to hit various targets and so spent much more time with it. I even began astrophotography with the 70AZ. So I can personally attest this is a great cross between cheap entry level price and solid features.

[@ssks1979]

Thanks for the review. Learning about what is useful verses a waste of money is a journey in itself for starters like myself.

[@hnry4820]

hey have you managed to pick out a telescope yet?

[@zay6848]

I'm not even super interested in this stuff but the fact this dude doesn't have over 100k subs is crazy.... keep up the great work!!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks! I’ve determined that the KZbin algorithm favours videos created by AI using stock footage. Hard for us humans to get ahead! (Also I need to work on my thumbnails, haha).

[@briansturdy592]

Just ordered one online .....This Celestron Inspire 100AZ looks like a great grab n go telescope which will be used far more than some big heavy set-up that stays inside gathering dust due to the heavy inconvenience of moving it . The telescope used the most is best .

[@LearnToStargaze]

After using this scope for a while, I think the biggest upgrade would be the eyepiece. The ones in the box really hold it back. A zoom eyepiece would be great for the planets, but the investment of a tele vue eyepiece would be a great all around eyepiece. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/329381-REG/Tele_Vue_EAP_20_0_Plossl_20mm_Eyepiece_1_25.html?ap=y&smp=y&srsltid=AQP2TePqW3_0XGqu-96UaIo4Dho7jnOyK1qs8ghIRmKICWyZPA8Z9AvfVGE

[@rickmcelroy7588]

I just bought one for my grandsons. Very informative video!

[@UAa320]

I think I am going to buy this telescope to observe the stars and planets as I am taking an astronomy course and am becoming more familiar with stars and galaxies.

[@Miraa.gamedev]

What course

[@TheKaurK]

Such a FANTASTIC video! So informative and constructive! Thank you for making this :) I have a similar one from Meade (102AZ) I got in 2019. I bought it so as to be able to travel with one. I also bought a high quality zoom lens which is pretty much the only eye piece I use with it now. I'll be taking it for a spin in some dark skies soon enough. Glad to see yours perform so well in dark skies.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I love the zoom eyepiece too! Thanks for the feedback!

[@AnaheimandStanley]

Finally a simple explanation on how to set up the telescope. Maybe Celestron could try to do this.

[@jameschapman4824]

Good review and easy to follow with no unecessary jargon. Many thank . From UK.

[@lomoholga]

Hey! I’m from Cape Breton! Good to see another Bluenoser doing astronomy. Great dark skies

[@LearnToStargaze]

Awesome! I Hope to stargaze from Highlands National park sometime soon!

[@lomoholga]

@@LearnToStargaze taker easy b’y

[@conwaylewis2300]

Thanks for the review! Just bought this for the wife for her birthday. Amazing price difference, I paid $499 in Australia and that was on sale and the best price I could find and I had to wait until it was back in stock!! We call it 'Pacific Inflation! Everything is double the price here!

[@SheltonDCruz]

where you get it from? I am in Brisbane

[@conwaylewis2300]

@@SheltonDCruz Australian Geographic

[@coolcatdrummer]

Just got one for my wife as well. Just waiting for Christmas

[@joseph181516]

What do you think about this one vs Skywatcher Heritage 150P Tabletop Dobsonian ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

That 150 wins on the aperture front. I’m not personally a fan of tabletops, but my kids like them a lot.

[@joseph181516]

@@LearnToStargazeI ended up buying the Orion Observer 134mm cuz the Skywatcher was out of stock everywhere haha. Thanks!

[@rubymoonbeams]

Another great video that is going to be helpful ... now if only I had clear skies now that you solved some mysteries. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@TheWildmanSociety]

Great video! It was put together very well. I am seriously thinking about purchasing this telescope. Happy Stargazing!!!

[@manarijo]

I am interested in your advice on eyepiece accessoriries for th Celestron Omni AZ 102 Telescope. Please provide the brand and lens diameter for Plossl and 2X Barlow eyepieces and what I should purchase for filters to complement my new purchase. Your videos and comments have been very informative and I am looking forward to enjoying your books. Thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

Lots of good eyepiece combinations for this, but much is personal preference as you learn your telescope. The Celestron X-Cel LX would be a good place to start. The 5mm version for planets, and the 25mm for everything else. There is an Omni 2x Barlow that should pair well with the telescope.

[@tonyb.3902]

Very difficult as a beginner to find a quality telescope. This telescopes has gone up to 340 sincen your upload of this review. Ordered telescope and your Moon book. Thanks for your content.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Enjoy the book!

[@BMannien]

Thanks for the review, but I'll wait a little longer before buying my first telescope. The Inspire 100AZ costs about €409,- (=607 Canadian dollars) over here at the moment.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

Also, we talked a bit on another video thread, I like this telescopes features a lot more than the 70az lt that I have, so I think I'll upgrade to this, but I wanted to know from you (granted this would be my only telescope for quite a while) what exactly would you recommend upgrading on this telescope as money becomes available? Eyepieces and 90 degree? I really like the finder scope design on this one.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think the Omni AZ from Costco is the way to go. In the US I hear that it’s $139 right now (not online, you have to go into the store). The Omni uses the same lens as this scope, but you get slow motion controls on the mount, and a two inch focuser.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

@@LearnToStargaze really? We just got a new Costco by my house in AZ so I think I'll do that then, thank you for the recommendation!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Fatal_Inertia hopefully they still have it!

[@Fatal_Inertia]

@@LearnToStargaze I can't find any mention of it on their website so I will go to their store and report back within a few days! If I can't get ahold of that one, would the inspire still be worth getting?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Fatal_Inertia yes, it’s never been on their website. Yes, I like the inspire. I miss the slow motion controls though. The inspire is also a bit heavier.

[@frankieclayton3628]

So very grateful for this information.

[@bryankung]

I love your book and your videos. With this telescope, would I see any improvements by replacing the stock errect image diagonal with a traditional star 90 degree diagonal?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! Glad you like the books! That might make a slight difference. The biggest improvement would be a high quality eyepiece like a 10mm Baader Hyperion.

[@frankieclayton3628]

Thanks so much for this important information. I just bought a telescope!

[@sandiwilliamson2764]

I am new to telescopes. I want one to view mostly planets and stars and I want it to be portable. I am watching this in 2024. Is there an updated one from this one you are showing. This is so cool. Very informative. Thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

There are many versions of the 102mm refractor, they are all pretty good. For portability a 100mm mak telescope would be more ideal for planets ( and general portability)

[@emilye1090]

Thanks for the video. Can you see Saturn's rings without the added Barlow through this telescope?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Absolutely! I viewed Saturn’s rings last night using just the 20mm eyepiece, it appears small but clear as a bell.

[@emilye1090]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you, that's really helpful :)

[@hmuphilly9129]

I wish they provided the red flashlight for the starsense one. That would be a good additional.

[@mypetscatsandfishes4535]

Viewer from Singapore. Gonna shortlist this scope under buying list. Like how the scope is folded and just easily placed into the car. Seems portable and refractor can be double as a spotting scope. Good review!

[@LearnToStargaze]

For sure! If you can't find this is stock. See if you can find the Celestron Omni 102 Az, that scope has basically the same specs, but also includes slow motion controls, which make it even easier to use.

[@keeplookingup911]

I have "Celestron Inspire 90Az". There isn't much difference between 90 and 100 mm aperture. There is also not much difference in magnification if you compare using 20mm eye piece. Both telescopes are costly. For beginners, yes it's good but it suffers from chromatic aberration. The alt azimuth mount is really frustrating while doing casual Astrophotography with this. After adding a barlow lens i find it really difficult to find objects. One also has to keep changing eye pieces and adjust focus. Its a good Telescope for a beginner but price is high. The pan handle is a bit tight. Orion Nebula looks like a dot...so disappointing. If you live in a light polluted city which has a Bortle scale 7 or 8 then you will only be restricted to Moon and 5 planets. You cannot see any deep space objects. A beginner will be happy to see this scope but will be sad to see how limited visual Astronomy they can get with it. It's better to go for a reflector telescope with EQ mount. My recommendation "Celestron Astromaster 130".

[@greg6162]

That’s interesting… I’m trying to decide between reflector or refractor for my first telescope. Understanding very little from what I’ve researched I think the refractor is going to be the best choice for me considering light pollution and I’ve heard you get better planetary clarity (if that’s the word for it) because reflectors have that center pice obstructing your light slightly. Basically… I want a semi portable telescope for Jupiter and Saturn mostly and whatever else I can see is a bonus. I’ve heard the cooldown is significantly quicker with the refractor also. I’m sure there’s pro’s and con’s with each but refractor is gonna be my first telescope but I don’t want a department store-ish telescope. I probably wouldn’t buy this exact model as it seems like they give you subpar optics and equipment with these so called beginner bundled telescopes. I’m nervous to buy on Amazon because you *often get used products at new prices* unfortunately. Being a beginner I probably wouldn’t know. Most importantly, *so many KZbin reviews are biased and basically bought IMHO. Have to watch the videos where they aren’t pushing their affiliate links and just give honest reviews. Not as easy to find as you think but they’re still out there

[@cheesesk7450]

@@greg6162 hi Greg, just wandering through the wonderful world of You Tube and came across this vid and your comment. Don't know if you settled on a scope yet, but if it's any help after lots of reading I eventually settled on the Skywatcher Heritage 130p. I'm not disappointed, but maybe Google other reviews and forums etc. Re bundled eyepieces, everything I read suggested these are always sub par, but as a beginner I was satisfied and got some nice views. I still find myself checking out other scopes etc on KZbin and Google tho, so beware, it could be a bit of a money pit hobby, haha. Good luck with it.

[@jamalbsharah6852]

How about the 80az version is that still good for a beginner/7 year old

[@Chessmasteclass]

you nailed it on this scope. any eyepiece video you would like to demo also? thank you for sharing Sir.

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s hard to demo eyepieces on video. I usually just recommend 25mm plossl eyepiece or 25mm-8mm eyepieces for folks who own telescopes like these.

[@evitapepperoni1980]

Loved the video! Unfortunately, I'm still unsure which telescope to buy! This is so difficult... Three years later, this telescope costs 339 euros, with discount.

[@LearnToStargaze]

If you’re in Europe you could get one of my favorite telescopes! Just need to add the mount of your choice. (They recommend the Nano): www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/BRESSER-Messier-AR-102s-600-Hexafoc-OTA.html?mtm_campaign=Doofinder&mtm_kwd=4802600&mtm_source=English&mtm_medium=OnSite&mtm_cid=GreatBritain&mtm_group=SiteSearch

[@LearnToStargaze]

You use a phone riding on top of this telescope with this app to find targets! artyom-beilis.github.io/astrohopper.html

[@evitapepperoni1980]

@@LearnToStargaze I like it! Thank you so much! :D

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@evitapepperoni1980 if you get it, let me know how it goes!

[@evitapepperoni1980]

@@LearnToStargaze I will! :D

[@dirtbikesforlife154]

This telescope is bigger than I thought do you think you could do a unboxing of a celastron power seaker 70 az please thanks

[@Ahrgelo]

Hey John, do u know of any similar scopes (price range, specs) that allow for solar filters/viewing? This is quickly becoming my favorite astronomy channel btw, great stuff

[@LearnToStargaze]

The Explore FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor is pretty close. I've owned two high end versions of this scope and used them for solar observing with a filter (one actually came with a solar filter). However, watch the used section of B&H photo, sometimes they have used solar telescope for very little money. Also, look for a hydrogen alpha solar telescope like the Coronado PST to go on sale, those are lots of fun for viewing fine details on the surface of the sun.

[@Rstybttrkniv]

I found this as a returned (unopened box) for $250 USD at B&H photo in December 2021, marked down from $300. The mount is not shaky, the optics give me beautiful clear views and I like the finderscope, unfortunately the tripod legs don't extend high enough, so that I have to sit on the ground to point the finderscope much over 45 degrees altitude even when fully extended. I ended up mounting a rigel quikfinder near the end of the tube, which has a slightly wider clearance. While the mount is not at all shaky, I'm finding that the azimuth control is too sticky. I'm thinking about installing a couple of teflon furniture moving discs to make the movement smoother. Hoping for some clear days that aren't too cold so I can really spend some time with this telescope, and I bought a 2.5x barlow to go with it for planetary viewing.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yeah, mine is sticky depending on the temperature. There is a hex bolt somewhere on it to loosen it. I've also added WD40.

[@marklazarus1085]

Beautifully explained. Thank you from across the Pond :)

[@andreadestino7370]

I heard that the rotation from right to left or vice versa is a bit harder compared to the up and down movement even if the knob is completely loose. When you turn it you also have to hold the tripod otherwise everything will move

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yeah, it seems it could use a bit of an adjustment to loosen up that axis.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Fellow Stargazers! This channel is dedicated to improving your telescope skills and helping you see awesome stuff in the sky. Please consider subscribing. I'll post a new video at least once per week, so there'll be lots of current content to watch and enjoy! Thanks! ~ John (LearnToStargaze)

[@edgarfblack]

Hi. Great video. Thanks. I have a question. I have this exact model. I have been using it to look at Jupiter and Mars, but the telescope never gets into focus. I contacted Celestron, but they did not provide useful advice. I am mainly using the 20 mm eyepiece, but none gets into focus. Has anyone reported a similar problem? Any advice will be appreciated.

[@jamesprice8220]

Very helpful video! Which scope is better & more capable. The sky watcher start travel 102 or this one in the vid?

[@LearnToStargaze]

They both use the same lens, however the star travel is a much higher quality build.

[@LearnToStargaze]

(Sorry similar lens) if I recall the star travel has a slightly shorter focal length).

[@astrotherapist]

Awesome video! Thanks so much, I might consider getting one of these telescopes. I have on myself, but don't like it. I knew you used a Barlow lens for that pic of Saturn. I took a pic of Saturn with about the same magnification and it looked exactly the same!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks! Yes, this makes a great first telescope. If you're looking for an upgrade from a pervious scope, you might consider the Starsense 130Dx from Celestron, that way you have the go-to (push-to) capability.

[@sozoinc]

Very good review Mr. Do you think a DSLR camera could be attached to this awesome introductory Scope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, but without adding a $2000 mount, you’re not going to get good images of deep sky objects. Plus, you’re limited by the 1.25 inch opening for the eyepiece. You’d be better off with just an iPhone.

[@fomalhautofaustrinus8724]

Is the astromaster 102az the same scope? It looks very similar. Does it perform similarly at least?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Same lens. Different accessories.

[@fomalhautofaustrinus8724]

@@LearnToStargaze apparently no phone adapter. Good to know it's a look-alike. Thank you for the review.

[@supermario8416]

Like! Does the 100AZ have a bigger stronger mount / tripod than the 70AZ or is it the same size but with a different design ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 100az tripod is quite a bit heftier if I recall (I’ve since given away both scopes).

[@monvan9082]

Hey John, thank you for your review, I have been looking for hours and days and getting confused on which I should be looking for. I wanted one to be easy travel with, see planets and more and have a decent view. Is there any other telescope you would highly recommend? Thanks for your review again

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! It’s really a question of budget. I LOVE my travel scope, but it cost around $700. It may seem expensive, but it’s worth it for the joy it brings on every trip. It’s a Mak Cas telescope on the Skywatcher AzGTI mount.

[@monvan9082]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks for your review and personal preference :) it’s hard trying to work out what to get. It’s difficult to know if you are spending the money and getting a good item.

[@NemoandStitchthecats]

maybe a weird question what do u see when observing green light in norway.

[@s.lindburg8214]

Thank you for this ❤️

[@LucaTurnerStudios]

Hi I'm looking to add to my lenses. I got the inspire 100AZ for Christmas. I'm mainly wanting to use it to see planets as close and focused as possible (Saturn ect). I can see saturn but when i take a photo its blurry with ring outlines. I'm looking at the 4mm lens and the Barlow x2. I'm not clued up on all the numbers and wording etc but told these would be good to have. Would these two pieces be a good addition to the collection? 🤔 Would greatly appreciated any advice on what would help 😁👍🏻

[@phoenixagb9779]

Think I’m going to get this one for Christmas as my first telescope. Do you know of any specific moon filters that would fit this telescope? I’ve already got a Barlow lens picked out as well.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I never really use moon filters, I'm guessing any basic moon filter will do. Thanks for watching the videos!

[@simonrass2961]

Is this the Same optics as the 102 az offered in the starsense Explorer Series?

[@amberlong7818]

So, I had ordered this telescope, but what I received was the celestron 90AZ. I noticed you didn't mention that one. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about this, as I had wanted the 100, but this one is already here. I've got it set up and ready to go to the best of my ability (I am a beginner) and look forward to seeing what it can do. Any recommendations you have for this one are welcomed.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 90 has a much narrower field of view than the 100 (for a given eyepiece). The 100 is designed for wide field views of deep sky objects, the 90 is designed primarily for the Moon and planets. In either case, a proper 20mm or 25 mm plossl eyepiece is the best thing you can do to improve the view (Tele Vue is the best, budget around $120). Get a book like 110 Things To See with a Telescope and start working through the list of targets. Good luck!

[@ridernl6726]

Is it possible to apply a Bahtinov mask on the tube end under the hood?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The hood pops off, so yes.

[@mariaalejandratrobncoso5568]

What about the 90az? Where i live is the only one i can get. I want to buy it as a gift for my son who never had one. Thanks a lot for the review!

[@LearnToStargaze]

The issue with the 90az is the focal ratio, at 11 its going to be much more difficult to get it fixed on a particular target. It's also a long scope, which means it will be inherently unstable. See if you can find an Omni 102az, or a 6 inch dobsonian. You should be able to find one of these around the same price.

[@susunque2245]

Thanks for the invitation! Came across your channel searching for a good yet Easy telescope to buy. Ive never found myself staring and taking pics at the night sky, as Ive done since thes past 17 mo ..Now it's time to get real! I enjoyed this video and can prob stop looking now🤔😏😊👍I thank yA for it! 👍

[@jrsh143]

Please provide links to some of the accessories you mentioned or reviewed (ie cell phone adapter).

[@LearnToStargaze]

Done. A few links added to the video description.

[@dannysastronomy6894]

I have made video of getting Saturn (using the 100az scope) and I also processed it kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3nVn559iJudqpo

[@mikhaelabigueras3171]

Bought this telescope months ago and I really love your review!! I just want to ask if I can use a 5X Barlow lens for this telescope?

[@pica6888]

Just wondering how you like this. Want to get one but I'm reading a lot of mixed reviews

[@christiana8820]

What was the highest mag power you were able to achieve that was clear? And using what EP? Thanks!

[@tromaroulis]

This is the best video out there for this telescope. Based on this, i have bought it and I am really satisfied! Go John!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great to hear!

[@ernanigarcia3530]

Very Nice review! Thank you very much. I live in a small town in the countryside in the south of Brazil, and the sky here is incredbly clear. I am considering on having a telescope, I found the 102 model same brand as yours here. Will I need to be in the complete dark for getting good results with it?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Not quite sure what you mean by complete dark. The planets and Moon can be seen from any city. Galaxies and nebulae typically requires "dark skies" which mean away from city lights and on a date where the Moon is minimally bright, or not in the sky at all. You can use a map like this to find the dark skies nearest you: darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html#6/-25.041/-47.220

[@Luigi-yu5wv]

Great Video! Thank you so much! So much I don’t know about star gazing with a telescope....👍👍👍

[@banamaligohain3450]

Can we see saturn ring clearly with given eyepieces .( Without using Barlow)

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes

[@JoeJaguar]

wow nice you have a book greta. I too have an astro channel mostly visual 7 reviews. good points and good video cheers joe

[@udaysaiinturi7968]

Hi can you please share a link to buy this telescope or something similar in Ontario Canada? Thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

Go to your local Costco and see if they still have the Omni AZ 102 telescope (it does not show up on their website, you have to go in store). I’ve heard from many folks in Canada they have seen this scope for around $200.

[@jigneshvadodaria8287]

Hey great video, are you from NS by chance?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks! Yup!

[@eterenostalgia5088]

Here Italy, i have the "Skywatcher heritage" 130/650 with parabolic mirror high quality, last summer from AMAZON only 188 Euros (the price) low price. With the Eyepiece SUPER 3.6 mm 180X, fantastic Jupiter and Saturn- sharps images. And for deepsky large field amd many light, with my newton 130/650 i'm happy, small telescope but high quality.

[@jamalbsharah6852]

How is the 80mm version of this thinking of getting it now - on sale for £120

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s a good price I guess, the aperture is below what I’d normally recommend. Aperture determines resolution, and enables access to higher magnification.

[@jamalbsharah6852]

@ yer I don’t want to spend too much in case the little one is not interested lol it’s out of the inspire 80az or maybe 90az or the astromaster 114ez - not sure what to do

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@jamalbsharah6852 Of those three, the 90az would be the best. The 114 is a reflector that suffers from quality issues. If it's for a kid, the 90mm version would be great for the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn (though it will look quite small). For deep sky objects, it's possible, but very dark skies would be required.

[@jamalbsharah6852]

@@LearnToStargaze is there that big a difference between the 80 and the 90 - I’m a total newbie to it all

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@jamalbsharah6852 Apertures determines resolution, so every little bit counts.

[@kenny75photography2]

Hi, great video and I bought this scope after looking around and checking your video. One issue I have though is the knobs on the finderscope aren't making the red dot move to align with the scope itself. Any ideas what might be wrong?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sometimes they finder they include is just really cheap. This used to come with a star pointer pro which is a bullseye instead of a red dot. If yours only has the red dot, it might be worth investing in the bullseye version (star pointer pro): www.amazon.com/Celestron-51635-StarPointer-Finderscope-Black/dp/B00Y09HGUO

[@kenny75photography2]

@@LearnToStargaze I just checked and it is the star pointer pro with the bullseye. The bullseye comes on fine but it just doesn't move when I turn the knobs yet I can see the knobs move left to right and up and down physically but the bullseye remains in the same position and doesn't move. I tried loosening the screws and taking out the batteries and tightening the screws up again but its makes no difference. Probably just need to get another one.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@kenny75photography2 might be worth a call to Celestron.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Alternatively a visit to your local astronomy club. I really like the starpointer pro, but it should just work.

[@kenny75photography2]

@@LearnToStargaze ok thanks.

[@hmuphilly9129]

Is the star pointer similar to a telrad? It sort of looks like one

[@LearnToStargaze]

Is is basically a telrad

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@LearnToStargaze thats what i thought too but people on amazon are saying they are not the same

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@hmuphilly9129 there may be a version of this scope that has a red dot, but mine came with a star pointer pro (which is basically a telrad)

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@LearnToStargaze I want the star pointer one lol

[@garybenson2280]

Which would you choose between this and the Sky-Watcher Startravel-102?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The star-travel, but note that the star-travel is a more premium telescope, and will typically be priced higher.

[@waynegarrett1614]

I see that Celestron also does a 102/660 Astromaster AZ scope and this 100/660 Inspire AZ scope....which is the better scope, the 102 as its bigger aperture, or is the 100 inspire a better build?

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s probably all the same lens. The Omni is the best built, followed by the Inspire, followed by the Astromaster. I’m guessing they are simply rounding the inspire down to 100 since the focal length is the same.

[@FreedCornet743]

What app would you recommend for finding these clusters, stars and planets in the sky at night? Cheers bud.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The best/easiest app would be Stellarium. But an even simpler method would be to use the book 110 Things to See with a Telescope.

[@BurningFlame1999]

Isn’t the Explore Scientific First Light 102 F10 better because of it’s higher focal length / ratio and less chromatic aberrations?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I like the F10, but it’s long, which makes it shaky on most mounts.

[@maulikdoctor]

Thank you for good informative video. Celestron Inspire 100AZ is costing £457 on Amazon UK, I suppose this telescope is not worth it at this price range. Is Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 70 AZ Refractor Telescope any good for beginners ? Which one do you recommend. Please assist. thank you.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The explorer 70 only passes 1 of the 5 tests to determine if a telescope is worth considering. (It has a red-dot finder). In the UK it seems as if Bresser makes the best telescope at the beginner price point.

[@maulikdoctor]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks for quick reply, which Bresser model will you recommend?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Here are a few options from Bresser that would make for a passable entry level telescope: www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-Messier-6-Planetary-Dobson-Telescope.html www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-Messier-6-Dobson.html www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-Messier-5-Dobson.html www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-Messier-AR-102s-600-Hexafoc-OTA.html (az mount sold separately on this last one)

[@AdventuringEden]

I've just gotten this scope for my son. Before I buy a Barlow lens would you recommend a x2 or x3? Thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

2x. Cheers!

[@epic_playz4283]

I've heard of Costco, but what is it? Also you forgot stacking barlows and 5x

[@demej00]

This does look like the perfect first scope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

This is an old video, the price has gone up and there are now beginner scopes with better features. The Nat Geo 102, the Omni Az102, or the StarSense 102 DX are what I would recommend now.

[@ligarudzite5400]

Hi , can you please help me decide between Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102A And Celestron Inspire 100AZ ? Thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

StarSense

[@ligarudzite5400]

@ thank you 🥰

[@bentex40]

I own the 90mm inspire. It has issues mainly with mount. It has good sharp views and high targets like with all refractors is not as practical. It is okay but think there are better scopes for beginners but my Orion XT8g is big and bulky so it makes a good quick view scope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Agreed, I generally recommend the XT8 as a beginner telescope. The 100Az was the best sub-$300 telescope for beginners on a budget (at the time).

[@MicahBurke8166]

What barlow lens should I buy for my celestron inspire 100AZ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Almost any. 1.25 inch 2x Barlow will do. This should cost around $30.

[@Fatal_Inertia]

Alright John you got a new sub, I really like your content, and when I can afford it, I will buy your book to keep me busy 🗿

[@davegibson6604]

Not sure if I missed it....how many objective lens elements are there?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I believe it is an achromatic doublet. So, two.

[@dannygnaniah7552]

Thanks for this brilliant video

[@permodkumar8519]

3x barlow is better than 2x for saturn view? 3x barlow would fix in this telescope?

[@permodkumar8519]

Please tell....

[@MadLFC]

Hi John. Great video and channel and congratulations as you've convinced a novice astronomer like myself in the UK to buy the 100AZ. I've purchased a barlow lens but just wanted to know if I should get any additional eyepieces for this scope along with the 10mm and 20mm already supplied. If so which ones do you recommend?

[@LearnToStargaze]

High quality eyepieces would make a big difference. I just tested a 5mm X-Cel eyepiece and it really brought out the detail in the planets.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@confidentstreetlamp1762 hi! This would be a good first telescope for under $200. Over that and other telescopes become better options. In the UK I really like the Bresser 102. This is highly upgradable (you can add a better tripod, two inch diagonal and eyepieces, etc). www.bresseruk.com/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-Messier-AR-102-600-NANO-AZ-Telescope.html?mtm_campaign=Doofinder&mtm_kwd=4702605&mtm_source=English&mtm_medium=OnSite&mtm_cid=UK&mtm_group=SiteSearch

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@confidentstreetlamp1762 I have the one with the 1000mm docs length too. It’s an absolutely beautiful instrument. www.bresseruk.com/By-manufacturer/Bresser/BRESSER-Messier-AR-102-1000-Hexafoc-Optical-Tube-assembly.html?mtm_campaign=Doofinder&mtm_kwd=4802100&mtm_source=English&mtm_medium=OnSite&mtm_cid=UK&mtm_group=SiteSearch

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@confidentstreetlamp1762 like what?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@confidentstreetlamp1762 those are great as well. The startravel is an older model, but still quite good. The starquest is EQ, so be aware of that, and it looks like more of the components are plastic.

[@gooner1248]

If my goal was to solely look at the solar system’s planets and the moon would it be better to buy a telescope with a bigger focal length?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sort of? Aperture is the determining factor in terms of resolution. High focal length gives a telescope a higher natural magnification, but a telescope needs the aperture to support it. Maximum useful magnification is 2X the aperture. 4 inch and higher SCT telescopes tend to be the popular choice for people who are serious about planetary observation. Ideally 8 inch versions.

[@hmuphilly9129]

I would like this one to have the starsense capability.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s the 102DX. It’s the same lens.

[@hmuphilly9129]

@@LearnToStargaze but an entire different finderscope :/

[@Mephorisian]

You got me sold! Thanks! I can remove my comment if youd like, and thanks for correcting me, and your dog is pretty.

[@RamblinPhoenix]

So now that we know that Omni AZ 102 is available, and you have reviewed both that scope and this scope, which one gets your final vote and why? It seems to me that the Inspire 100 AZ scope might come with slightly better/cooler accessories...but my gut says the Omni 102 is a slightly better base scope. To that end I wanted to ask the expert. :-)

[@LearnToStargaze]

Well, technically it is the same lens. And I don’t think they still make the Omni 102 (it is now the Starsense 102), but yes, the slow motion controls on the Omni make it a better option (if you can find it).

[@Jared-91]

What's the difference between the Inspire & the Astromaster AZ 102?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Pretty sure the astromaster is an older version of the same scope. The Inspire has an upgraded mount (with built-in red light) and an upgraded finder.

[@loannisz8463]

please for your help! just bought it and while the unboxing the thicker lens of the front part smashed. i assembled it with the thinner one. will it properly work or i have to find a spare part. thnx in advance

[@LearnToStargaze]

Please contact Celestron and explain your situation. Here is the link; www.celestron.com/pages/support

[@witnessthelightmusic]

Just got my 100AZ!!!

[@witnessthelightmusic]

I'm going to order the Barlow Lens thanks for the tip!

[@tracylu.403]

How do you move the scope left and right?

[@LearnToStargaze]

That axis moves freely

[@tracylu.403]

I just figured it out how to move left and right. Can we see the Orion Nebula through this telescope?@@LearnToStargaze

[@chezzpe]

Hello? John!? I try with My poor English too make a question, i want to see the planets of the solar system, and beacause here in my country the telescope are spance i have two options one are this the inspire 100 az of Celestron or the Celestron astro master 90 eq, witche i shouldn take? To see the planets and the stars? I a benniger thanks 😅😅

[@LearnToStargaze]

Go with the 100az. It is very easy to use. When you get it, but sure to practice on the Moon first.

[@chezzpe]

hello @@LearnToStargaze I was finally able to buy this telescope... used but in excellent condition. Also for the purchase of this telescope, they gave me a kit of 5 lenses, 1 barlow, 6 color filters and a pollution filter all for 500 Canadian dollars, was it a good deal?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@chezzpe Hi! I think you’ll make the most of it! That’s quite a bit of money, but there has been quite a bit of inflation.

[@traceyhobbs8331]

This telescope went up in price like you said it would, seen only one left on Amazon today for a little over 400 , checked it again sold out. Most sites are sold out .

[@fabiofboful]

Hi, which telescope do you consider to be better the inspire 100AZ or the Celestron Omni XLT AZ? Thanks.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The Omni is better (mainly due to the slow motion controls on the mount), but I don't believe it is still in production. Costco still had some inventory, but there's probably not many left. I could be wrong....

[@Mustafa-zc5xf]

Im new to stargazing and im wondering if i should get this telescope or the skywatch heritage 130 dobson?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The telescope would be slightly more fun. The heritage is a table top design, had a strange focuser. The Celestron has a tripod, and nice bulleye finder. However, for about $60 more dollars, you could get the Starsense 102DX, which would be far superior to both of these: you would get the Starsense System, slow motion controls, and two inch focuser.

[@Mustafa-zc5xf]

@@LearnToStargaze I live in Europe and the starsense is around €450, I can't really afford that. While the inspire and heritage are €260.

[@Mustafa-zc5xf]

I mean the inspire 80mm az

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Mustafa-zc5xf That's a very different telescope from the one in this video. The 130 dobson would be much better than the 80az.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Mustafa-zc5xf In Europe, you could get something like this: I don't like the mount, but the views would be amazing: www.bresser.de/en/Astronomy/Telescopes/BRESSER-First-Light-AR-102-1000.html

[@Y0unGS0uLkaMisT]

I know this is an old video but I need to ask. I bought my son the 80az and when I took the scope cover off there were 2 very small screws that fell out with it. I cannot find where these screws go and they don’t seem to belong to the scope cover. Any ideas on what they are for? Any help is appreciated

[@LearnToStargaze]

Could be the tension and lock for the focuser. There might be two small holes under the focusing assembly.

[@Y0unGS0uLkaMisT]

@@LearnToStargaze I have looked everywhere on the scope and mount and couldn’t find any holes that weren’t already housing a screw. Hmmm I wonder what they are for, I hope they aren’t from the inside of the scope! Could it be just extra screws that somehow made it behind the scope cover during assembly? Or are there actually small screws inside of the scope and could they have gotten loose and made their way to the front of the scope? I’m lost lol

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Y0unGS0uLkaMisT could be on the diagonal.

[@FlyingOstrich]

Awesome video John!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks, Lee!

[@marquisflowers5246]

trying to figure out how to focus it :( i can’t figure it out

[@LearnToStargaze]

Step 1. Take the telescope out during the day. Step 2. Insert 25mm eyepiece. Step 3. Point telescope at a very distant tree. Step 4. Turn focus knob until the tree leaves appear sharp and clear. Step 5. Repeat at night but with a bright star.

[@leeroberts4170]

I've always been fascinated by the night sky and recently just purchased my first telescope (aspire 80az) I live in UK so viability has been awful at the moment but in the mean time I've been aligning my star pointer and its near impossible to align with the scope as everything is upside down through the lens 🙃 I've resorted to facing backwards and looking through the lens but want to be able to sit as I look through the scope when the sky start to clear. Do I need a reverse able lens or something?

[@LearnToStargaze]

What you’re looking for is an erecting eyepiece, I assume you’re using the scope for looking at things on Earth, because for space upside down is irrelevant. In any case, try aligning the finder to the scope during the day, using a distant chimney, aligning the finder to the scope should be trivially easy. If not, something else is wrong, like the finder is on backwards or something.

[@leeroberts4170]

@@LearnToStargaze yes I've not tried space just yet as it's been over cast the past few nights. Also had no idea how to move the dot up, down, left and right until I watched your video 👍 instruction manual was useless

[@leeroberts4170]

@@LearnToStargaze where do i purchase a phone mount like yours in this video? The one it came with is pretty useless it either falls off or doesn't give full view of my camera lens

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@leeroberts4170 it’s for sale pretty much everywhere. It’s the Celestron NeXYZ. Might be out of stock due to COVID, I found it at my local hardware store.

[@leeroberts4170]

@@LearnToStargaze got my nexyz it makes all the difference 😊

[@nordmende73]

Thank you!

[@foodqueen1985]

Question..Can you use this telescope in very cold weather without damaging the lens?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes.

[@kennyresendezgarza2838]

Hi, I have my starsence 127 az telescope, my brother uses it but I don't know if it hurts, the slow movement no longer moves up or down, what do I have to do?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Your best option is to trade the 128 for a 6 or 8 inch dobsonian. Used, they are about the same price, but the dobsonian is a much, much, much more practical design.

[@michelleguardo4945]

Where did you buy it

[@LearnToStargaze]

I don’t remember, this is a very old video. Today, on a budget of $200, I’d go with a 102mm refractor from Costco such as the Omni 102 or Nat Geo 102. They don’t typically show these online, but every time I’ve been to Costco they’ve had them, sub $200 USD.