Orion Starblast 102mm Altazimuth Travel Refractor Telescope Review
If you are a beginner or intermediate level astronomer in search of a portable and efficient telescope, Orion Starblast 102mm Altazimuth Travel Refractor Telescope is worth considering. It is an affordable and feature-packed telescope that can accompany you to your adventurous stargazing trips without any trouble.
Design and Build Quality
The Starblast 102mm telescope comes in a compact design with a sturdy build quality, making it ideal for travel. It is a refractor telescope, which means it uses lenses to refract light and form an image. The telescope weighs only 13 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around, and has a dimension of 25.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches. Despite its small size, the telescope has a sturdy structure and feels robust.
Optics
The Orion Starblast 102mm telescope comes with a 102mm aperture (the diameter of the lens) and a focal length of 660mm. The telescope offers a maximum useful magnification of 204x, which is enough for observing the moon, planets, and other deep-sky objects. The telescope uses a multi-coated lens to reduce glare and provide clear images. The lens also has a two-element achromatic design that reduces chromatic aberration, which is common in refractor telescopes.
Mount
The Starblast 102mm telescope comes with a sturdy altazimuth mount that enables smooth movement and tracking of celestial objects. The mount has a slow-motion control for both horizontal and vertical axis, which makes it easy to align and track celestial objects. The mount is also equipped with a tripod that can be extended up to 43 inches, making it comfortable for different heights. The tripod feet have rubber tips that provide a firm grip and stability, especially on uneven terrain.
Accessories
The Starblast 102mm telescope comes with several accessories that make stargazing easier and more enjoyable. The telescope comes with a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, which provides a wide field of view and is suitable for observing large celestial objects like the moon and planets. It also comes with a 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, which provides higher magnification for observing smaller celestial objects. The telescope also includes a 6x30 finder scope, which helps in locating celestial objects more easily. Additionally, the telescope includes a carrying case that makes it easier to transport the telescope.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Sturdy build quality
- Multi-coated lens with two-element achromatic design
- Altazimuth mount with slow-motion control
- Comes with several useful accessories
Cons:
- Not suitable for astrophotography
- May require frequent collimation to maintain optimal performance
- The tripod is not very stable in high wind conditions
Conclusion
The Orion Starblast 102mm Altazimuth Travel Refractor Telescope is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate level astronomers who want a portable and efficient telescope. The telescope's compact design, sturdy build quality, and useful accessories make it an ideal travel companion for stargazing trips. However, it may not be suitable for astrophotography and may require frequent collimation to maintain optimal performance. Overall, the Starblast 102mm telescope is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to explore the night sky.