Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
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There are plenty of telescopes available for adults, but very few good instruments sized for a child just getting interested in astronomy. Most "kid's scopes" are little more than toys, and not very well made ones at that. There are a few telescopes that rise high above all of the small, junk telescopes. One of the most popular is the StarBlast from Orion Telescopes & Binoculars--but don't let the "kid's scope" designation fool you. Anyone who likes panning across the Milky Way or viewing broad-field targets like the Pleiades and the Andromeda Galaxy will really it.
The StarBlast, a compact 4.5-inch (113-mm) f/4 Newtonian reflector, comes ready to use, with a tabletop altitude-azimuth mount, 6- and 17-mm Explorer II 1.25-inch eyepieces, an EZ-Finder II unity finder for aiming, dust caps, a collimation cap, a copy of The Sky CD-ROM planetarium program, and an instruction manual.
Like Orion's larger Dobsonian-mounted telescopes, the StarBlast mount is made from laminate-covered chipboard (just like your kitchen countertop). This may sound low-tech, but it works amazingly well. Simple Teflon-on-laminate altitude and azimuth bearings produce smooth motions in both directions. Tension on the altitude bearing can be easily adjusted by loosening or tightening a large knob, which presses against a ball-bearing collar sandwiched between two washers. The StarBlast's tube can also be easily rotated in its hinged, felt-lined metal clamp just by loosening a large thumbscrew. Rotating the tube can make viewing through the eyepiece easier, depending on the angle at which the telescope is aimed.
Since the StarBlast stands only 25 inches tall, it makes a great "grab-and-go" telescope for impromptu observation sessions. Just be sure to bring along something to get the scope up off the ground as well, since it's much too short to use alone. I prefer to use a patio table, which lets me sit while viewing.
Unlike some beginner telescopes, which come with poorly written instructions, the Orion owner's manual gives detailed information about setting up, maintaining, and using the telescope. The instrument itself pulls out of the box almost completely set up from the factory. Just attach the base of the EZ Finder II unity finder to the matching mounting screws that protrude out of the metal telescope tube, and the StarBlast is ready to go.
The telescope's mirrors are very good indeed. Showpiece objects like the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, Double Cluster, and the Lagoon Nebula are all sharp and clear through the 17-mm Explorer II eyepiece (26x). Although the 6-mm Explorer II (75x) could resolve a few individual stars around the edges of the Hercules Globular Cluster (M13), the eyepiece's inherently short eye relief, which forces you to get very close to see the image, made viewing uncomfortable. I would have preferred if Orion charged a little more and included their 10-mm Explorer II eyepiece and a 2x Barlow lens. The 10-mm eyepiece would produce 45x alone and 90x with the Barlow. Not only would that combination magnify images a little more, it would also be easier to view through than the 6-mm eyepiece.
The StarBlast is a great telescope for young astronomers. Its compact size and light weight makes it an ideal telescope for ages 9 and above. And when I say "above," I mean the rest of us, since kids from 9 to 90 will really enjoy this little telescope. Although it is not as suitable for viewing the planets as Orion's longer focal length SkyQuest XT4.5, I have spent many enjoyable hours with my StarBlast just going back and forth between deep-sky objects and scanning the skies. --Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Star Watch
Pros:
- Compact design
- Excellent optics
- Sturdy mount with smooth motions
- Small size makes a table or other support necessary for viewing
- Wide field not suitable for viewing the planets
- Supplied 6-mm eyepiece not comfortable for viewing
DESCRIPTION:
Binding: Electronics
Feature: Compact 4.5-inch (113-mm) f/4 Newtonian reflector, comes ready to use
Label: Orion
Manufacturer: Orion
Publisher: Orion
Studio: Orion
FEATURES:
• Compact 4.5-inch (113-mm) f/4 Newtonian reflector, comes ready to use
• Only 25 inches tall, it makes a great "grab-and-go" telescope for impromptu observation sessions
• With a tabletop altitude-azimuth mount, 6- and 17-mm Explorer II 1.25-inch eyepieces
SIMILAR ITEMS:
• Orion Moon Filter, 13% Transmission, 1.25"
• Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25"
• NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope--and How to Find Them
• A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations--and How You Can Find Them in the Sky
CUSTOMER REVIEWS:
Customer Rating:
Summary: Orion starblast is a blast!
Comment: I have been interested in astronomy for over 50 years and am familiar with many amateur level scopes. Never had a chance to view with the "big boys" but I do know the difference between a toy and an instrument and this scope is not a toy.. I actually bought this scope as a gift for a very remarkable 5 year old thinking that it may spark some interest. Before giving it to her, I took it for a test run. Within 10 minutes of taking it out of the box it was ready to go. The tabletop model is very to move around and setup is a breeze. It uses a battery powered red dot finder rather than a finder scope but this was actually a blessing. The alignment is right on. If the red dot is on target, the object is visible. The night I introduced the youngster to the scope afforded just a few targets. No moon out or major planets were visible. She was fascinated more by the red dot finder than the targets visible. A few nights later, though, her parents took her out and showed her the moon. Now she can't seem to get enough.
If I have any gripes at all, I would have liked to see eye pieces with a little more relief as both the little girl and I wear glasses. Also a moon filter would have been a nice addition. All in all though, I was so impressed, I am going to get myself the 6" model. I'm not into photography, just looking and this scope does a fine job.
If you're the occasional stargazer on a budget, you couldn't do much better. And hopefully, I have sparked an interest in another that will afford her the same pleasure that astronomy has given me almost all my life.
Customer Rating:
Summary: great buy
Comment: after reading all the reviews decided on this one for a xmas present-the person loves it and uses it nightly and is constantly impressed by the workings, star charts, etc. the getting used to having no stand takes a little ingenuity but once its set up turns out great. well worth it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Compact, inexpensive and top-of-the-line
Comment: I chose this based on reviews here and at Science magazine. It was recommended as a higher-end beginner's telescope, and it's great. It required almost no assembly at all; the starry night software it comes with is incredible; the EZ finder makes locating celestial objects a no-brainer; it is compact enough to carry in one hand using the wooden handle; it's well-made; it works! I saw Jupiter's moons within a half hour of opening the box.
The price on this is right. I had a few people who used it ask me how much it was, and they were all really surprised because it performs so well and is so sturdy. I'm happy with the price, because why waste a bunch of money on features you don't understand or know how to use effectively (like computerized functions), when really you just want some great views of the night sky? I'd say, if you're getting started, start with this and you can move on to more complex features and views later. This has just what you need, nothing more, nothing less. I don't think there's a better deal for such a great telescope anywhere else on Amazon.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Celestial Joy: A Lovable Personal Scope!
Comment: I absolutely love Orion Products, and I have been fortunate to have experienced a few of their telescopes through classes, star parties, etc. This little Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope [Altazimuth-based Reflector Tabletop Scope] is by far my all-time favorite small scope. I love everything about it: the color, the user-friendly design, the easy assembly, the sturdy base, the easy-to-do eyepiece / focuser unit, the potential for cool add-ons like Barlows, filters, and eyepieces, and the value for price. I am also impressed with the very informative, encouraging instruction manual that comes with the product, which would be helpful for first-time scope users!
Remember, of course, the key word here is "tabletop" scope. The scope does not have long, adjustable legs like those found on equatorial mounted scopes. [I find EQ mounts and refractors very irritating to set up for short nightly use and quick views, which is why I prefer this StarBlast scope.] Many users will want to place the Starblast on an outdoor table or sturdy platform to raise the product up for more comfortable viewing. This is helpful, and I have done that. I have also just spread a large exercise mat / blanket on the ground and placed the telescope there with all its accessories. I had no trouble using the scope from this position--with both of us on the ground! This is actually my preferred way to gaze at the Orion Nebula. [This method is also safest when using the telescope around children--who may, in their excitement, knock the scope off a table or platform.]
Now, I wear eyeglasses, so I am always careful to choose equipment and eyepieces that can accommodate me. The instruction manual of this scope provides some helpful tips for eyeglass wearers. Especially helpful is the comment: "If your eyes are astigmatic, images will probably appear best with glasses on. This is because a telescope's focuser can accommodate for nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not for astigmatism" (Orion Manual, Page 5). Many first time telescope buyers aren't aware of eye relief effects or the unique optical properties of telescopes--like the focuser attributes or inverted images.
If you are interested in eye relief, let me recommend this product: Orion 17mm Stratus Wide-Field Eyepiece, 1.25"/2", which is also available from Amazon, I think. You can really see well with this EP, and it does not stress your eyes like cheap "peep hole" EP's. **For those who can afford pricey solutions, check out the Televue - Dioptrx Astigmatism Correcting Lens options. Research well though before you buy!!! Your eyes, scope, and correctors all have to be compatible! Certainly do not invest in something like before you are 250% sure that you love star-gazing and telescope viewing, especially on a regular basis. Each person must weigh benefits against costs in these instances.**
My StarBlast came with two eye pieces: 17mm and 6mm Explorer II eyepieces. I can use the 6mm, but it is uncomfortable. I prefer the 17mm--which is better for my eyes, or my own added-on Stratus one as discussed above. Just for fun, I used eyepieces from another one of my scopes in the StarBlast and received some satisfying views as well: Sirius Plossl Eyepieces, 25mm and 10mm, 1,25" So, even though StarBlast comes with the tiny 6mm, there's no law that says you have to be confined to just the included eyepieces. The beauty of this product is that you can expand your collection and your seeing with some well-chosen, additional products. Many stargazers generally collect eyepieces very different from their product's standard inclusions. :)
A good way to explore eyepiece topics, astro equipment, night sky events, and space news is to subscribe to Astronomy magazine or to Sky & Telescope. My other advice for all first time telescope users is this: Understand that no home telescope will give you Hubble views; it's virtually impossible. So, don't expect your scope to show you the same images you would see in say magazines or National Geographic or on TV. REMEMBER: when you are using your own personal scope, you are viewing live sky--you, our planet, and the celestial targets are in a sense "sharing the same (vast) space" at that moment-- each moving as its own nature / design dictates --unlike a static image in a publication. You are not just a spectator watches images; you are a participant! There's a certain thrill that goes with this! :) When I saw an interesting arrangement of Jupiter's four Galilean moons and the planet itself one night, I was totally thrilled, praising the scope. Now, the view was tiny (as this is a "small" scope); however, it was live. Jupiter look like a parent with for little children gathering around!
So, when you finally target Saturn or Jupiter in the StarBlast. savor the thrill of that moment, that astronomical connection. Remember that you are seeing them with more power and more knowledge than even Galileo himself! Thank him for his contributions though, for his efforts opened new worlds to humanity.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Nice scope but don't expect NASA-photo quality viewing!
Comment: This telescope is adequate for seeing the moon in great detail, very small images of planets, and some detail in nebulae. However, don't expect to see huge colorful gas clouds filling the viewing field of the eyepiece...I naievely thought I'd be able to see at least a smaller image of those beautiful Hubble-style nebula shots, but later learned that almost no amateur scope can deliver that kind of viewing. You have to be willing to spend thousands to get that, and get into astrophotography to boot, with a specially mounted scope that follows the stars with the earth's orbit so you can expose the film long enough to capture colors. However, we've had fun with the StarBlast, and the Orion company has excellent customer service & quick shipping. FYI, you can usually get free shipping on "starter scopes" if you order directly from Orion (telescope.com), and despite what their website says they can work with you on shipping small-moderate size items to PO Boxes if you call them.
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