Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 16 inches ; 4.5 pounds
Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
ASIN: B001UQ6E4Y
Item model number: 21024
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FirstScope pays tribute to the men and women who brought us one step closer to understanding the universe around us!
In 1609, world-renowned Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei, introduced an elementary telescope to the growing astronomy community which sparked interest into the mysterious night sky for centuries to come. Four centuries later, Celestron offers the portable FirstScope Telescope. The FirstScope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and many of history’s most notable astronomers and scientists by displaying their names around the optical tube. We honor the contributions of these men and women, who brought us one step closer to understanding the universe around us.
The FirstScope is a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy. This quality Dobsonian style telescope features a 76 mm aperture reflector optical tube. FirstScope is an ideal entry level astronomical telescope. It is very easy to observe with, the user simply navigates the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of their desired object, making the viewing experience a snap! The compact design makes it easy enough to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. FirstScope is also stylish enough to be a decorative fixture on your bookshelf or desk.
FirstScope Telescope – General Features
High quality Dobsonian style stand with a 76 mm reflector optical tube make FirstScope an ideal entry level astronomical telescope.
Portable and lighweight table-top design makes it easy to store, transport and setup your FirstScope Telescope
FirstScope is very easy to observe with, the user simply navigates the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of their desired object.
Stylish and decorative design makes FirstScope a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy.
Optics are decent for a scope of this price with some coma around the edges. Lightweight and very portable (though you need a table to set it on). Telescope Reviews
Wide field views are great. But when you put in the high power (short focal length) eyepiece, it becomes nearly impossible to keep the object in the field of view. The mount simply isn’t smooth enough to move without jerkiness. This has been a disappointment in what could have been a very nice scope.
I’ve had an Orion StarBlast for over a year now, and even however I have larger, far more sophisticated telescopes, it may be the one I use most. The setup is instantaneous though, like other reflectors, it takes some time to cool down on cold nights. It’s effortlessly portable, and operates nicely like a grab `n go. The short focal length makes it superb for low energy, wide field views of deep sky objects along with the moon. By way of the StarBlast, I have observed (to name a few) the Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy (along with its two neighboring galaxies), Galaxies M81 and M82, countless open clusters, the Lagoon and Trifid nebulas, The Eagle Nebula, the nebula in Orion, comets NEAT and LINEAR. Jupiter’s belts and moons are apparent at higher power, as are Staurn’s rings plus the phases of Venus and Mercury. In the course of the last opposition, I could see Martian polar ice caps. Throughout the last lunar eclipse, I had no trouble taking digital photographs by means of this instrument. Telescope Reviews
This is the same fast optics formula as the Edmund AstroScan and Bushnell Voyager bowling ball. The StarBlast is far and away the greatest of the three, but as with the others, the high power views are soft. That feature is not a difficulty for those of us primarily interested in deep sky. Planetary views could be far more detailed, and my own StarBlast won’t split the double double in suburban skies. (Orion’s somewhat longer 4.5″ f 8 dobsonian is much more suited to these subjects.) Furthermore, most globular clusters present as unresolved fuzzy balls, as they will in any instrument of this aperture.
For the price, nevertheless, you can’t really beat the StarBlast. It works well as a family telescope, or being a casual scope for somebody interested but not obsessed by astronomy. It can be small, inexpensive, and intuitive sufficient to be handled by children. It also works nicely for crusty old guys like me who have bigger hardware, but just do not feel like moving it every single night.
As usual from Orion nice optics for the price. Would work much better on XT4.5″ mount& base. I’ve experimented with this scope taking mirror cell out & installing altitude bearings from a xt4.5.
Then installing on XT4.5 base & mount. Balance is not an issue on such a short focal length. High power views are now easy to track plus height is a liile better. If you love your starblast order an XT4.5″ mount & base from Orion. Telescope Reviews
Probably under 1Ǡ bucks. My XT8 base was 110 shipped. Only thing is you’ll have to dig up used altitude bearings from somebody. Well worth the work. I do not suggest attempting this unless your absolutely sure what you have to do to make it work, drilling of holes for bearings, alighning bearings evenly side to side, etc. But the results are great
My sister was considering a telescope but was unsure whether or not she must put out a large amount of cash for something she may not usually use. I suggested the Orion StarBlast Astro Telescope as a way to test the waters 1st. The telescope is very inexpensive, yet reviews from the scope are fine. What I didn’t assume was how great this tiny telescope could be. Saturn’s rings are obvious, having a hint of Cassini on still nights. Jupiter’s two primary bands are obvious as well, and globular clusters are much brighter and far more resolved than you would believe possible for a scope of this value (do not expect glittering jewelry boxes though.)
The scope is properly built, solid, yet lightweight. Its incredibly easy to use, as well as the view in the primary’s sweet spot is bright and clear. Outside the sweet spot the images get distorted quickly, but for this value that’s a small consideration.
Like the rest with the scope, the red dot finder is easy to use. My sister’s scope did not have the jerkyness other reviewers have reported, but I can’t say no matter if we were lucky or they weren’t. Telescope Reviews
I have an informal check of whether a initial telescope is any fine: did the new owners place it in closet right after a few frustrating attempts, or have they developed a growing fondness for and knowledge of astronomy? In our case the little StarBlast excelled at this check.
One prior reviewer asked why, using a telescope this great at this cost, everybody didn’t have a telescope? Great question — for a initial scope, its nicely worth the cost. If you are planning to buy or give a first scope, I wouldn’t look any further. You will still be happily making use of this scope long right after you move up to larger, much more powerful telescopes.
Very first, let me share my experience: I’m an advanced amateur astronomer, having been in the hobby for over fifteen years. I have a 16″ diameter telescope that I made myself, and I worked for a telescope firm (not Orion!) for 4 years, designing telescopes for them. I think I know a little bit about telescopes…
I bought this scope (my 5th!) mainly because it received a quite positive review in Sky & Telescope magazine, and it fit my needs: something portable, easy, of excellent quality, and inexpensive. I bought it with the intention of using it only for quick sessions when someone asks me to look at something. I’ve ended up using it for much more than that!
In talking with my students, I see that choosing a telescope becomes incredibly complicated if you try to learn about the features and specifications and try to make a choice that way. Frankly, don’t bother. Just buy this one and most likely you’ll be satisfied. It certainly beats other telescopes in its price range.
It has only 2 drawbacks. First, the eyepiece ends up extremely low, so you need to place the scope on a table, crate, etc. The option is to observe on your knees, which is fine for most, but might not be what you expect.
The second drawback is that views of the planets will be small. But they WILL be decently SHARP. I would recommend buying a 2x Barlow lens, to increase power. This is an inherent tradeoff in wide-field telescopes like this one, and a tradeoff I would take ANY day because finding objects is much easier if you’ve got a wide field of view. Just buy the Barlow and you’re all set.
Some other reviewers mention a “jerky” motion in either axis. You can adjust that! Just loosen the bolt holding the axis together, and you’ll reduce friction. Note, however, that if it’s too loose, the scope won’t stay put! This happens on every telescope, by the way, not just this one.
I highly recommend this scope. Good luck, and keep looking up!
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. The best Telescope Reviews
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.
I absolutely adore Orion Products, and I have been fortunate to have experienced a few of their telescopes via classes, star parties, etc. This little Orion StarBlast 4.5 AstroTelescope [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 quick assembly, the sturdy base, the easy-to-do eyepiece / focuser unit, the potential for cool add-ons like Barlows, filters, and eyepieces, and also the value for price. I am also impressed with the extremely informative, encouraging instruction manual that comes using 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 usually careful to pick equipment and eyepieces that can accommodate me. The instruction manual of this scope offers some useful tips for eyeglass wearers. Especially helpful is the comment: “If your eyes are astigmatic, images will possibly appear very best with glasses on. This is simply because a telescope’s focuser can accommodate for nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not for astigmatism” (Orion Manual, Page 5). Several very 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″, that is also obtainable from Amazon, I think. You may definitely see perfectly 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 alternatives. Research nicely though just before you buy!!! Your eyes, scope, and correctors all must be compatible! Definitely do not invest in something like ahead of you happen to be 250% sure that you simply love star-gazing and telescope viewing, in particular on a regular basis. Each person must weigh advantages 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’s uncomfortable. I prefer the 17mm–which is far better for my eyes, or my own added-on Stratus a single as discussed above. Just for fun, I employed eyepieces from one more 1 of my scopes within the StarBlast and received some satisfying views as well: Sirius Plossl Eyepieces, 25mm and 10mm, 1,25″ So, even although 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 item is that you just can expand your collection and your seeing with some well-chosen, additional items. A lot of stargazers usually collect eyepieces quite various from their product’s standard inclusions.
A excellent method to explore eyepiece topics, astro equipment, night sky events, and space news would be 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 that you are using your own personal scope, you might be 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 might be not just a spectator watches images you happen to be 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 although, for his efforts opened new worlds to humanity.
I chose this based on reviews here and at Science magazine. It was suggested as a higher-end beginner’s telescope, and it’s wonderful. It required nearly 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 sufficient to carry in one hand utilizing the wooden handle; it’s well-made; it works! I saw Jupiter’s moons within a half hour of opening the box.
The selling price on this is appropriate. I had a few persons who utilized it ask me how much it was, and they were all genuinely surprised since it performs so properly and is so sturdy. I’m happy with the price, simply because why waste a bunch of money on attributes you do not understand or know how to use effectively (like computerized functions), when really you just want some excellent views of the night sky?
I’d say, if you’re acquiring started, begin with this and you can move on to more complex characteristics and views later. This has just what you require, absolutely nothing additional, absolutely nothing less. I don’t think there’s a better deal for such a wonderful telescope anywhere else on Amazon.
I have been interested in astronomy for over 50 years and am familiar with quite a few 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 in fact bought this scope as a gift for a quite remarkable 5 year old thinking that it might spark some interest. Prior to 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 extremely to move around and setup is a breeze. It uses a battery powered red dot finder rather than a finder scope but this was basically a blessing.
The alignment is proper 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 far more by the red dot finder than the targets visible. A few nights later, although, her parents took her out and showed her the moon. Now she can’t seem to get enough.
If I’ve any gripes at all, I would have liked to see eye pieces with a small a lot more relief as both the little girl and I wear glasses. Also a moon filter would have been a nice addition. All in all although, I was so impressed, I am going to have 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 much better. And hopefully, I’ve sparked an interest in another that will afford her the same pleasure that astronomy has given me almost all my life.
