Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope Review – Refractor Telescope

Those looking at astronomy as a hobby or passion know that an awesome star gazing experience begins with a clear night sky and a good telescope. However, some products, such as the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope have multiple purposes, being able to open the doors not only to space, but also to Earth sights (it makes for a good sitting scope). Both terrestrial and celestial viewings are possible with this telescope and we will further inquire into the technical specs, utility, user-friendliness and cost-quality balance of this product in the following Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope review. Before getting into specific details, however, we have to emphasize that even if this is a refractor telescope (usually associated with beginner and novice astronomers), most of the Celestron company reviews are highly favourable, and furthermore the Celestron AstroMaster 70 AZ reviews also praise this product for its high level of proficiency. So let’s see if this telescope will turn users’ sky watching hobby into a lifetime love of astronomy and advanced telescopes.

What is the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope?

We will begin this Celestron Astromaster telescope review by saying that this one is the company’s best and most popular models. While many Celestron telescopes have been positively reviewed by specialists and users, the 21061 Astromaster 70 AZ seems to be a star among stars.

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From a technical point of view, the Astromaster 70 AZ comes with a 70 mm (2.76 in) aperture, a 900 mm (35 in) focal length and a 13 focal ratio, two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm respectively) and a Built-on StarPointer Finderscope which impressed other reviewers as well. One of the best features of the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Telescope is that the StarPointer is permanently fixed right next to the eyepiece. Moreover, it uses the red dot technology for lining up a celestial object, a feature you can find on more advanced and expensive telescopes.

Dedicated to amateur – to – intermediate astronomers, this telescope comes with a 1.25″ steel tube legs tripod, a Erect Image Diagonal of 1.25″ and an alt-azimuth mount which offers a high level of precision when aiming and targeting celestial bodies.

The lenses, both coated, provide clear and crisp images of the stars and planets you are focusing on, being a great tool to not only see the Moon, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in full detail and splendour, but to also catch a good view on the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula. The two two Plossl units of 45x and 90x magnification respectively prevent the apparition of chromatic aberrations as well.

In the refractor telescopes niche, the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope is praised for good quality telescope pictures and a very well balanced price.

The telescope also comes together with a free CD – The Sky” CD-ROM, which contains a 10,000 object database playing the role of your personal guide to the universe. Adults and children alike have thus the opportunity to learn about celestial bodies, while the printable sky maps allow an entire family to have a lot of fun while exploring the universe above. Light and very easy to transport, the telescope can be carried far from busy cities into large fields, where star gazing is at its prime.

Pros and Cons to Using the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope

We will continue the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope review with a list of pros and cons, trying to determine if this product is as good as they advertise it. Keep in mind that being a Celestron piece of equipment, it is of good quality by default, even if it is dedicated more to hobbyists that expert astronomers. The Celestron Astro Master has many positive reviews from professionals and is considered to be one of the most popular products for beginners.

PROS:

• Very good for both terrestrial and celestial view, so you can consider you bought two high – quality telescopes at the price of one;
• Permanent Finder Scope allows better aiming at celestial bodies than other telescopes in the niche;
• Professional lenses with full coating offer very clear and crisp images;
• The altazimuth mount attached to the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope is rigid and allows a better targeting due to its built-in clutch and large handle;
• The telescope requires no tools for setup and is easy to assemble even by children;
• It is compact, lightweight and easy to carry for long distances;
• The accessories tray allows good storage and good organization;
• The price balance favours the product as it is cheap for the high level of quality it features;
• The instructional and educational side of the telescope are well represented by the “Sky” database;
• According to reviewers, this is by far one of the most popular, appraised and sold beginner-to-intermediate astronomers’ telescopes on the market today;
• The Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope manual and online resources are comprehensive, detailed and easy to use and understand.

CONS:

• The tripod, as sturdy as it is, is a bit too short for the average adult, making the telescope more appropriate for children;
• The 70 mm aperture is too narrow for the more experienced astronomer who may be looking for more deep space objects.

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Where to Find the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope?

You can find the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope for sale on Amazon. It is considered a cheap product given its tech specs and its usefulness and you can buy it for $121.44 (+ $15.18 shipping). It falls into the category of “an offer you can’t refuse”, given that the overall price is under $200, while the technology it uses is usually employed in more technologically developed products. The Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope price is a gift the company offers its loyal customers, as in comparison to other products, this one offers a lot more for the same price range. Ranking #3 in the Amazon Best Sellers in the Refractors category and receiving an average of 4.5 stars reviews, users recommend the Astromaster telescope for sale to all those wishing to step up their game into amateur astronomy.

Extra Info:

Maintenance Advice

The use of special microfiber cloths is recommended, to keep the telescope clean and safe from dust or fog. The overall product is sturdy enough to not need extra carrying measures during transportation. The StarPointer is battery powered, so you should turn it off after use, to save the energy. The Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope should be kept away from humidity and powerful sun rays.

Telescope Accessories

The product’s features can be enhanced with a wide palette of available accessories, filters, astrophotography tools and special cleaning tools. Given the fact that the tripod is rather short, you can think about using it with a camera tripod which will enhance the overall performances. There are also plenty of eyepieces, lenses and diagonals offered by the company, fully compatible with the product.

Warranty and Guarantee Information

Celestron offers a 2 years warranty for the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope which includes repairs and replacements in case of damage caused by usual wear and tear.

Our Recommendation

If you are a beginner astronomer or even an evolving one (as intermediate), a hobbyist star – gazer or a beginner scientist, the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Telescope is one of the best products on the market to buy. Its best traits are the high quality of the components and the viewings obtained, the lightweight, the easiness to be assembled, the more than affordable price and the hi-tech which makes it a reliable product for novice and advanced astronomers. Children will love it too, and the added “Sky” database is a terrific guide for the entire family to discover the mysteries of the universe. With crisp and clear images and overall user friendliness, the Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ Refractor Telescope won’t disappoint you in any way.

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