The Orion StarBlast 6 comes as one of the most powerful telescopes on Orion’s line of reflector telescopes. It features the largest aperture in the series. This makes it a suitable choice for beginners and seasoned astronomers alike. One of its highlights is its tabletop design, which makes it easy to transport. You do not need to tag along a heavy tripod. The design also makes it an appealing choice when you are hiking, camping or sailing.
The small tabletop base comes preassembled out of the box so you can start using it almost immediately. According to reviewers, the unit is easy to use. Set up takes a few minutes as all you need to do is slip in the eyepiece, point the telescope and start viewing.
Even when the optical tube is extended to maximum length, the unit can still fit in the back seat of a small family car. At only 23 pounds when fully assembled, the telescope is compact for travel. When placed on a table, the height of this telescope is suitable for kids, and when placed on the hood of a car, it allows great views.
This text evaluates the performance of the Orion StarBlast 6.
What is Orion StarBlast 6 Telescope?
The Orion StarBlast 6 is a beginner reflector telescope. It comes as an upgrade of the popular StarBlast 4.5. The earlier model has a slightly lower field of view at 4.5 inches and now the Orion StarBlast 6 has a 6-inch field of view. This allows the telescope to garner up to 73 percent more light. With its wide field of view, the unit tracks objects with great ease especially for beginners.
The telescope features non-stick PTFE bearings with adjustable altitude tension at its base, allowing you stability when focusing on objects terrestrially or celestially. You are offered two Sirius Plossl standard sized eyepieces, allowing you great adaptability when watching. The eyepieces can be kept on the three-hole rack when not in use. At the base of the telescope, there are handle cutouts so that you can lift and transport the unit with no hassle.
The Orion StarBlast 6 offers great features at a great price.
Product Information
| Dimensions | Weight | Batteries | Aperture | Focal Length | Software |
|
|
– | 150mm | 750mm | Starry Night Software |
Orion StarBlast 6 Telescope Pros & Cons
Pros
- Requires little setup
- High optical power for a beginner telescope
- Can be used for casual observing as well as a learning tool
- Detachable rings allow you to upgrade it
- Offered with software, so, you can observe better and even take pictures
- Sturdy base with adjustable altitude tension for ease of focusing
- Compact and lightweight for portability
- Highly versatile with two eyepieces
Cons
- Has to be set on something
- Plastic focuser
- Price relatively steep
Where to Find the Orion StarBlast 6
Orion telescopes are available in a host of online stores. This makes it easier for you to compare prices and offers. It is available on Amazon. You can buy it on eBay, Walmart, and specialty websites too.
While the price of the unit matches its features and construction quality, it is still higher than other beginner telescopes on the market.
Telescope Performance
The Orion StarBlast 6 sports a 150mm aperture. This is almost twice what most beginner telescopes have to offer. Granted, enough light enters the unit, allowing bright and crisp images. This is bettered by a 750mm focal length, which is adjustable, so, you can focus on near and distant objects with great ease.
You are offered two eyepieces. The first eyepiece is 25mm and the second 10mm. These are standard eyepieces at 1.25-inch diameter. Ergo, you can upgrade your telescope if need be. The lowest useful magnification is 21x while the highest useful magnification is 300x. Again, the total magnification is way higher than most beginner telescopes.
You are offered EZ Finder 2 Aiming device with which you can focus fast and comfortably. Coupled with the wide field of view, focusing on the unit takes as less as 1 minute. To enhance your experience, you are offered Starry Night Software. With the software, you can integrate your telescope with a computer for photography, making plans and keeping records.
Extra Info
With a focal-ratio of f/5.0 and a couple of other great features, the Orion StarBlast 6 offers you value for money. You can carry it on your hunting expeditions or shooting excursions for bright and crisp views.
Maintenance Advice
While you are not offered a cleaning cloth, you will need it to wipe the lenses of this telescope and the eyepieces. Use isopropyl alcohol on the lens cloth and wipe gently to remove dirt. When dust settles on the telescope, use air can to blow it off.
Keep your telescope collapsed when not in use. Store it in a dry area away from dust. While this unit feels sturdy and can take a fall or two, avoid placing it at the edge of a bench or table, so it does not fall.
Accessories
The Orion StarBlast 6 comes preassembled and almost ready to use out-of-the-box. Given, there are only a couple of accessories offered including:
- 2 eyepieces
- View finder
- DVD with software
- Eyepiece rack
The fewer accessories reduce setup time significantly. However, if you need better magnification, you can buy extra eyepieces. A carrying bag and a cleaning cloth are conspicuously missing. You will need to buy these two.
Warranty and Guarantee Information
You are offered a 2-year warranty with the purchase of this telescope. This covers you in case there is a design defect. You can return the telescope if it does not perform as the manufacturer specifies.
Our Recommendation
The Orion StarBlast 6 is a good telescope for money. With up to 300x magnification, you can get clear images of celestial objects. It is an appealing unit if you are not on a budget and you need a quality beginner telescope.
Does the telescope meet your viewing needs?
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 17:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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