The Orion Starblast II 4.5 Telescope is a great telescope for beginner to intermediate stargazers, and can even be used by children, though adult supervision is recommended. It comes complete with a range of eyepieces for close-up views of other planets and distant stars, plus additional accessories, all within a very budget-friendly price tag. Though some assembly is required, it is definitely worth the trouble if your primary concern is high quality without high cost. Check out our detailed Orion Starblast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope review for information on its specifications, performance, accessories, pros & cons, etc.
What Is the Orion Starblast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope?
The Orion II 4.5 telescope is the newer version of the Orion 09798 StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope. It is designed as an easy to use telescope that’s great for beginners who plan to become serious stargazers. It has the features and power necessary to be of use as one develops more skills and experience with stargazing, including slow-motion controls and an equatorial mount, which allows it to track objects through the sky.
This telescope package includes a sturdy, adjustable tripod and mount, as well as two Sirius Plossl eyepieces that provide 18x and 45x magnification, respectively, as well as a copy of MoonMap 260 to help beginners locate and identify lunar features.
Be prepared for a bit of set-up, as this telescope does not come fully assembled, and assembling it is not a task for children. Some users have reported that the instructions are not always clear, but tech support is available, and given the overall quality of the finished product, it’s worth the effort.
Product Information
| Dimensions | Weight | Batteries | Aperture | Focal Length | Software |
| 18 x 10 x 54.8 inches | 20.7 lbs. | 1 lithium metal battery required | 100mm-150mm | 450mm | N/A |
Pros & Cons to Using the Orion Starblast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Compatible with high-quality accessories
- Suitable for astrophotography
- Great for beginners and families with children
- Sturdy equatorial mount
- Provides clear, sharp images
- Useful slow-motion controls
Cons
- Extensive assembly required
- No finder scope
- Not suitable for use in daylight
- The 10mm eyepiece does not allow for adequate focusing
- The plastic components are quite cheap
- The tube has no dovetail bracket
- According to a user, the secondary mirror came miscollimated
Where to Find the Orion Starblast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope
This telescope can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon, as well as directly from Orion Telescopes. Pricing is comparable for each; keep an eye out for occasional discounts, which should be reflected on both websites.
Used scopes may be available via online sellers, but you should always exercise caution when purchasing used telescopes. While these are typically less expensive, you also run the risk of getting an inferior product without the benefit of the manufacturer guarantee.
Telescope Performance
The views provided by this telescope are crisp and bright. The field of view is quite wide, making it easy to locate the desired area of sky. This telescope does not have a finder scope, per se; it is equipped with a reflex scope that projects a red dot onto the field of view to make pinpointing the correct area straightforward.
The equatorial mount makes this scope great for astrophotography. Use the appropriate adaptor to turn a smartphone or a handheld camera into the perfect tool for capturing incredible images. With the Orion Starblast II 4.5, you can view craters, mountains, and valleys on the Moon, as well as bright planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. You can also view distant objects like bright nebulas and galaxies, star clusters, etc.
Extra Info
Given the short focal length and wide aperture, this scope is overpowered for daytime use, and is intended strictly for stargazing. Better views of particularly bright objects can be achieved by adding filters. While it can be used to view bright deep-space objects, for astrophotography, the best results come from nearer objects like the Moon and planets.
Maintenance Advice
Standard care should be taken to maintain this scope. Do not use the telescope outdoors during wet weather, as the delicate instrument can easily be damaged by moisture. If condensation does develop, leave your telescope out in a dry place indoors to allow the moisture to evaporate. Do not attempt to disassemble the telescope or clean its interior mechanisms. These are extremely sensitive and require expert care.
Avoid storing your telescope where it can be subject to extreme temperatures, as this can cause misalignments and affect its performance. Dust or debris buildup can likewise cause problems. Keep your telescope covered when it’s in storage to keep dust out.
Accessories
Included:
- 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece (18x magnification)
- 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece (45x magnification)
- Equatorial (EQ) mount
- Adjustable-height tripod
- Orion EZ Finder II reflex sight
- Orion MoonMap 260 lunar field guide
Optional:
- Orion Shorty 1.25″ 2x Barlow Lens
- 1.25″ Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter
- Orion 15163 43x9x11 – Inches Padded Telescope Case
Warranty and Guarantee Information
Orion provides a limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase for new telescopes. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee on purchases made directly from the company, as well as free tech support. If you’re going to buy your telescope from an online seller like Amazon, you have the option to request a manufacturer’s warranty from customer service when you purchase it.
Our Recommendation
Overall, this scope is great for those just starting out, but who have more than a passing interest in stargazing. It’s budget-friendly, with plenty of accessories to make it useful right out of the box—at least, once the set-up is complete. While it may not be the highest quality available, it is certainly impressive for its price-point, and it provides excellent opportunities for home astronomers to practice their skills and enjoy spectacular views.
Do you have a question or comment to share? Have you used the Orion Starblast II 4.5 telescope before? Let us know in the comments!
Recommended Read: Orion Starblast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope Review
Last update on 2023-09-27 at 19:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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