Celestron 21061 AstroMaster 70 AZ

The Celestron 21061 AstroMaster altazumuth (az) refractor with erect image optics gives excellent close inspection of the moon and planets in the night sky as well as terrestrial viewing. It is easy to assemble without tools and has a first rate all coated glass optical system for very clear images.

It is very light and easy to carry on holidays to the mountains or sea for panoramic views and to observe wildlife. For stargazers it gives a clear view of the constellations and the moon with fairly good detail of the larger planets in our solar system. The rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter are easy to see.

The AstroMaster 70 can grasp light 100 times better than the naked eye which is one reason it is excellent for night as well as twilight viewing. It resolves detail that is 10 times smaller than can be seen with the unaided eye. With these two attributes combined with two eyepieces, one at 20mm for 45x magnification and one at 10mm for 90x magnification, it will bring into clear focus detail of land and sky previously hidden.

The optical system contains an all-glass refractor optical tube with a dew shield that slows the formation of dew. It has a dovetail mount with a quick-release on the optical tube which allows it to be locked in place without tools by using a knob. The optics are coated with magnesium fluoride anti reflection for good contrast and high light transmission. The rack and pinion focuser has large knobs that are easy to use, even with gloves, when it’s cold. There are dual knobs which can be used with either hand for precision image control.

The star diagonal eyepiece holder allows viewing overhead comfortably with a mirror image. For celestial viewing and most animals this is not a problem, but if right reading letters and numbers is needed a 45 degree viewing angle image-erecting diagonal can be purchased. It has a red dot that is projected to the exact spot where the scope is aimed.

The altazimuth mount of the telescope is like a camera tripod with a handle that can be moved up and down as well as right and left. This is convenient for scanning an area. It can be locked in place with a clutch knob, or the drag of movement can be increased. It is important as a safety precaution to keep control of the pan handle at all times even though the optical tube has good balance.

The tripod is pre-assembled and lightweight with 1.5 inch diametre stainless steel tube legs. It can be adjusted without tools for observations when standing or sitting. The legs are locked by spreader bars that make it a rigid and stable platform. It also has an accessory tray that is convenient for keeping eyepieces that attaches to the spreader bars. Another aspect that makes it easy to use is the knobs for adjusting the height of the legs. They are on the inside, so clothing and straps don’t snag on them.

Included with the AstroMaster 70 is TheSky Level 1 software that has a database of 10,000 stars and objects that can be displayed on a Windows-based computer. This shows what the telescope can observe without the overload of detail that cannot be seen.

There is a Celestron two-year limited warranty against flaws in workmanship and materials. This is an excellent telescope for anyone over 13 who is interested in astronomy and wants a first hand working knowledge of the night sky. Also, because it is so light and easy to assemble it is good for trips, local or world-wide, to see more of the world around.