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Customer Reviews
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Nice gear, although not easy for dSLR imaging - Review by Millsy
I'm a total beginner, I read some great reviews of this gear, and those reviews are fairly accurate - once you get your head around how the mount works, it starts to come together.
I did buy this telescope under the impression that the standard t-adapter and ring would allow me to jack my Canon EOS 550D camera into the telescope and start taking amazing shots.
What I've learnt is that the standard t-adapter does not give enough back focus - which means that the focal plane of the camera's sensor is too far away from the focal point of the telescope.
I understand that there are two solutions to this:
1) move the rear mirror closer up the tube (a bit drastic, and as I'm a beginner, I'm not confident of doing something like this); or alternatively
2) get a t-adapter with an integral barlow lens, or buy something like the Celestron 8-24mm zoom eyepiece, which extends the focal point out further, so that it reaches the Canon's focal plane.
Before I commit to buying any more gear, I've joined the Astronomical Society of NSW, so that I can get some advice, and maybe road-test some gear to check I understand this correctly. I wish I'd had a better conversation with staff about the accessories necessary to do photography with this telescope.
I am also yet to get the piggy-back set up for my Canon camera correct; I keep getting blurred images. But it's fun to keep trying.
Otherwise, staff were lovely on the phone, and the gear was delivered nice and quickly. (Posted on Apr 14, 2013)
I did buy this telescope under the impression that the standard t-adapter and ring would allow me to jack my Canon EOS 550D camera into the telescope and start taking amazing shots.
What I've learnt is that the standard t-adapter does not give enough back focus - which means that the focal plane of the camera's sensor is too far away from the focal point of the telescope.
I understand that there are two solutions to this:
1) move the rear mirror closer up the tube (a bit drastic, and as I'm a beginner, I'm not confident of doing something like this); or alternatively
2) get a t-adapter with an integral barlow lens, or buy something like the Celestron 8-24mm zoom eyepiece, which extends the focal point out further, so that it reaches the Canon's focal plane.
Before I commit to buying any more gear, I've joined the Astronomical Society of NSW, so that I can get some advice, and maybe road-test some gear to check I understand this correctly. I wish I'd had a better conversation with staff about the accessories necessary to do photography with this telescope.
I am also yet to get the piggy-back set up for my Canon camera correct; I keep getting blurred images. But it's fun to keep trying.
Otherwise, staff were lovely on the phone, and the gear was delivered nice and quickly. (Posted on Apr 14, 2013)
Once set up correctly, beautiful, crisp and clear image of the night sky - Review by Thuan
The item arrived promptly with Christmas around the corner.
Great present to a friend who is has an interest in astronomy.
Very satisfied with the image quality along with the fact that a camera can be mounted with appropriate additional purposes.
Very happy with quality of images given the price.
Overall, very satisfied with the quality of the telescope. (Posted on Jan 01, 2013)
Great present to a friend who is has an interest in astronomy.
Very satisfied with the image quality along with the fact that a camera can be mounted with appropriate additional purposes.
Very happy with quality of images given the price.
Overall, very satisfied with the quality of the telescope. (Posted on Jan 01, 2013)
Pros: price, Accurate, Good price, great first telescope, Beautifully crisp image!
Cons: Little bulky to wear, Size; it's not small. But that's because it's a Dob; it's expected
Great first telescope for people interested in learning to do things manually - Review by John Dalton
I bought this telescope back in September, after much research online. I'd become interested in astrophotography, and was looking for an entry-level telescope that would be suitable for starting on that.
I wanted a manually operated (rather than computerised) scope, because I figured this way I'd be forced to learn how to do things properly. This is true, but be warned that it's a big learning curve which has involved several very frustrating evenings! If your primary interest is in looking at things with the least amount of hassle, then the extra money for a computerised scope seems worth paying for.
On the whole, despite a few frustrations, I've been happy with this purchase. After a few months (and not nearly enough clear evenings combined with the time to enjoy them) I finally feel that I'm starting to get the hang of things. I've managed to take a few photos that turned out ok:
The Moon, taken with my phone looking through the eyepiece: http://flic.kr/p/dCUXKG
Jupiter (and three moons), taken with an attached camera: http://flic.kr/p/dCYJTp
Cloud bands on Jupiter, taken with an attached camera: http://flic.kr/p/dD58XU
I'm yet to manage any photos of deep sky objects, but have been able to observe nebulae with my eyes. I can see that I will come up against the limitations of this scope eventually, but still have plenty to learn from it first!
That said, here are a couple of criticisms:
The starfinder seems almost completely useless, and other reviews online indicate that this is a common problem. I've had more success in locating objects simply by sighting along the length of the tube.
The motor drive is useless unless you first achieve polar alignment of the telescope. This is a tricky process (especially in the southern hemisphere) and I haven't managed to do it properly yet. Attaching or unattaching the motor drive is fiddly, and when it's attached there are two problems:
* You can't use the fine adjust knob for that axis, even if the drive is turned off.
* The motor drive housing restricts movement of the telescope (when looking North, with the mount pointing South).
At the moment I"ve simply detached the motor drive altogether. I hope that once I have a better idea of what I'm doing I'll be able to use it correctly, but even then it seems I'll need to detach or disengage it when locating objects, a process which is annoying and difficult in the dark.
I have no criticisms regarding the service I received from OzScopes, which was great. If/when I get around to upgrading this will be the first place I'll look! (Posted on Dec 26, 2012)
I wanted a manually operated (rather than computerised) scope, because I figured this way I'd be forced to learn how to do things properly. This is true, but be warned that it's a big learning curve which has involved several very frustrating evenings! If your primary interest is in looking at things with the least amount of hassle, then the extra money for a computerised scope seems worth paying for.
On the whole, despite a few frustrations, I've been happy with this purchase. After a few months (and not nearly enough clear evenings combined with the time to enjoy them) I finally feel that I'm starting to get the hang of things. I've managed to take a few photos that turned out ok:
The Moon, taken with my phone looking through the eyepiece: http://flic.kr/p/dCUXKG
Jupiter (and three moons), taken with an attached camera: http://flic.kr/p/dCYJTp
Cloud bands on Jupiter, taken with an attached camera: http://flic.kr/p/dD58XU
I'm yet to manage any photos of deep sky objects, but have been able to observe nebulae with my eyes. I can see that I will come up against the limitations of this scope eventually, but still have plenty to learn from it first!
That said, here are a couple of criticisms:
The starfinder seems almost completely useless, and other reviews online indicate that this is a common problem. I've had more success in locating objects simply by sighting along the length of the tube.
The motor drive is useless unless you first achieve polar alignment of the telescope. This is a tricky process (especially in the southern hemisphere) and I haven't managed to do it properly yet. Attaching or unattaching the motor drive is fiddly, and when it's attached there are two problems:
* You can't use the fine adjust knob for that axis, even if the drive is turned off.
* The motor drive housing restricts movement of the telescope (when looking North, with the mount pointing South).
At the moment I"ve simply detached the motor drive altogether. I hope that once I have a better idea of what I'm doing I'll be able to use it correctly, but even then it seems I'll need to detach or disengage it when locating objects, a process which is annoying and difficult in the dark.
I have no criticisms regarding the service I received from OzScopes, which was great. If/when I get around to upgrading this will be the first place I'll look! (Posted on Dec 26, 2012)
Pros: price, great first telescope
I don't know if my son will get this for Christmas.... I may just keep it for myself! - Review by Linda Callaghan
This is the first "real" telescope I've bought besides the little kiddie ones. It is intended for my 10yr old son who is highly inquisitive about space. So, because it is for Christmas, it has not been opened and set up as yet. I have opened the box and checked that everything is intact (which it is) and I have to say that I am SO excited to give this to my son! I did some research and found that this telescope was the best in my price range for what we are after. It's actually a little above what I had planned on spending, but I figure for the little extra it cost, it packs a whole lot more punch. And even still, it wasn't ridiculously priced.
The service I have received from OzScopes is second to none. I called to add to my order which was an easy process, no waiting on the line for ages, no digital entity to try to deal with, helpful, friendly. The follow up emails are just as impressive. To have Jono offer his assistance in setting up is a great relief as I'm not sure how I'll go!
I would absolutely recommend OzScopes to anyone wanting great value, awesome service and helpful follow-up.
I'll be back to add further comments once we've set up and used our ..... I mean my SON'S telescope :)
Also can't wait to get some add-on filters! (Posted on Nov 25, 2012)
The service I have received from OzScopes is second to none. I called to add to my order which was an easy process, no waiting on the line for ages, no digital entity to try to deal with, helpful, friendly. The follow up emails are just as impressive. To have Jono offer his assistance in setting up is a great relief as I'm not sure how I'll go!
I would absolutely recommend OzScopes to anyone wanting great value, awesome service and helpful follow-up.
I'll be back to add further comments once we've set up and used our ..... I mean my SON'S telescope :)
Also can't wait to get some add-on filters! (Posted on Nov 25, 2012)
Pros: price, user friendly, Good price, great first telescope, quality +++
Great - Review by Frankie
Quick delivery and efficient, matched what was described
(Posted on Jun 04, 2012)
Great first telescope - Review by Robert Golik
Great service and fast deliveryfrom Ozscope. Here in Adelaide has been cloudy most nights but managed to score a clear night and observed Saturn's rings with the 10mm Eyepiece. Still have to peform the polar alignment and set up the equitorial mount and motor drive. Keen to hook up a webcam and capture images on my computer.
Will I improve the image quality with a bettwe quality eyepiece? Will Saturns rings be larger/clearer and show any colours? What is the highest practical power for this telecope? 6mm
(Posted on Jun 02, 2012)
Will I improve the image quality with a bettwe quality eyepiece? Will Saturns rings be larger/clearer and show any colours? What is the highest practical power for this telecope? 6mm
(Posted on Jun 02, 2012)
Pros: price, great first telescope
Cons: May encourage you to buy a big telescope!
Great Telesope! - Review by Tammi
We brought this for our son for his birthday. He absolutely loves it! (So do we).
We will be ordering the eye piece and filter kit next. (Posted on May 10, 2012)
We will be ordering the eye piece and filter kit next. (Posted on May 10, 2012)
Pros: light, easy to carry, price, portability
Great for a starter and for kids assignments - Review by Robin Brading
I found it a little difficult at first, but with practice got better. The star finder is at the wrong end of the tube in my opinion and not easy to use if you wear glasses and have astigmatism, so don't use it, a bit of hit and miss at first. Pity it does not come with a more powerful eye piece, guess thats why it was cheaper. The software that came with it is excellent for the kids and their school science assignments. You will need better eye pieces if you really want to get closer to Venus and Saturn. But that will have to wait until we save some cash.
(Posted on Mar 19, 2012)
Pros: light, portability, Good price, great first telescope
Cons: May encourage you to buy a big telescope!
Loving it - Review by Iain
Very prompt delivery, very easy setup. First morning, stunning views of the waning moon. First evening, moons of Jupiter show very clearly, even low in the sky. I still need to work on aiming it better to get at what I want to see quicker. But then, it's my first telescope.
The finder scope doesn't find much, or still needs a lot of manual scanning - I'm sure I'll get better at it, but I also think the design could be more helpful.
If you swing say from Jupiter to Mars in the current sky, you can easily bump up agains the motor drive, it's mounted in a slightly awkward position. I might even take it off until I really need it.
These are comparatively minor issues, and will improve with familiarity. My take-home impression so far is that is was very quick to get very rewarding views of beautiful objects. (Posted on Mar 15, 2012)
The finder scope doesn't find much, or still needs a lot of manual scanning - I'm sure I'll get better at it, but I also think the design could be more helpful.
If you swing say from Jupiter to Mars in the current sky, you can easily bump up agains the motor drive, it's mounted in a slightly awkward position. I might even take it off until I really need it.
These are comparatively minor issues, and will improve with familiarity. My take-home impression so far is that is was very quick to get very rewarding views of beautiful objects. (Posted on Mar 15, 2012)
Pros: price, user friendly, Positive adjustments, great first telescope
Very good buy - Review by Brenda
The telescope arrived in two packages on different days, but within a week of the order and just before Xmas too! Can't beat the service! We have had an enormous amount of pleasure viewing the skies in the SW of WA, even watched the Kangaroos on the hill - upside down, but you could even see the fur on their ears. Saw Jupiter and her 4 moons and enjoyed views of our own magnificent new moon. Still have so much to learn!
(Posted on Jan 11, 2012)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What accessories do I need to mount a cannon EOS camera to a Celestron 130 EQ? Thanks, Barry
A:
You would need a T-Adapter (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-t-adapter-universal-1-25-in.html) and a Canon T-Ring (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-t-ring-for-35-mm-canon-eos-camera.html).
Q:
Can a camera be attached to this telescope. Is there anywhere in Perth to view this telescope?
A:
You most certainly can attach a camera to this telescope!
If you have a pocket digital camera, then the a digital camera adapter will be required. If you have a digital SLR camera, then a T-Ring / T-Adapter solution is the better option.
Unfortunately, our only warehouse is in Melbourne. You may be able to find this telescope in an Australian Geographic store in Perth.
If you have a pocket digital camera, then the a digital camera adapter will be required. If you have a digital SLR camera, then a T-Ring / T-Adapter solution is the better option.
Unfortunately, our only warehouse is in Melbourne. You may be able to find this telescope in an Australian Geographic store in Perth.
Q:
I am interested in buying one of these and wanted to ask what are the exceptions you guys take for layby?
Also the shipping calculator doesn't seem to be working, could you tell me how much shipping would be to 3088?
Also the shipping calculator doesn't seem to be working, could you tell me how much shipping would be to 3088?
A:
The shipping calculator is probably not working because the item is currently out of stock with the supplier. They're expecting more stock to come in only in January 2012. However the 130EQ (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-astromaster-130eq-telescope.html) is in stock. It's exactly the same except it doesn't have the motor drive. Shipping for the 130EQMD or the 130EQ is $9.00 to 3088.
We can allow payments in instalments. Payment would have to be completed within a 4-week period and we won't provide you with the item until it has been fully paid for.
We can allow payments in instalments. Payment would have to be completed within a 4-week period and we won't provide you with the item until it has been fully paid for.
Q:
I just wanted to ask what is the difference between the 130EQ with the motor and the 130EQ without the motor and what purpose does it serve?
A:
The only difference between the 130EQ and the 130EQMD is the motor drive itself.
The benefit of having a motor drive is that it is designed to assist with viewing a particular object over a long period of time. Generally, once you get an object aligned in field of view, you will find that the object actually moves quite quickly across the sky, which will require you to make constant minor adjustment to the mount to keep the object in view. The motor drive is a battery operated device that can make these minor adjustments for you, and can keep the telescope moving at a speed you set to help 'follow' the object.
The motor drive can be a handy tool to have, but some people prefer not to use it. We do sell this as a stand alone product as well, which can be found on our website here:
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-motor-drive-for-astromasters.html
The benefit of having a motor drive is that it is designed to assist with viewing a particular object over a long period of time. Generally, once you get an object aligned in field of view, you will find that the object actually moves quite quickly across the sky, which will require you to make constant minor adjustment to the mount to keep the object in view. The motor drive is a battery operated device that can make these minor adjustments for you, and can keep the telescope moving at a speed you set to help 'follow' the object.
The motor drive can be a handy tool to have, but some people prefer not to use it. We do sell this as a stand alone product as well, which can be found on our website here:
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-motor-drive-for-astromasters.html
Q:
Is the 130EQ with the motor drive capable of taking reasonable/good photographs or is the scope just too small?
A:
In general the best telescopes for astrophotography are Cassegrains (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/telescope/cassegrain-telescope) as they use a combination of mirrors and lenses and give much better image quality than refractors and reflectors. The 130EQ is a good telescope to get to begin with astrophotography. It still gives you decent images. You can view some examples here: http://www.celestron.com/costco/am130-slideshow.php but do keep in mind that a lot of photo-processing goes into these photos and most other photos that you see on the internet. The size of the 130EQ would be sufficient to take very good photos of the moon and with the motor drive tracking it will do well with long-exposure shots.
Q:
What eyepiece(s) does the 130eq md come with, and what magnification can be achieved? Also what other eyepiece options are available for this model?
A:
The Celestron 130EQMD comes with two eyepieces - a 10mm and a 20mm. With the telescope's focal length, the 10mm eyepiece would achieve a 65x magnification and the 20mm would achieve a 32.5x magnification.
The Astromaster series which includes the 130EQMD has an optional eyepiece and filter kit (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-astromaster-eyepiece-and-filter-kit.html) that comes with a 15mm eyepiece (43x magnification if used with the 130eq), 6mm eyepiece (108x magnification), a 2x doubling lens (which basically doubles the magnification of any eyepiece that you pair it with), and three filters (one blue, one red, and one moon filter).
Alternatively there is also a Celestron eyepiece and filter kit (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-eyepiece-and-filter-kit-1-25-in.html) that comes with five eyepieces, a barlow/doubling lens, six colour filters, and a moon filter.
If you don't want a kit,you can get individual eyepieces. We stock a range of them here (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/accessories/eyepieces). The smallest eyepiece that would go well with the 130EQ giving it the highest practical magnification of 307x would be a 2mm eyepiece.
The Astromaster series which includes the 130EQMD has an optional eyepiece and filter kit (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-astromaster-eyepiece-and-filter-kit.html) that comes with a 15mm eyepiece (43x magnification if used with the 130eq), 6mm eyepiece (108x magnification), a 2x doubling lens (which basically doubles the magnification of any eyepiece that you pair it with), and three filters (one blue, one red, and one moon filter).
Alternatively there is also a Celestron eyepiece and filter kit (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/celestron-eyepiece-and-filter-kit-1-25-in.html) that comes with five eyepieces, a barlow/doubling lens, six colour filters, and a moon filter.
If you don't want a kit,you can get individual eyepieces. We stock a range of them here (http://www.ozscopes.com.au/accessories/eyepieces). The smallest eyepiece that would go well with the 130EQ giving it the highest practical magnification of 307x would be a 2mm eyepiece.
Q:
In relation to the eyepieces for the 130EQ. I've currently got the normal standard 10mm and 20mm and I'm looking into getting better higher magnification, but wondering if I have a limit? Eg. can I just keep getting lower mm 5, 4, 3 or will my 650 focal length only allow certain eyepieces?
A:
With a 130EQ, you can definitely get a 4mm Eyepiece with your Telescope and get a higher magnification. This is because the scope does have a fairly short focal length as compared to other Telescopes.
However, the lowest I would recommend is the 4mm as they can be fairly difficult to use once they get any smaller than the 4mm. The images would appear to be alot darker and because of the smaller exit pupil.
However, the lowest I would recommend is the 4mm as they can be fairly difficult to use once they get any smaller than the 4mm. The images would appear to be alot darker and because of the smaller exit pupil.
Q:
Is the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ MD Reflector Telescope able to see Nebula clearly?
A:
The Celestron Astromaster 130EQ MD is definitely capable of seeing nebulas, but its clarity is largely dependant on the condition of the skies (light polution, air turbulence etc).
Generally, the larger the aperture of the scope, the better it is to counter light polution and the higher the magnification you can achieve in order to get the best picture for you.
Generally, the larger the aperture of the scope, the better it is to counter light polution and the higher the magnification you can achieve in order to get the best picture for you.
Q:
I was just wondering if there was any major difference between the celestron astromaster 130EQ Motor Drive reflector telescope and the normal Celestron astromaster 130EQ reflector telescope?
A:
Both telescopes are identical in every way with the exception of the Motordrive unit. The motordrive is simply connected to the standard mount to allow the telescope to follow a moving object at a set pace.
Q:
With a full range of lenses, how do you determine which lens is best suited to view near or far objects and bright and not so bright objects?
A:
With telescope eyepieces, the HIGHER the eyepiece number is in millimeters, the LOWER the magnification.
Generally, if you are interested in getting a panaromic view of constellations or the moon, then a lower magnification eyepiece tends to be best.
If you are interested in looking at distant objects, such as planets, or would like to look at the moons surface in detail, then a higher magnification eyepiece is a better option.
Generally, it is best to experiment with different eyepieces to discover which ones will give you the best view.
Generally, if you are interested in getting a panaromic view of constellations or the moon, then a lower magnification eyepiece tends to be best.
If you are interested in looking at distant objects, such as planets, or would like to look at the moons surface in detail, then a higher magnification eyepiece is a better option.
Generally, it is best to experiment with different eyepieces to discover which ones will give you the best view.
