Orion vs Celestron Telescopes: Which is the Best Option for Stargazing?
Introduction
Stargazing is a hobby that has fascinated people for centuries. With advancements in technology, it’s now easier than ever to observe the night sky and its wonders. If you’re in the market for a telescope, you’ll find two of the most popular brands are Orion and Celestron. Both companies offer a range of telescopes for different budgets and skill levels. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two brands to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a telescope.
Orion Telescopes
Orion is a company that was founded in 1975 and has been producing high-quality telescopes ever since. They have a commitment to their customers, as evidenced by their 30-day money-back guarantee and limited 1-year warranty. Additionally, Orion provides free technical support both before and after any purchase. Their prices range from $65 for beginner telescopes to $9,500 for professional-grade telescopes, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or skill level.
Pros of the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
The Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is a compact and portable telescope that weighs only 6.5 pounds when fully assembled. It’s perfect for stargazing in your backyard, while on a road trip, or while camping. With this telescope, you can observe craters on the Moon, bright planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, and even brighter deep space objects like globular clusters and nebulae. The solid foundation of this telescope ensures a stable view, and it can be attached to a field tripod for extra stability. It comes with two eyepieces, one offering 50x magnification and the other offering 125x magnification. The reflex sight makes it easy to aim and comfortable to use, even on windy nights.
Cons of the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
One of the disadvantages of this telescope is that it doesn’t come with a tripod, so you may have trouble finding a stable surface to place it on. Additionally, it doesn’t come with a carrying case, making it more vulnerable to damage when traveling. Finally, its appearance may be intimidating for those who are new to using telescopes.
Celestron Telescopes
Celestron was founded in 1964 and quickly became a leader in the world of amateur astronomy. They were the first company to mass-produce corrector plates, making telescopes more affordable for the public. In the decades that followed, Celestron made history again with the first mass-produced computerized telescope, making it a go-to choice for classrooms and astronomers. Today, Celestron is known around the world for making some of the best telescopes money can buy. They offer a 2-year warranty on all of their telescopes, from their beginner models to their professional-grade telescopes, and a limited lifetime warranty on the glass optical system.
Pros of the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope
The Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope comes with a tripod, making it easy to set up just about anywhere. The tripod is surprisingly stable, thanks to its thick, steel-tubicioui
ed legs. The telescope comes with two eyepieces and a StarPointer red dot finderscope, as well as a free download of a top-rated astronomy software program. The AstroMaster has manually adjustable German Equatorial technology and slow-motion control knobs for smooth and accurate adjustments. The high-quality, fully coated optics provide clear and crisp images of celestial and terrestrial objects. Celestron also offers a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from a team of US-based experts.
Cons of the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope
One of the downsides of the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope is that it’s slightly heavier than its Orion competitor, weighing over 16 pounds. The eyepieces may also need upgrading to fully utilize the telescope’s capabilities. Finally, the tripod may be more susceptible to wind because it doesn’t have a solid base frame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Orion and Celestron offer great options for those looking to get into stargazing. While the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is compact and portable, it lacks a tripod and carrying case. On the other hand, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope is slightly heavier but comes with a tripod and a 2-year warranty. With its reputation for quality, historic milestones, and a higher level of experience as a manufacturer, Celestron is the better option overall. Their warranty, quality optics, and German engineering make them a go-to choice for professionals, observatories, and classrooms around the world.
FAQ
1. What is the warranty for Celestron telescopes?
Celestron offers a 2-year warranty on all of their telescopes, from their beginner models to their professional-grade telescopes. They also offer a limited lifetime warranty on the glass optical system for the lifetime of the telescope under the original owner.
2. Is the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope portable?
Yes, the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is very portable. It weighs only 6.5 pounds when fully assembled, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
3. Does the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope come with a tripod?
Yes, the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Newtonian Telescope comes with a tripod, making it easy to set up just about anywhere.
4. Are the optics of the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope high-quality?
Yes, the Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope provides clear and crisp views of celestial and terrestrial objects, making it a great option for beginners and more experienced stargazers.
5. Does Celestron offer technical support for their telescopes?
Yes, Celestron offers unlimited access to technical support from a team of US-based experts, providing peace of mind for those who purchase their telescopes.
In conclusion, both Orion and Celestron offer great options for those looking to get into st
