AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope Review (Before Purchasing)

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The Celestron AstroMaster series is a renowned collection of telescopes catering to beginners and intermediate-level astronomers.

With a range of models available, the AstroMaster series offers versatility and quality for those seeking to explore the wonders of the night sky.

Known for their user-friendly design, reliable performance, and exceptional value, Celestron AstroMaster telescopes provide an excellent entry point into the world of astronomy.

If you’re in search of a telescope that will ignite your passion for stargazing and exploration, the AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope deserves your attention.

This article will take a closer look at the AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope, evaluating its features, performance, and overall value.

$Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ Refractor$

Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ Refractor

Amazon

$ 114.49 -28%

Table of Contents

What can I see with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope?

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope offers a wonderful opportunity to view the night sky. With its capabilities, you can observe various celestial objects.

Here are some of the objects you can see with this telescope:

Moon

With the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope, you can observe the moon, its craters, lunar maria, and captivating landscapes in remarkable detail.

Planets

You can also observe the beauty of our neighboring planets with this telescope. It enables you to see the cloud bands of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, and the red hues of Mars.

The outer planets like Uranus and Neptune would appear as minuscule points, barely discernible.

However, you will have the opportunity to observe Jupiter’s four largest moons and witness the majestic rings of Saturn.

Deep sky objects

Due to its limited aperture size, observing deep-sky objects and fainter celestial bodies within our solar system may pose a challenge with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope. However, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the Orion Nebula.

Terrestrial observations

Apart from celestial objects, the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope is also suitable for terrestrial observations. Use it to observe distant landscapes, wildlife, and even birds.

Can I view galaxies with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope?

You can view galaxies with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope.

While the telescope’s smaller aperture and lower magnification may limit the level of detail you can see, it is still capable of providing glimpses of some prominent galaxies, such as the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) in the night sky.

What magnification is provided by the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ?

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope provides various levels of magnification depending on the eyepieces used.

It comes with two eyepieces: a 20mm eyepiece and a 10mm eyepiece. The telescope’s focal length is 700mm.

Using the 20mm eyepiece, the magnification can be calculated by dividing the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length:

Magnification = Telescope Focal Length / Eyepiece Focal Length
Magnification = 700mm / 20mm
Magnification ≈ 35x

Using the 10mm eyepiece, the magnification can be calculated as follows:

Magnification = Telescope Focal Length / Eyepiece Focal Length
Magnification = 700mm / 10mm
Magnification ≈ 70x

It’s important to note that additional magnification can be achieved by using optional eyepieces with different focal lengths.

Is Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ suitable for beginners?

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope is suitable for beginners. It provides an excellent starting point for those new to astronomy.

With its easy setup, lightweight design, and user-friendly features, beginners can quickly get started with observing the night sky.

The telescope offers a magnification range of 35x to 175x, allowing beginners to explore various celestial objects, including the Moon, planets, and some deep sky objects like star clusters and bright nebulae.

Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ accessories

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ comes with a wide range of accessories. These accessories enhance the functionality and usability of the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope, making it a convenient and user-friendly choice for beginners and amateur astronomers.

Here are the items in the accessory package:

Two eyepieces

The telescope comes with two eyepieces, a 20mm eyepiece, and a 10mm eyepiece. Eyepieces are essential for adjusting the magnification and field of view, allowing you to observe celestial objects with different levels of detail and clarity.

Erect image diagonal

The erect image diagonal is a useful accessory that allows for comfortable and convenient terrestrial viewing with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope.

This accessory corrects the orientation of the image, providing a correctly oriented view for terrestrial observations.

With the erect image diagonal, you can easily observe landscapes, wildlife, and other objects on Earth with ease and accuracy.

Starpointer finderscope

The Starpointer finderscope is a handy accessory that aids in locating celestial objects with precision. This red dot finderscope makes aligning and aiming your telescope at specific targets in the night sky easier.

Tripod

The telescope comes with a sturdy tripod that provides stability and support during your observations. It ensures that your telescope remains steady, allowing for steady and vibration-free night sky views.

The tripod leg diameter of the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ provides stability and support during observation sessions.

Starry Night Software

As an added bonus, Celestron provides the Starry Night Software for download. With Starry Night, you can explore the night sky, learn about celestial objects, and plan your future observing sessions.

It is a comprehensive astronomy software package that allows you to delve deeper into our solar system and beyond.

Smartphone adapter

The smartphone adapter included with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ allows you to capture images and videos of celestial and terrestrial objects using your smartphone.

This accessory features a lightweight and sturdy frame that securely connects your smartphone to the telescope’s eyepiece.

How do I focus the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope?

Focusing the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope is a straightforward process.

Here are the steps to focus the telescope:

Start by selecting the desired eyepiece based on your observing needs. The eyepiece determines the magnification and field of view.
Locate the focusing knob, which is usually located on the side or back of the telescope tube. It allows you to adjust the position of the primary mirror or objective lens to achieve sharp focus.
To begin the focusing process, point the telescope at a bright object in the distance, such as a distant building or tree.
Look through the eyepiece and slowly turn the focusing knob in one direction. As you turn the knob, the image will become progressively clearer and sharper.
Continue adjusting the focusing knob until you achieve the sharpest focus possible. Take your time and make small adjustments to fine-tune the focus.
Once you have achieved the desired focus, you can begin your observations of celestial objects.

Pros of the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope offers several advantages.

Here are some of them:

Portability

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ is a compact and lightweight telescope, making it easy to transport and set up for observation sessions in different locations.

Easy setup

This telescope features a simple and intuitive design, making it beginner-friendly. It does not require complex assembly or extensive knowledge to get started.

Affordability

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ offers a budget-friendly option for those who want to explore astronomy without investing in a high-end telescope. It provides good value for the price.

Versatility

This telescope is suitable for observing a range of celestial objects, including the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae.

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope comes with slow-motion controls, allowing for smooth and precise tracking of celestial objects.

Cons of the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ

It’s important to consider these cons when evaluating the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ:

Limited aperture

The 70mm aperture of this telescope limits its light-gathering capability, which can impact the level of detail and brightness of observed objects, especially for faint deep-sky objects.

Plastic components

Some users have reported that certain parts of the telescope, such as the finder scope and focuser, are made of plastic, which may affect their durability and long-term performance.

Limited magnification

While the telescope comes with different eyepieces to vary the magnification, the maximum practical magnification is somewhat limited due to the telescope’s aperture and focal length, which may restrict detailed observations of certain objects.

Limited astrophotography capability

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ is primarily designed for visual observation rather than astrophotography.

While it is possible to capture basic images, the telescope may not offer the necessary stability or tracking capabilities for more advanced astrophotography pursuits.

Optical performance of the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ Telescope

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope offers decent optical quality suitable for entry-level astronomy enthusiasts.

Here are some key aspects of its optical capabilities:

Moderate objective lens

The telescope features a 70mm (2.76-inch) objective lens, which gathers a sufficient amount of light for observing celestial objects. The lens is coated to enhance light transmission and minimize reflections, resulting in improved image quality.

With its 70mm aperture, the telescope can capture a reasonable amount of light, allowing for clear views of celestial targets.

While not designed for deep space observations, it is well-suited for lunar, planetary, and some brighter deep-sky objects.

Provision of crisp and detailed views

The AstroMaster LT 70AZ provides crisp and detailed views of the moon’s surface, revealing its craters, mountains, and other lunar features with good clarity.

When observing planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus, users can appreciate certain surface details, cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and the phases of Venus.

Limitations in light-gathering power

Due to its smaller aperture, the telescope has limitations in capturing fainter deep-sky objects like dim galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

However, it can still offer views of brighter deep-sky targets, such as larger star clusters and some prominent nebulae.

Coated optics

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope incorporates coated optics to improve contrast and reduce chromatic aberration. This helps provide clearer and more color-accurate views of celestial objects.

Specifications of the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope is equipped with several specifications that enhance its functionality and performance.

Here are the specifications of this telescope:

Specification	Description
Aperture	70mm (2.75 inches)
Focal length	700mm
Focal ratio	f/10
Mount type	Altazimuth
Tripod	Aluminum, adjustable height
Maximum useful magnification	165x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	11.7

Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope design

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope features a well-designed and user-friendly construction that enhances its functionality and ease of use.

Here are the key aspects of its design:

Refractor design

The telescope utilizes a refractor design, which employs lenses to gather and focus light. This design ensures crisp and clear views of celestial objects, making it ideal for beginners and casual stargazers.

Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

The telescope’s OTA is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport. The OTA is made from durable materials to withstand outdoor conditions and provide long-lasting performance.

Is Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ worth it?

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope offers good value for those who are new to astronomy or seeking an affordable entry-level option.

While it may not have the advanced features or capabilities of higher-end telescopes, it provides an accessible and enjoyable stargazing experience.

With its reasonable price, ease of use, and portable design, it allows beginners to explore the moon, planets, and some brighter deep sky objects.

The included accessories and simple setup make it convenient for those starting their astronomical journey.

However, you should note that AstroMaster LT 70AZ has limitations due to its smaller aperture and altazimuth mount.

If you have more specific observing goals or require higher performance, you may need to consider more advanced models.

FAQs

Below are answers ro some frequently asked questions:

What is the main difference between 70AZ and 70EQ?

The main difference between the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ and 70EQ models lies in their mounting systems.

The 70AZ features an altazimuth mount, which allows for simple up-and-down and side-to-side movements.

On the other hand, the 70EQ is equipped with an equatorial mount that enables tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky.

Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ vs LT 70AZ, which is better?

The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ and LT 70AZ are similar models.

In terms of optical performance, both telescopes offer the same specifications and provide similar viewing experiences.

What is the best Celestron telescope model?

Celestron offers a wide range of telescopes, each designed for different purposes and levels of expertise.

Some popular Celestron telescope models include:

Celestron NexStar series, such as the NexStar 8SE and NexStar 6SE, known for their computerized GoTo functionality and ease of use.
The Celestron CPC series, like the CPC 1100, is highly regarded for its advanced features and large apertures suitable for serious astronomers.
The Celestron AstroMaster series, such as the AstroMaster 130EQ and Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope, offer a balance between affordability and performance, making them great options for beginners and casual stargazers.

Can I take photos with the Celestron telescope?

Many Celestron telescopes are capable of astrophotography. However, the ability to capture high-quality images depends on various factors, including the specific telescope model, its compatibility with a camera, and additional accessories such as camera adapters and tracking systems.

If astrophotography is a priority for you, consider selecting a telescope model that is designed for this purpose or one that can be easily adapted for photography to capture sharp images.

Some recommended Celestron telescopes for astrophotography are:

Takeaway: Discover the beauty of the night Sky with the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope is a versatile and affordable option for those looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.

With its 70mm aperture and easy-to-use altazimuth mount, it offers beginner-friendly functionality and the ability to observe celestial objects such as the moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects.

Equipped with a rack and pinion focuser, the Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ enables precise and effortless focusing for crisp views of celestial objects.

While it may have some limitations in terms of its optical performance and accessories, it provides a solid entry point into the world of astronomy.

The Celestron AstroMaster LT 70AZ telescope is particularly adept at capturing bright objects such as planets and stars, delivering impressive views.

Before purchasing the AstroMaster LT 70AZ, it’s important to consider your specific needs and expectations. If you’re a beginner or on a budget, this telescope offers a great starting point for exploring the night sky and developing your interest in astronomy.

However, if you have more advanced observing goals or require higher optical performance, you may want to explore other models in the Celestron lineup or consider upgrading to a larger aperture telescope.