Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ Telescope

90mm Refractor Optics: Crisp Views of the Moon and Planets

The heart of the AstroMaster 90AZ is its classic refractor optical design, known for producing sharp, high-contrast images that are ideal for planetary viewing. The 90mm aperture is large enough to resolve the cloud bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and countless lunar craters in stunning detail. The fully-coated optics maximize light transmission, ensuring the brightest possible images of targets down to a limiting stellar magnitude of 12.3.

Because it's a refractor, the optical tube is sealed from the elements and requires virtually no maintenance, making it a reliable choice for beginners. The long f/11 focal ratio minimizes chromatic aberration (false color), keeping views of bright objects clean and sharp, especially at the included 50x and 100x magnifications.

Manual Alt-Azimuth Mount: Point-and-View Simplicity

Designed for straightforward operation, the manual alt-azimuth mount allows you to navigate the sky with intuitive up-down and left-right movements. A pan handle with a built-in clutch lets you make smooth, fine adjustments to center and track objects as they drift across the sky. The entire mount and tripod come preassembled and weigh just 7.9 lbs, allowing for a quick, no-tool setup in minutes.

• Dual Use Capability: The included 1.25" erect image diagonal provides a correctly oriented view, making the AstroMaster 90AZ equally suited for terrestrial observing of wildlife, landscapes, and ships at sea.
• Sturdy Foundation: The full-height, adjustable tripod features 1.25" diameter steel legs, providing a stable platform for viewing, with a height range from 32" to 51".
• Future-Proof Design: The optical tube attaches via a standard CG-5 dovetail bar, making it easy to move the telescope to a more advanced computerized mount in the future.

A Complete Kit: 50x & 100x Magnification and Starry Night Software

The AstroMaster 90AZ includes everything you need for your first night out. You get two 1.25" eyepieces—a 20mm for wide-field 50x views and a 10mm for higher-power 100x magnification of planetary details. The built-in StarPointer red dot finderscope makes it easy to aim the telescope by placing a simple red dot on your target.

Your purchase also includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Basic Edition software. This powerful planetarium program helps you learn the constellations, identify celestial objects, and plan your observing sessions from your PC or Mac, turning your computer into a comprehensive guide to the night sky.

AstroMaster 90AZ vs. 90EQ: Choosing Your First Mount

The AstroMaster 90 series is offered with two different mounts: the Alt-Azimuth (AZ) and the German Equatorial (EQ). While both use the same 90mm f/11 optical tube, the mount defines the observing experience.

• AstroMaster 90AZ (This Model): The alt-azimuth mount is simpler, lighter, and more intuitive. Its point-and-shoot operation is ideal for beginners, casual stargazing, and daytime terrestrial use. Tracking objects requires small adjustments on both axes.
• AstroMaster 90EQ: The equatorial mount is designed specifically for astronomy. Once aligned with Polaris, it can track celestial objects by turning a single slow-motion control. This is better for sustained, high-power viewing but requires a polar alignment procedure and is less suitable for terrestrial viewing.

For those seeking the fastest setup and maximum ease of use for both day and night viewing, the 90AZ is the superior choice. If your primary interest is tracking celestial objects for extended periods, the 90EQ is worth considering.