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Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope

Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope

by Celestron
SKU CEL-31045
CA$500.00 - CA$500.00
CA$500.00
CA$500.00 - CA$500.00
CA$500.00
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  • 130mm (5.11") Newtonian Reflector Optics
  • 650mm Focal Length and f/5 Focal Ratio
  • CG-3 Manual German Equatorial Mount
  • Gathers 345x More Light Than the Human Eye
  • Includes 33x and 65x Magnification Eyepieces
1 in stock
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope

    The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope combines a large 130mm aperture with a stable equatorial mount to create an ideal instrument for exploring the solar system. Its 650mm focal length and fast f/5 focal ratio deliver bright, wide-field views of the Moon's craters, Jupiter's moons, and Saturn's rings. This telescope gathers 345 times more light than the naked eye, resolving details down to 0.89 arc seconds and reaching stars as faint as magnitude 13.1. Right out of the box, you get two eyepieces for 33x and 65x magnification, making it a complete system for nighttime discovery.

    130mm Newtonian Optics: 345x Light Gathering Power

    The heart of the AstroMaster 130EQ is its 130mm (5.11") primary mirror. This generous aperture gathers 345x more light than your eye, revealing faint deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The 650mm focal length and f/5 ratio provide a wide field of view, making it easier to locate objects and frame large star clusters. The glass mirrors are coated with aluminum and a protective layer of SiO₂ to maximize light transmission and durability, ensuring bright and clear images.

    CG-3 Equatorial Mount: Precision Slow-Motion Tracking

    Unlike basic up-down, left-right mounts, the AstroMaster 130EQ features a CG-3 German equatorial mount. Once aligned with Polaris, this design allows you to track celestial objects as they drift across the sky by turning a single slow-motion control knob. This is a critical feature for planetary observing, as it lets you keep Jupiter's cloud bands or Saturn's rings centered in the eyepiece at 65x magnification without constant readjustment. The sturdy, pre-assembled tripod with 1.25" steel legs provides a stable platform for clear, steady views.

    Ready to Observe: Two Eyepieces and a StarPointer Finder

    This telescope kit is designed for immediate use with a no-tool setup. It includes two eyepieces to cover a range of targets. The 20mm eyepiece provides a wide 33x view, perfect for scanning the Milky Way or observing large open clusters. A unique feature of this eyepiece is its built-in erect image corrector, allowing for occasional daytime terrestrial viewing. For higher-power views of the planets and Moon, the 10mm eyepiece delivers a crisp 65x magnification. Aiming the telescope is made simple with the permanently mounted StarPointer red dot finderscope.

    AstroMaster 130EQ vs. Alt-Azimuth Scopes: Why an EQ Mount Matters

    For a beginner, the primary difference between the AstroMaster 130EQ and a similarly sized telescope on an alt-azimuth mount is tracking. While an alt-azimuth mount is intuitive for terrestrial use, celestial objects move in an arc across the sky. To keep an object centered with an alt-az mount, you must constantly adjust both the altitude (up-down) and azimuth (left-right) axes. The AstroMaster's CG-3 equatorial mount simplifies this to a single motion. By aligning the mount's axis with Earth's rotational axis, you only need to turn the Right Ascension knob to counteract Earth's rotation, making for a much more enjoyable and less frustrating viewing experience, especially at higher magnifications.

  • What can I see with the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ?

    With its 130mm aperture, the AstroMaster 130EQ is powerful enough to show you detailed views of the Moon's craters, the phases of Venus, Jupiter's four largest moons and cloud belts, and the rings of Saturn. You can also observe brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42), the Hercules Cluster (M13), and the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) from a dark-sky location.

    How does the AstroMaster 130EQ's equatorial mount help with observing Jupiter?

    When viewing Jupiter at 65x magnification, it will drift out of the eyepiece field of view in under a minute due to Earth's rotation. With the CG-3 equatorial mount properly aligned, you can counteract this motion by turning just the single Right Ascension slow-motion knob. This allows you to effortlessly keep Jupiter and its moons centered for prolonged, steady observation.

    Is the AstroMaster 130EQ complicated for a beginner to set up?

    The AstroMaster 130EQ is designed for a quick, no-tool setup. The main components—optical tube, mount, and tripod—attach easily with hand knobs. While learning to polar align the equatorial mount takes a little practice compared to a simple alt-azimuth mount, the included manual provides clear instructions, and the benefit of easy tracking is well worth the initial learning curve.

    What is the difference between the included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces for the AstroMaster 130EQ?

    The two eyepieces provide different magnifications and fields of view:

    • 20mm Eyepiece: Provides a low-power magnification of 33x. This gives you a wider field of view, which is ideal for finding objects and observing large star clusters or nebulae.
    • 10mm Eyepiece: Offers a higher-power magnification of 65x. This is better for viewing details on the Moon and planets.

    Can I use the AstroMaster 130EQ for birdwatching or other daytime viewing?

    Yes, the included 20mm eyepiece has a built-in erect image corrector. This means that unlike standard astronomical eyepieces which show an inverted or mirror-reversed image, this eyepiece will show things right-side-up and correctly oriented, making it suitable for terrestrial viewing.

    Is the AstroMaster 130EQ suitable for astrophotography?

    The AstroMaster 130EQ is primarily a visual instrument. While you can take basic photos of the Moon and bright planets by holding a smartphone to the eyepiece (afocal photography), the CG-3 mount is not designed for the precise, motorized tracking required for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography.

  • Optical Tube Info
    Optical Design Newtonian Reflector | Spherical Primary Mirror
    Aperture 130mm (5.11")
    Focal Length 650mm (25.6")
    Focal Ratio f/5
    Light Gathering Power 345x (Compared to human eye)
    Highest Useful Magnification 307x
    Lowest Useful Magnification 19x
    Limiting Stellar Magnitude 13.1
    Resolution (Rayleigh) 1.07 arc seconds
    Resolution (Dawes) 0.89 arc seconds
    Optical Coatings Glass mirrors coated with aluminum and SiO₂
    Optical Tube Length 552mm (21.7")
    Optical Tube Weight 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
    Dovetail CG-5 Dovetail bar
    Included Accessories
    Eyepiece 1 20mm with built-in erect image corrector
    Magnification 1 33x
    Eyepiece 2 10mm standard
    Magnification 2 65x
    Finderscope Built-on StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
    Mount Info
    Mount Type CG-3 Equatorial
    Tripod 1.25" steel tube legs
    Height adjustment range 812.8mm - 1295.4mm (32" - 51")
    Mount & Tripod Weight 9.3 lbs (4.24 kg)
    Slew Speeds Manual via slow-motion controls
    Dovetail Compatibility CG-5 saddle plate
    Accessory Tray Yes
    General Info
    Total Kit Weight 17 lbs (7.71 kg)
    Software Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software and SkyPortal App

    • AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Optical Tube

      × 1

    • CG-3 Equatorial Mount and Tripod (preassembled)

      × 1

    • 20mm Eyepiece with Erect Image Corrector

      × 1

    • 10mm Eyepiece

      × 1

    • StarPointer Red Dot Finderscope (pre-attached)

      × 1

    • Accessory Tray

      × 1

  • Celestron 2-Year Limited Warranty