StarBlast II 4.5 EQ f/3.9 Newtonian Reflecting Telescope Kit
Orion's compact, performance-packed Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector telescope is a favorite of both beginners and expert astronomers alike. It combines the much-heralded Orion StarBlast II 4.5-inch wide-field (f/4.0) parabolic reflector optics with our sturdy EQ-1 equatorial tracking mount and adjustable-height tripod.
The 4.5-inch aperture reflector telescope's short focal length serves up a generous chunk of sky in the eyepiece, making it easy for beginners to find celestial objects to study. Observations of everything from the Moon to Messier objects appear exceptionally sharp and rich in contrast through this petite reflector telescope. The included 25 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece provides 18x power magnification, while the 10 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece bumps up the power to 45x magnification. The 25 mm is a great eyepiece to begin observing sessions with, since it provides a large window of night sky for you to view. Once you've found an object you'd like to inspect more closely, swap out the 25 mm Sirius Plossl with the 10 mm eyepiece and enjoy a significantly more powerful view.
The accessories included in this value-packed Telescope Kit have been selected to enhance stargazing experiences for anyone beginning a hobby of amateur astronomy.
Use the included Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens to double the magnifying power of included eyepieces. A 2-power (2x) Barlow lens is an extremely versatile telescope accessory that doubles the magnification of any eyepiece installed. Using the included Shorty 2x Barlow with the 10 mm eyepiece in the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ bumps its viewing power from 45x to 90x, and boosts the 25 mm eyepiece's magnification from 18x to 36x when used with the 4.5-inch reflector. What's more, you can use the compact Shorty 2x Barlow with any other 1.25-inch eyepieces you already have, or any you purchase in the future.
Start stargazing with the 25 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece. The included 25 mm Orion Sirius Plossl eyepiece provides an 18-power view in the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ with a 52-degree apparent field of view. The 25 mm Sirius Plossl is a great eyepiece to use first when you use the telescope each night, since it provides a larger, less magnified window of night sky for you to view. This lower magnification makes it easy to find interesting objects in the night sky.
Increase magnification with the 10 mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece for more powerful views. After you've scanned the skies with the 25 mm Sirius Plossl ocular in the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ, take a closer look at interesting objects by swapping out the 25 mm eyepiece with 10 mm Sirius Plossl to boost magnification up to 45x. The more powerful view in the 10 mm focal length eyepiece makes it easier to see details such as craters and mountains on the Moon, as well as details of bright planets like the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn.
The included Orion EZ Finder II red-dot sight makes aiming the telescope nice and "EZ". The Orion EZ Finder II reflex sight lets you aim the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector Telescope anywhere in the night sky. Following a simple alignment procedure, the EZ Finder II projects a small red-dot onto a viewing window, so all you have to do is move the telescope until the red-dot is aimed at the area of sky you want to see in the telescope.
Use the Orion MoonMap 260 to learn more about the lunar features you see in the telescope. With locations and names of over 260 features on the Moon such as craters, mountains, valleys, "seas" and more, the included Orion MoonMap 260 is a great tool for beginning astronomers. This detailed map will even show you where various spacecraft have landed on the Moon's surface! The MoonMap 260 can be used to plan what to look at on the Moon, and to learn the official names of all the interesting lunar landscape features you see in the StarBlast II 4.5 Reflector Telescope.
The Orion Star Target planisphere is a useful star chart wheel for any day of the year. This circular star map lets you dial-in the month and day you're observing the sky, so you can see exactly which constellations and stars will be visible if skies are clear. Using the Orion Star Target is a great way for starters to plan their first stargazing sessions with the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ reflector, since you'll know just where to point the telescope.
The Orion Telescope Observer's Guide book will introduce you to the wonders of the night sky. This book will help you explore amazing celestial objects including planetary, emission and reflection nebulas; double and multiple stars; open and globular star clusters, the Andromeda Galaxy, and more. With a full page of information dedicated to each interesting object, author Richard J. Bartlett leads you on a detailed tour of the night sky as he describes over 60 fascinating astronomical objects that can easily be seen with a small telescope.
Use the RedBeam Mini LED flashlight to see in the dark without disrupting dark-adapted vision. You don't need a big flashlight to read star maps or see inside your accessory case at night. The included 2.5"-long Orion RedBeam Mini Flashlight does the job perfectly, emitting night-vision friendly red LED light. Red light won't disrupt your eyes' dark-adapted vision, so this flashlight lets you check charts and accessories while keeping your eyes primed for viewing celestial gems through the StarBlast II 4.5 EQ telescope. Includes batteries and a handy key-ring.
If you're looking for an exceptional beginner telescope kit on a stable mount with slow-motion tracking control, or if you're seeking a second telescope that's more portable than your big "light bucket", then get an Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope. Trust us, you'll have a blast!
Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only.
Warning Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.