Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope

Q1: Will images in this telescope be upside down?

A: Good question.  The images in this telescope will be right side up as long as you use the 20mm eyepiece that comes with it.  This eyepiece features Erect Image Optics which corrects the image making it ideal for land viewing in addition to sky viewing.  Any other eyepiece will show the image upside down, which is common in reflecting telescopes.

Q2: Does this telescope work with a camera?

A: The AstroMaster telescopes are able to accept camera attachments. However, it’s a completely manual mount so you wont be taking any long exposure, deep-space photography with it. It’s a great telescope for beginners for visual use. If you are really interested in getting into astrophotography, we would highly suggest going with a telescope with complete automatic tracking. Something like the Celestron SE series or SLT series telescopes. To attach a camera, such as a DSLR to the AstroMaster telescopes, you will need a Universal T-Adapter and a T-Ring specific to your camera.

Q3: The focal ratio between the 130 EQ and the 114 EQ are quite different.  What does this effect?

A: More important is the difference in the aperture size, 130mm or 114mm, the larger the aperture, the more light you can gather. The 130 features a shorter focal length and will magnify objects less than the 114mm telescope will, however the more important feature of a telescope is the light gathering ability, so we would always suggest larger aperture over more magnification ability. Most objects in the night sky are viewed between 40x-100x, making either the 130 and 114 qualified. The larger aperture of the 130 makes for a better view of objects.

Q4: Can you see Saturn with this telescope?

A: Saturn is easily viewed in this telescope, and actually in most telescopes. Saturn with its rings will be easy to view in most any telescope. Jupiter and its moons will also be easily visible from this, and all other telescopes. Planets are very bright and easy to view in all telescopes. Galaxies and other deep space objects are also able to be seen with this telescope. The larger your aperture, the more light your telescope can gather. Try not to think of it in “distance” but rather in how much light can you gather, the larger your aperture, your telescope will be able to gather light from these very distant objects.

Q5: Can you use it on a computer?

A: The Celestron Astromaster is not computerized so the unit itself cannot connect to a computer.  This telescope does come with software that will give you a tutorial on the use of the telescope and also provides some star charts.

Q6: In what packing is it delivered and is it save to carry in that packing from place to place , and whether the packing is rugged and save for carriage.

A: This telescope comes with no case and the packing is a large cardboard box with foam fitted to protect the scope during shipment.  You could carry the telescope in the packaging but it would not offer rugged protection.  The packaging is recommended for storage rather than travel.

Q7: Is there a case available for purchase for this telescope?

A: The best case would be the Zhumell Medium Telescope Case.  The item number is ZHUL043.

Q8: What is the weight and size/dimension of packing box during shipment?

A: The box dimensions of the Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ are 33"L x 17"W x 12"D.  This product ships as 32lbs.