Designed as a capable and portable starter-scope, the Celestron AstroMaster 70EQ 70mm f/13 Refractor Telescope is a complete observational platform for viewing the Moon and planets, or comet-hunting. Its manual equatorial mount, when properly polar aligned, can easily track objects using the slow-motion cables with reduced vibrations, and easy-to-read setting circles aid in speeding up celestial navigation to known coordinates. The entire rig assembles and breaks down without the need for tools, so users can set up fast and get observing sooner.
This version of the AstroMaster comes with two eyepieces that yield low and medium magnifications, and a 90° diagonal that sports an integrated erecting prism to correct images and allow the scope to be used as a conventional spotting scope for terrestrial use. The diagonal also places the user’s head in a more comfortable position especially when the OTA is pointed at or near the zenith. An adjustable-height stainless steel tripod supports the mount and optical tube, and comes with a center tray that conveniently holds accessories while improving stability and reducing vibrations.
Optical Tube
- 70mm aperture
- f/13 focal ratio
- 900mm focal length
- Refractor-style optical path
- Fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission, color rendition, and contrast
- Resolution: 1.99 arcsec (Rayleigh); 1.66 arcsec (Dawes)
- 1.25″ rack-and-pinion focuser
- Dovetail mounting plate
Mount and Tripod
- Mount:
- Manual equatorial
- Locking altitude adjustment screw
- Etched declination dial
- Dual-axis slow motion cables enables precise adjustments with reduced vibrations
- Two counterweights and counterweight bar allows proper balancing
- Dovetail saddle accepts OTA mounting plate and allows for precise balancing
- Tripod:
- 1.25″ tubular stainless steel legs
- Adjustable height to accommodate a variety of users and observing positions
- Spiked feet to provide stability in rough or soft terrain
- Center tray adds stability and vibration-reduction
Included Accessories
- Eyepieces:
- 1.25″ diameter barrel
- Accepts most astronomical eyepiece filters
- 10mm focal length produces 90x magnification
- 20mm focal length yields 45x power
- Diagonal:
- 90° angle places head in comfortable viewing position, especially when aimed at or near the zenith
- Integrated erecting prism corrects image for terrestrial viewing as a conventional spotting scope
- 1.25″ snout and eyepiece holder fits and accepts the most common sized focusers and accessories
- Finder:
- Permanently-mounted in-place
- Un-magnified view ensures easy alignment and fast star-hopping navigation
- Red illuminated center aiming dot is easy to see without obstructing small or dim objects
Celestron 70EQ Specs
| Optical Design | Achromatic Refractor |
| Aperture | 70 mm / 2.8″ |
| Focal Length | 900 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/12.9 |
| Eyepiece Barrel Diameter | 1.25″ |
| Diagonal | Star |
| Finderscope | Yes |
| Mounting | Dovetail |
| Optical Tube Dimensions | 36″ / 914 mm |
| Type | German Equatorial |
| GoTo Capability | No |
| Tripod Height Adjustment Range | 32.0 to 51.0″ / 81.3 to 129.5 cm |
| Material of Tripod | Stainless Steel |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Weight | 18 lb / 8.2 kg |
| Package Weight | 23 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 41 x 15 x 9.5″ |
