Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Motor Drive
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The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Motor Drive is a 130mm Newtonian reflector telescope designed for beginner to intermediate stargazers who want motorized tracking without a steep learning curve. It comes with an equatorial mount and battery-powered motor drive that automatically keeps celestial objects centered in the eyepiece as the Earth rotates. Overall it offers a solid combination of aperture, convenience, and value for those stepping up from entry-level instruments.
Key Features & Specs
| Aperture | 130mm (5.1 inch) primary mirror offering strong light-gathering for viewing planets, star clusters, and nebulae |
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| Focal Length | 650mm focal length with a focal ratio of f/5, suitable for wide-field and planetary viewing |
| Mount Type | German equatorial mount (EQ) with slow-motion controls for precise manual adjustment on both axes |
| Motor Drive | Single-axis battery-powered motor drive automatically tracks celestial objects in right ascension |
| Included Eyepieces | Two eyepieces included: 10mm and 20mm, providing 65x and 32.5x magnification respectively |
| Tripod | Sturdy adjustable stainless steel tripod with accessory tray for stable outdoor use |
| Software | Comes with a free download of Celestron's TheSkyX planetarium software for star charting and planning sessions |
Best for: Beginner to intermediate astronomers who want a capable, motorized reflector telescope for casual stargazing and want to graduate beyond basic manual mounts without investing in a fully computerized GoTo system.