80 replies to this topic

[MBS]

Quick question on the Orion Starblast.  I know as a beginner the table top version will be easier to use out of the box.  But I have read that the equatorial mount version has the better eyepieces (Sirius plossls).  Are the eyepieces a big enough upgrade or should I consider the ease of the table top? Or does it matter?

 

Thanks,

MB

[UnityLover]

Quick question on the Orion Starblast.  I know as a beginner the table top version will be easier to use out of the box.  But I have read that the equatorial mount version has the better eyepieces (Sirius plossls).  Are the eyepieces a big enough upgrade or should I consider the ease of the table top? Or does it matter?

 

Thanks,

MB

Will places you can observe have tables for your table top? The table top is easier, but it has a limited area of use. The equatorial can be mounted anywhere. If you buy the equatorial version, buy it from telescope.com, not amazon.

Edited by UnityLover, 27 January 2023 - 09:35 AM.

[CBM1970]

Quick question on the Orion Starblast.  I know as a beginner the table top version will be easier to use out of the box.  But I have read that the equatorial mount version has the better eyepieces (Sirius plossls).  Are the eyepieces a big enough upgrade or should I consider the ease of the table top? Or does it matter?

 

Thanks,

MB

That is a well regarded scope.

 

The eyepieces that come with the tabletop are described as "Bertele" eyepieces on Orion's website. I have no experience with that design, but I think there is a thread about them here on Cloudy Nights. Maybe some here can tell you how they might do in the f4 Starblast.

 

Even the Sirius plossls will struggle a bit at the outer part of the field in an f4 scope though. (My telescope is the f5 Starblast 6 - a 6 inch "version" of the Starblast, and I noticed some imperfections with the outer part of the field in my 25mm Sirius plossl.)

 

HOWEVER, this should not dissuade you. The bright low powered views of star clusters and nebula will be stunning, regardless of any issues with the edge of the field. If the Berteles are fairly similar to the plossls in performance, I'd get the tabletop.

 

You will need a high powered eyepiece to get good planet views. A 4mm or 5mm will get you close to 100x, which should show nice planetary (and lunar) detail. It needn't break the bank either. The desire for  expensive eyepieces for pristine views in an f4 scope is primarily due to problems that come up with long focal length eyepieces with wide fields of view. Short fl "high powered" eyepieces will be less susceptible to these problems. You'll just want to pick one that has good eye relief.

 

Good luck, and clear skies.

[mikemarotta]

Quick question on the Orion Starblast.  I know as a beginner the table top version will be easier to use out of the box.  But I have read that the equatorial mount version has the better eyepieces (Sirius plossls).  

Just to be clear, you are now considering the STARBLAST II 4.5 inch on an equatorial mount, which comes with a Moon map, etc. for $339.

 

 

And, yes, the better telescope is better and the better Ploessl oculars (eyepieces) are better.

 

The equatorial mount is a bit more work, carrying the pieces and assembling them. Once you are set up, if you move the tripod to a different location, you will have to re-align to North. And -- fair warning -- when I started with my equatorial mount, one mistake early on was not taking it apart in the right order. Take the telescope out of the mount first, then remove the counter-weight, then take the mount off the tripod. That way, nothing will spin around or fall to the ground. 

 

The 4.5 inch aperature will give you some good views of deep sky objects, the planets, and of course, the Moon. This model comes with a solar filter. The Sun is our closest star and we are coming into a sunspot maximum for the next four or five years.

 

 

Best Regards,

Mike M.

Edited by mikemarotta, 28 January 2023 - 10:02 AM.

[Anony]

Just to be clear, you are now considering the STARBLAST II 4.5 inch on an equatorial mount, which comes with a Moon map, etc. for $339.

 

 

I'm seeing it for $200 on amazon and also $200 direct from Orion. $339 is pretty pricey ... don't recall ever seeing it go for that much.

[Echolight]

Changing my mind about my original comment.

 

Looking back at the original options, and the explorapro 70 thread,

https://www.cloudyni...al-instruments/

I think it might be a fun little scope. So tiny. So cute. Capable of a 2 degree true field of view (with additional eyepiece purchase). And only $100 with the mount and tripod!

Edited by Echolight, 28 January 2023 - 07:33 PM.