Considering how many adults have told us they love our StarBlast “mini Dob,” we weren’t surprised that some of them suggested we offer the StarBlast optical tube on a full-size telescope mount. Sounded like a good idea to us. So here it is, the StarBlast 4.5 EQ. It’s bound to become a favorite of both adults and adolescents alike. It combines the much-heralded StarBlast wide-field (f/4.0) parabolic optics with a sturdy, adjustable height EQ-1 equatorial tracking mount. So if you’re an adult (or a parent) looking for an exceptional starter scope on a tracking mount, or an experienced amateur astronomer seeking a more portable alternative to your “light bucket,” then get a StarBlast 4.5 EQ. The name says it all!

3 Responses to “Orion StarBlast 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope”

1. Ariel Delgado says:

   December 17, 2009 at 12:00 am

   The equatorial mount setup is a quite lengthy process. It comes in multiple pieces so, if you are buying this get ready to spend most of the first night putting them all together and figuring out how (the instructions manual is not very user friendly…there are two main pictures you are supposed to use as guide but not too helpful). The upside of this is that, once armed and leveled, it’s pretty strong and firm so you don’t have to be adjusting screws and notches all the time like with my previous telescope. This also helps to hold the target image still. Packaging was AWFUL. My telescope arrived broken: the primary mirror had separated from the bottom of the tube and hit the secondary mirror multiple times (during transit most likely). The main reflector mirror ended up severely scratched and the secondary mirror broken. I put it all back together as best I could, collimated (adjusted the mirrors angles and tilt) as described in the user’s guide and tested the telescope on Jupiter and its Galilean moons. The effect of the broken/scratched mirrors is obvious and the image is not clear. You don’t get to see Jupiter’s gas stripes as advertised. You can still get a good look at the earth moon though. I’m still waiting on Saturn to be visible to evaluate. The item is reasonably big and a little heavy so don’t think you can just drive it around easily, unless you have a big trunk. For the price, it’s definitely worth it, assuming you get it delivered in better conditions than I received mine. I’m not happy with it but its not like I’m extremely disappointed at it.
2. C. L. Barger says:

   September 16, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Just got this scope and tripod. Weather has not cooperated for much viewing as yet. However, the few times I’ve been out with the scope, have been extremely pleased. Seems to be a good step up from the cheapo beginner scopes. If you are thinking about a starter scope and dont wish to spend lots of $$S, please take a suggestion from one who has been there and done that. Go ahead and spend over $200-250 for scope and tripod. I spent that much on numerous low end stuff that were unsatisfactory and generally broke soon after. This scope seems much more durable, viewing size is good and the tripod is all metal, very nice. So far no major cons. Will add more if I find any other info with further useage.
3. Sheryl Westleigh says:

   February 6, 2009 at 12:00 am

   I’ve wanted a telescope since I was a kid and now that I’m all grown up and can afford one I did a lot of research and comparison of scopes in my price range and the StarBlast always had the best reviews. The reviews are right, the first night I went out and looked at the moon, Venus, and a few other objects and they all exceeded my expectations for such a small scope. I can’t wait for warmer weather so I can use it even more.

   The equatorial mount is a bit complicated to use but I got used to it pretty quickly. I’d recommend the original Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro with the simpler dobsonian mount for younger kids or people who need a lot of portability.