Reviews & Ratings for OpticsPlanet Exclusive Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Telescope w/ Celestron Motor Drive 93514 — 17 reviews — Page 1

The price was right for this telescope as it was listed under the “Blazin deals” category. Shipping was free, and the package arrived in good shape with no issues. So far, so good. As for the telescope itself, I’ve only used it a few times due to weather and clouds, so I am not able to submit a detailed review as to its quality of optics. I was able to observe the moon twice, and the clarity of the scope is what I expect from Celestron. I have one other Celestron telescope which is the Mak90, and it’s view is also great. Might submit more details after more use.

Great beginner telescope for the price. I purchased this on sale for $160. Setup was relatively easy. It took some trial and error to get the laser lined up properly with the telescope. Without the laser and telescope lined up it can be difficult to find deep space objects. I haven't had the chance to setup and use the included motor so I can't comment on it. Using this setup in my backyard which is far from ideal in regards to light pollution. With everything included in this package you can easily see the craters on the moon. You can make out the rings on saturn although it will be a very small image. You can make out the moons and red spot on Jupiter. After a few uses I purchased a 2x Barlow lens and better glass which significantly improved my results. Overall this is a great beginners package but the initial learning curve and setup could be steep.

This is marketed as a beginners telescope but I bought it mostly for portability. No problems with Optics Planet, it arrived well packaged in timely fashion and was at a very good price. The stainless tripod legs are good for this price point, more rigid than an aluminum legs that came with a refractor budget telescope I bought 20 years ago. Being a reflector you look in at the top so the legs need not be fully extended making them a little stiffer. The Equatorial mount is sloppy around the RA axis, quite a bit looser than that older eq-1 mount from years past. Basic astrophotography using this telescope with its long focal length is out. The motor drive is not very solid looking but it works. I read a review that complained it was loud but mine purrs nicely. Have not really checked to see how well it tracks yet. The telescope itself arrived needing collimation which was pretty simple to do. Precise focus is not easy with the loose RA and 1000mm focal length scope so the view jiggles a lot when you touch the knobs. Optics including the eyepieces are fair, and about what I expected. Craters on the moon will be impressive to new observers. The red dot finder is very useful. Overall I am only disappointed in the poor bearing on the RA axis but that is a major weakness for an equatorial mount. I'll probably try using an APS-C camera with 100-300mm lens on the tripod, mount, and motor combo but put the telescope on my AZ-gti Alt/Az goto mount with a better 20-30mm eyepiece and ba...
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I am 100 %satisfied with my new telescope. I am seeing things that I only dreamed about seeing. I also purchased an eyepiece and filter kit #94307 and I'm loving it too. Thanks optics planet. I will continue to purchase more items from your company. I am considering getting this setup for my youngest son.

Waited months for this telescope to get back in stock. Easy to put together. Still haven't gotten the motor drive working but we will in time. Once you figure it out it is great to use. Purchased the set of lenses and filters and I get an even closer look at the moon. The program that comes with it tells you all the astronomical events that happen each night. Highly recommend this telescope.

I haven’t really had a chance to use the telescope so I’m not sure I should write a review just yet, but I will relate my experience so far. The first problem was the star finder sighting device didn’t work. I called Celestron, the customer service rep was very helpful and said she’d ship another one immediately. I haven’t received it as of this date but I’m confident it was shipped as promised. My first attempt at viewing the full moon was frustrating. I couldn’t get the scope pointed at the moon and when I finally found it I was disappointed, but that turned out to be user error! On the front of the scope there is a small cover that snaps into the center of the large cover. Not realizing there were two covers, I only removed the small one and the image of the moon was dim with little detail. I was not impressed and since I’d bought the scope for my six year old grandson, I didn’t want him to be disappointed and lose interest. I was prepared to return the scope when another call to Celestron was placed and the rep asked me if I only removed the small cover or had removed both. The light came on in my head, I removed the large cover from the scope,and I was able to view the moon and see much greater detail. If the manual explained about the large cover, I guess I missed it. The large cover fits almost flush so at first it looked as though the small cover was the only removable one. The sky has been cloudy for most of the week so I’ve not tried the scope again but I’m confide...
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Couldn't ask for better first time scope . It arrived in 3 days flat . The extra things you can buy for this scope are awesome . Gave this one to my kids and grandkids , showed them how to use it , and within hours we were looking at Jupiter and Saturn ! Thank you OpticsPlanet , more purchases coming .

The AstroMaster is a great telescope for the price. Received it fast from Optics Planet. Once you get the red dot sight set right it is easy to find what you are looking for. I would recommend getting the accessory kits with it as well.

This is my second review for this product. I figured out how to use the motor that helps tracking the objects aimed at. It is pretty easy to set it up once its understood, and it works very well. The poonter co UK ld use some help in being a bit more robust in that it does not hold steady when touched. "A bit delicate" aside from that it's pretty good.

Product is good, but i was hoping to see farther objects better, it turns out I will need to buy higher power lenses. Not sure if i will be able to see all that is claimed by the ad. Other reviews were reaaly good so there is hope.