CONS / During testing, images were distorted, and it took us awhile to focus the telescope.
VERDICT / With poor image clarity and a lack of go-to features, the Celestron Explorascope serves as a simple telescope. However, its light weight and easy assembly make it a good option as a first telescope.
The Celestron Explorascope 60AZ telescope is a simple telescope that lets beginners and children get a closer look at astronomical and terrestrial elements. This telescope for beginners does not have any go-to features such as computer components or a motor to help you track bodies in the sky.
This is a refractor telescope that does not require alignment. It has a red dot finderscope that helps you sight faraway objects and center them in your telescope's eyepiece. You can also download Celestron's SkyPortal app to locate and learn about the objects you are viewing in the sky.
During testing, we found that the Explorascope was easy to assemble and maneuver; however, the images bled quite a bit before coming into focus. Because the device has just a 60 mm aperture, we were not surprised that other telescopes offered a clearer view and showed greater detail of the terrestrial elements we were trying to observe.
Despite having the lowest aperture, the Explorascope has a long focal length that gives you a more detailed view of close objects like the moon and planets. This is also amplified by the high focal ratio. Higher ratios provide more magnification in a smaller field of vision. If you want to use the telescope during the day, you can see faraway objects on Earth.
This is a basic telescope. It does not come with computer components or a motor. It uses an altazimuth mount that allows you to move it up, down, left and right. The scope attaches to an aluminum tripod and remains relatively still when you are using it.
Celestron provides a standard two-year warranty that covers the cost of repairs and replacement of defective parts. You can access helpful resources on the Celestron website. With a FAQs page, email address, live chat option and product manuals, you can find helpful resources to troubleshoot issues.
Celestron provides a standard two-year warranty that covers the cost of repairs and replacement of defective parts. You can access helpful resources on the Celestron website. With a FAQs page, email address, live chat option and product manuals, you can find helpful resources to troubleshoot issues.
The best beginner telescopes are easy to assemble, use and transport. The Celestron Explorascope 60AZ is a basic telescope that gives you a closer look at the night sky and everything in it. While it lacks the bells and whistles our top-rated telescopes exhibit, it serves as a good first telescope for beginners and kids who are trying out the hobby.
