StarSense Explorer 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners

I never review, but this scope (130 mm) deserves one! Fantastic packaging, crystal clear instructions, easy assembly, very high level build quality, beautifully executed, overall. I had the DX 130AZ - FORGET IT!!! This scope, currently, is considerably cheaper and WAY better, in all key aspects. Like what? Tube connection and mount are rock solid on the 130 mm DOB. TERRIBLE, SHAKY, WOBBLY MOUNT ON THE DX! The DOB has no Bird-Jones lens (that's a good thing) AND has a parabolic primary mirror. Build quality is MUCH better on the DOB. Focuser is superior. Take the money saved on the DX and get the dedicated Celestron tripod AND invest in better optics (check out Celestron's E-lux line; get a 25 mm and a 5 mm, or go telescoping high power like the SBOVNY 6-18 mm). Overall, couldn't be happier. Optics are stunning. Highly portable. Remove tube, put in a padded zipper case, base can stow easily in car, RV, etc., grab the tripod and see the night sky like NEVER before!!

I got this telescope as an upgrade to my simpler telescope from the same brand, and I was impressed by its quality. I feel it is quite easy to use. (The app and the computer program are also pretty awesome, and they make everything much easier to see and to make sense of!) The assembly part was fairly easy, but the instruction manual is not very helpful. That would be my one criticism of the product. It is very sturdy, and the base sets easily on a table or the ground. It is stable, and the view angle is adequate and easy to adjust. The lens that came with it and we got some great viewings of the moon and planets. This item was not cheap but I feel it delivers great quality for the money.

This is a great beginner telescope. There is some assembly required, but the directions were clear and easy to understand. The optics are good for the size and price.

Fantastic tabletop telescope. Optics are very clear and the lenses were collated right out of the box. Set up was not difficult and all the instructions, tools and parts were included and easy to follow. It is a bit on the heavier side but not to the point it can’t be moved from spot to spot. Setting up you mobile device to use with the Starsense app and telescope was simple and the Starsense app makes night sky viewing easy, fun and educational. I am very happy with this telescope and think it is one of the better telescopes at this price point.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: This review is for the 114mm, but probably applies to all sizes. Views are good and the app is fantastic. The scope itself is not the highest quality. The mirrors seem fine. The main issue is the focuser is pretty cheap (but functional), only accepts 1.25” eyepieces, no compression ring and cheap thumbscrews. The included EP’s are pretty cheap too so you may want to upgrade. The Celestron zoom is pretty decent for the price. Of course, you can get better but the Celestron zoom is on par with this scope’s quality IMO and won’t break the bank. You will likely want the tripod for this which is gonna be an extra $130 + tax. The tripod is good but is only compatible with this scope (all 3 sizes). If you’re gonna go with this scope, the 150mm would probably be the best choice, but when you add up the tripod and the 150mm cost, it’s getting close to the cost of the 8” dob so consider that. The 8” StarSense is between $800-900 and has a 2” focuser which gives better eyepiece options. It’s a better focuser for sure, but not as good as what you will get on a Apertura or SkyWatcher as it’s not dual speed as-is (it can be upgraded to dual speed for ~$100) and has no compression ring (which is pretty surprising & disappointing for a $800+ scope). At the end of the day, the only reason to get this scope over an Apertura or a SkyWatcher is the StarSense app (which is very nice). Otherwise, those brands will get you better hardware for the money.

The setup takes a few hours to assemble right out of the box. The instructions could have been better. They need a good set of orientation pictures at better angles. The only trouble I had with the assembly was that the holes that were predrilled were drilled too short. An easy fix to this problem was with a hand drill. I took the 150mm Celestron out for a test after assembly and found that it worked as expected. The lenses were just ok! And, I will be buying Possel lenses with better eye relief. The moons of Jupiter came in as clear points of light even with the packaged 10mm & 25mm lenses. The focus wheel was a little stiff, but a drop oil helped. The DOB frame and base are solid and are easy to handle. But, the 150mm DOB table top is a little heavy. So, if you are thinking about the weight being a problem, then the 114mm desktop DOB might be a better choice. The DOB was on sale at the time I ordered it, and at a discounted price. So for the price I paid it was great.

Great telescope for the price. I was a little worried about the app not being reliable but I followed the instructions and with a bit of patience I was able to get my phone properly aligned with the adapter so the app worked perfectly which made viewing things very easy and a lot of fun. Everything looks nice and clear while viewing and I love how easy this thing is to store since it doesn’t have to be attached to a tripod. Assembly was tedious but easy although I do recommend using a better screwdriver than the one that was provided.

Absolutely amazing device!!! Highly recommended, didn’t need to collimate , it’s really a good telescope. However, specially with the tripod, it becomes very heavy, not suitable to transport. Without the tripod not so much “portable” as well but really enjoying it and also the Starsense App. I’m really satisfied and happy with this Telescope.