About this product
Orion Observer 114mm Equatorial Reflector Sun and Moon Kit
Things that can end up discouraging first-time telescope users: small aperture severely limits what you can see, a wimpy telescope mount makes the image shaky, and cheap eyepieces make the image blurry. Well lucky for you, none of those problems apply to the Orion Observer 114mm EQ Reflector telescope. Quite the opposite, in fact.
This family friendly telescope boasts a big 114mm (4.5") parabolic primary mirror, which collects some two and a half times more light than a 60mm refractor, the most ubiquitous "starter" telescope. That means you'll see more celestial objects and in greater detail. The mirror's 500mm focal length serves up a wide field of view, delivering bright, sharp images of the lunar surface, Saturn's rings, and deep-sky denizens like the Lagoon and Orion nebulas and the Andromeda galaxy.
Unlike most similarly sized telescopes on the market, the Observer 114mm EQ Reflector includes a beefy EQ3-class equatorial mount rather than the less robust EQ1 mount. This means you'll enjoy steadier images. With its dovetail mounting saddle, you can pop the optical tube on or off quickly, for easy setup and transport. The optical tube is held in a pair of tube rings, which can be quickly loosened to allow you to rotate the tube for comfortable focuser orientation. Dual slow-motion cables let you track objects manually to keep them centered in the eyepiece.
Speaking of eyepieces, two quality 1.25" Plossl eyepieces are included — another upgrade from the typical eyepieces supplied with most starter telescopes. A 25mm Plossl provides low-power views at 20x, and a 10mm gets in tight at 50x. Both telescope eyepieces feature multi-coatings for great light transmission and are threaded for optional Orion filters. The 1.25" rack and pinion focuser lets you dial in the perfect focus. A non-magnifying "red dot" finder scope is also included to help you locate your target object.
As a bonus, this special telescope kit also includes a full aperture film solar filter that fits over the front of your telescope. This Orion white-light solar filter is designed to see sunspots and granulation around the sun spots on the solar disk. It is not a Hydrogen-alpha filter which shows prominence and solar flare detail. For that type of solar viewing, consider upgrading to a Coronado Solar Telescope. Also included is a glare-reducing moon filter to better observe the myriad details of the moon.
Explore the fun of daytime astronomy with the included Safety Film Solar Filter.
In addition to stargazing at night, you can also use the Observer 114mm during daytime hours thanks to the included Safety Film Solar Filter, which lets you safely observe sunspots as they march across the surface of our nearest star. The solar filter rejects all harmful light from the Sun, while allowing a very small fraction of light to pass through, so you can safely enjoy the fun of daytime solar astronomy.
This solar filter is designed and manufactured in the USA.
Cut the Moon's glare and see more detail on its surface with the Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter .
This popular accessory reduces glare and boosts contrast so you can enjoy more-detailed views of lunar surface features. It blocks 87% of the Moon's brightness to provide a more comfortable view and reveal subtle details. It's a neutral density filter that will not alter the natural color of the Moon, either.
Orion assures that all solar filters are tested at specialized labs that are accredited to verify compliance with the ISO 12312-2 safety specifications for solar viewing.
- This wonderfully capable equatorial reflector telescope gives beginning stargazers an exciting look at the many jewels of the night sky
- Attach the included Film Solar Filter to view the sun safely - perfect for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses! This solar filter is designed and manufactured in the USA.
- The sturdy EQ3-class equatorial mount and aluminum tripod is a big upgrade from the mounts that comparable telescopes on the market come with
- Two quality 1.25" Plossl eyepieces are included: a 25mm for low-power views at 20x, and a 10mm for getting in tight at 50x. You also get a "red dot" finder scope and bonus moon and solar filter.
- CAUTION: Never look directly at the sun, even for an instant, through a telescope without a solar filter installed that completely covers the front of the telescope
