Assessing and Compiling the Top-Ranked Telescopes on Tripods from Over 40 Reflector Models
Top 130mm Reflector Telescopes: A Comprehensive Review
For enthusiasts and beginners seeking a high-quality telescope within the 130mm (5 inch) aperture, there are several noteworthy options on the market. One of the standout models is the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD, which offers a robust build, motorized equatorial mount, and quality optics at approximately £339 (~$420).
The AstroMaster 130EQ-MD boasts a 130mm aperture with fully coated optics, ensuring good light gathering and contrast. Its manual German equatorial mount is equipped with a motor drive, making it particularly useful for extended viewing sessions and astrophotography beginners. The telescope also features a robust build with an adjustable steel tripod and easy, tool-free assembly, making it suitable for use in the field.
Included accessories such as two eyepieces, a StarPointer finder, and bundled astronomy software provide a complete beginner-friendly package. However, users may face a learning curve in operating its equatorial mount and need to occasionally collimate (align) the mirrors for optimal image quality.
When compared to other models in the 130mm class, the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD offers excellent value. While brands like Askar produce comparable offerings, they tend to be in the refractor or astrograph category and are significantly more expensive. High-end APO refractors near the 130mm aperture limit, such as the Astro-Physics 130GTX, offer superb optical performance and builds but at a much higher price point not typically accessible to most amateur astronomers.
Other notable models in the 130mm class include the ESSENWI 130mm Reflector (ranked at 2), the HEXEUM Telescope 130EQ Reflector (ranked at 2.3), and the Konusmotor-130 5′′ f/7.7 Reflector (ranked at 2.5). The Gskyer 130EQ (ranked at 2.4) is generally sold at a more attractive price point compared to the DX 130AZ and Astro-Fi 130, although it lacks any kind of computerized system for aiming or tracking.
The Celestron Astro Fi 130 AZ GoTo, on the other hand, comes with a computerized GoTo mount that automatically finds and tracks celestial bodies. The DX 130AZ shares the same set of accessories and 2′′ focuser as the Astro Fi 130. The mount for the Gskyer 130EQ is on the small end for a 130mm telescope but holds the optical tube steady at all but the highest magnifications.
It's important to note that larger Newtonian reflectors require complex engineering to design a German equatorial mount that can bear the increased weight, maintain precise tracking, and stability. As a result, the mounts for these telescopes tend to be heavier, more complex, and more expensive. For instance, an equatorial mount big enough to hold a 10" or 12" reflector adequately costs over $2000 USD, while a mount big enough for an 8" Newtonian telescope like the Celestron Advanced VX costs over $1000 USD.
In summary, among 130mm reflector telescopes, the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD is a top choice balancing price, features, and performance for beginners and intermediate users. It includes a motorized equatorial mount, quality optics, and accessories, making it a versatile and affordable option. Advanced or niche users might look toward pricier APO refractors or specialty astrographs, but these are in a different category and price range. Reflectors in this aperture class provide the best cost-per-aperture for general visual astronomy.
References:
- Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD Product Page
- Astronomy Technology Today Review
- Askar Telescopes Product Page
- Astro-Physics 130GTX Product Page
- Telescope.net Comparison Chart
- The AstroMaster 130EQ-MD's 130mm aperture and fully coated optics ensure good light gathering and contrast, making it suitable for advanced astrophotography.
- Users can manually grip the telescope's German equatorial mount, which features a motor drive, for extended viewings or to facilitate beginners in astrophotography.
- The reflector telescope's sturdy build, with an adjustable steel tripod, provides a robust foundation for the field of view in astronomy.
- Despite the beginner-friendly package, the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD requires some learning to operate its equatorial mount and occasionally needs collimation for optimal image quality.
- The Astro-Physics 130GTX, while offering superb optical performance, is a high-end APO refractor with a much higher price point compared to the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD.
- The ranking of the ESSENWI 130mm Reflector and HEXEUM Telescope 130EQ Reflector is similar to the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD, yet they lack computerized systems for aiming or tracking.
- The Gskyer 130EQ and DX 130AZ, both in the 130mm class, share the same accessories but the Gskyer's mount is smaller while the DX 130AZ's cost exceeds the AstroMaster 130EQ-MD.
- For larger Newtonian reflectors, complex engineering is required to maintain precise tracking and stability, resulting in heavier, more complex, and expensive equatorial mounts.
