Two models, the numbers decide
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ or Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ?
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ — 70 mm, €175. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ — 130 mm, €420. The same method as everywhere on this site: the numbers first, the verdict from them.
Same family (70–90 mm refractor on an alt-az mount): what changes between these two is aperture, bulk and price — not character.
Side by side
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ collects 3.4× more light — that is what aperture buys.
| Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ | Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | 70 mm | 130 mm |
| Focal ratio | 900 mm · f/12.9 | 650 mm · f/5.0 |
| Typical weight | 4.5 kg | 8 kg |
| Setup time | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Learning curve | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Useful magnification | ≤ 140× | ≤ 260× |
| Resolution (Dawes) | 1.7″ | 0.9″ |
| Observed price | €175 (seen 2026-08-17) | €420 (seen 2026-08-17) |
The same sky, through both
These circles are simulations, computed from the aperture, the magnification and the sky — indicative, not exact. A real night also depends on the turbulence, your eyes and your experience. Closer to the truth than the photo on the box; still not a promise.
The Moon
Saturn
The Orion Nebula
The Andromeda Galaxy
Choose the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ if…
- budget decides: €245 less
- it has to be carried: 4 kg lighter
Full page on the AstroMaster 70AZ →
Where to buy
- Astroshoppaid link€189 seen 2026-08-23ships DE, FR, EU
- Amazon.frships FR
- First Light Opticsships GB
- Optique Unterlindenships FR
- Pierro Astroships FR
- Teleskop-Expressships DE, EU
1 of these 6 links earn us a commission, marked above. Sorted by price, never by what pays. How this site is funded.
Choose the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ if…
- you want the most sky: 3.4× the light
Full page on the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ →
Where to buy
- Astroshoppaid link€569 seen 2026-08-23ships DE, FR, EU
- Amazon.frships FR
- First Light Opticsships GB
- Optique Unterlindenships FR
- Pierro Astroships FR
- Teleskop-Expressships DE, EU
1 of these 6 links earn us a commission, marked above. Sorted by price, never by what pays. How this site is funded.