Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector Review: Compact Grab-And-Go Telescope

One advantage of buying a reflector telescope is that you can get a wide-aperture model for a lower price than a comparable refractor telescope.

The Orion 10015 StarBlast is a good example of this. You can enjoy stunning views of planets, moon, nebular and star clusters at a bargain price.

The Orion 10015 StarBlast features a 114mm (4.5”) aperture and 450mm focal length. It’s set on an altazimuth table top mount and come with a number of accessories to help you get started immediately.

Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector review

What are you buying?

1. 4.5” Reflector Telescope

A 4.5” (114mm) telescope is good enough for beginners and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts. That’s a big enough aperture to enjoy close-up views of objects in the solar system as well as bright objects far out in deep space.

Combined with the 450mm focal length and the right eyepiece, you can observe Jupiter, Saturn and the moon or get a wide-field view of star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

2. Tabletop Alt-Az Mount

An equatorial mount is generally better for spotting and tracking objects in the sky. But for beginners, an altazimuth mount will do.

The mount sits on a sturdy base that keeps the telescope stable and reduces vibrations. At the bottom of the mount is a convenient accessory tray where you can store your eyepieces.

The smooth movements of the mount make it easy to track objects in the sky. Keep in mind that an altazimuth mount can only move up-down and left-right.

Something else to note is that this is a tabletop mount. You cannot place it directly on the ground like a tripod telescope. Position it on a strong and sturdy surface like a table or box.

3. Portable Design

Reflector telescopes are typically larger and bulkier compared to their refractor siblings. But the Orion StarBlast Newtonian is surprisingly compact and light (about 8kg).

If you are looking for a compact but powerful reflector telescope you can hit the road with, we recommend the Orion StarBlast.

Just remember that you’ll need to have a table or some sort of flat surface to place the telescope on.

4. Excellent Build Quality

A common praise from buyers of the Orion StarBlast is the high build quality. All parts and components feel sturdy and durable.

Instead of cheap plastic, the Orion StarBlast consists of a wooden base and a painted metal tube. You’ll be using this telescope for years. Once you upgrade to something more powerful, it’ll still be in good enough shape to pass on to another enthusiast.

How easy is it to use?

The only slightly challenging part of using the Orion StarBlast is collimation. You need to make sure the primary mirror, secondary mirror and eyepiece are properly aligned.

The Orion StarBlast comes pre-collimated. You still need to check the alignment (using the included collimation cap), but you’ll likely need to make very slight or no changes.

The included red dot finderscope makes it easy to focus on objects. Simply align the red dot with the object you want to look at then look through your telescope focuser and you’ll find the object there.

We recommend using a star chart or sky map to help you locate objects in the sky. You can also refer to the included Starry Night astronomy software for help exploring the night skies.

Overall, the Orion StarBlast is perfect for beginners. It’s not as straightforward as a GoTo computerised telescope but it easier to use compared to an equatorial mount telescope.

What accessories are included?

• Two 1.25” eyepieces – 17mm and 6mm
• Red dot finderscope
• Collimation cap
• Starry Night astronomy software
• Eyepiece rack

Similar to most telescopes, the Orion StarBlast 4.5 doesn’t come with a carry bag. If you plan to do a lot of travelling with the telescope, we highly recommend buying one to keep the telescope safe.

Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector: Pros + Cons

Pros:

• Comes pre-assembled.
• Easy to use.
• Wide aperture delivers great views of planets, moons, clusters and nebulae.
• Compact and lightweight – easy portability.
• Includes two eyepieces, collimation cap and other accessories.

Cons:

• Must be placed on a flat and sturdy surface – this can be a problem when travelling.
• Altazimuth mount is not a good as an equatorial mount for tracking objects.

Anything else you should know?

If you’ve bought a telescope before, you already know this: the eyepieces included with the telescope are typically not the best ones around.

As you observe the skies and become familiar with the telescope, the eyepieces will limit you. We recommend upgrading to better quality eyepieces after some time.

You may also want to add a Barlow lens and moon filter to your kit.

Conclusion

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 is a great choice for beginner and intermediate astronomy enthusiasts looking for an affordable but powerful reflector telescope.

While you have to make do with an Altazimuth table top base, and mid-quality eyepieces, the wide 4.5” aperture makes the Orion StarBlast a good value for your money.

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: >>Click here to check today’s price