{"id":1043,"date":"2020-09-09T07:39:51","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T07:39:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stargazing.me.uk\/?p=1043"},"modified":"2020-09-09T07:40:11","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T07:40:11","slug":"orion-starblast-6-astro-reflector-telescope-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/?p=1043","title":{"rendered":"Orion Starblast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

For beginner and amateur astronomers looking for an all-round telescope<\/a> that\u2019s great for both close-up and faraway observations, we recommend the Orion Starblast 6 reflector telescope.<\/p>\n

The Starblast 6 combines a mid-range focal length with a wide aperture to provide high magnification for lunar and planetary views and a wide field of view for deep space exploration.<\/p>\n

The Starblast 6 is a bit heftier than a comparable refractor or maksutov-cassegrain telescope, but it\u2019s small enough to carry in your car when you are going camping.<\/p>\n

Orion Starblast 6 Astro review<\/h2>\n

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00463ZK3O” locale=”UK” src=”https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41TMol7lcQL.jpg” tag=”stargazinguk-21″ width=”450″]<\/p>\n

What are you buying?<\/h2>\n

1. 6\u201d Reflector Telescope<\/h3>\n

The Starblast 6 is designed to satisfy all the observational needs of a beginner astronomer. That\u2019s why we call it an all-round telescope.<\/p>\n

The Starblast 6 features a longer than average focal length of 750mm. This results in higher magnification when you insert an eyepiece, making it easier to observe planets and moons.<\/p>\n

But the focal length is not too large that it compromises field of view. Using a low-power eyepiece, you can observe wide swathes of star clusters, galaxies and nebulae.<\/p>\n

The wide 6\u201d (150mm) aperture draws in lots of light to ensure bright images of whatever you are observing.<\/p>\n

2. Table-top Base<\/h3>\n

The Starblast 6 is a table top telescope. The swivel base is designed to sit on a table or any flat (or relatively flat) surface like the hood of your car.<\/p>\n

We recommend buying a lightweight foldable table that\u2019s easy to carry out into the garden and take with you when going camping.<\/p>\n

You can still put the base on the ground if you want, but you\u2019d have to kneel to see through the eyepiece.<\/p>\n

From the manufacturer description and customer reviews, it is not clear whether the Orion Starblast 6 is compatible with a tripod (as far as we can tell, you cannot mount it on a tripod). We recommend contacting customer support if you want to get a tripod for the Starblast 6.<\/p>\n

3. Portable Telescope (Sorta)<\/h3>\n

When it comes to telescopes, portability is relative. If you\u2019ll be carrying the telescope by hand most of the time (e.g. when going hiking), portability for you means an ultra-light telescope ideally weighing under 5KG.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ll be carrying the telescope in your car to a viewing party or camping site, you can afford to get something heavier as long as it fits in your car.<\/p>\n

The Orion Starblast 6 is in the second category. Being a reflector telescope with a fairly long focal length, it\u2019s heavier than a comparable refractor. It weighs 10.6kg.<\/p>\n

So it\u2019s not something you can lug around in your hand. But it\u2019s still small enough to fit in your car.<\/p>\n

If you are looking for a telescope you can take on the road, the Orion Starblast 6 is a good choice. The only thing you\u2019ll need is a good quality carrying case to keep the telescope safe.<\/p>\n

How easy is it to use?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to get started with the Starblast 6. It comes already collimated so you likely won\u2019t need to adjust it. But we still recommend checking the collimation (using a collimation cap) to make sure the internal mirrors are properly aligned.<\/p>\n

The altazimuth base is incredibly easy to use. Simply adjust the altitude then swing the telescope on the smooth swivel base to find and track objects.<\/p>\n

Because the Starblast 6 doesn\u2019t have the GoTo convenience of a computerised telescope, we recommend using a sky map and star chart to find interesting objects in the sky.<\/p>\n

Our only complaint is the table top base. It\u2019s inconvenient to carry a table whenever you take the telescope out to observe the skies. And since it seems Starblast 6 is not compatible with a tripod, you cannot buy one separately and attach it to the telescope.<\/p>\n

What accessories are included?<\/h2>\n