The Celestron Astro Fi 102 (opens in new tab) is an easy-to-set-up motorized go-to telescope that might be perfect for budding astronomers on a modest funds, who’re in search of a scope from a trusted model. Because of its compact physique, it’s simple to maneuver from place to position and, as a result of it’s a go-to, Wi-Fi-enabled telescope, no prior information of the evening sky is required to start out exploring and having fun with it.
Celestron Astro Fi 102: Key specs
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Aperture: 102mm
Focal size: 1325mm
Focal ratio: f/13
Eyepiece focal size: 25 mm and 10 mm
Complete package weight: 6 lbs/2.7 kg
Mount kind: Computerized Alt-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
The picture is pleasant, with some anticipated (at this worth level) picture fall-off across the fringe of the sphere of view. Regardless of this, we might advocate it as a newbie telescope. Alternatively, this could swimsuit somebody involved in astronomy that desires to look at celestial objects with out studying to navigate the evening sky themselves. Equally, we might advocate it for these with out the will to push their astronomy information past the fundamentals, as the chance for this with the Astro Fi 102 is restricted. Nonetheless, we do assume this telescope is price scoping out which is why we have included it in our purchasing information for the best beginner telescopes. We’ve taken a better look that will help you determine whether or not that is the newbie scope for you.
Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope: Design
- Primary plastic casing
- It’s extremely transportable
- Tripod is not sturdy and wishes weighing down
Weighing in at simply 6 lbs (2.7 kg), you’ll be able to take the Celestron Astro Fi 102 anyplace, an awesome grab-and-go possibility with out having to empty your automotive boot to make room on your telescope or plan further baggage allowance on your journey. You might simply take it with you on a hike and neglect you are carrying it. Its compact dimension additionally makes storing it a lot simpler than bigger telescopes which might take up appreciable space.
In fact, to make it light-weight and comparatively inexpensive (for a motorized Maksutov-Cassegrain, anyway) there have been some compromises on high quality, particularly concerning the ultimate end on the scope.
The plastic casing is appropriate however we do not assume it may survive a considerable knock or a soaking from a passing bathe because the seals aren’t nice, in contrast to among the hardier, fully-sealed telescopes obtainable. A little bit manipulation of the only fork arm base and you’ll just about peer into the motor housing, viewing wires and extra. Whereas astronomers do not have a tendency to move out in a rain storm to view the celebrities, the odd passing bathe does come from nowhere typically so these desirous to seize this telescope will need to cowl it earlier than it begins raining.
The adjustable tripod is fairly flimsy, though the equipment tray which holds the eyepieces and another miscellaneous equipment is sort of helpful to stabilize the tripod legs.
The finderscope could be very useful in aiding the alignment and placement of stars. As customary with pink dot finderscopes, its vibrant pink illumination may be dimmed by way of the controlling knob on the facet to swimsuit no matter observing state of affairs you are in, whether or not it is simply after nightfall in a metropolis or a completely darkish evening sky reserve in the midst of nowhere. It slides onto the tube as simply because the tube does onto the only fork arm CG-5 dovetail mount — with minimal fuss.
Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope: Efficiency
- Preliminary arrange tough, however after that, it is a breeze
- Seamless syncing with the SkyPortal App
- Fiddly to vary batteries within the finderscope
The pictures you see by means of this scope aren’t going to blow your thoughts, however you can be handled to good views of the moon and its craters. You will additionally get a better take a look at Saturn‘s well-known rings, Mars, and the massive man, Jupiter. You might even see Uranus and Neptune, too, in the correct situations. Different nebulae deep sky objects are seen in darkish skies, reminiscent of these present in our best locations for astrophotography and stargazing guide. The sides are slightly delicate, however we might solely anticipate edge-to-edge sharpness from rather more costly scopes.
Further package that comes with the telescope
25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces
Smartphone adapter constructed into lens cap
Adjustable tripod with accent tray
It is fast and simple to sync with the SkyPortal app, which may be arrange on any good system with Apple App Retailer or Google Play. The telescope has built-in Wi-Fi, and regardless of some earlier critiques we had learn earlier than testing, it appeared secure and dependable when paired with our Android system (Samsung S20 FE (opens in new tab)). The SkyPortal app options round 100k celestial objects to which you can also make your motorized go-to telescope mechanically slew. It slews at an affordable fee and isn’t as frustratingly sluggish as some may be. It is fairly quiet too. You can too use a USB online game controller to slew and place the scope in the event you’re a gaming nerd or need that further delicate management over the telescope’s actions. Alternatively, you should utilize Celestron’s distant hand controller for a further value.
Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope: Performance
- Dependable built-in Wi-Fi
- Quiet operation
- Giant database of celestial objects on SkyPortal
The Celestron Astro Fi 102 comes with an built-in smartphone holder within the type of some easy elastic straps constructed into the lens cap. It appears slightly pointless, nevertheless it could be a great tool for individuals who put their cellphone down between makes use of and are liable to forgetting the place they’ve left it.
One slight oversight we discovered is the construct high quality of the battery pack, which we plugged right into a 12V DC port. The facility cable can turn into twisted across the mount when the scope is slewing and the copper cables are simply pulled out of the essential crimped connections. Extra superior fashions have overcome this drawback by having a strong jack port, exterior inputs and battery financial institution constructed right into a stationary part of the mount which stops cables from being over-stretched or twisted. That or a extra strong connection, maybe sealed or supported by heat-shrink plastic would assist keep away from this drawback.
We must also point out that after you’ve got completed utilizing the finderscope, flip it off to protect energy. It is fiddly to vary the battery, so it is best to should do it as little as attainable.
Do you have to purchase the Celestron Astro Fi 102 telescope?
The AstroFi 102 is an effective telescope for a kid or newbie who needs to take a look at the moon and a few planets, however it will be a battle for people who need to take it additional with extra equipment to realize what they want. With telescopes, you often get what you pay for, which rings true with the Celestron AstroFi 102 (opens in new tab). The standard and sturdiness will not win any awards, however with care, you should not have any issues utilizing this for loads of skywatching enjoyment. We’re happy with its compact dimension (because of the Maksutov-Cassegrain design) and minimal weight. To get most enjoyment, we might recommend investing in a sturdier tripod for larger stability.
If the Celestron AstroFi 102 telescope is not for you
Since you’re primarily paying for the digital motor on the AstroFi 102, you’d maybe do effectively to avoid wasting money and think about the cheaper push-to Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ, which we reviewed final yr. You continue to have entry to the app, which is able to allow you to discover objects within the evening sky, nevertheless it will not transfer electronically for you. Some traditionalists would possibly even favor the extra tactile method.
The Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor, which we reviewed not too long ago can be a superb funds, newbie telescope and is suited to those that need to dabble in some smartphone astrophotography as effectively. It comes with a way more strong tripod and is rather more fairly priced as effectively — nice for people who have a tighter funds.
