The Celestron Astromaster 70EQ and 114 telescopes cater to different sets of needs for stargazers, each offering unique features tailored to various observational requirements.
The Celestron Astromaster 70EQ is a refractor telescope, which is generally known for providing sharp and high-contrast images of celestial objects, making it ideal for lunar, planetary, and double star observations. With a 70mm aperture, it collects a fair amount of light, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy brighter images. The provided equatorial mount is beneficial for tracking celestial bodies more easily once aligned, enhancing the observation experience, especially for beginners who are getting accustomed to the night sky’s rotation.
On the other hand, the Celestron 114 is a reflector telescope and typically falls under the category of either the 114EQ or 114LCM models. Reflecting telescopes like the Celestron 114, with their 114mm aperture, gather substantially more light than the 70EQ, which enables users to see fainter and deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. While reflectors are generally more suited for deep-sky observation due to their larger apertures, they might be less ideal for close-up lunar and planetary viewing compared to refractors, unless equipped with specialized eyepieces.
Considerations such as portability, user experience level, and intended use should guide the choice between these two models. If ease of use and primarily planetary and lunar viewing are priorities, the 70EQ is a great fit. However, for those interested in broader deep-space exploration and willing to work with slightly more setup, the 114’s larger aperture provides a clearer path to discovering more distant wonders in the universe.