The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a 130mm f/5 newtonian reflector supplied with a full-height steel tripod, two eyepieces and a red-dot finderscope. It is designed for straightforward visual astronomy and quick no-tool setup.
The 130mm f/5 Newtonian optical tube combines useful light gathering with a relatively wide field, making it well suited to the Moon, planets, open clusters and brighter nebulae and galaxies. The 20mm eyepiece incorporates an erect-image corrector; no separate diagonal is used.
130mm Newtonian reflector Optics
The optical system has a focal length of 650mm and a focal ratio of f/5. Celestron specifies aluminium with sio₂ mirror coatings, a limiting stellar magnitude of 13.1 and light-gathering power 345× compared with the unaided eye.
CG-3 Equatorial Mount
The CG-3 German equatorial mount provides slow-motion adjustment in right ascension and declination. After a basic polar alignment, the observer follows a target manually with the controls. No motor drive, GoTo system or automatic object finding is included with this SKU.
The adjustable tripod uses 31.75mm steel legs and includes an accessory tray. Celestron publishes a complete kit weight of 7.71kg (17lb).
Eyepieces and Red-Dot Finderscope
The supplied eyepieces are 20mm with built-in erect-image corrector (33×) and 10mm (65×), both 1.25 inch. The built-on starpointer red-dot finderscope helps centre a target before viewing it through the main telescope.
This Newtonian reflector does not use a star diagonal. A Barlow lens is not stated as included.
Observing with the AstroMaster
Begin with the lower-power 20mm eyepiece to locate and centre a target, then change to the 10mm eyepiece when conditions support a higher magnification. Actual visible detail depends on atmospheric steadiness, light pollution, target altitude and correct optical alignment.
The stated highest useful magnification is an optical limit rather than a promise that every night will support that power. Lower and moderate powers often provide the clearest view.
Portable No-Tool Setup
The optical tube, preassembled mount and tripod are designed for quick assembly. The optical tube weighs 3.50kg (7.72lb); the published complete kit weight is 7.71kg (17lb). Celestron does not state a separate boxed shipping weight.
What Is Included?
- 130mm f/5 Newtonian reflector optical tube
- Manual CG-3 German equatorial mount and adjustable steel tripod
- 20mm eyepiece with built-in erect-image corrector
- Standard 10mm eyepiece
- Built-on StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- Accessory tray
- Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition software
Please note: A smartphone, Barlow lens, solar filter, carrying case and additional eyepieces or filters are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 130mm (5.12 inches) |
| Focal length | 650mm (25.59 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/5 |
| Optical coatings | Aluminium with SiO₂ mirror coatings |
| Included eyepieces | 20mm with built-in erect-image corrector (33×) and 10mm (65×), both 1.25 inch |
| Finderscope | Built-on StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Diagonal | Not applicable |
| Highest useful magnification | 307× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 19× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 13.1 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.07 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 0.89 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 345× compared with the unaided eye |
| Secondary obstruction | 44mm; 34% by diameter and 11% by area |
| Optical-tube length | 552mm (21.73 inches) |
| Optical-tube diameter | 160.5mm (6.32 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 3.50kg (7.72lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-5 dovetail bar |
Mount and Tripod
| Mount type | Manual CG-3 German equatorial mount |
|---|---|
| Movement / tracking | The CG-3 German equatorial mount provides slow-motion adjustment in right ascension and declination. After a basic polar alignment, the observer follows a target manually with the controls. No motor drive, GoTo system or automatic object finding is included with this SKU. |
| Height adjustment range | 812.8–1295.4mm (32–51 inches), including mount and tripod |
| Tripod legs | 31.75mm (1.25-inch) steel |
| Accessory tray | Yes |
| Dovetail compatibility | CG-3 saddle plate |
| Mount and tripod weight | 4.24kg (9.35lb) |
| Complete kit weight | 7.71kg (17lb) |
| Software | Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition and SkyPortal app |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope without a correctly fitted, certified full-aperture solar filter.
Permanent and irreversible eye damage can occur. Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter and never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Unfiltered sunlight can damage the optics and accessories.
Never leave the telescope unattended, especially when children are present.
Instruction Manuals
Official setup and operating documents are available directly from Celestron.