The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope is a 70mm f/13 refractor 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.
Its long 900mm focal length is well suited to crisp lunar views, the brighter planets, double stars and brighter star clusters. The erect-image optical path also makes it useful for terrestrial viewing during daylight.
70mm Refractor Optics
The optical system has a focal length of 900mm and a focal ratio of f/13. Celestron specifies fully coated, a limiting stellar magnitude of 11.7 and light-gathering power 100× compared with the unaided eye.
AstroMaster AZ Mount
The panning-handle altazimuth mount moves up and down and left to right. It is completely manual: there is no GoTo object finding, motor drive or automatic tracking.
The adjustable tripod uses 31.75mm steel legs and includes an accessory tray. Celestron publishes a complete kit weight of 4.90kg (10.8lb).
Eyepieces and Red-Dot Finderscope
The supplied eyepieces are 20mm (45×) and 10mm (90×), both 1.25 inch. The starpointer red-dot finderscope helps centre a target before viewing it through the main telescope.
The supplied 1.25-inch erect-image diagonal provides a correctly oriented view for astronomical and terrestrial use. 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 1.31kg (2.89lb); the published complete kit weight is 4.90kg (10.8lb). Celestron does not state a separate boxed shipping weight.
What Is Included?
- 70mm f/13 refractor optical tube
- Manual AstroMaster altazimuth mount and adjustable steel tripod
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- 1.25-inch erect-image diagonal
- 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 | Refractor |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 70mm (2.76 inches) |
| Focal length | 900mm (35.43 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/13 |
| Optical coatings | Fully coated |
| Included eyepieces | 20mm (45×) and 10mm (90×), both 1.25 inch |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Diagonal | 1.25-inch erect-image diagonal |
| Highest useful magnification | 165× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 10× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 11.7 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.99 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 1.66 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 100× compared with the unaided eye |
| Optical-tube length | 685mm (26.97 inches) |
| Optical-tube diameter | 73mm (2.87 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 1.31kg (2.89lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-5 dovetail bar |
Mount and Tripod
| Mount type | Manual altazimuth mount with panning handle and clutch |
|---|---|
| Movement / tracking | The panning-handle altazimuth mount moves up and down and left to right. It is completely manual: there is no GoTo object finding, motor drive or automatic tracking. |
| 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-5 saddle plate |
| Mount and tripod weight | 3.60kg (7.94lb) |
| Complete kit weight | 4.90kg (10.8lb) |
| 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.
