The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor Telescope is a portable 100mm f/6.5 refractor for observing the Moon, planets, star clusters, brighter deep-sky objects and terrestrial subjects. Its fully coated optics, erect-image diagonal and manual altazimuth mount make it a versatile first telescope for astronomy and daytime viewing.
The complete kit includes two eyepieces, a StarPointer Pro red-dot finderscope, an integrated smartphone adapter, a removable red LED light and a full-height steel tripod with a built-in accessory tray.
100mm Fully Coated Refractor Optics
The 100mm aperture gathers substantially more light than smaller beginner refractors, while the 660mm focal length produces a useful wide field of view. This combination is well suited to sweeping star fields, observing open clusters and viewing brighter objects such as the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
The optical system has a focal ratio of f/6.5 and fully coated glass surfaces. Celestron specifies a limiting stellar magnitude of 12.5 and light-gathering power 212 times that of the unaided eye.
Manual Altazimuth Mount
The manual altazimuth mount uses a panning handle and clutch for smooth up-and-down and left-and-right movement. It is designed for direct visual pointing and manual following as objects drift across the eyepiece.
This is not a motorised GoTo telescope and it does not provide automatic tracking. No external power is required for the telescope or mount.
Integrated Smartphone Adapter
The integrated smartphone adapter clamps over a compatible eyepiece and holds the phone in position for simple images of the Moon, planets and terrestrial subjects. Celestron states that it fits telescope eyepieces with an outside diameter of 45mm or smaller.
Most smartphones can remain in their cases, although very large or bulky cases may need to be removed. A smartphone is not included.
Eyepieces, Diagonal and StarPointer Pro
The supplied 20mm Kellner eyepiece gives 33× magnification and the 10mm Kellner eyepiece gives 66×. The 1.25-inch 90° erect-image diagonal produces a correctly orientated view, making the telescope suitable for both astronomical and daytime terrestrial observation.
The StarPointer Pro red-dot finderscope helps centre objects before viewing them through the main telescope. A Barlow lens is not stated as included.
Integrated Red LED Light
The red LED light fits into the mount to illuminate the accessory tray while helping preserve night vision. It can also be removed and used as a handheld flashlight when setting up or packing away in the dark.
Portable No-Tool Setup
The telescope is designed for quick assembly without tools. Its tripod incorporates a folding accessory tray, and the adjustable steel legs provide a height range of 812.8mm to 1295.4mm including the mount.
The optical tube weighs 2.2kg and the mount with tripod weighs 3.64kg. Celestron specifies a complete kit weight of 5.62kg.
What Is Included?
- 100mm f/6.5 refractor optical tube
- Manual altazimuth mount
- Adjustable steel tripod with folding accessory tray
- 20mm Kellner eyepiece providing 33× magnification
- 10mm Kellner eyepiece providing 66× magnification
- 1.25-inch 90° erect-image diagonal
- StarPointer Pro red-dot finderscope
- Integrated smartphone adapter
- Removable red LED flashlight / mount light
- Free download of the Celestron SkyPortal app
- Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition software
Please note: A smartphone, Barlow lens, solar filter, carrying case and additional filters are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Refractor |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 100mm (3.94 inches) |
| Focal length | 660mm (25.98 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/6.5 |
| Optical coatings | Fully coated |
| Eyepiece 1 | 20mm Kellner (1.25 inch); 33× magnification |
| Eyepiece 2 | 10mm Kellner (1.25 inch); 66× magnification |
| Star diagonal | 90° erect image (1.25 inch) |
| Finderscope | StarPointer Pro red-dot finderscope |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.37 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 1.14 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 212× compared with the unaided eye |
| Highest useful magnification | 241× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 15× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 12.5 |
| Optical-tube length | 436mm (17.2 inches) |
| Optical-tube diameter | 100mm (3.93 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 2.2kg (4.9lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-3 dovetail bar |
Mount and Tripod
| Mount type | Manual altazimuth |
|---|---|
| Movement | Panning handle with clutch; manual slewing and tracking |
| Height adjustment range | 812.8–1295.4mm (32–51 inches), including mount and tripod |
| Tripod legs | 31.75mm (1.25-inch) steel legs |
| Accessory tray | Built in |
| Dovetail compatibility | CG-3 saddle plate |
| Mount and tripod weight | 3.64kg (8lb) |
| Complete kit weight | 5.62kg (12.4lb) |
| 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
The official Inspire telescope manual covers models 22401, 22402, 22403 and 22407. Separate StarPointer Pro setup and instruction documents are also available from Celestron.
