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There are a few things as fascinating as gazing at the stars and observing the night skies. Taking a closer look at those distant constellations and planets can be quite intriguing. Unfortunately, not everyone has a chance to do it. But, some decide to take up stargazing and do it from the comfort of their home. Naturally, to do this, you’d need a good telescope.
There are many on the market, but in this article, we’ll focus on Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ vs. Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ. These might be some of the best telescopes for beginners. It’s not only their prices that make them accessible, but their other features make them attractive and exciting for those only starting out. Without further delay, let’s dive into the details behind the AstroMaster 70AZ and PowerSeeker 70AZ.
| Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ | PowerSeeker 70AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Weight | 11.0 lbs (5.0 kg) | 8 lbs (3.62 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.96 x 5.12 x 3.94 inches | 38.00 x 13.00 x 10.00 inches |
| Aperture | 70mm (2.76”) | 70mm (2.76”) |
| Focal Lenght | 900mm (35”) | 700mm (28”) |
| Focal Ratio | f/13 | f/10 |
| Magnification | 45x, 90x | 35x, 175x |
| Eyepieces | 20mm and 10mm | 4mm and 20mm |
| Finderscope Included | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ vs. PowerSeeker 70AZ – Similarities
Aperture
As shown in the table above, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ and the PowerSeeker 70AZ come with a low aperture of 70mm. Although this is not so terrible, it will limit your viewing options. You will be able to see closer objects, like the Moon or other planets. However, if you want to go deeper into the depth of the Universe, these telescopes will not be able to offer you that.
Eyepieces
Both telescopes come with a set of two eyepieces. It’s fortunate to have these additions since they make the experience much better. You will find two eyepieces–a 20mm and a 10mm, with the AstroMaster 70AZ. On the other hand, the PowerSeeker 70AZ has one 20mm and the other one of 4mm eyepiece.
Finderscopes
Another cool aspect of these products is that they both come with a finderscope. These little things will help you pinpoint the object you want to observe.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ vs. PowerSeeker 70AZ – Differences
Focal Lenght and Ratio
The apparent features that set these telescopes apart are their focal length and focal ratio. The Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ is slightly weaker in this aspect with a focal length of 700mm while the AstroMaster 70AZ has a 900mm focal length. Additionally, the latter has a focal ratio of f/13. By contrast, the PowekSeeker comes with a focal ratio of f/10.
Magnification
Another feature that’s not the same is the magnification feature. Naturally, both have this option. However, the Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ telescope can zoom in 35x or 175x depending on which eyepiece you use. In contrast, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ can zoom in either 45x or 90x.
Price
A clear difference is the pricing of these telescopes. Being under $100 might give off the idea of a product of not such a great quality. Nevertheless, the PowerSeeker 70AZ is still a good item for that price. But, if you are ready to spend almost $150, then you have the AstroMaster 70AZ.
Value for Money
Admittedly, these are not the best of the best telescopes. Nonetheless, they do offer something to beginners and will be excellent for them. But which one measures up to the price?
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ
Albeit more expensive, the AstroMaster 70AZ telescope might take the win when talking about value for money. It has almost the same features as the PowekSeeker 70AZ, but it’s less plastic, has a sturdier tripod, and the eyepieces are more appropriate for this telescope’s quality.
PowerSeeker 70AZ
The main con with this item is its unstable mount. Plus, even though the magnification capabilities sound amazing, they won’t work best with this type of telescope and its eyepieces. But, if you don’t mind all this, then this is the one for you. It’s definitely more affordable.
| AstroMaster 70AZ | PowerSeeker 70AZ |
|---|---|
|
|
| Pros | Pros |
| Can be used for both astronomical and terrestrial viewing. | Affordable price |
| Tripod is height-adjustable. | Can zoom in 175x with the 4mm eyepiece. |
| Compact and portable. | It’s compact and easy to carry. |
| Cons | Cons |
| The price is above $100, which is not affordable for everyone. | Not the best option for deep space observations. |
| There are better options for deep space observations. | Aluminum tripod. |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Final Verdict
It’s understandable if you won’t be too picky when choosing a beginner’s telescope. Generally, these items can be quite expensive, yet, those more advanced are harder to use. Therefore, going with telescopes such as the AstroMaster 70AZ or the PowerSeeker 70AZ is justifiable.
Be that as it may, there still needs to be a better choice between these two. Yes, they have their price differences, add ons, or how much they can zoom in, but the one that will come out as a winner in the battle of Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ vs. PowerSeeker 70AZ will be the AstroMaster. The balance between the design, materials, the eyepieces’ power, or the focal length and ratio just makes more sense with this one. You may pay more, but if you go for the PowerSeeker and decide to buy better eyepieces, for example, you will end up paying more or the same as if you went with the AstroMaster. For this reason, the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ wins the trophy.
The winner – AstroMaster 70AZ