Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ suits beginners who want a simple refractor for the Moon, planets and daytime views. Its manual mount keeps aiming straightforward, but you'll need to locate targets yourself.
On this page (8 sections)
- Is the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ right for you?
- What can you see through its 70mm refractor?
- How easy is the manual mount to use?
- Which AstroMaster features matter when choosing?
- How should you set up the AstroMaster 70AZ?
- What mistakes should new AstroMaster owners avoid?
- Which beginner refractor should you choose?
- Should you buy the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ?
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a beginner refractor for viewing the Moon, planets, bright star clusters and daytime landmarks. Its manual mount and included eyepieces make it approachable, but you'll need to find celestial targets yourself.
Choose it if you want simple controls and plan to learn basic aiming. If you want guided target finding, a larger aperture or a more portable kit, compare the alternatives below before deciding.
Is the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ right for you?
The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ suits a beginner who wants one telescope for bright night sky targets and daytime views. It gives you a manual way to point at objects without requiring a phone app.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ: Best for manual stargazing
- 70mm achromatic refractor
- Manual alt-azimuth mount
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- StarPointer red dot finderscope
A straightforward refractor for beginners who want Moon, planet and daytime viewing with a manual mount. Its simple pointing approach is useful, though finding targets takes practice.
Pros
- Fully coated 70mm achromatic optics
- Includes two eyepieces and a red dot finder
- Supports daytime land viewing
- Celestron includes a 2-year US warranty
Cons
- Manual locating takes practice
- No smartphone sky-guidance system
- 70mm aperture gathers less light than larger refractors
The mount moves up, down and from side to side with a panhandle. That makes basic pointing easy to understand, though locating a small target still takes practice.
The AstroMaster is a good fit if you can spend time learning to align its red dot finder and use a chart or astronomy software to choose targets. It is less suitable if you expect the telescope to identify objects or guide you automatically.
The included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces cover lower- and higher-power viewing. Start with the 20mm eyepiece to find an object, then switch to the 10mm when the view is centered and steady.
How the AstroMaster 70AZ review score was set
The AstroMaster earns 7.9 out of 10 for its beginner-friendly controls, included accessories and daytime versatility. The score reflects how those features fit the needs of someone choosing a first telescope.
Manual target finding keeps the setup simple, but it asks you to learn a few skills. Buyers who want the telescope to help locate objects may get more value from an app-guided option.
What can you see through its 70mm refractor?
The AstroMaster's 70mm achromatic optics are suited to bright targets, including the Moon, planets and star clusters. The erect image diagonal also supports daytime viewing of land-based subjects.
Its 900mm focal length gives the included eyepieces different magnifications: 45x with the 20mm and 90x with the 10mm. Magnification is the telescope's focal length divided by the eyepiece focal length.
Begin at lower power, where the wider view makes it easier to find and center a target. Increase magnification only after focusing, and reduce it again if the image becomes dim or difficult to keep in view.
A telescope's aperture affects how much light it gathers, while the atmosphere and the steadiness of the setup affect the view you get. A 70mm scope is a sensible starting point for bright objects, not a promise that faint objects will appear large or detailed.
Our guide to what you can see with a 70mm telescope explains what to expect from this aperture. For a wider comparison of optical designs, see our beginner refractor telescope guide.
How easy is the manual mount to use?
The manual alt-azimuth mount is simple to point with its panhandle, and you don't need to learn polar alignment before observing. Move the telescope up, down or across the sky to aim.
Because the mount is manual, you must follow objects as they drift through the eyepiece. Small, controlled movements help keep a target centered, especially at higher magnification.
The StarPointer red dot finder helps you aim before looking through the eyepiece. Align it with the telescope during the day, using a distant stationary object, then use it to bring a bright target near the center of the night sky view.
Follow the steps in our red dot finder setup guide. Once the finder and telescope point together, switching from the broad finder view to the narrower eyepiece view becomes easier.
Which AstroMaster features matter when choosing?
The AstroMaster's strongest buying points are its manual controls, basic accessory set and day-and-night use. Its limitations matter most if you want app guidance, a carry bag or extra light gathering.
| Detail | Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ |
|---|---|
| Optical design | Achromatic refractor |
| Aperture | 70mm |
| Focal length | 900mm |
| Mount | Manual alt-azimuth |
| Eyepieces | 20mm and 10mm |
| Finder | StarPointer red dot finderscope |
| Diagonal | Erect image 90° diagonal |
| Weight | 10.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year US warranty |
The package includes the telescope tube, mount and tripod, two eyepieces, the diagonal and the finder. The mount and tripod arrive preassembled, and Celestron includes a free download of astronomy software.
The 10.8 lb weight is manageable for moving the scope around a home or yard, but it is not the lightest choice for frequent carrying. The diagonal makes land viewing possible, so the telescope can serve more than one kind of observing session.
How should you set up the AstroMaster 70AZ?
Set the AstroMaster on firm, level ground and align its finder before observing. A stable base and an accurately aligned finder make it easier to get your first target into the eyepiece.
Follow the assembly instructions and adjust the tripod to a comfortable height. Tighten connections as directed, then point the telescope at a distant daytime object and adjust the red dot finder until both views line up.
At night, begin with a bright target and the 20mm eyepiece. Use the finder to aim, look through the eyepiece, focus, and make small movements with the panhandle until the target is centered.
Our first-time telescope setup guide covers general assembly and alignment. If the eyepieces are new to you, the guide to telescope eyepieces explained covers how changing eyepieces changes the view.
What mistakes should new AstroMaster owners avoid?
The most common beginner mistake is starting with high magnification before finding the target. Use the 20mm eyepiece to locate and center an object, then try the 10mm if the image remains clear.
Also avoid skipping finder alignment. Even a bright target can be frustrating to locate when the finder and telescope point in different directions.
A wobbly setup makes precise aiming harder, so set the tripod on firm ground and avoid bumping it while observing. Don't expect the red dot finder to identify objects; use it to aim at a target you've already chosen.
For daytime use, choose stationary objects and keep the telescope pointed well away from the Sun. Never look at the Sun through the telescope or finder.
Which beginner refractor should you choose?
The AstroMaster is the straightforward choice for manual, dual-purpose observing, while these alternatives focus on phone guidance, aperture or portability. Choose by deciding which part of the experience matters most to you.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ: Best for guided sky tours
Choose this Celestron if smartphone sky guidance would help you find targets. Its 80mm refractor and StarSense app are the main differences from the AstroMaster.
Pros
- StarSense app guides target finding
- 80mm refractor
- Manual alt-azimuth mount with slow motion adjustment
Cons
- Requires a compatible smartphone
- App guidance adds a setup step
The StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ suits beginners who want help finding objects. Its smartphone app analyzes the sky and uses on-screen arrows to guide you, while the manual mount still requires you to move the telescope.
Choose this model if target finding is your biggest concern and you have a compatible smartphone. Skip it if you want an app-free setup.
MEEZAA 90mm Refractor: Best for more light
The 90mm aperture may suit buyers prioritizing more light gathering and included accessories. It includes a phone adapter and carry bag.
Pros
- 90mm aperture
- Includes two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter and carry bag included
Cons
- More accessories to organize
- Straight-through finder may take practice to align
The MEEZAA 90mm Refractor is for buyers who prioritize a larger aperture and a kit with several accessories. It includes two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter and a carry bag.
Choose it if more aperture and the included accessories suit your needs. Skip it if you want the AstroMaster's simpler accessory set or prefer a red dot finder over a straight-through finder.
Celestron Travel Scope 80: Best for easy carrying
Consider the Travel Scope 80 if carrying and storage matter more than the AstroMaster's longer focal length. It includes a backpack and smartphone adapter.
Pros
- 80mm refractor
- Includes backpack and smartphone adapter
- Weighs 4.5 lb
Cons
- Portable kit still needs a suitable observing surface
- Manual target finding
The Celestron Travel Scope 80 fits buyers who prioritize carrying and storage. It weighs 4.5 lb and includes a backpack and smartphone adapter, so it is easier to bring along than the AstroMaster.
Choose it for travel, camping or a small storage space. Skip it if you prefer the AstroMaster's longer focal length or want app-guided target finding.
Should you buy the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ?
Buy the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ if you want a simple manual refractor for bright night sky targets and daytime landmarks. It suits beginners who are willing to align a finder, learn to aim and follow objects with the mount.
Pick the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ if you want phone-guided target finding, the MEEZAA 90mm if you prioritize aperture and included accessories, or the Travel Scope 80 if you need a lighter kit for carrying. For more beginner options, compare our easy-to-use telescopes for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see with the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ?
The AstroMaster 70AZ is suited to the Moon, planets, bright star clusters and daytime landmarks. What you can see depends on target position, sky conditions and your observing skill.
Start with the Moon, then try bright targets that are easy to locate.
Is the AstroMaster 70AZ suitable for beginners?
Yes, its manual alt-azimuth mount and included red dot finder offer a simple way to begin. You'll still need to learn how to align the finder and move the telescope steadily.
If you want on-screen guidance, compare it with the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ.
What magnification do the AstroMaster 70AZ eyepieces provide?
The 900mm focal length and included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces correspond to 45x and 90x magnification. Divide telescope focal length by eyepiece focal length to calculate magnification.
Start at lower power to find and center an object.
Higher magnification can make an image harder to keep in view.
Can you use the AstroMaster 70AZ during the day?
Yes, its erect image diagonal supports land-based viewing, such as distant landmarks. Choose stationary subjects and never aim anywhere near the Sun.
The telescope is not a solar viewer.
