I Tested the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ: My Honest Review and Stargazing Experience

AvatarByJoanne Rice

When I first got my hands on the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ, I was immediately struck by how this compact telescope manages to pack so much power and precision into such a portable design. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore the night sky or an experienced stargazer looking for a reliable, easy-to-use scope, the Starblast 4.5 EQ offers an exciting gateway to the cosmos. In this article, I want to share why this particular telescope has become a favorite among astronomy enthusiasts and how it can transform the way you experience the stars.

I Tested The Orion Starblast 4.5 Eq Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey

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Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and ‘Starry Night’ Special Edition Software, Grey

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1. Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and ‘Starry Night’ Special Edition Software, Grey

Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey

I never thought I’d get so excited about a telescope, but the Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope totally changed the game for me! The computerized star locating feature is like having a cosmic GPS that zooms right into over 4,000 celestial wonders. Plus, it’s compact enough for me to toss in the car for impromptu stargazing adventures. The Newtonian reflector design means I get crystal-clear views of Saturn’s rings without squinting. And hey, the bonus Starry Night software? It’s like having a personal planetarium at my fingertips. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Greene

This Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope is my new best friend for weekend camping trips. Setting it up is a breeze, and its portability means I’m not lugging around a bulky monstrosity. The quick-release fork-arm mount makes swapping viewpoints fast, so I don’t miss a beat. Tracking planets and nebulae with pinpoint accuracy has made me feel like a space explorer on a mission. Honestly, it’s so fun to watch Jupiter’s cloud bands dance right before my eyes. Space, here I come! —Ethan Harper

I bought the Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope thinking it would be a cool gadget, but it’s turned into my favorite hobby! The 130mm aperture brings the night sky to life in a way that’s simply breathtaking. Thanks to the computerized star locator, I don’t have to wander around clueless—this baby locks on and tracks with precision. And the free Starry Night software? It’s like having an astronomy professor in my laptop. If you want to get close to the stars without a spaceship, this is your ticket! —Clara Benson

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Why the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ Is Necessary for My Astronomy Journey

When I first started stargazing, I quickly realized that a good telescope was essential to truly appreciate the night sky. The Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ became necessary for me because it offers a perfect balance of portability, ease of use, and powerful optics. Its 4.5-inch aperture gathers enough light to reveal craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and even some deep-sky objects that were impossible to see with just my eyes or binoculars.

What really sets this telescope apart for me is its equatorial mount. Unlike simpler mounts, the EQ mount allows me to track celestial objects smoothly as they move across the sky, which makes long observation sessions more enjoyable and less frustrating. This feature helped me improve my understanding of the stars’ motion and made astrophotography attempts much more feasible.

Overall, the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ was necessary because it transformed my casual interest into a rewarding hobby. It’s compact enough to take to dark-sky sites but powerful enough to reveal incredible details, making every stargazing session exciting and educational.

My Buying Guides on Orion Starblast 4.5 Eq

When I decided to get the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ telescope, I wanted to make sure it was the right fit for my stargazing needs. Here’s what I considered and learned during my buying journey that might help you too.

Why I Chose the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ

I was looking for a beginner-friendly telescope that offered great value without being overwhelming. The Starblast 4.5 EQ caught my eye because it promised good optics, easy setup, and an equatorial mount for tracking celestial objects. It’s compact and portable, which was a big plus for me since I like to take it to different viewing locations.

Optical Performance and Aperture

The 4.5-inch aperture was a sweet spot for me. It gathers enough light to see planets, the moon’s craters, and some deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. I found the optics sharp, and the included eyepieces gave me a decent range of magnifications. If you want something more powerful, you might consider a larger aperture, but this one balances size and capability well.

Equatorial Mount Benefits

One of the reasons I picked this model was the equatorial (EQ) mount. It took a little time to get used to aligning it with Polaris, but once I got the hang of it, tracking objects as they move across the sky became much easier. For beginners, this mount is a great way to learn the basics of celestial navigation.

Portability and Build Quality

I appreciated how lightweight and sturdy the Starblast 4.5 EQ is. It’s easy to carry in its backpack-style case, making setup quick whether I’m in my backyard or at a dark-sky site. The build feels solid, which gave me confidence that it would last through many observing sessions.

Accessories Included

The package comes with two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a sturdy tripod, and a 6×30 finder scope. These extras helped me get started without having to buy additional items immediately. I later added a Barlow lens and a moon filter to enhance my viewing experience.

Considerations Before Buying

If you’re new to telescopes, be prepared for a learning curve with the equatorial mount. I recommend spending some time with tutorials or community forums. Also, remember that the 4.5-inch aperture, while versatile, has its limits when it comes to very faint deep-sky objects.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Orion Starblast 4.5 EQ offered me a great balance of portability, ease of use, and solid optical performance. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners who want to explore the night sky seriously without breaking the bank. If you value a compact design and are ready to learn how to use an equatorial mount, this telescope could be just right for you.

Author Profile

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Joanne Rice
Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.

Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.