Saxon 90900 AZ3 Telescope: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 43 views

Hey there, stargazers! Are you looking to dive into the cosmos without emptying your wallet? The Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope might have caught your eye, and for good reason. It promises a blend of affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for beginners. But does it really deliver? Let's break down everything you need to know in this comprehensive review. We’ll cover the features, performance, what you can expect to see, and ultimately, whether this telescope is a worthwhile investment for your astronomical adventures. So, grab your cosmic curiosity, and let’s get started!

What is the saxon 90900 AZ3 Telescope?

The saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope is a refractor telescope designed for beginner to intermediate astronomy enthusiasts. It features a 90mm aperture and a 900mm focal length, which, in layman's terms, means it's designed to gather a decent amount of light and provide reasonably high magnification. The AZ3 in its name refers to the Alt-Azimuth mount, which allows for easy up-and-down and left-to-right movement. This type of mount is generally favored by beginners due to its intuitive nature. This telescope aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance, making it an attractive option for those just starting in astronomy. Saxon, as a brand, is known for producing telescopes that cater to the entry-level market, and the 90900 AZ3 is one of their popular models. So if you're thinking about getting into stargazing, this telescope might just be your gateway to the stars!

Key Features and Specifications

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details! Knowing the specs will help you understand what this telescope is truly capable of.

  • Aperture: 90mm. This is the diameter of the main lens, which determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture means brighter and clearer images, especially when observing faint objects.
  • Focal Length: 900mm. This affects the magnification and field of view. With a longer focal length, you'll get higher magnification but a narrower field of view.
  • Focal Ratio: f/10. This is the focal length divided by the aperture. An f/10 ratio is considered relatively slow, which is good for planetary viewing as it provides higher contrast and less chromatic aberration.
  • Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth (AZ3). This mount allows movement in altitude (up and down) and azimuth (left and right), making it intuitive for beginners.
  • Eyepieces: Typically comes with two eyepieces (e.g., 25mm and 10mm). These provide different levels of magnification. For example, with a 25mm eyepiece, the magnification would be 36x (900mm / 25mm), and with a 10mm eyepiece, it would be 90x (900mm / 10mm).
  • Finderscope: Usually a 6x30 finderscope. This small telescope helps you locate objects before viewing them through the main telescope.
  • Weight: Around 10kg (22 lbs). It's relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to set up and move around.
  • Tripod: Aluminum tripod with accessory tray. The tripod provides a stable base for the telescope, and the accessory tray is handy for keeping eyepieces and other small items within reach.

These features combine to make the Saxon 90900 AZ3 a well-rounded package for beginner astronomers. It offers a good balance of light-gathering ability, magnification, and ease of use. Keep these specs in mind as we discuss its performance in the next section!

Setting Up The Telescope

Setting up the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope is a breeze, making it perfect for beginners who might feel intimidated by more complex equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Unpack Everything: Carefully unpack all the components from the box. You should have the telescope tube, the mount, the tripod, eyepieces, a finderscope, and possibly some additional accessories.
  2. Assemble the Tripod: Extend the tripod legs to your desired height and tighten the locking knobs. Make sure the tripod is stable and level on the ground. Place the accessory tray in the designated spot; this will add stability and provide a convenient place to keep your eyepieces.
  3. Attach the Mount: Place the AZ3 mount on top of the tripod. Secure it using the screws or bolts provided. Ensure the mount is firmly attached to prevent any wobbling during observation.
  4. Attach the Telescope Tube: Slide the telescope tube into the mount. Tighten the tube mounting screws to hold the telescope securely in place. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the tube.
  5. Install the Finderscope: Attach the finderscope to its bracket on the telescope tube. Align the finderscope with the main telescope during the daytime by focusing on a distant object. This will make it easier to find celestial objects at night.
  6. Insert an Eyepiece: Choose an eyepiece (usually start with the lower magnification one, like the 25mm) and insert it into the focuser. Tighten the thumbscrew to hold it in place.
  7. Balancing: Adjust the telescope's position on the mount to achieve balance. This ensures smooth movement and prevents the telescope from drifting.
  8. Final Checks: Before you start observing, double-check that all screws and knobs are tightened. Ensure the telescope is stable and the finderscope is properly aligned.

And that’s it! The whole process should take about 15-30 minutes. With the Saxon 90900 AZ3, you'll be scanning the skies in no time. Now, let's talk about what you can actually see with this telescope!

What Can You Expect to See?

Okay, let's get to the exciting part: what can you actually see with the Saxon 90900 AZ3? Keep in mind that this is a beginner telescope, so while it won't give you Hubble-quality images, it's still capable of revealing some amazing sights.

  • The Moon: The Moon is a fantastic target for any telescope, and the Saxon 90900 AZ3 will not disappoint. You'll be able to see craters, mountains, and valleys in stunning detail. The high contrast provided by the telescope makes lunar observing a real treat.
  • Planets: You can observe several planets in our solar system. Jupiter will show its cloud bands and the four Galilean moons as tiny points of light. Saturn’s rings are visible, although they will appear small. Mars can reveal surface details during favorable oppositions. Venus will show its phases, and Mercury is also observable under the right conditions.
  • Deep Sky Objects: While it's not a deep-sky monster, you can still spot some brighter deep-sky objects. The Orion Nebula (M42) is a classic target, appearing as a fuzzy cloud of gas. You might also glimpse the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) as a faint, elongated smudge. Star clusters like the Pleiades (M45) are also good targets and will appear as glittering diamonds against a dark background.
  • Double Stars: The Saxon 90900 AZ3 is great for splitting double stars. These are star systems where two stars appear very close together. Albireo in the constellation Cygnus is a beautiful example with contrasting colors.

Keep in mind that light pollution can significantly impact what you can see. Observing from a dark location away from city lights will dramatically improve your viewing experience. Also, patience is key. It takes time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and some objects require averted vision (looking slightly to the side of the object) to become visible.

Pros and Cons

Like any piece of equipment, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break them down:

Pros:

  • Affordable: One of the most attractive features is its price point. It's an excellent option for beginners who don't want to invest a lot of money upfront.
  • Easy to Use: The Alt-Azimuth mount is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to navigate the night sky.
  • Good Aperture for the Price: The 90mm aperture gathers enough light to provide decent views of the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects.
  • Portable: It's relatively lightweight and easy to transport, making it convenient for observing from different locations.
  • Simple Setup: Assembling the telescope is quick and easy, even for those with no prior experience.

Cons:

  • Chromatic Aberration: Refractor telescopes can suffer from chromatic aberration (color fringing), especially with brighter objects. This can be noticeable with the Saxon 90900 AZ3, although it's manageable.
  • Limited Deep-Sky Performance: While you can see some brighter deep-sky objects, it's not ideal for faint galaxies and nebulae. A larger aperture telescope would be better for serious deep-sky observing.
  • Stability: While the tripod is adequate, it can be a bit shaky, especially at higher magnifications. Consider upgrading the tripod for improved stability.
  • Finderscope: The included finderscope can be challenging to use. Some users may find it difficult to align accurately, which can make locating objects a bit frustrating.
  • Plastic Components: Some parts are made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal components.

Is the saxon 90900 AZ3 Telescope Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope worth your money? For beginner astronomers who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use telescope, the answer is generally yes. It provides a good balance of features and performance for the price.

You'll be able to enjoy detailed views of the Moon, observe planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and even spot some brighter deep-sky objects. The Alt-Azimuth mount is perfect for learning the night sky, and the telescope is lightweight and portable.

However, if you're an experienced astronomer or have specific interests in deep-sky observing, you might want to consider a telescope with a larger aperture and a more robust mount. Also, be aware of the potential for chromatic aberration and the limitations of the included finderscope.

In conclusion, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 is a great entry-level telescope that can provide many enjoyable nights under the stars. It’s a solid choice for those just starting their astronomical journey. Just manage your expectations, and you'll have a blast exploring the cosmos!

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not entirely convinced about the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope, or you're just curious about other options, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ: This is a very similar telescope to the Saxon, with a 90mm aperture and Alt-Azimuth mount. Celestron is a well-known brand in the astronomy world, and the AstroMaster series is popular among beginners.
  • Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope: This is a reflector telescope with a 4.5-inch (114mm) aperture. Reflectors generally offer better light-gathering ability for the price compared to refractors. The StarBlast is known for its simple design and ease of use.
  • Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P FlexTube Dobsonian: This is a Dobsonian telescope with a 130mm aperture. Dobsonians are known for providing excellent value for money, with a large aperture at a relatively low cost. The FlexTube design makes it more compact for storage and transportation.
  • Meade Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor Telescope: Another refractor option with a slightly larger aperture than the Saxon. Meade is another reputable brand, and the Infinity series is designed for beginners.

When considering alternatives, think about what's most important to you. Do you want a larger aperture for better light-gathering ability? Are you looking for a different type of mount? Do you have a specific budget in mind? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect telescope for your needs.