Pros
Great optics and clear images, including planets, moon, and deep-sky objects.
130mm aperture for good light gathering, producing detailed views.
Equatorial mount allows smooth tracking of celestial objects.
Stable and durable mount and tripod.
Comes with good quality eyepieces and accessories.
Reasonably straightforward assembly with online resources available.
Versatile: good for both beginners and intermediate users.
Portable design convenient for transportation.
Excellent customer support from Orion.
Affordable compared to other similar scopes.
Cons
Shaky at high magnifications due to the EQ2 mount.
Assembly instructions can be confusing for true beginners.
Needs additional investments (e.g., laser collimator, Barlow lens) for optimal performance.
Main Product Advantages
9 Optical Quality
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST features a 130mm aperture that captures a significant amount of light, providing crisp, detailed views of various celestial objects, including planets, galaxies, and nebulae. The included eyepieces are of good quality and offer versatile magnification options.
9 Value for Money
Given its high-quality optics, sturdy build, and range of features, the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST offers great value for money, especially for beginners looking to get into astronomy seriously.
8 Ease of Assembly
The telescope is relatively easy to assemble, especially with the help of instructional videos provided by Orion. However, beginners may find the included manual to be lacking in clarity.
8 Portability
The telescope is compact and portable, making it convenient to transport to various observation sites. Despite its sturdy construction, the setup remains manageable for most users.
8 Customer Support and Resources
Orion provides good customer support and helpful online resources, including tutorial videos for assembly and usage. This makes it easier for beginners to get the most out of their telescope.
7 Equatorial Mount
The equatorial mount allows for smooth and precise tracking of celestial objects by turning a single knob, which is advantageous for astrophotography. However, it can be challenging to use for beginners and can make the telescope shaky at high magnifications.
7 Finder Scope
The finder scope included with the telescope is easy to use and helps in targeting objects effectively. However, some users may still find it challenging to align initially.
7 Included Accessories
The telescope comes with useful accessories like two eyepieces and a finder scope, enhancing the overall stargazing experience. However, additional purchases like a laser collimator and a Barlow lens are recommended for optimized performance.
6 Mount and Tripod Stability
While the tripod is described as solid and rugged, the equatorial mount may make the setup shaky when focusing at high magnifications. This can be a drawback when trying to achieve a steady view.
Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope Review
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope stands out as the largest aperture SpaceProbe reflector telescope. It is a Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount, optimized for both serious beginners and intermediate stargazers.
Design and Build Quality
This telescope features a 130mm (5.1") primary mirror and a focal length of 650mm (f/5). The "Short Tube" design allows it to yield a wider field of view and brighter images, making it especially suitable for deep-sky observations. The diffraction-limited parabolic mirror ensures sharp and detailed images by focusing the incoming light to a precise point, similar to higher-end reflector telescopes.
Performance
The telescope includes two Plossl eyepieces (1.25" 25mm and 10mm), offering 26x and 65x magnifications. With these, you can start with a broader view of the sky and then switch to a closer view for detailed observation. Also included are the DeepMap 600 and MoonMap 260 for better navigation of the night sky. A smartphone adapter is provided, allowing you to capture images of celestial objects.
Ease of Use
One of the notable features is the robust equatorial mount with slow-motion control knobs that facilitate easy tracking of celestial objects. After a straightforward polar-alignment procedure, the EQ mount enables detailed observation. The adjustable-height tripod is both strong and lightweight, featuring an accessory tray to keep your gear close at hand. Weighing 28 lbs. once assembled, the telescope is portable enough for both backyard stargazing and trips to darker, more remote locations.
Conclusion
If you're searching for a higher-quality first telescope or a portable complement to your larger Dobsonian, the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope is an excellent choice. It offers great performance, ease of use, and portability, making it a worthy investment for serious adult astronomy beginners and intermediate stargazers alike.
