Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope

5.0 Orion StarBlast

Quality optics, small, portable size, short cool-down

Needs a finderscope, needs a table for setup

I bought the StarBlast as my first scope. It didn't disappoint! The 4" aperture offers a nice amount of light-gathering power. The telescope's design emphasizes simplicity, with a smooth Dobsonian-style base that slews easily with adjustable tension. The whole unit weighs little, making the StarBlast a perfect travel scope, and I've had it sitting in the back seat of my car on the way to a friend's house on several occasions. The StarBlast comes with a LED-light finder, which is helpful, but a standard finderscope would make a difference. Orion ships the StarBlast with two Kellner eyepieces which offer decent if not spectacular views. However, with the low cost of the StarBlast, I was able to upgrade to some basic Plossl EPs pretty quickly. The StarBlast requires little cool-down time, so I don't have to worry about making sure I leave the scope outside well in advance of an observing session.