There is a wide range of telescopes on the market, many of which are created by many reputable companies. Celestron are a standout manufacturer. But they have a whole series and range of products. AstroMaster and PowerSeeker are two of the most popular, but it is certainly challenging to determine which offers the best value.
To help you discern which telescope is the right choice for you, this guide will dive into the Celestron AstroMaster 70az vs. PowerSeeker 70az models, and help you find the right one, for you.
I’ll break down their key similarities and differences, and this will allow you to make a purchase that’s in your best interest.
Celestron AstroMaster 70az vs PowerSeeker 70az: Key Differences
The differences between the Celestron AstroMaster 70az vs PowerSeeker 70az are mainly the focal length, magnificent and focal ratio. Thus, both telescopes will provide a different viewing experience and what you can hope to see.
Focal Length
A telescope’s focal length is an essential component as it affects your field of view.
It’s important to understand the capabilities of a telescope’s focal length as it’ll tell you what you can expect when you look through the eyepiece.
With the AstroMaster 70az, you get a focal length of 900mm, and the PowerSeeker 70az offers a focal length of 700mm.
For telescopes with a shorter focal length, you can expect a wider field of view, allowing you to see more in one shot.
If a telescope has a longer focal length, your view will be more narrow, which means you’ll be able to see singular objects in more detail.
Whether you’re trying to see groups of celestial objects or specific details, you’ll want to always review the focal length of a telescope before you buy it.
Magnification
Alongside the focal length, the range of magnification is equally important, as this will play into the limitations of what you’re able to see in outer space.
The AstroMaster comes with a magnification range of 45x to 90x, and the PowerSeeker is capable of 35x to 175x magnification. It’s clear that the PowerSeeker offers more range here, but keep in mind it also has a shorter focal length.
If the magnification range is more of what you’re looking for, you’ll want to opt for the PowerSeeker in this case.
However, both telescopes have the ability to see a broad range of objects in the night sky.
It always comes down to exactly what you’re looking for in the depths of outer space, and knowing this will help you hone in on the perfect telescope.
Cost
What many people love about both telescopes is the fact that they’re very cost-efficient.
Great for beginners or anyone looking to shop on a budget, the telescopes have plenty to offer, considering the cost.
Both telescopes are typically priced at the lower end of the market, though the AstroMaster 70az is usually the more expensive of the two (by around $50, or so).
Regardless of which one you choose, either telescope is bound to offer a substantial quality that far outweighs the price tag.
Celestron AstroMaster 70az vs PowerSeeker 70az: Key Similarities
The main similarities between the Celestron AstroMaster 70az vs PowerSeeker 70az are the aperture, eyepieces that come included, and optical design of the telescope. You use these telescopes in very much the same way.
Although it’s understandable to be interested in their differences, both telescopes also come with a few similarities that you won’t have to miss out on.
Similarities are important to review, as it shows what you’ll benefit from regardless of which telescope you choose. So let’s delve into them.
Aperture
There are numerous features on a telescope that have an effect on the quality of your viewing experience.
It’s no question that the aperture is one of the most crucial, as it affects how much light gets through and the resolution of the objects you see.
Both telescopes have an aperture of 70mm, and it’s important to note that a higher aperture will provide a better resolution.
Nevertheless, a 70mm aperture is more than sufficient to see many celestial objects in great detail.
Although this may be true, you’ll definitely be limited to some degree.
You’ll be able to view all of the planets in our solar system, along with many of their distinct features.
If you’re hoping to see anything past our solar system in any kind of detail, that’s where these telescopes won’t really be able to help much.
Most people are pretty happy with the resolution these telescopes have to offer, in addition to the many objects in our solar system that’ll bring plenty of amazement.
Eyepieces
Each telescope comes with two different eyepieces, and although they come with a slight variation in one eyepiece, they both have a 20mm eyepiece as well.
This measurement pertains to the focal length of the eyepiece.
So, between the eyepieces that each telescope has, you’ll have the benefit of a 20mm option.
This will give you some flexibility in your purchase decision as you won’t have to compromise on this particular feature.
On top of that, the AstroMaster 70az also comes with a 10mm eyepiece, and the PowerSeeker 70az includes a 4mm eyepiece.
Aside from the apparent differences between each telescope, the similarities will make your final decision a little easier.
It’s clear that the AstroMaster offers a little bit more for your viewing experience with this particular feature, and you may not get much out of the 4mm on the PowerSeeker.
However, if this isn’t too much of an issue for you, the 20mm eyepiece is an option on either telescope.
Optical Design
The optical design of a telescope can either be built with a mirror or lens.
Both have their use cases, but the AstroMaster and PowerSeeker both come with a refractor optical design.
This type of optical design is capable of larger apertures, and they’re quite common for many different telescopes.
There are different types of refracting telescopes, as you’ll find a variety of configurations that serve a similar purpose.
You won’t have to compromise on the optical design between the two telescopes, and each will deliver similar capabilities.
This particular feature may not be a deal breaker for most people, but it’s important to know whether a telescope features a mirror or lens optical design.
What Can You See With The Celestron AstroMaster 70az?
You can see many large celestial objects within our solar system with the Celestron AstroMaster 70az but you won’t be able to view Neptune or Pluto.
The telescope may be capable of quite a lot, but it definitely comes with limitations.
You’ll also benefit from a decent viewing quality with this telescope, especially when you consider it’s geared toward entry-level users.
It’s also important to note that due to this telescope’s shorter magnification range, you may not be able to see as much detail as you would with the PowerSeeker.
Overall, it provides more than enough for entry-level stargazers, as the solar system has plenty of amazing objects to observe.
What Can You See With The Celestron PowerSeeker 70az?
You can see many large celestial objects within our solar system with the Celestron PowerSeeker 70az, but you won’t be able to view Neptune or Pluto.
Both telescopes are able to provide a relatively similar view.
The PowerSeeker can capture most objects in our solar system as well. Its main difference here is that it comes with better magnification.
What you’re able to see with each telescope doesn’t vary too much and isn’t the biggest differentiating factor.
Regarding what you can see with the PowerSeeker, its magnification is the biggest selling point here.
Who Is The Celestron AstroMaster 70az Best For?
The Celestron AstroMaster 70az is a great choice for anyone looking for an entry-level telescope that doesn’t require too much of a learning curve.
It’ll also provide a viewing experience that’s more than satisfactory and will deliver hours of interest by getting a closer look at objects in our solar system.
It’s also a bit more expensive than the PowerSeeker, so it’s a viable option for those who aren’t worried about saving a few bucks.
The telescope features a higher focal length, and it’s a great option for those who may be interested in exploring astrophotography.
Unlike the PowerSeeker, the AstroMaster does a pretty decent job of viewing terrestrial details as well.
- POWERFUL REFRACTOR TELESCOPE: The Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is a powerful and user-friendly refractor telescope with fully coated glass optics, a full-height tripod, 2 eyepieces, and a red dot finderscope.
- HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: This Celestron telescope features a powerful, fully coated 70mm glass optic objective lens. You can observe celestial objects at night and land-based targets like wildlife and landscapes during the day.
- PORTABLE AND EASY TO SET UP: This telescope for adults features a sturdy-yet-lightweight frame and a panning handle with Alt-Az control for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required.
Who Is The Celestron PowerSeeker 70az Best For?
With a decent range of benefits in contrast to the AstroMaster, the PowerSeeker is a little lighter, offers better magnification, and is cheaper as well.
It also comes with a 3x Barlow lens and is considered a stellar choice for those looking for a cost-efficient entry-level telescope.
It’s apparent that even though both telescopes come with many similarities, the PowerSeeker still stands out as a top choice for many people.
This is primarily due to the price, magnification, weight, and the fact the telescope shares many of the same qualities as the AstroMaster.
To make it easy for you, the PowerSeeker is a go-to choice for those who are searching for the most cost-efficient option.
- perfect beginners telescope: The Celestron PowerSeeker 70AZ is an easy-to-use and powerful telescope, the PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features, and power
- Navigate the sky with our refractor telescope. It features a yoke mount with a slow-motion altitude rod for smooth and accurate pointing. Adjust rod to desired position, then easily secure by tightening cross knob
- ompact and Portable:This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is compact, lightweight, and portable. Take the telescope to your favorite campsite or dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard
- Multiple Accessories: The Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope features 2 eyepieces (20mm and 4mm), erect image diagonal, finderscope, plus a 3x Barlow lens to triple the power of each. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs
- Unbeatable Warranty and Customer Support: Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts
Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.