Finding the right telescope can often feel like navigating a cosmic conundrum. Among the many models available, you might be caught between the Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az and the LT 114az, each with its unique attributes.
More importantly, you’re likely wondering whether the added investment for the DX 130az is truly worth it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of each model, unpacking their specifications and comparing their differences and similarities.
My aim is to provide you with a clear picture of what each telescope offers and how they align with your budget and stargazing needs.
By the end, I hope to have equipped you with all the information you need to make a well-informed decision and unlock the celestial wonders that await you.
Quick Verdict
The Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az outperforms its LT 114az counterpart, boasting a larger aperture, higher magnification, and better light-gathering power for vivid celestial viewing.
Its added weight assures stability, and the unique dovetail compatibility offers versatility.
The DX 130az is the clear choice and well worth the additional investment for exceptional performance and adaptability.
Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az vs DX 130az
Differences Between the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az and DX 130az
Aperture
- Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az: 5.11″
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az: 4.5″
When assessing a telescope, the aperture is one of the first aspects to consider.
It determines the scope’s light-gathering ability, directly influencing the level of detail and clarity you can observe.
The DX 130az boasts a 130mm (5.11″) aperture, a solid 14% larger than the 114mm (4.5″) aperture of the LT 114az.
This superior aperture translates into brighter, more detailed views of distant celestial objects, enabling the DX 130az to outperform its counterpart in low-light conditions and with dimmer celestial bodies.
Focal Length
- Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az: 650mm (25.59″)
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az: 1000mm (39.3″)
The focal length, another crucial aspect of a telescope, influences the field of view and magnification.
The DX 130az shines with a focal length of 650mm (25.59″), while the LT 114az stands at 1000mm (39.3″).
The shorter focal length of the DX 130az offers a broader field of view, making it particularly effective for scanning larger areas of the sky and viewing extensive objects like nebulae or star clusters.
Conversely, the LT 114az’s longer focal length would typically provide higher magnification, but it doesn’t quite outweigh the DX 130az’s other advantages.
Highest Useful Magnification
- Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az: 307x
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az: 269x
Surprisingly, despite its shorter focal length, the DX 130az reaches an impressive highest useful magnification of 307x, which is a good 14% higher than the LT 114az’s 269x.
This figure indicates the ability to enlarge distant celestial objects’ images without causing a significant reduction in image quality.
In this aspect, the DX 130az’s superior magnification delivers crisper, more detailed views of planets, galaxies, and other intriguing objects scattered throughout the cosmos.
Light Gathering Power
- Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az: 345x
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az: 269x
With a light gathering power of 345x, the DX 130az outshines the LT 114az, which comes in at 269x.
This figure, a direct result of the DX’s larger aperture, reflects an impressive 28% increase in the ability to capture light.
It means brighter and sharper images, which is particularly crucial when observing fainter objects like distant galaxies and nebulae.
Weight
- Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az: 18lbs
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az: 10.4 lbs
The DX 130az weighs in at 18 lbs (8.16 kg), notably heavier than the LT 114az’s 10.4 lbs (4.71 kg).
While a lighter telescope like the LT 114az might seem advantageous for portability, the DX 130az’s extra weight adds to its stability and resistance to wind or accidental nudges.
However, the weight difference could be a crucial deciding factor for those planning to regularly transport their telescope or have limited setup space.
Dovetail Compatibility
- Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az: Yes and CG-5 Dovetail Bar Included
- Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az: None
One standout feature that significantly sets the DX 130az apart from the LT 114az is its dovetail compatibility.
The DX 130az comes equipped with a CG-5 Dovetail Bar and is compatible with other dovetail mounts, granting users the flexibility to use it with a wide range of mounts to fit their observing preferences.
On the other hand, the LT 114az lacks this feature, somewhat limiting its versatility.
Similarities Between the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 114az and DX 130az
While the DX 130az and LT 114az differ significantly in some aspects, they share several essential features.
These shared traits contribute to the fundamental quality and functionality of both telescopes, demonstrating that both models adhere to Celestron’s high standard of manufacturing.
Same Optical Design
Both the DX 130az and LT 114az are built on the Newtonian reflector design.
This telescope design is named after its creator, Sir Isaac Newton, and it involves using a large primary mirror to collect light and a secondary mirror to direct this light into the eyepiece.
The result? It allows both telescopes to provide a bright and wide field of view, excellent for viewing celestial bodies such as galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.
This design also avoids the chromatic aberration that can occur with refractor telescopes, assuring clearer and sharper images.
Both Have A Manual Alt-Azimuth Mount
Both models feature a manual alt-azimuth mount, which is a type of telescope mount that allows movement in an up-down (altitude) and left-right (azimuth) direction.
This simple, intuitive system allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects across the sky, making it a favorite among beginners and seasoned stargazers alike.
It’s particularly effective for terrestrial viewing and astronomical observations.
Same Optical Coatings
The DX 130az and LT 114az both benefit from the use of optical coatings on their mirrors, specifically aluminum and silicon dioxide (SiO₂).
These coatings greatly enhance the reflectivity of the mirrors, ensuring the maximum amount of light is directed to the eyepiece.
This results in brighter, clearer views of celestial objects, maximizing the viewing experience for the user.
Same Red Dot Finderscope
Lastly, both telescopes are equipped with the StarPointer™ red dot finderscope.
This device helps to locate and pinpoint celestial objects quickly and conveniently.
By simply aligning the red dot with the object you want to observe, you can easily locate it in the main telescope’s field of view.
This feature makes the DX 130az and LT 114az user-friendly and ideal for those new to stargazing.
Telescope Details
DX 130az
- UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Just follow the arrows to locate stars, planets & more
- PATENTED STARSENSE SKY RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind telescope uses patented, award-winning StarSense sky recognition technology and your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time.
- STARSENSE EXPLORER APP: The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city PLUS fainter, deep sky objects from darker sites.
- EASY TO SET UP AND USE: Manual altazimuth mount with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. When the bullseye turns green, it’s ready to view in the telescope’s eyepiece.
- HIGH-QUALITY 130MM NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR: The 5" primary mirror features highly reflective coatings and enough light gathering ability to view craters on the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Pleiades Open Star Cluster.
LT 114az
- UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Just follow the arrows to locate stars, planets & more
- PATENTED STARSENSE SKY RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY: This one-of-a-kind telescope uses patented, award-winning StarSense sky recognition technology and your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time.
- STARSENSE EXPLORER APP: The app generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city PLUS fainter, deep sky objects from darker sites.
- EASY TO SET UP AND USE: Manual altazimuth mount with slow motion rod makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. When the bullseye turns green, it’s ready to view in the telescope’s eyepiece.
- HIGH-QUALITY 114MM NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR: The 4.5" primary mirror features highly reflective coatings and enough light gathering ability to view craters on the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
Final Verdict
Comparing the Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130az and LT 114az, the DX 130az emerges as the standout, justifying its higher price with a larger aperture, superior magnification, and dovetail compatibility.
That said, the LT 114az is not without its merits. Its lighter weight may appeal to observers who value portability or have limited setup space.
And while its performance metrics are slightly lower than the DX 130az, it still offers a quality stargazing experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a stricter budget.
As for where to acquire these excellent telescopes, Amazon remains the most recommended platform.
Offering an array of discounts and deals, you’re likely to find these Celestron models at competitive prices. Plus, their customer service and fast delivery make for a hassle-free shopping experience.
Related guides:
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.