Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro is a compact, manually aimed tabletop reflector with a 114mm parabolic mirror, a 450mm focal length and a fast f/3.9 optical design. Its supplied 20mm and 10mm eyepieces provide 22.5x and 45x magnification. The package is designed for visual observing; this is a specification-based review, not a hands-on performance test.
What kind of telescope is the Orion StarBlast 4.5?
It is a Newtonian reflector: light enters the tube, reflects from the primary mirror to a smaller secondary mirror, then reaches the eyepiece. The manual specifies a 114mm (4.5-inch) parabolic primary mirror, a 34mm secondary mirror, a 450mm focal length and an f/3.9 focal ratio. A rack-and-pinion focuser accepts 1.25-inch eyepieces.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The short tube and tabletop base make it a compact format, but the base is manual rather than motorized. You point the telescope by moving it up or down in altitude and side to side in azimuth, then continue nudging it to follow an object as it moves across the sky.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What comes in the box?
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 instruction manual, model 10015, revision D (October 2022), lists these specifications and supplied accessories. Confirm the contents with the specific seller before buying, because package configuration can vary.
#1 Best Overall
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
| Item | Manual listing |
|---|---|
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector |
| Primary mirror | 114mm (4.5-inch), parabolic |
| Focal length and ratio | 450mm; f/3.9 |
| Secondary mirror | 34mm minor axis |
| Focuser | Rack-and-pinion; accepts 1.25-inch eyepieces |
| Eyepieces | 20mm and 10mm, four-element Bertele design |
| Magnifications with supplied eyepieces | 22.5x and 45x |
| Finder | EZ Finder II reflex sight |
| Filter | 1.25-inch neutral-density moon filter, 13% transmission |
| Base | Tabletop base, MDF with laminate finish |
| Assembled weight and tube length | 10 lb 13.8 oz; 17.75 inches |
What do 22.5x and 45x mean in practice?
Magnification is the telescope’s focal length divided by the eyepiece’s focal length. With this telescope, 450mm divided by the supplied 20mm eyepiece gives 22.5x; divided by the 10mm eyepiece gives 45x. These are the two combinations specified in the manual, not a claim about the highest useful magnification.
The f/3.9 focal ratio is characteristic of a fast, wide-field design. The available sources do not establish a measured field of view or independently tested image quality, so they do not support a promise about exactly how much sky you will see, how sharply a particular object will appear, or which targets it will show best. Views also depend on observing conditions and the eyepiece in use.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL TELESCOPE FOR BEGINNERS: The AstroMaster 70AZ is the perfect entry-level telescope for adults and kids eager to explore the night sky. You get bright, clear views and simple, intuitive operation.
- HIGH-QUALITY 70MM OPTICS: Enjoy crisp, detailed views through the fully coated 70mm (2.8") achromatic refractor — perfect for observing the Moon, planets, bright star clusters, and even terrestrial landmarks.
- VERSATILE DAY & NIGHT USE: Designed for both astronomical and land-based viewing, the AstroMaster 70AZ lets you explore the stars at night and enjoy daytime views of wildlife or distant landmarks.
- EASY-TO-USE ALT-AZIMUTH MOUNT: Smoothly navigate the sky with a manual alt-azimuth mount and easy-to-use panhandle, which lets you point the telescope up, down, and side to side with precision.
- QUICK SETUP: With just a few key parts to assemble, you can go from box to backyard in minutes—no tools required. The sturdy, adjustable tripod provides stable, comfortable viewing tailored to your height, perfect for adults or kids, standing or seated.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It can suit a beginner who wants a compact visual telescope and is comfortable learning to aim it manually. The supplied reflex sight and two eyepieces give a basic starting kit, while the tabletop mount avoids the need to learn a separate tripod-mounted equatorial setup. You will need a firm, level support surface that places the eyepiece at a usable height.
The manual mount does not automatically find or track objects. Finding targets and keeping them in view takes practice, especially at higher magnification. The fast Newtonian design also makes accurate collimation—the alignment of the mirrors—a relevant setup consideration. A secondary review notes collimation precision and eyepiece performance as considerations for this fast reflector; that is design context, not a firsthand test result.
Rank #3
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth tabletop Dobsonian-style base. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
Setup and care considerations
- Place the base on a stable support before aiming; a wobbly surface makes manual movement harder.
- Set up and align the finder using the instructions in the model manual so that it points where the telescope points.
- Move the tube gently in altitude and azimuth, and practice target acquisition before relying on it for a planned observing session.
- Keep collimation in mind as part of Newtonian setup. The cited sources do not establish a specific tool recommendation or an independently evaluated collimation procedure.
The model-specific instructions and care guidance are in the Orion StarBlast 4.5 instruction manual.
Important solar safety warning
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 instruction manual says: “Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope or its finder scope — even for an instant — as permanent eye damage could result.” The included 13%-transmission neutral-density filter is for lunar observing, not solar protection. Never use it to view the Sun.
Rank #4
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 80MM REFRACTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 3" Refractor with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
What should you check before buying?
Current price, stock, warranty and exact package contents depend on the seller and were not established here. Verify those details on the live listing before placing an order. If comparing this telescope with another beginner model, compare aperture and optical design, focal length and focal ratio, how the mount is aimed and tracked, included accessories, portability, and setup requirements such as collimation. Do not assume the other model’s current package or price without checking its listing.
High Point Scientific’s StarBlast 4.5 listing is one seller page to check; its live availability and terms should be confirmed directly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Exceptional Optical for Day & Night: Features a 300mm focal length, 70mm aperture and Fully Multi-Coated optical glass, maximizing light transmission for ultra-sharp images. Enjoy crisp daytime views of wildlife and mountains, or explore celestial wonders such as moon craters and lunar eclipses.
- 150X Magnification for Moon & Planet Viewing: Powerful 15x–150x magnification – Includes two telescope eyepieces (20mm for wide view & 6mm for detail) plus a 3X Barlow lens, allowing the refractor telescope to deliver 15X and 150X magnification. Perfect for observing Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, and bright stars in your backyard or campsite.
- Phone Adapter & Stable Tripod: Comes with a 5x24 finderscope to locate targets quickly, a sturdy telescope tripod, a universal phone adapter, and a wireless camera remote. Easily capture clear, stable photos and videos of the planets or scenery without shake to share with friends and family.
- Beginner-Friendly Telescope for Kids: Designed for kids, beginners, and adults with a quick setup (no tools required). Includes a star chart that helps users learn the night sky. Excellent hands-on tool to spark kids' interest in astronomy, foster practical skills, and create memorable family stargazing experiences.
- Astronomy Gift with Lifetime Maintenance: Packed in an attractive color gift box, this ultra-lightweight telescope is tailored for camping, road trips, and outdoor adventures away from city lights. Complete with all essential accessories and backed by our lifetime Maintenance for total peace of mind. This is the ideal gift for astronomy enthusiasts of adults and kids.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
