Reddit mentions of Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Thanks for the post. I had been looking into getting a telescope around 200 EUR and almost bought the Celestron Astromaster 114EQ. I must say I find it very difficult to find the telescopes you suggest around here (Netherlands). They're either not available or way more expensive than on US websites (like >100$ more expensive).

What do you think about these options:

• Orion Starblast II 4.5
  
• Byomic G 114/900
  
• this one is pushing my budget but Bresser Pollux 150/1400
  
  I'm tempted to say the Orion Starblast II is my best option as it is in your list. But maybe the byomic or bresser is good? The bresser certainly is bigger. I prefer not to buy on Amazon as it doesn't really support The Netherlands, but if it is the only way to get a decent scope it's fine. I don't have room for a scope that needs a table and I live literally right next to a huge few trees/clear natural area. Light pollution still sucks though. View from my apartment balcony is great but obviously only one direction.
  
  Thanks

This one right? Not the "smaller brother" with the table-top mount?

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-StarBlast-Equatorial-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B06XSM4R74

It's not great for planets, to be honest.

It's better than some stuff out there...

• parabolic mirror unlike some telescopes (e.g. some of the Celestron 130/650)
  
  
• Not a flawed cheap "bird-jones" reflector with corrector lens (like the bad 127/1000 or 114/1000 shorties),
  which often have multiple issues at this price-point
  
  
  
• shorter tube than some heavier telescopes on the same weak mount
  
  
• Larger aperture than some starter sets
  
  
  Still, it has down-sides:
  
  
• As mentioned, extreme aperture-ratio (coma, obstruction size / contrast, needs to be perfectly parabolic for high magnifications, cheap wide-angle eyepieces are only sharp in the center)
  
  
• The small EQ mounts are just not suited for anything other than smaller shorter telescopes, at high magnifications focusing can be tedious!
  
  
• Cheap accessories
  
  
• For planets this all means it's limited.
  
  https://i.imgur.com/XcE8pUf.png
  
  
  So yes; For the same price you could have gotten a better one.
  (Don't rely on Amazon or other store reviews, and a "professional" looking mount isn't something that's good, as all sets like this are a bit too weak. )
  
  Either the AstronomersWithoutBorders "OneSky", Heritage 130p, Zhumell z130, Meade Lightbridge Mini 130, Bresser Messier 5". (Smaller Mini 114 is basically the same as yours but a more rigid table-top mount). Yes, table-top telescopes. But more sturdy, at least a bit less extreme aperture ratio. These telescopes cost $200, on sale sometimes less. They aren't perfect but considered good starter-telescopes. I love my 130p despite having larger telescopes. If you don't have a table around, the Ikea Bekväm for the OneSky/Heritage, or a beverage crate work just fine (and are more rigid). -- Even these telescopes require a bit better planetary eyepiece, but even stock, show a lot.
  
  Or a XT4.5,better a used/refurbished Orion XT6, Skywatcher 6", or even 8" dobsonian... On the classifieds, some people sell them for peanuts :-)
  
  IF you ask because you're considering returning/exchanging it: If it's an option, I would go for it.
  
  If that's not an option: I didn't mean to depress you with this write-up :-) It's not the most horrible telescope on the planet. It's a nice small reflector. More for wide-field, yes, but you can see the planets with it. A 3.2mm, 4mm Planetary will give you more magnification (and better eyepiece quality overall). Don't expect poster-sized planets with any telescope, but you can see a lot of detail.
  
  Clear skies!