Our largest aperture SpaceProbe reflector telescope is the niftiest Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount we've seen in a long time. The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope is a step up from the standard SpaceProbe 130 EQ for the more serious beginning or intermediate stargazer who wants additional performance, particularly for targeting deep-sky objects.
Just what's so nifty about the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope? The answer is best described as "short and sweet."
First, the short. This "ST", or "Short Tube", version of the SpaceProbe 130 reflector is indeed more compact than the standard model. The 130ST reflector telescope's optical tube measures 24" long compared to 33" on the standard 130. The focal length of the ST's 130mm (5.1") primary mirror is 650mm (f/5), yielding a wider field of view and brighter images for a given telescope eyepiece focal length.
That brings us to sweet. The 130mm aperture primary is a diffraction-limited parabolic mirror, the same type used on much larger reflector telescopes costing many times as much. On a short-focal-length design like this one, a parabolic mirror is a must for focusing incoming light to a point and delivering sharp, detailed images. Moreover, the secondary mirror is held in an advanced holder with thin 0.5mm metal vanes, to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss. These features combined with the included EQ-2 equatorial mount and included accessories described below make this one sweet optical system for astronomy!
Begin your night sky explorations with the included 25mm Sirius Plossl Eyepiece.
The included 1.25" Orion 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece provides a 26-power view when used with the SpaceProbe 130ST reflector telescope. Using this eyepiece's moderate magnification is a great way to begin exploring interesting objects in the sparkling night sky. Offering a wide 52° apparent field of view, the 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece yields extremely sharp images of impressively high contrast. You'll be amazed at the crisp, clear views of sights like the cratered surface of the Moon and much more!
Take a closer look with the included 10mm Sirius Plossl Eyepiece.
When you're ready to study objects with more magnification, use the included 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece. When inserted into the SpaceProbe 130ST reflector telescope, the 10mm Plossl provides a powerful, 65x view with a 52° apparent field of view, so you can inspect interesting objects more closely. We recommend starting out with the lower-power 25mm Plossl, then switching to the 10mm ocular to boost the power of your telescope's view.
The included 6x30 finder scope will help you aim the telescope accurately.
Following a simple alignment procedure, you can use 6x30 finder scope to accurately aim the SpaceProbe 130ST reflector at objects in the sky like the Moon, bright planets, galaxies and star clusters. Once aligned with the telescope, just peer through the finder scope and move the telescope until the cross hairs are centered on the object you want to see. Look in the telescope, and it'll be right there!
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST telescope comes on a sturdy and precise EQ-2 equatorial mount with dual setting circles and slow-motion hand controls. After a simple polar-alignment procedure, the EQ-2 mount allows you to easily track celestial objects as they appear to migrate across the night sky, so you can observe them in detail. The adjustable-height aluminum tripod is strong yet lightweight and includes an accessory tray so you can keep eyepieces, flashlights, and other accessories close by while using the reflector telescope.
The relatively compact SpaceProbe 130ST EQ weighs just 27 lbs. once assembled. It's an easy telescope to take out to your favorite stargazing spot, whether just outside the back door or in a more distant location away from streetlights and light pollution. If you're looking for a better-quality first telescope or a nicely portable telescope to complement your big Dobsonian, you'll love the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ Reflector Telescope.
Warranty
Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-447-1001.
Warning
Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.
Product Support
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