{"id":65011,"date":"2026-08-28T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/?guid=e0457a0b097a093385dff0bea91475cb"},"modified":"2026-08-30T11:40:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T11:40:43","slug":"our-choice-as-one-of-the-best-budget-telescopes-now-has-17-off-this-telescope-deal-is-worth-grabbing-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/2026\/08\/28\/our-choice-as-one-of-the-best-budget-telescopes-now-has-17-off-this-telescope-deal-is-worth-grabbing-fast\/","title":{"rendered":"Our choice as one of the best budget telescopes now has 17% off \u2014 this telescope deal is worth grabbing fast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n                            \n                            <article>\n                                <p>The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.htmlhttps:\/\/www.space.com\/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.html\"><u>best telescopes<\/u><\/a> for beginner-to-intermediate stargazers who want to view deep-sky objects and appreciate assistance in manually locating the targets.<\/p><p>Right now, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Celestron-StarSense-Smartphone-App-Enabled-Compatible\/dp\/B083JRF1MH\/ref=sr_1_6?\"><u><strong>Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is 17% off, down to just $414.99<\/strong><\/u><\/a>, its cheapest since Prime Day in June.<\/p><p>In our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130az-review\"><u>Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ review<\/u><\/a>, our expert tester Damian Peach awarded it an impressive 4 out of 5-star. Damian noted that it was an exquisite telescope for the beginner and added that the StarSense Explorer telescope was fully equipped, supplied with just about everything the skywatcher needs for a successful observing session under the stars.<\/p><p>It only missed out on the perfect score as Damian felt it would benefit from additional high-powered eyepieces to achieve more detailed views. However, at this discounted price, it's one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/31229-best-beginner-telescopes.html\"><u>best beginner-friendly telescopes<\/u><\/a> you could ever want to own.<\/p><div class=\"product\"><a data-dimension112=\"3ae2ef5e-a2e0-11f1-ab14-8f54947dcad8\" data-action=\"Deal Block\" data-label=\"StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope\" data-dimension48=\"StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope\" data-dimension25=\"$414.99\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Celestron-StarSense-Smartphone-App-Enabled-Compatible\/dp\/B083JRF1MH\/ref=sr_1_6?\"  rel=\"nofollow\"><figure class=\"van-image-figure \"  ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style=\"max-width:752px;\"><p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:100.00%;\"><img id=\"euKsoC5WptQYq5XMbhGJaY\" name=\"Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ.jpg\" caption=\"\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/euKsoC5WptQYq5XMbhGJaY.jpg\" mos=\"\" align=\"middle\" fullscreen=\"\" width=\"752\" height=\"752\" attribution=\"\" endorsement=\"\" credit=\"\" class=\"\"><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/a><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Celestron-StarSense-Smartphone-App-Enabled-Compatible\/dp\/B083JRF1MH\/ref=sr_1_6?\"  rel=\"nofollow\" data-dimension112=\"3ae2ef5e-a2e0-11f1-ab14-8f54947dcad8\" data-action=\"Deal Block\" data-label=\"StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope\" data-dimension48=\"StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope\" data-dimension25=\"$414.99\">StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope: was $499.95 now $414.99<\/a><\/strong><br><strong>Save $84 <\/strong>The StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/telescopes-under-500#section-best-for-deep-space-observing\"> <\/a>best telescope for deep-space observing in our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/telescopes-under-500\">best budget telescopes guide<\/a>. While a great choice for viewing nebulas and galaxies, it's also a great choice for viewing distant planets. We awarded it four stars for its crisp views and user-friendliness with the StarSense app that helps you locate your chosen night sky target easily. The 5.1-inch (130 mm) aperture can gather plenty of light for a bright and detailed image, no matter what you are observing.<\/p><p><strong>Check our in-depth <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130az-review\"><strong>Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ<\/strong> <strong>review<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><a class=\"view-deal button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Celestron-StarSense-Smartphone-App-Enabled-Compatible\/dp\/B083JRF1MH\/ref=sr_1_6?\"  rel=\"nofollow\" data-dimension112=\"3ae2ef5e-a2e0-11f1-ab14-8f54947dcad8\" data-action=\"Deal Block\" data-label=\"StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope\" data-dimension48=\"StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope\" data-dimension25=\"$414.99\">View Deal<\/a><\/p><\/div><ul><li><em><strong>We've got you covered with reviews and rankings of the <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.html\"><em><strong>best telescopes<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>, <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/26021-best-binoculars.html\"><em><strong>binoculars<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>, <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-star-projectors\"><em><strong>star projectors<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>, <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-cameras\"><em><strong>cameras<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>, <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-drones\"><em><strong>drones<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>, <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/38810-best-lego-deals.html\"><em><strong>Lego<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong>, <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/streaming-deals-guide\"><em><strong>streaming<\/strong><\/em><\/a><em><strong> and more.<\/strong><\/em><\/li><\/ul><figure role=\"gallery\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oHGyztQQsxjtzFjsskzJEa.jpg\" alt=\"Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ\" \/><figcaption>The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope has a 5.1-inch (130 mm) aperture.<small role=\"credit\">Celestron<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XVeResy3WaquywJsyqwuMJ.jpeg\" alt=\"Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ\" \/><figcaption>The tripod included with the telescope has a handy tray for storing extra eyepieces for different celestial targets.<small role=\"credit\">Celestron<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RiJHLqbqbzaYrD4nadLnjV.jpeg\" alt=\"Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ\" \/><figcaption>The alt-azimuth mount is an easy-to-operate mount and works well with the StarSense app for locating targets.<small role=\"credit\">Celestron<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fWGLxvRxoLT9xkH6XBnwnU.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up on the aperture and eyepiece on the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope against a white background.\" \/><figcaption>The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ features a finderscope for helping to locate and center your target.<small role=\"credit\">Celestron<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/figure><p>Ideal for entry-level stargazers, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130az-review\"><u>Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ<\/u><\/a> uses its clever StarSense smartphone app to streamline finding targets in the night sky. While it lacks the fully automated GoTo tracking found on some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-smart-telescopes\"><u>best smart telescopes<\/u><\/a><u>,<\/u> its substantial 5.1-inch aperture gathers plenty of light\u2014delivering brighter, sharper, and more detailed views than most automated competitors.<\/p><p>One of its standout features is the clever mount-integrated smartphone dock, which takes the hassle out of locating faint deep-space targets. Fueled by real-time GPS tracking and your phone's camera, the StarSense app generates a live sky map that leads you straight to any celestial object. By replacing tedious star charts with turn-by-turn guidance, it lets you spend your time actually observing the universe rather than searching for it\u2014earning it a top spot in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.htmlhttps:\/\/www.space.com\/telescopes-under-500\"><u>best budget telescope<\/u><\/a> guide for astronomers of all experience levels.<\/p><p><strong>Key features:<\/strong> Newtonian reflector design, 5-inch (130 mm) aperture, 25-inch (650mm) focal length, f\/5 focal ratio, 307x highest useful magnification, 18 lbs (8.16 kg) weight, Starsense smartphone-powered technology, two-year warranty.<\/p><p><strong>Launched:<\/strong> January 2020<\/p><p><strong>Price history:<\/strong> Before today's telescope deal, the best price we've seen on the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope was $379 during the Prime Day sales in June. The MSRP is $499.95, which makes the current on-sale price of $414.99 a significant saving on what is a seldom-discounted model.<\/p><p><strong>Price comparison:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Celestron-StarSense-Smartphone-App-Enabled-Compatible\/dp\/B083JRF1MH\/ref=sr_1_6?\"><strong>Amazon:<\/strong> $414.99<\/a> <strong>|<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/celestron-nexstar-8-se-schmidt-cassegrain-telescope\/p\/cnn8se\"><strong>Adorama:<\/strong> $449.99<\/a> <strong>|<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Celestron-NexStar-8SE-Computerized-Telescope\/16327783?\"><strong>Walmart:<\/strong> $499.95<\/a><\/p><p><strong>Reviews consensus:<\/strong> In our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130az-review\">Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ review, <\/a>we awarded this telescope four stars for its user-friendly interface and impressive views, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want a modern and simple way to explore the night sky.<\/p><p><strong>Space<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130az-review\"><strong>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u00bd<\/strong><\/a> <strong>| Digital Camera World: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalcameraworld.com\/reviews\/celestron-starsense-explorer-dx-130az-telescope-review\"><strong>\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u00bd<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p><strong>\u2705 Buy it if:<\/strong> You want a user-friendly telescope for beginners that uses smartphone technology to help you navigate the night sky to observe planets and deep space objects.<\/p><p><strong>\u274c Don't buy it if: <\/strong>You want a fully automated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-smart-telescopes\"><u>smart telescope<\/u><\/a> or prefer a more traditional method of navigating the night sky.<\/p><p><em>Check out our other guides to the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.html\"><em>best telescopes<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/26021-best-binoculars.html\"><em>binoculars<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-cameras\"><em>cameras<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-star-projectors\"><em>star projectors<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-drones\"><em>drones<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.space.com\/best-lego-space-sets\"><em>Lego<\/em><\/a><em> and much more.<\/em><\/p><div data-widget-type=\"multimodelreview\" data-widget-title=\"Today's best Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Telescope prices\" data-model-name=\"Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope\" class=\"hawk-root\"><\/div>\n                                                            <\/article>\n                            \n                        ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our expert tester rated the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope with an impressive review and it&#8217;s now at one of its lowest prices this year in this limited-time Amazon deal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":718,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3049,2794],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-skywatching-kit","category-stargazing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65011"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/718"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65011"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65118,"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65011\/revisions\/65118"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}