ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ
$241.64 price checked August 2026
If you need a telescope with a carbon fiber surface covering and a compass, this is the one to price-check.
Where the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope Fits
The ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ is for the beginner astronomer who needs a portable starter kit, as it provides a 114mm aperture for wide-field viewing.
Choosing a reflector telescope often involves balancing a large enough mirror to see detail with a mount stable enough to keep the image steady. Many beginners struggle with complex setups that result in shaky views of the moon or planets.
The ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ simplifies this by including a stainless steel altazimuth tripod and a slow motion control pan handle. These features ensure the telescope stays steady during observation while providing a 114mm aperture for clear views.
We selected this model from the reflector telescope options we evaluated for this category based on its included accessories. This review is for the hobbyist seeking a complete, entry-level kit with a 500mm focal length.
For those seeking a more compact setup, read our HSL Reflector Telescope review for a detailed spec breakdown.
How RecommendedOptics picked: we started from the 68 most-reviewed reflector telescope listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 32 qualified. This product is one of 15 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
The Short Answer on the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope
Best for: you are a beginner looking for an entry-level reflecting telescope to observe the moon and bright planets.
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope is a solid choice for this use case at $241.64.
- Pro: The 114mm aperture and 500mm focal length provide a capable starting point for basic lunar and planetary observation.
- Pro: It includes a 3X Barlow lens and three 1.25 interchangeable Kellner eyepieces to reach up to 150X magnification.
- Pro: The stainless steel altazimuth tripod includes a slow motion control pan handle for smoother tracking.
- Con: The 500mm focal length falls short of the 1000mm threshold required for high-magnification planetary observation without extreme chromatic aberration.
- Con: A 3.5 rating from 26 buyers suggests potential reliability issues compared to higher-rated alternatives in this category.
Don’t buy this if: you require a telescope capable of resolving fine planetary details that necessitate a focal length of at least 1000mm.
Price assessment: The $241.64 price point is fair for a complete kit that includes a smartphone adapter and a red dot finder.
RecommendedOptics score: 6.3/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
You can find the best reflector telescope with phone adapter if you want to capture images directly to your device.
The Specifications That Matter
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Aperture | 114mm |
| Optical Components | All glass |
| Mount Type | Altazimuth Mount |
| Maximum Magnification | Up to 150X |
| Included Eyepieces | Three 1.25 interchangeable Kellners (K10/K20) |
| Included Accessories | 3X Barlow lens, red dot finder scope, smartphone adapter |
The 114mm aperture provides the primary light-gathering capability for the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope.
Performance: What the Specs Deliver
High Transmission Full-Coatings
High transmission full-coatings on the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope maximize the amount of light reaching your eye from celestial objects. These coatings ensure the 114mm aperture performs efficiently, allowing you to observe dimmer targets more clearly than uncoated optics would permit.
While the 500mm focal length falls short of the 1000mm focal length threshold required for high-magnification planetary observation without extreme chromatic aberration, these coatings help you maintain image clarity. You can expect to see clear lunar details and bright deep-sky objects, though the 114mm aperture limits the “deep” resolution of smaller planets compared to larger systems.
Stainless Steel Altazimuth Stability
Stainless steel altazimuth stability is provided by the metal tripod, which helps keep the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope steady during lunar observation. A stable mount prevents the image from shaking at high magnifications, ensuring that the moon remains centered in your view.
The slow motion control pan handle works with the stainless steel tripod to provide precise tracking. This setup allows you to maintain a steady view of the lunar surface without the jitter that often occurs with lightweight plastic mounts.
Interchangeable Kellners Eyepieces
Interchangeable Kellners eyepieces (K10/K20) let you switch between different zoom levels to suit different targets. By swapping these 1.25-inch accessories, you can adjust the magnification to see large portions of the moon or zoom in on specific craters.
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope supports up to 150X magnification using these eyepieces. You can use the 3X Barlow lens to further increase your reach, though you should check the manufacturer’s recommended limits for the 114mm aperture to ensure you maintain sharp focus on planetary details.
How the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope Compares to Alternatives
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope provides a 114mm aperture and 500mm focal length, offering a mid-range entry point for those seeking a balance between portability and light-gathering power.
- The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope costs $28.35 less than the Gskyer 130EQ Professional Reflector Telescope.
- The Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope features a swivel base for grab-and-go portability, while the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope uses a stainless steel altazimuth tripod.
- The Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ Reflector Telescope is priced at $209.95, making it $31.69 cheaper than the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope.
- The Barska Starwatcher 900x114mm 675 Power Reflector Telescope provides a 900mm focal length, whereas the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope has a 500mm focal length.
- The SpectrumOI EQ Reflector Telescope 130mm offers a 130mm aperture, while the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope provides a 114mm aperture.
- The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope holds the 6th highest-rated position in our comparison with a 3.5 rating.
If you require a larger aperture to resolve the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn, you should choose the SpectrumOI EQ Reflector Telescope 130mm, as the 114mm aperture on the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope falls short of the 130mm aperture threshold for high-performance visual astronomy.
If you need a larger aperture, view our full Skyline Dobsonian review for a deeper look at its capabilities.
Where This Price Sits
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope is priced at $241.64, which sits $6 below the $207.99 to $279.99 range of the similar reflector telescope products we compared. At this price point, you receive a 114mm aperture and a 500mm focal length, which falls short of the 1000mm focal length threshold required for high-magnification planetary observation without extreme chromatic aberration. While the package includes a 3X Barlow lens to reach 150X magnification, the 500mm focal length limits the level of fine detail you can resolve on planets compared to larger systems.
You should weigh the 3.5 rating from 26 buyers against your specific needs, as this score suggests potential quality issues that may affect the 114mm aperture’s performance. If you require high-magnification planetary detail, you should check the focal length of other models to ensure they meet the 1000mm threshold.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 25 products screened for this category, this one’s 3.5 rating places it #22, on 26 ratings – below the 37-rating median of that group, so treat the average as less settled than its comparables. On price it undercuts 18 of them.
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope: Remaining Questions
How easy is it to get a clear picture on my phone with the ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ?
The smartphone adapter uses 20 suction cups to secure your device, which helps maintain the steady connection required for clear photos. You should verify the phone’s weight against the adapter’s grip to ensure stability during use.
Does the mirror on the ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ need constant maintenance?
Reflecting telescopes typically require periodic alignment of the primary mirror to maintain image quality. You should check the manufacturer’s documentation for specific instructions on re-centering the mirror after transport.
What is the maximum magnification for the ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ?
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope provides up to 150X magnification. You should note that the 500mm focal length falls short of the 1000mm focal length threshold required for high-magnification planetary observation without extreme chromatic aberration.
Is the ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ worth it for a beginner?
A beginner should consider if the 114mm aperture meets their specific observation goals before purchasing. The telescope is priced at approximately $241.64 and holds a 3.5 rating from 26 buyers.
Many astronomers prefer mobility, so explore the best portable reflector telescope options for travel.
To better understand the technical details, view reflector telescope terms and specs explained in plain language.
Is the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope Right for You?
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 4 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope is for, and what it does well
Who the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope suits
- High school astronomy students — the 114mm aperture and included Kellner eyepieces provide a manageable entry point for learning celestial mechanics
- Beginner backyard stargazers — the stainless steel altazimuth tripod and slow motion control pan handle make it easy to track objects manually
- Parents of children interested in space — the smartphone adapter and red dot finder make it easy to share views and take photos of the moon
- Amateur lunar photographers — the metal moon filter and 114mm aperture allow for clear, high-contrast images of the lunar surface
- Hobbyist astrophotographers — the 3X Barlow lens and high transmission full-coatings allow for higher magnification and clearer imaging
What the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope handles well
- Lunar observation — the metal moon filter and 114mm aperture provide high-contrast views
- Planetary viewing — the 150X maximum magnification and 500mm focal length allow for detailed looks at planets
- Mobile astrophotography — the smartphone adapter with 20 suction cups allows for capturing images directly to a phone
- Easy-to-track celestial viewing — the slow motion control pan handle allows for smooth tracking of moving objects
- Wide-field viewing — the 500mm focal length provides a balanced field of view for large deep-sky objects
What the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope is the wrong choice for
- Deep-space galaxy photography — the 114mm aperture is too small to capture faint nebulae or distant galaxies
- High-magnification planetary tracking — the 150X magnification limit prevents viewing fine details on Jupiter or Saturn’s rings
- Professional astrophotography — the altazimuth tripod lacks the tracking motors required for long-exposure shots
- Wide-field landscape imaging — the 500mm focal length is too narrow for capturing large portions of the Milky Way
What to budget alongside the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope, and what to skip
Worth buying at the same time
- Astronomy guidebook — to identify celestial objects visible through the 114mm aperture
- Protective storage bag — to protect the carbon fiber surface and glass optics during transport
- Cleaning kit — to maintain the high transmission full-coatings on the glass components
- Power bank — to provide power to a smartphone for long-duration photography via the adapter
- Star chart — to navigate the sky using the included compass and red dot finder
What you can skip
- Additional Kellner eyepieces — three 1.25 interchangeable eyepieces are already included
- Barlow lens — a 3X Barlow lens is included in the box
- Moon filter — a metal moon filter is already provided
- Smartphone mount — a dedicated adapter with 20 suction cups is included
Where to Buy the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope
These retailers sell Reflector Telescope generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- Costco (online and physical stores) — bulk availability of specific popular telescope models
- Amazon (online only) — massive selection of entry-level and mid-range brands
- Walmart (online and physical stores) — accessible physical locations for beginner models
- B&H Photo Video (online only) — professional-grade equipment and expert technical support
- High Point Scientific (online only) — specialist retailer with technical expertise and high-end optics
- Adorama (online only) — wide range of accessories and imaging equipment
Final Verdict on the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope
You need a portable entry-point for basic lunar and solar observation rather than high-magnification planetary detail. The ESSLNB Astronomical Reflector Telescope 114AZ is a suitable choice at the $241.64 price point.
The ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope features a 114mm aperture and 500mm focal length, providing a practical setup for beginners who prioritize ease of use over the 1000mm focal length threshold required for professional planetary resolution.
Skip it if: you intend to observe the rings of Saturn or moons of Jupiter in high detail, as the 500mm focal length falls short of the standard required for stable, high-magnification planetary views.