Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ Reflector Telescope
$209.95 price checked August 2026
If you want a quick setup without tools and a variety of magnification options, this is the one to price-check.
ExploraScope 114AZ Overview
The Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ is for the budget-conscious beginner who needs a 114mm aperture to resolve lunar and planetary details without a complex setup.
Finding a telescope that offers enough magnification to see the rings of Saturn without requiring a professional-grade mount can be frustrating for new hobbyists. Many entry-level models lack the aperture needed to resolve clear planetary details, leaving users with blurry images that lack definition.
The Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ provides a 114mm manual Newtonian reflector telescope to ensure you can see those fine details. This aperture serves as a practical entry point for viewing the moon and planets while keeping the hardware manageable.
We evaluated this model against the other reflector telescope options we compared to determine its value. This review is for the budget-first shopper who needs a simple, no-tool setup for backyard astronomy.
You might also consider the AstroFi 102 review for Wi-Fi imaging if you prefer a Maksutov design.
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 ExploraScope 114AZ
Best for: you are a beginner who wants a portable Newtonian reflector for basic lunar and planetary observation.
The ExploraScope 114AZ is a solid entry point at $209.95.
- Pro: The 114mm aperture allows you to resolve the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn.
- Pro: It includes a 3x Barlow lens and two eyepieces (20mm and 4mm) to vary magnification.
- Pro: The no-tool setup and included accessory tray simplify the initial assembly.
- Con: The manual mount lacks tracking, meaning you must manually re-center objects as they move across the sky.
- Con: The 114mm aperture falls below the 130mm threshold required for high-resolution imaging of distant deep-sky objects.
Don’t buy this if: you require a telescope with an aperture of 130mm or larger to capture fine detail on distant galaxies.
Price assessment: The $209.95 price is fair for a Newtonian reflector that includes a full set of starter optics.
RecommendedOptics score: 7.3/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
If you are looking for a wireless option, see our full review of the Astro Fi 130.
To see how different models pair with mobile devices, view our guide to the best reflector telescope with phone adapter.
Specifications in Full
| Aperture | 114mm |
| Optical Design | Newtonian reflector |
| Optics Coating | Fully coated glass |
| Included Eyepieces | 20mm, 4mm |
| Barlow Lens | 3x |
| Weight | 6.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 36 x 52 x 32 inches |
The 114mm aperture provides a larger viewing area than entry-level models, allowing you to resolve more detail on the moon and planets.
What These Specifications Let You Do
Optical Clarity with Fully Coated Glass
The fully coated glass optics on the Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ allow you to see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter clearly. While the 114mm aperture is smaller than the 130mm threshold required to resolve the finest lunar details, it provides sufficient light-gathering power for high-contrast views of major planetary features.
Versatile Magnification with Barlow Lens
The ExploraScope 114AZ includes a 3x Barlow lens and a 20mm eyepiece to provide versatile magnification for different targets. You can switch between wide-field views of large nebulae and higher-power views of planets by combining these accessories to reach your desired focal length.
Easy Alignment via Finderscope
The finderscope on the ExploraScope 114AZ helps you center objects quickly before you begin tracking. Because the ExploraScope 114AZ uses an adjustable height tripod and a slow motion rod control, you can minimize shaking when trying to point at specific targets at high magnification.
How the ExploraScope 114AZ Compares to Alternatives
The ExploraScope 114AZ provides a larger 114mm aperture than the Carson Red Planet Series RP-100SP, which features a smaller 76mm aperture.
- The ExploraScope 114AZ costs $209.95, which is $26.42 more than the Carson Red Planet Series RP-100SP.
- The 114AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope provides a 5.0 rating compared to the 4.0 rating of the ExploraScope 114AZ.
- The Barska Starwatcher 900x114mm 675 Power Reflector Telescope costs $207.99, making it $1.96 cheaper than the ExploraScope 114AZ.
- The Reflector Telescope has a 1.0 rating, while the ExploraScope 114AZ holds a 4.0 rating.
- The Carson Red Planet RP-100 Newtonian Reflector Telescope offers a 700mm focal length compared to the 114mm aperture of the ExploraScope 114AZ.
If you need a more compact and affordable entry point, choose the Carson Red Planet Series RP-100SP instead of the ExploraScope 114AZ.
The ExploraScope 114AZ is a viable starter scope because it meets the 114mm aperture threshold required to resolve the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. While more expensive than the 76mm Carson models, the larger primary mirror ensures you will not outgrow the optics as quickly as you would with a smaller aperture.
For a more budget-friendly alternative, read our spec breakdown of the ESSLNB 114AZ Telescope.
Value for Money
The Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ sits at the $209.95 mark, which is $16 above the $194 average for the similar reflector telescope products we compared. At this price point, you receive a 114mm manual Newtonian reflector with a 20mm eyepiece, a 4mm eyepiece, and a 3x Barlow lens. You gain a complete starter kit that includes a finderscope and a slow motion rod control, which helps stabilize your view of the moon and planets. You do not have to choose between a basic scope and a bundle of accessories, as the necessary viewing tools are included in the initial purchase.
You do not need to buy extra eyepieces or filters to see interesting objects because the included 4mm and 20mm eyepieces, combined with the 3x Barlow lens, provide the necessary range for lunar and planetary observation. Because the data does not specify specialized filters, you should check if you want to view specific nebulae or gas giants, which may require separate equipment beyond this starter set.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 25 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.0 rating places it #14, on 135 ratings – above the 37-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 19 of them.
ExploraScope 114AZ Buying Questions Answered
What is the assembly process for the Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ?
The ExploraScope 114AZ features a no-tool setup designed for beginners who want to avoid a complicated assembly process. You can assemble the telescope and its adjustable height tripod quickly without needing specialized tools or complex instructions.
How long does the mirror need to cool down before use?
Reflector telescopes require the mirror to reach ambient temperature to prevent image blurring caused by heat and air currents. Because the specific cooling time is not listed in the technical data, you should allow the telescope to sit outside for at least 20 to 30 minutes before your first observation.
Does the ExploraScope 114AZ come with enough eyepieces for different views?
Yes, the ExploraScope 114AZ includes a 20mm eyepiece and a 4mm eyepiece to provide different magnification levels. You can also use the included 3x Barlow lens to further increase the magnification of your view.
Is the Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ suitable for a beginner?
If you are a first-time buyer on a budget, the ExploraScope 114AZ is a practical choice that provides a 114mm aperture for viewing celestial objects. It offers a 4.0 rating from 135 buyer ratings, which supports its position as a reliable entry point into Newtonian reflector telescopes.
Beginners can learn the core mechanics by reading our guide on how a reflector telescope works.
Is the ExploraScope 114AZ Right for You?
The ExploraScope 114AZ suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 4 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the ExploraScope 114AZ is for, and what it does well
Who the ExploraScope 114AZ suits
- Middle school science students — the no-tool setup allows for quick classroom assembly and disassembly
- Parents of children interested in space — the lightweight frame and accessory tray make it easy for kids to handle
- Beginner backyard astronomers — the included 4mm and 20mm eyepieces provide a range of magnification for learning
- Home hobbyists with limited storage — the lightweight frame and portable design allow for easy storage in a closet
- School astronomy clubs — the slow motion rod control allows students to practice steady tracking of celestial objects
What the ExploraScope 114AZ handles well
- Viewing the moon’s craters — the 114mm Newtonian reflector optics provide sufficient aperture
- Observing the rings of Saturn — the 3x Barlow lens allows for higher magnification of planetary details
- Tracking stars across the sky — the slow motion rod control enables precise manual adjustments
- Stargazing in a backyard — the adjustable height tripod allows for comfortable viewing from various positions
- Quick-start stargazing — the no-tool setup allows for immediate use upon unboxing
What the ExploraScope 114AZ is the wrong choice for
- Astrophotography of deep-sky nebulae — the manual Newtonian reflector and manual mount lack the tracking precision for long exposures
- Observing very faint galaxies — the 114mm aperture limits light-gathering compared to larger professional telescopes
- Tracking fast-moving satellites — the manual rod control is too slow for high-speed tracking
- High-magnification planetary detail — the 114mm aperture limits the maximum useful magnification for crisp views
What to budget alongside the ExploraScope 114AZ, and what to skip
Worth buying at the same time
- Moon filter — to reduce glare when viewing the bright lunar surface through the 114mm optics
- Red dot finder — to provide a secondary aiming point for the finderscope
- Protective dust cover — to keep the fully coated glass optics clean when not in use
- Sturdy chair — to provide a stable seating position for long periods of observation
- Star chart — to identify objects visible through the 20mm and 4mm eyepieces
What you can skip
- Additional 20mm eyepiece — the product already includes a 20mm eyepiece
- Additional 4mm eyepiece — the product already includes a 4mm eyepiece
- Barlow lens — the product already includes a 3x Barlow lens
- Basic tripod — the product already includes an adjustable height tripod
Where to Buy the ExploraScope 114AZ
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.
- 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
- Costco (online and physical stores) — bulk availability of specific popular telescope models
Final Verdict on the ExploraScope 114AZ
You need a beginner-friendly entry point into visual astronomy without the complexity of tool-heavy assembly, making the Celestron ExploraScope 114AZ a practical choice at $209.95.
The ExploraScope 114AZ ranks well for accessibility because it features a no-tool setup and a 114mm manual Newtonian reflector design that provides a clear path into hobbyist observation.
The ExploraScope 114AZ maintains a 4.0 rating from 135 buyers, confirming its reliability as a budget-friendly starting point for those prioritizing ease of use over advanced tracking.
Skip it if: you require an equatorial mount for deep-sky tracking or need a larger aperture than the 114mm mirror can provide for high-magnification planetary detail.
Browse our other Reflector Telescope pages
- The Reflector Telescopes That Work Best for Beginners
- Which Newtonian Reflector Telescope is Best for Adults?
- Best Reflector Telescopes for Family Stargazing
- 10-inch Dobsonian Reflector Telescopes Compared
- Choosing the Best Reflector Telescope with Phone Adapter
- The Reflector Telescopes That Work Best for Portable Use