Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Saxon 90900 AZ3 Telescope. If you're just starting out in astronomy or looking for a budget-friendly option, you've probably come across this telescope. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its features and performance to its pros and cons, so you can decide if it's the right choice for you. Let's get started!

Overview of the Saxon 90900 AZ3 Telescope

The Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope is a popular choice among beginner astronomers due to its combination of affordability and decent specifications. It features a 90mm aperture and a 900mm focal length, making it a refractor telescope suitable for observing a variety of celestial objects. The AZ3 mount is an alt-azimuth mount, which is known for its ease of use, especially for those new to astronomy. This telescope is often recommended as an entry-level instrument, but let's delve deeper into its capabilities and limitations to provide a comprehensive review.

Key Features

• Aperture: 90mm
• Focal Length: 900mm
• Focal Ratio: f/10
• Mount: AZ3 Alt-Azimuth
• Eyepieces: Comes with multiple eyepieces (typically 10mm and 25mm)
• Finderscope: Usually includes a red dot or 6x30 finderscope
• Weight: Around 10kg (depending on the configuration)

What's in the Box?

When you purchase the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope, you generally receive the following components:

• Telescope tube with a 90mm lens
• AZ3 alt-azimuth mount
• Aluminum tripod with accessory tray
• Eyepieces (usually 10mm and 25mm)
• Finderscope (red dot or 6x30)
• Diagonal mirror (90 degrees)
• Instruction manual

Detailed Features and Benefits

Let’s break down the key features of the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope and explore the benefits they offer to amateur astronomers.

Aperture and Light Gathering

The 90mm aperture is a crucial aspect of this telescope. The aperture determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture means more light, resulting in brighter and clearer images. With a 90mm aperture, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 gathers significantly more light than smaller beginner telescopes (like 70mm models). This makes it capable of revealing fainter objects and finer details on brighter objects like the Moon and planets. For beginners, this enhanced light-gathering ability can be quite impressive, providing a more satisfying viewing experience and encouraging further exploration of the night sky. This aperture size strikes a good balance between portability and performance, making it a practical choice for newcomers to the hobby.

Focal Length and Magnification

The 900mm focal length, combined with the included eyepieces, dictates the telescope's magnification capabilities. The focal length is the distance between the lens and the point where the image comes into focus. To calculate magnification, you divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's focal length. For example, using the 25mm eyepiece (900mm / 25mm = 36x), you get a magnification of 36x. With the 10mm eyepiece (900mm / 10mm = 90x), the magnification increases to 90x. While higher magnification sounds appealing, it’s important to remember that image quality can degrade at higher magnifications, especially if the atmosphere is unstable. The 900mm focal length provides a good range of magnifications suitable for observing various celestial objects, from lunar craters to planetary details and even some brighter deep-sky objects.

AZ3 Mount

The Alt-Azimuth (AZ3) mount is a standout feature for beginners. Unlike equatorial mounts, which require alignment with the Earth's axis, the AZ3 mount moves in simple altitude (up and down) and azimuth (left and right) directions. This intuitive movement makes it incredibly easy to point the telescope at objects in the sky. The Saxon 90900 AZ3's mount is designed to be lightweight and portable, which is a big plus for those who need to move the telescope frequently or take it to different observing locations. While it may not have the precision tracking capabilities of more advanced mounts, its simplicity is a major advantage for newcomers. It allows them to quickly learn how to navigate the night sky without getting bogged down in complex alignment procedures. The smooth movements of the AZ3 mount also contribute to a more enjoyable and frustration-free observing experience.

Included Accessories

The accessories included with the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope enhance its usability and versatility. The standard accessories typically include two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), a finderscope (either a red dot or 6x30), and a diagonal mirror. The eyepieces provide different levels of magnification, allowing you to observe objects at varying scales. The finderscope helps you locate objects before viewing them through the main telescope, making it easier to pinpoint your target. The diagonal mirror corrects the image orientation, providing a more comfortable viewing position, especially when observing objects high in the sky. While these accessories are generally of basic quality, they are sufficient for getting started and provide a good foundation for future upgrades. Many users eventually invest in higher-quality eyepieces to further improve their viewing experience.

Performance and Image Quality

When evaluating the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope, image quality is paramount. The telescope performs admirably for its price point, delivering clear and detailed views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. The 90mm aperture gathers enough light to reveal lunar craters, planetary features like Jupiter's belts and Saturn's rings, and even some of the brighter nebulae and star clusters. Image sharpness is generally good, but chromatic aberration (color fringing) can be noticeable around bright objects. This is a common issue with achromatic refractor telescopes and is more pronounced at higher magnifications. However, it is manageable and does not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. Considering its cost, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 offers a respectable level of optical performance that is well-suited for beginners eager to explore the wonders of the night sky. Keep in mind that optimal viewing conditions, such as dark skies and stable atmosphere, will greatly enhance the image quality.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's weigh the pros and cons of the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope:

Pros

• Affordable: It's one of the most budget-friendly options available.
• Easy to Use: The AZ3 mount is incredibly user-friendly, perfect for beginners.
• Good Aperture: The 90mm aperture gathers enough light for decent views of celestial objects.
• Portable: Lightweight and easy to transport.
• Versatile: Suitable for observing the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.

Cons

• Chromatic Aberration: Noticeable color fringing around bright objects.
• Basic Accessories: Included accessories are functional but may need upgrading in the future.
• Mount Stability: The AZ3 mount can be a bit shaky at high magnifications.
• Limited Deep-Sky Performance: While it can reveal some brighter deep-sky objects, it's not ideal for faint galaxies and nebulae.

Who Is This Telescope For?

The Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope is ideally suited for:

• Beginner Astronomers: Its ease of use and affordability make it a great entry point into the hobby.
• Casual Observers: Perfect for those who want a simple and portable telescope for occasional stargazing.
• Families: A great way to introduce children to the wonders of astronomy.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers good value for its price.

However, it may not be the best choice for:

• Experienced Astronomers: Those seeking advanced features and higher performance.
• Astrophotography: Not designed for serious astrophotography due to mount limitations and chromatic aberration.
• Deep-Sky Enthusiasts: While it can show some brighter deep-sky objects, it's not ideal for faint galaxies and nebulae.

Alternatives to the Saxon 90900 AZ3

If the Saxon 90900 AZ3 doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Celestron AstroMaster 90AZ: Similar in specifications and price range, offering a comparable experience.
• Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector: A reflector telescope with a larger aperture, providing better light-gathering capabilities for deep-sky observing.
• Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P Flextube Dobsonian: A Dobsonian telescope known for its simplicity and large aperture, ideal for visual observing.

Tips for Using the Saxon 90900 AZ3

To get the most out of your Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope, here are a few tips:

• Choose a Dark Location: Find a spot away from city lights for optimal viewing.
• Allow Time for Thermal Equilibrium: Let the telescope adjust to the outside temperature for about 30 minutes before observing.
• Start with Low Magnification: Begin with the 25mm eyepiece to locate objects, then switch to the 10mm for higher magnification.
• Use a Star Chart or App: Familiarize yourself with the night sky to easily find celestial objects.
• Be Patient: Astronomy requires patience and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't see everything perfectly at first.

Final Verdict: Is the Saxon 90900 AZ3 Worth It?

So, is the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope worth it? For beginners and casual observers on a budget, the answer is a resounding yes. Its affordability, ease of use, and decent optical performance make it an excellent entry-level telescope. While it has its limitations, such as chromatic aberration and basic accessories, these are minor drawbacks considering its price. If you're looking to take your first steps into astronomy, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 is a solid choice that won't break the bank. Just remember to have realistic expectations and enjoy the journey of exploring the cosmos!