Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ vs LT 114AZ
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Celestron's StarSense Explorer scopes solve the "where is it?" problem for beginners: dock a phone, follow the arrows. These two models differ more than their names suggest. Specs are from Celestron's spec pages. We haven't tested them.
Side by side
| DX 130AZ | LT 114AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | 130 mm | 114 mm |
| Primary mirror | Parabolic | Spherical |
| Focal length / ratio | 650 mm, f/5 | 1000 mm, f/9 |
| Eyepieces | 25 mm (26x), 10 mm (65x) | 25 mm (40x), 10 mm (100x) |
| Barlow | Not included | 2x included |
| Highest / lowest useful mag. | 307x / 19x | 269x / 16x |
| Mount | Manual alt-az, dual-axis slow-motion | Manual alt-az, altitude slow-motion rod |
| Total kit weight | 18 lb | 10.4 lb |
Mount details from the listings; everything else from Celestron.
Aperture and the mirror
Light gathering scales with aperture squared (Celestron), so the 130 mm collects about 30% more than the 114 mm. The DX also uses a parabolic primary mirror, which Celestron lists in its spec table, while the LT uses a spherical one at a slower f/9.
Weight and setup
At 10.4 pounds total, the LT 114AZ is easy for one trip out the back door. The DX's 18 pound kit is still manageable, and its slow-motion controls on both axes make small adjustments at higher power easier.
The picks
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ
- 130 mm (5 in.) Newtonian reflector, per the listing
- Phone dock + StarSense app points you to targets with on-screen arrows
- Manual alt-azimuth mount with dual-axis slow-motion controls
- 2-year US warranty
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
- 114 mm (4.5 in.) Newtonian reflector, per the listing
- Phone dock + StarSense app sky recognition
- Manual alt-azimuth mount with altitude slow-motion rod
- 2-year US warranty
Celestron also sells a 102 mm refractor and an 8 inch Dobsonian with the same app.
After you buy
Both are Newtonian reflectors, so they benefit from occasional collimation.
FAQ
Main difference?
130 mm parabolic f/5 vs 114 mm spherical f/9.
Which is lighter?
The LT 114AZ, 10.4 vs 18 lb.
Same app?
Yes.