Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Saxon 90900 AZ3 Telescope to see if it lives up to the hype. If you're just starting out in astronomy or looking for a reliable telescope without breaking the bank, this review is for you. We’ll cover everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

First Impressions and Overview

When you first unbox the Saxon 90900 AZ3, you'll notice its sleek design and the promise of clear, detailed views of the night sky. This telescope is designed with beginners in mind, featuring a user-friendly setup and straightforward operation. The 90mm aperture is a sweet spot for gathering enough light to observe celestial objects while keeping the telescope relatively portable. The 900mm focal length, combined with the aperture, gives it a focal ratio of f/10, which is great for detailed views of the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects. Overall, the initial impression is that of a well-rounded instrument suitable for those new to astronomy. Its build suggests a balance between quality and affordability, making it an attractive option for hobbyists eager to explore the cosmos without getting overwhelmed by complicated equipment or a hefty price tag. The AZ3 mount itself is intuitive, allowing for smooth movements to track objects as they drift across the sky, enhancing the overall observing experience for beginners. The included accessories, such as eyepieces and a finderscope, complete the package, providing everything needed to begin observing right away.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the essential features that make the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope stand out. The heart of this telescope is its 90mm aperture. This is the diameter of the lens that collects light, and a larger aperture means you can see fainter objects and more detail. For beginners, 90mm is a fantastic starting point, balancing light-gathering capability with manageable size. With a 900mm focal length, this telescope offers a high magnification potential, perfect for examining the Moon's craters or the rings of Saturn. The AZ3 mount is an alt-azimuth mount, meaning it moves up-and-down (altitude) and left-to-right (azimuth). This type of mount is very intuitive to use, especially for beginners, making it easy to point the telescope where you want it to go. It typically comes with two eyepieces: a 25mm eyepiece for low magnification and a wider field of view, and a 10mm eyepiece for higher magnification and more detailed views. A finderscope is a small, low-magnification telescope attached to the main telescope. It helps you aim the telescope at your target by providing a wider field of view. The standard finderscope is a 6x30, which means it magnifies objects six times and has a 30mm aperture. The telescope usually includes a tripod made of aluminum. These tripods are lightweight and adjustable, making it easy to set up the telescope on different surfaces. Some models also include additional accessories like a Barlow lens, which doubles or triples the magnification of your eyepieces, and filters for enhancing views of the Moon and planets. These features combine to create a telescope that’s both capable and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for novice astronomers.

Setting Up the Telescope

Setting up the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope is a breeze, which is excellent news for beginners who might feel intimidated by complicated equipment. The process is designed to be straightforward, so you can spend more time observing and less time struggling with assembly. Start by attaching the tripod legs to the tripod head. Most tripods have simple screws or clamps to secure the legs in place. Extend the legs to your desired height and ensure they are stable. Next, attach the AZ3 mount to the tripod. This usually involves screwing the mount onto the tripod head. Make sure it’s firmly attached to prevent any wobbling. Slide the telescope tube into the mount's tube rings. These rings hold the telescope securely in place. Tighten the screws on the tube rings, but not too tightly, as you don't want to damage the telescope tube. Install the finderscope into its bracket on the telescope tube. Secure it with the provided screws. Aligning the finderscope with the main telescope is crucial for easy target acquisition. To do this, point the telescope at a distant object during the day and center it in the main telescope's eyepiece. Then, adjust the screws on the finderscope bracket until the same object is centered in the finderscope. Finally, insert an eyepiece into the focuser. Start with the low-power eyepiece (25mm) to make it easier to find objects. Once everything is set up, take a moment to double-check all the connections to ensure everything is secure. With these simple steps, your Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope will be ready for a night of stargazing.

Performance and Image Quality

When it comes to performance and image quality, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope offers a satisfying experience, especially for beginners. With its 90mm aperture, this telescope gathers enough light to provide clear and detailed views of various celestial objects. On clear nights, the Moon appears stunningly crisp, with craters and lunar features sharply defined. The telescope performs admirably when viewing planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter's cloud bands and its four Galilean moons are readily visible, providing a captivating sight. Saturn's rings are also clearly discernible, making it a favorite target for many beginners. While the 90mm aperture is not ideal for faint deep-sky objects, you can still observe brighter nebulae and galaxies under dark sky conditions. Objects like the Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy appear as faint, fuzzy patches of light. The image quality is generally good, with minimal chromatic aberration (color fringing) noticeable, especially at lower magnifications. Using the included eyepieces, you can achieve a range of magnifications, allowing you to zoom in on objects of interest. The views are sharpest in the center of the field of view, with some softening towards the edges. Overall, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 delivers a solid performance for its price range, making it an excellent choice for anyone starting their astronomical journey. The telescope's ability to provide clear views of the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects ensures an engaging and rewarding observing experience.

Pros and Cons

Like any telescope, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons will help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Pros:

• Affordable Price: One of the biggest advantages is its budget-friendly price point, making it accessible to beginners.
• Easy to Set Up: The straightforward setup process is perfect for those new to astronomy.
• User-Friendly: The intuitive AZ3 mount allows for smooth and easy tracking of celestial objects.
• Good Aperture for Beginners: The 90mm aperture provides enough light-gathering capability for detailed views of the Moon and planets.
• Portable: Its manageable size and weight make it easy to transport to dark sky locations.

Cons:

• Limited Deep-Sky Performance: The 90mm aperture is not ideal for observing faint deep-sky objects.
• Chromatic Aberration: Some color fringing may be noticeable, especially at higher magnifications.
• Basic Accessories: The included eyepieces and finderscope are adequate but may need upgrading for better performance.
• Stability: The tripod, while functional, may exhibit some wobbling, especially in windy conditions.
• Plastic Components: Some parts are made of plastic, which may affect the telescope's overall durability.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Telescope

To maximize your experience with the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope, here are some helpful tips. First, always allow your telescope to acclimate to the outside temperature before observing. This can take about 30-60 minutes and will improve image clarity by reducing thermal currents inside the telescope tube. Start with the lowest magnification eyepiece (25mm) to locate your target. Once you've centered the object, you can switch to a higher magnification eyepiece (10mm) for a closer view. Use a Moon filter when observing the Moon, especially during its brighter phases. This will reduce glare and enhance details on the lunar surface. Find a dark location away from city lights to minimize light pollution. This will significantly improve your ability to see faint objects. Use a star chart or astronomy app to help you locate celestial objects. These tools can guide you to interesting targets and provide information about what you're observing. Take your time and be patient. Finding and focusing on celestial objects can take practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't see everything perfectly right away. Clean your telescope's optics regularly using a lens cleaning kit. Dust and fingerprints can degrade image quality. Store your telescope in a safe, dry place when not in use. This will protect it from damage and extend its lifespan. By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy countless nights of stargazing with your Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the Saxon 90900 AZ3 telescope worth it? For beginners looking for an affordable, user-friendly telescope, the answer is a resounding yes. Its 90mm aperture provides clear views of the Moon, planets, and some brighter deep-sky objects, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the cosmos. The easy setup and intuitive AZ3 mount make it simple to use, even for those with no prior astronomy experience. While it has some limitations, such as its limited deep-sky performance and basic accessories, these are minor drawbacks compared to its overall value. If you're on a tight budget and want a telescope that's easy to set up and use, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 is a fantastic choice. It's a great way to get started in astronomy and will provide you with many hours of enjoyment under the night sky. However, if you're an experienced astronomer or looking for a telescope with advanced features and superior performance, you may want to consider other options. But for beginners, the Saxon 90900 AZ3 offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, ease of use, and performance, making it a worthwhile investment in your astronomical journey. So grab one, get outside, and start exploring the wonders of the universe!