Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor 241x Black Blue

The Celestron Inspire 100AZ Refractor 241x Black Blue is a compact, portable refractor telescope with a 100 mm objective lens and a maximum indicated magnification of 241x. Designed for amateur astronomers and daytime observers, the short optical tube delivers a wide field of view suitable for viewing the Moon, planets, star clusters and brighter deep-sky objects. The kit includes a steel tripod for stability, a 90° erect-image diagonal for correct-orientation terrestrial viewing, two eyepieces, a Star Pointer finderscope, an integrated smartphone adapter and a red LED accessory light. Quick assembly and adjustable tripod legs make the telescope easy to transport and set up for spontaneous observing sessions.

Advantages

The Inspire 100AZ combines a relatively large 100 mm aperture in a compact tube that balances light-gathering and portability. The manual alt-azimuth mount with panning handle and clutch provides smooth, intuitive pointing and simple tracking in up/down and left/right motions. Included accessories—two eyepieces, erect-image diagonal, smartphone adapter and finderscope—make the telescope ready for both celestial and terrestrial use without needing immediate additional purchases. A durable steel tripod improves stability for sharper views, while the erect-image diagonal offers right-side-up images for daytime spotting.

Suitable for

• Beginning and intermediate amateur astronomers learning to navigate the night sky
• Casual stargazing: Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies
• Daytime terrestrial observation and wildlife spotting using the erect-image diagonal
• Mobile observing sessions, travel, and picnics where a lightweight, quick-setup instrument is needed

Key specifications

• Optical design: Refractor (achromatic, short tube)
• Aperture: 100 mm objective diameter
• Focal behavior: short focal length for wider field of view
• Mount type: Manual alt-azimuth with panning handle and clutch
• Tripod: Steel tripod with adjustable legs for variable height and stability
• Included eyepieces: Two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm) for different magnifications
• Diagonal: 90° erect-image diagonal for correct-orientation viewing
• Finder: Star Pointer finderscope for quick object centering
• Smartphone adapter: Adjustable clamp-style adapter for eyepieces up to 45 mm outer diameter
• Accessory light: Integrated removable red LED flashlight for low-light use

How to use

Assemble the tripod and secure the steel legs at the desired height, then attach the optical tube to the alt-azimuth mount following the supplied quick-start instructions. Insert the 90° erect-image diagonal and the chosen eyepiece (20 mm for lower magnification, 10 mm for higher magnification). Use the Star Pointer finderscope to center bright objects in the main eyepiece, then fine-tune position with the panning handle and clutch. For daytime terrestrial viewing, keep the erect-image diagonal in place; for night observations, use the eyepiece selection that provides the clearest view of the target. To photograph, clamp the smartphone in the adapter over the eyepiece, align the phone camera with the eyepiece exit pupil and tighten the knobs to hold the phone steady before taking images.

Usage recommendations

For best results when observing faint deep-sky objects, choose nights with steady atmospheric seeing and allow the telescope to cool to ambient temperature. Start with the lower-power eyepiece to locate objects, then switch to higher power for detail. When capturing images with the smartphone adapter, remove bulky phone cases if alignment is difficult, and use the red LED accessory light sparingly to preserve night vision.