StarBlast 4.5 EQ Telescope

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ is a discontinued yet legendary beginner telescope that punches above its weight. Its fast f/4 optics, stable mount, and quality Expanse eyepieces deliver wide, stunning views that inspire a lifelong passion for the night sky.

Designed for Discovery

Engineered for clarity and ease, the StarBlast 4.5 pairs a fast f/4 optical tube with a stable equatorial mount and quality Expanse eyepieces, delivering wide, crisp views for smooth, rewarding stargazing sessions.
A detailed product shot of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope's optical tube and mount, highlighting its white tube and black metal construction against a dark background.

Explore the Night Sky with Confidence

Experience the thrill of discovery with a telescope that combines ease of use with impressive performance. The StarBlast 4.5 EQ delivers crisp, wide-field views that keep your curiosity and stargazing passion growing for years.
Close-up of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope mirror showing its polished reflective surface and optical quality.

Powerful Optics for Deep Views

The generous 4.5-inch mirror gathers enough light to reveal stunning detail on the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters.

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope pointed at a starry night sky, with a faint nebula visible in the eyepiece view.

Easy Object Location

The fast f/4 focal ratio creates a wide field of view, making it simple to locate and track celestial objects as they move.

A pair of eyes looking through the included Expanse telescope eyepiece, showing a wide, clear field of view.

Immersive Eyepiece Experience

The included Expanse eyepieces provide a comfortable, immersive 66° view that makes your first deep-sky observations unforgettable.

The EZ Finder II reflex sight mounted on the telescope, glowing with a red aiming dot against a twilight sky.

Smooth, Precision Tracking

The stable equatorial mount with slow-motion controls lets you smoothly follow objects across the night sky with precision.

The complete Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope kit laid out, including eyepieces, software, and collimation cap.

Everything to Start Stargazing

A complete kit including the EZ Finder II sight and software gets you observing quickly and builds your skills from the start.

Perfect For

Who Will Love This Telescope?

Beginner Astronomers

With its intuitive setup and EZ Finder sight, it removes the frustration, letting beginners focus on the joy of first light and learning the night sky.

Portable Stargazing Trips

Its portable size and complete kit make it ideal for taking to darker skies outside the city for better views and more objects.

Family Science Projects

The durable construction and exciting views make it a fantastic tool for sparking curiosity and sharing the wonders of the universe with children.

Wide-Field Deep-Sky Views

The fast f/4 optics and wide field excel at observing large star clusters, nebulae, and sweeping through the Milky Way band.

Meaningful Gift for Hobbyists

It's an affordable, high-quality gift that provides a complete, ready-to-use package for anyone interested in exploring astronomy.

Learning and Skill Building

The included software and intuitive design help users quickly move from identifying the Moon to hunting for fainter deep-sky objects.

Getting Started Guide

From Box to Stars in Simple Steps

Follow these steps to set up and enjoy your StarBlast 4.5 telescope. From assembly to your first observation, this guide helps you get the most from your instrument and build essential stargazing skills.
Hands carefully unpacking the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope components from its protective packaging.

Unpack and Identify Parts

Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Identify the optical tube, mount, tripod legs, finder sight, and eyepieces using the manual's diagrams.

A person securing the white optical tube of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope onto its black equatorial mount.

Assemble the Telescope

Secure the optical tube onto the equatorial mount. Attach the slow-motion control cables and ensure everything is tightened properly for stability.

A person adjusting the EZ Finder II reflex sight on the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope tube while looking through it.

Align the Finder Sight

Mount the EZ Finder II sight on the tube. Look through it and adjust it to aim at a distant, stationary daytime object like a treetop or chimney to align it.

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope set up on a lawn, pointed towards the sky with a star chart beside it.

Choose Your First Target

Set up the telescope on level ground. Use the included software or a star chart to locate a bright planet like Jupiter or Saturn as your first target.

A hand inserting the 15mm Expanse eyepiece into the focuser of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope.

Insert Eyepiece and Focus

Insert the 15mm Expanse eyepiece for a wide view. Use the slow-motion controls to keep your chosen object centered as it moves across the sky.

A person smiling while observing through the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope eyepiece under a clear night sky.

Enjoy and Adjust

Take time to admire the view. Make small adjustments to the mount's tension and keep your target in the eyepiece to enjoy extended observing sessions.

Stargazer Experiences

Real-World Views and Reactions

Hear from stargazers who experienced the StarBlast 4.5 first-hand. These accounts highlight the telescope’s real-world performance, ease of use, and the moments of wonder it created for users at the beginning of their astronomy adventure.
The included Expanse eyepieces are incredible for the price. My first look at the Orion Nebula was breathtaking, with clear nebulosity visible. The wide field makes finding objects a breeze.
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CosmicWonder42
As my first telescope, the setup was manageable. The finder sight is a lifesaver. I was tracking Jupiter within an hour and saw its cloud bands clearly. A fantastic package to learn with.
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NightSkyNewbie
The EQ mount is surprisingly smooth and stable for its size. Tracking objects is easy with the slow-motion controls. It feels like a quality instrument, not a toy. Built to last.
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ObservatoryLarry
Bought this for my kids, and now the whole family takes turns. The views of the Moon are a big hit. It's simple enough for them to use with a little guidance and robust for regular use.
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StargazerDad
The f/4 optics create a huge field of view. Sweeping through the Milky Way and finding open clusters is effortless. It truly shines for wide-field views of large deep-sky objects.
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DeepSkyFan
For the price, the optical quality is outstanding. I was skeptical of a 'beginner' scope, but it delivers views that rival more expensive models. The performance per dollar is exceptional.
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BudgetAstronomer

Your Questions, Answered

Got questions about setup, what you’ll see, or how this telescope fits your needs? Here are clear answers to help you decide if this discontinued favorite is the right choice for your stargazing journey.
Yes, the StarBlast 4.5 is an excellent beginner telescope. Its fast f/4 optics and EZ Finder sight make locating objects simple, while the equatorial mount teaches you fundamental tracking skills. It provides enough performance to grow with you for years.
With its 4.5-inch aperture, you can observe stunning details on the Moon, see the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy under dark skies.
The telescope requires some assembly, including attaching the optical tube to the mount and setting up the finder sight. It also benefits from occasional collimation (mirror alignment), for which a cap is included. The process is straightforward with the manual.
This model uses a manual equatorial mount, which requires you to align it with the North Star and use slow-motion controls to track objects. It’s a skill that enhances your understanding of the sky but takes some practice.
This product is discontinued, so new units are no longer manufactured. Your best option is to check reputable used equipment dealers, astronomy forums, or second-hand marketplaces, where this model is still a sought-after item.
It includes two 1.25-inch Expanse eyepieces (15mm and 6mm), the EZ Finder II reflex sight, a collimation cap, and a copy of Starry Night software. A tripod or case is not included.
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope fully assembled and set up on a patio at dusk, ready for observing.
A person in silhouette looking through the eyepiece of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 telescope under a starry night sky.
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