Is the motor drive worth having over the manual version?

Yes for planets and the Moon. The motor counteracts Earth's rotation so objects stay centered while you observe or sketch. Manual tracking means nudging the scope constantly at high magnification.

Can it be used for astrophotography?

It can capture short exposures of the Moon and bright planets with a camera adapter. The motor drive is not precise enough for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.

What can I actually see with it?

Craters on the Moon, Jupiter and its four moons, Saturn's rings, Mars as a small disk, plus bright clusters and nebulae like Orion. Deep-sky objects appear faint and gray, not photographic.

Does it need batteries?

Yes, the motor drive runs on batteries that are included. Bring spares for long sessions, since tracking stops when power runs out.

Is it good for a child or complete beginner?

It works for a supervised beginner, but the equatorial mount and collimation take patience. A smaller, simpler scope may frustrate less for young children.

How does it compare with a GoTo telescope?

It is simpler and needs no computer alignment, but you must find objects yourself. GoTo scopes locate targets automatically at higher cost and complexity.

What do buyers say about the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 135 ratings.

Where can I buy the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope?

4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Adorama, Newegg.

Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope

Best price now

$389.95at WalmartChecked 6 h ago

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope

Best price now

$389.95at WalmartChecked 6 h ago

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $389.95 at Walmart (checked Nov 10, 2026).
Checked at 4 stores.

Our take on the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope

The AstroMaster 130EQMD is a 130mm (5.1-inch) Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount with a battery-powered motor drive that tracks objects as the Earth turns. That aperture gathers enough light to show Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rings and lunar craters, and the motor keeps them in the eyepiece instead of drifting out. It suits beginners who want tracking without paying for a computerized GoTo mount. Against GoTo rivals it is simpler and cheaper to run, but it lacks object databases and automatic slewing, and the bundled eyepieces are basic.

Best forFirst-time telescope ownersPlanetary and lunar viewingBackyard stargazers who want hands-off trackingFamilies sharing a scope

Pros

130mm aperture gives bright views of planets and the Moon
Motor drive tracks objects so they stay in view
Equatorial mount allows basic astrophotography
Simple manual pointing, no computer alignment needed
Sturdy steel tripod with accessory tray

Cons

No GoTo database or automatic slewing
Bundled eyepieces are entry-level
Motor drive needs batteries and adds setup steps
Heavy and bulky to move
Collimation required for best images

Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Celestron, LLCReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$389.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
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Best BuyNew
In stock
$389.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
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AdoramaNew
In stock
$389.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
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NeweggNew
In stock
$389.95Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
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Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope price history

Lowest price we've seen: $389.95 on Nov 10 at Best Buy. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

4.4 / 5135 ratings

Owners rate it well as a first reflector, praising the bright planetary views and the tracking motor. Complaints center on the basic eyepieces, the weight and the fiddly equatorial setup.

What people mention

OpticsPraisedOwners say the 130mm mirror shows crisp lunar craters and planetary detail.
Tracking motorPraisedThe motor keeps objects in the eyepiece for long viewing sessions.
EyepiecesCriticisedReviewers call the bundled eyepieces the weakest part and upgrade early.
SetupMixedBeginners find equatorial alignment confusing at first but manageable with practice.
PortabilityCriticisedOwners note the mount and tripod are heavy to move as one unit.

About the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope

If you're looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the AstroMaster130EQ is for you. The AstroMaster130EQ produces bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with this fine instruments. This model includes the motor drive for automatic tracking.

Specifications

Width ("): 33.0Source
Weight (oz): 272.0Source
Waterproofness: NoSource
Objective Lens Diameter ("): 5.12Source

Questions and answers

Is the motor drive worth having over the manual version?: Yes for planets and the Moon. The motor counteracts Earth's rotation so objects stay centered while you observe or sketch. Manual tracking means nudging the scope constantly at high magnification.
Can it be used for astrophotography?: It can capture short exposures of the Moon and bright planets with a camera adapter. The motor drive is not precise enough for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.
What can I actually see with it?: Craters on the Moon, Jupiter and its four moons, Saturn's rings, Mars as a small disk, plus bright clusters and nebulae like Orion. Deep-sky objects appear faint and gray, not photographic.
Does it need batteries?: Yes, the motor drive runs on batteries that are included. Bring spares for long sessions, since tracking stops when power runs out.
Is it good for a child or complete beginner?: It works for a supervised beginner, but the equatorial mount and collimation take patience. A smaller, simpler scope may frustrate less for young children.
How does it compare with a GoTo telescope?: It is simpler and needs no computer alignment, but you must find objects yourself. GoTo scopes locate targets automatically at higher cost and complexity.
Where is the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope cheapest?: At Walmart, for $389.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 135 ratings.
Where can I buy the Celestron Astromaster 130EQMD MOTOR DRIVE Telescope?: 4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Best Buy, Adorama, Newegg.