Explore Scientific FirstLight 114mm Newtonian with Twilight Nano Alt-Az Mount
The Explore Scientific FirstLight 114mm Newtonian with Twilight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount offers an ideal blend of simplicity, portability, and optical performance—perfect for beginners or casual observers who want to experience the night sky without a steep learning curve.
A Wide-Field Newtonian Designed for Discovery
This telescope features a 114mm (4.5") parabolic Newtonian reflector with a fast f/4.3 focal ratio, making it excellent for wide-field viewing. Whether you're sweeping the summer Milky Way for open clusters, chasing nebulae in Orion, or watching the Moon rise in high definition, the FirstLight 114mm delivers bright, sharp images with a generous field of view.
Unlike spherical mirrors found in many entry-level reflectors, this model uses a true parabolic primary mirror to reduce optical aberrations and provide better image quality—especially at the edges of the field. You'll enjoy better contrast and sharpness whether you're targeting bright planets or faint galaxies.
Simple, Stable, and Intuitive Alt-Az Mount
The included Twilight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount is a lightweight yet robust mount designed for no-fuss observing. Its straightforward up/down and left/right movement makes aiming the telescope as natural as pointing your finger. There are no counterweights, no polar alignment, and no motors to fuss with—just manual control and quick responsiveness.
Though the mount does not include slow-motion controls, it provides smooth, steady manual movement that’s easy for beginners to handle. It’s also capable of supporting small refractors or other lightweight optical tubes, adding flexibility for future upgrades.
The stainless steel tripod legs offer a solid base, and the included accessory tray helps keep your eyepieces within easy reach while boosting overall rigidity.
Everything You Need to Start Exploring
Explore Scientific has included a full suite of accessories so you can start observing right out of the box:
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25mm 1.25" Plössl eyepiece for a wide, comfortable 20x magnification—perfect for locating and enjoying larger objects like open clusters and the Moon
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Red-dot finder to help you aim the telescope quickly and easily
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Smartphone adapter for simple afocal photography—capture the Moon, planets, and more using your phone’s camera
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Universal rack-and-pinion 1.25" focuser, compatible with most standard eyepieces and accessories
Lightweight and Portable for On-the-Go Astronomy
The entire setup is easy to transport and store, making it ideal for spontaneous backyard observing or packing up for a night under dark skies. Assembly is tool-free and takes just minutes—making it especially appealing to beginners or families who want hassle-free operation.
A Great First Telescope with Room to Grow
If you’re just getting started in astronomy and want real optical quality without complexity or frustration, the Explore Scientific FirstLight 114mm Newtonian is a smart pick. It’s a true optical instrument—not a toy—offering crisp views and solid mechanics that can grow with your interest.
Its fast focal ratio and wide field make it a joy to use for sweeping views and deep-sky targets, while the simple mount keeps the experience grounded and accessible.
Need help choosing the right accessories or want to compare this to other beginner-friendly scopes? Our team is happy to help—just give us a call or drop us a message. We’re astronomers too, and we want you to love your first look at the universe.
