Celestron designed the AstroMaster 80AZS 80mm f/5 Alt-Az Refractor Telescope as a multi-function starter scope that can be used for both astronomical and terrestrial viewing with fast setup and breakdown.

Its larger aperture and short focal length allow it to draw in a generous amount of light with a somewhat low magnification potential to keep views of the Moon and planets bright while preserving wide fields of view that complement the manual alt-az mount. The included 90° diagonal has an integrated erecting prism that corrects the view to enable the scope's use on land. Celestron includes two eyepieces for high and medium magnifications.

The AstroMaster is outfitted with a manual alt-azimuth mount. To make finding and tracking objects easy, there is an altitude control handle and an azimuth lock. Supporting the mount and optical tube assembly (OTA) is a stainless steel tripod with sturdy 1.25" diameter legs and an adjustable height to accommodate a wide variety of users and viewing positions. Its center accessory tray pulls double-duty as a convenient place to store eyepieces and smartphones while it locks the legs in place to improve stability and reduce vibrations.