Ideal for beginners or intermediates, the Inspire 100AZ 100mm f/6.6 Alt-Az Refractor Telescope from Celestron has the largest aperture and shortest focal length in the Inspire series, which makes it as powerful as it is compact. The combination of aperture and focal length translates to a fast focal ratio, and therefore allowing for short exposure times when performing astrophotography using the included smartphone digiscoping adapter. It is intended to give novice astronomers a complete rig that is easy to set up and use for making detailed observations of the Moon; and viewing the planets, meteor showers, and brighter deep-sky objects with the resolution to split binary stars and separate clusters.

Its unique asymmetrical manual alt-azimuth mount helps to reduce overall weight without sacrificing stability, and a control cable makes finding and tracking objects easier while reducing vibrations. Two eyepieces produce 33x and 66x magnifications, and a 90° erect-image prism not only puts the eyepieces in comfortable viewing position but corrects the view to allow this astronomical scope to be used as a terrestrial spotting scope.

To take photos or videos through the scope, simply remove the innovatively-designed front lens cap. The 20mm eyepiece fits into the back to mount into the drawtube or diagonal, and a series of adjustable bungee cords holds a smartphone securely in place. An adjustable-height stainless steel tripod provides a stable platform for observing, and the included accessory tray is designed for convenience by folding with tripod so it always stays on and ready. Integrated into the bottom of the mount is a red flashlight that illuminates the accessory tray from the top. This allows you to change eyepieces and filters, or to mount your phone on the lens cap, without affecting your night-adjusted vision and to work with both hands — an important advantage when handling delicate optical gear.