concerning the Orion starblast 4.5,

   I've not actually looked through one of them, or read many reviews; but, having two telescopes and trying to stay updated on the hobby, from what I've heard about the starblast 4.5, its a good beginner level scope. I can say that I've bought a few things from Orion ( no I don't work for them ) and they're customer service dept. rates very high with me and I'd surely give the company a good rating from myself. I have a slightly smaller ( 100 mm 4" ) reflector that gives rather impressive views of the moon, planets and the sun ( with the solar filter on ); but, if you really get into the hobby, you'll soon have what we call aperture fever ( meaning you'll want a larger telescope that can resolve more detail ). There is a trade off between small and larger scopes though ( even if money isn't a concern ). The smaller scopes you'll find yourself more apt to use it, for its more of a "grab and go" scope; the larger scopes can certainly give you better resolving abilities; but, the trade off is that they are usually heavy and if you have any physical limitations, you'll soon find yourself having a costly dust collector. Getting back to your question on the 4.5 reflector, from what I can tell, it would make a good starter scope; but, with some exceptions, I've always recommended people start with a 6 inch reflector, or a 4"refractor. Stay away from the department store toy scopes, as they make better tomato stakes than observing instruments. Orion backs up they're products with good customer service and while I'd go for a six inch reflector to start, this 4.5" should serve you well. I prefer a reflector overall, as I have a lot of physical pain and looking in the reflector with its eyepiece at the top is much easier than the refractor's at the bottom. If I can help answer any other questions on telescopes, just email me at Markcs1956@aol.com. Best wishes for skywatching