Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope Review: Is It Worth Your Money?
I’ve always been fascinated by the night sky. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of owning a telescope to explore the wonders of the cosmos. But the reality of purchasing a telescope is often daunting. There are so many options available, and it’s hard to know where to start. I knew I needed a telescope that was easy to use and provided clear, detailed views. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a beginner telescope that I would quickly outgrow, but I also didn’t want to invest in a professional-grade model that would be too complex.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 4,000 stars, galaxies,...
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its...
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: The NexStar 130SLT is the largest in the SLT family. The 130mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System...
Choosing the Right Telescope: What to Consider
Telescopes can be a great way to explore the night sky, but they come in all shapes and sizes, and the right choice depends on your needs and budget. When choosing a telescope, you need to consider your experience level, what you want to observe, and how much you want to spend. Beginner astronomers might be happy with a simple refractor telescope, while more experienced astronomers might want a more powerful and advanced model. Ultimately, the best telescope for you is the one that you will actually use.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT: A Compact Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized telescope that is designed to be user-friendly. It has a 130mm aperture, which is large enough to provide clear views of the planets, moon, and even some deep-sky objects. The telescope comes with a built-in computerized hand control that helps you locate and track objects in the sky.
This telescope is a great choice for beginners who are looking for an easy-to-use and powerful telescope. It is also portable enough to take with you on camping trips or stargazing outings. However, the telescope is not ideal for serious astrophotography.
Pros
* Easy to set up and use
* Portable and lightweight
* Provides clear views of the planets and moon
* Computerized hand control makes it easy to find objects in the sky
* Affordable
Cons
* Not ideal for serious astrophotography
* The tripod can be a little shaky in windy conditions
* The hand control can sometimes be a bit slow to respond
Features and Benefits of the NexStar 130SLT: Unlocking the Wonders of the Night Sky
Computerized Hand Control: Your Guide to the Cosmos
The NexStar 130SLT’s computerized hand control is one of its most impressive features. It makes finding and tracking objects in the sky incredibly easy, even for beginners. The hand control has a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, including planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae. You can simply enter the name of the object you want to see, and the hand control will guide you to it. The hand control also includes a built-in clock and calendar, so you can use it to track the movement of objects in the sky over time.
I found the hand control to be incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. The menus are easy to navigate, and the on-screen instructions are clear and concise. The hand control is also very powerful. I’ve used it to locate and track even faint objects, and I’ve been impressed by its accuracy. The NexStar 130SLT allows you to use its auto-align feature, which makes the setup process even faster and easier. Once the telescope is aligned, the hand control will automatically track objects across the sky. It’s an incredible feature that makes observing the cosmos a joy. You can use it to view the moon’s craters and mountains, the bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and much more.
SkyAlign Technology: Pointing the Telescope Towards the Stars
The NexStar 130SLT utilizes Celestron’s SkyAlign technology, which allows the telescope to align itself quickly and easily. SkyAlign is a three-star alignment system that lets you align the telescope with three bright stars visible in the night sky. After you’ve aligned the telescope with these stars, the telescope can then locate and track other celestial objects automatically.
SkyAlign makes the setup process much easier. In the past, I’ve spent hours trying to align my telescopes manually, but SkyAlign makes the process a breeze. It is more accurate and convenient than manual alignment, and it saves you a lot of time.
Newtonian Reflector Optical Design: Powerful and Affordable
The NexStar 130SLT features a Newtonian reflector optical design, which is known for its simplicity and affordability. The telescope uses a primary mirror to gather light and focus it onto a secondary mirror, which then reflects the light to the eyepiece. This design is simple and efficient, and it produces high-quality images.
The Newtonian reflector design is a good choice for beginners because it is relatively affordable. The 130mm aperture provides a large amount of light gathering power, which allows you to see faint objects that would be invisible to the naked eye.
Compact and Portable: Taking Your Telescope on an Astronomical Adventure
The NexStar 130SLT is designed to be portable and compact, making it a great choice for travelers. The telescope comes with a sturdy tripod that can be easily disassembled and transported. The telescope itself is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry.
I’ve taken the NexStar 130SLT on several camping trips and stargazing outings, and I’ve been impressed by its portability. It’s easy to set up and tear down, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space in my car.
User Reviews: What Other Stargazers Have to Say
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT has received positive reviews from many users. Many users praise the telescope’s easy-to-use features and its clear views of the planets and moon. Some users also mention that they’ve been impressed by the telescope’s portability and affordability.
While many users have positive experiences with the telescope, some have reported issues with the auto-align feature and the hand control. Some users have found that the hand control can be a bit slow to respond, and others have reported that the auto-align feature doesn’t always work correctly. It’s important to note that these issues are not universal, and most users have reported positive experiences with the telescope.
Conclusion: A Stellar Choice for Beginners
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and powerful computerized telescope, the Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a great option. Its computerized hand control makes it easy to find and track objects in the sky, and its SkyAlign technology makes the setup process a breeze. The telescope is also portable and affordable, making it a great choice for beginners and casual stargazers. While there have been some reports of issues with the auto-align feature and hand control, these are not widespread and the vast majority of users have had positive experiences. If you’re looking for a telescope that will allow you to explore the wonders of the night sky, then I highly recommend checking out the Celestron NexStar 130SLT. Click here to find out more.
Last update on 2025-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API