The Celestron NexStar 130SLT telescope is a great choice for both beginners and experienced stargazers. This computerized telescope offers a database of over 4,000 celestial objects, making it easy to locate and track stars, galaxies, and nebulae.
Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for weekend trips or excursions to dark sky sites. With a 130mm aperture, this telescope provides clear and detailed views of planets and the Moon.
I found the Celestron NexStar 130SLT telescope to be user-friendly and efficient. The SkyAlign technology allows for quick and easy alignment, even for those who are new to astronomy.
The telescope’s optics are impressive, offering bright and sharp images. The additional Starry Night software enhances the experience, providing an interactive way to explore the night sky.
Computerized Star Locating
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT comes with a computerized system that helps you find stars and other celestial objects with ease. This telescope has a database of over 4,000 stars, galaxies, and nebulae. It pinpoints objects with great accuracy and keeps them in sight as they move. The telescope is also compatible with 2-inch eyepieces, giving you more options for viewing.
Compact and Portable Design
This telescope is perfect for both adults and kids. It’s ideal for camping trips or visits to dark sky sites because it’s compact and easy to carry. You can quickly set it up anywhere, making it convenient for spontaneous stargazing sessions.
Newtonian Reflector Optical Design
The NexStar 130SLT is the largest telescope in the SLT family, featuring a Newtonian reflector optical design. With a 130mm aperture, it gathers enough light to see details within our Solar System and beyond. You can enjoy clear views of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon’s surface.
Free Starry Night Software
When you purchase the NexStar 130SLT, you get a free download of the Starry Night software. This program is highly rated by consumers and offers an interactive sky simulation. It’s a great tool for learning more about the night sky and planning your stargazing sessions.
Outstanding Warranty and Support
Buying from Celestron gives you peace of mind. The NexStar 130SLT comes with a two-year warranty and unlimited technical support from Celestron’s team of experts. Based in California since 1960, Celestron is a trusted name in the telescope industry.
User-Friendly Features
The NexStar 130SLT is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. The SkyAlign technology allows you to align the telescope with any three bright objects in the sky, even if you don’t know their names. This makes setup quick and easy.
High-Quality Optics
The telescope offers excellent optical quality with its 650mm focal length and 150mm aperture. These specs, combined with the recommended Celestron accessory kit, ensure that you get clear and detailed views of various celestial objects.
Versatile Eyepiece Options
The NexStar 130SLT comes with a 9mm and 25mm eyepiece, offering magnifications of 72 and 26 power. You can also use larger 2-inch eyepieces for more versatility. This allows you to customize your viewing experience based on what you’re observing.
Stable Tripod Mount
The tripod mount is sturdy but may wiggle a bit in the breeze, especially at higher magnifications. Adding some weight to the tripod can help stabilize it. The tripod has a small shelf where you can place weights like bags of rice or beans, or even a sandbag for better stability.
Power Options
The telescope’s motorized mount uses eight AA batteries, which should last for a night of stargazing. For extended use, you can connect it to a car battery or use a wheelchair gel battery. An AC adapter can also be used if you have access to an electrical outlet, making it versatile for different settings.
Pros:
- Easy to transport and set up, making it great for trips.
- Computerized system with a large database of celestial objects.
- High-quality optics for detailed views of the moon, planets, and more.
Cons:
- Can drain batteries quickly, especially while tracking.
- Initial setup and alignment can be tricky for beginners.
- Not ideal for long-exposure astrophotography.
Conclusion
Overall, the Celestron NexStar 130SLT telescope is a reliable and versatile option for anyone interested in astronomy. Its blend of advanced features and ease of use makes it a valuable tool for both casual observers and serious enthusiasts.
With its solid build, excellent optics, and supportive customer service, this telescope is a worthwhile investment for exploring the wonders of the universe.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is the Celestron NexStar 130SLT suitable for beginners?
Answer: Yes, while it has advanced features, it is user-friendly enough for beginners to enjoy.
Question: Can I upgrade the eyepieces for better viewing?
Answer: Yes, you can use higher quality eyepieces to improve your viewing experience.
Question: Does the telescope come with a power source?
Answer: The telescope uses AA batteries, but you can also use an external power source like a car battery or an AC adapter.
