Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
by Celestron
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List Price: Our Price: $390.55 You Save: $379.40 (49%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $344.08 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope
Customer Review: My First Scope
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm still learning how to use it but so far the things I see with it are amazing.Customer Review: Great scope in general with a few caveats.
Summary: 4 Stars
I have revisited my review and dropped 1 star after owning this scope for 2 years now. The 1 star drop to 4 stars is due to the azimuth [horizontal] motor acting erratically now. It will slow down as if it is binding somewhere, then speed way up for periods. Contacting service had me running various basic tests, but all failed, so they gave me an RMA number to send back for repairs. I have decided to wait for winter to return the mount so I won't "miss" it for the 3-4 months of coldest weather, but now being out of warranty, I've no idea how much this repair will cost. I will update this review again after the repair. In any case, since I don't use it all that much, I'd have expected this scope to last a lot longer before this sort of thing happened.
(Original Review starts here)
I have now owned this telescope for 4 months, using it (so far) exclusively on upper Manhattan... yes, NYC! So my experience so far is with the moon and planets. For this, it's a great telescope, bringing out many details quite nicely. Set up was quick and easy to understand. Once set up, I did notice a little tweaking on the alignment [mirror collumation] was needed, and after some indoor alignment, followed by "bright-star" fine tuning, this telescope's fine optics came into full display.
The 2 eyepieces that come with the scope are quite good, but it was with my 7mm Nagler eyepiece that Saturn's rings shone fine, and Jupiter's cloud bands popped right out!
Now, the few caviats: This scope is not good on a windy day as it is prone to vibrations! Vibrations induced from touching the scope to focus quickly disappear so, for normal use, it's quite tolerable. As to the "goto" system: If you're going out just to spot the moon or planets, use the "solar system" alignment. It's quick and only takes one planet or the moon to align. 3-star alignment for multiple object gazing is a bit trickier, but here's the two secrets: The tripod comes with a built-in bubble level. USE IT! If your scope is not level, alignment will fail. Also, make sure your watch is accurate! If you enter the time and it's more than 30-45 seconds off, again, alignment will fail!
Take the time to set up the telescope carefully first [yes, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you've memorized it, it goes quickly. Yes, you'll have to "fiddle" with their battery compartment cover, but it will pop into place when you've got the 2 battery holders in the right position. Finally, get yourself a really GOOD eyepiece somewhere in the range of 5-8mm for truly spectacular lunar and planetary views. Be prepared to spend $150-$300 for that eyepiece, but then you'll experience this scope's full optical potential!
Customer Review: Great for a slightly more serious amateur astronomer.
Summary: 4 Stars
This was the first telescope I have ever bought. It is easy to understand how to use, and you can see some pretty amazing things. It is a bit pricy if you just have a passing interest, but if you are serious, and you want to buy a telescope to really learn on, and build a base of astronomical knowledge, this is a perfect telescope.
The computer works well, once you figure it out. It is a bit tricky to get at first, but once you do, it works like a charm and does the real work for you.
I didn't buy it on amazon, but I did a lot of my research on amazon. I went to scope city, and am glad I did. It is great to be able to take my telescope to the guy who sold it to me, and ask him for help. Or suggestions of what it worth getting. Like a moon filter, works great, but a solar filter won't be much good, for how much they cost.
But as for the telescope it self I would give 5 stars. I gave it four for the some times tricky computer navigation. Just don't use Polaris (the North Star) because it's on the sky's meridian, which is what divides the sky in half, or something like that.
I am very happy with my purchase, and would recommend someone who could afford it and would use it.
Customer Review: Great casual telescope
Summary: 4 Stars
A couple of negatives to start with. As others have indicated, once the electronics are turned off the current time is not kept. If you forget this important point aligning will not work. Next point. Double check that the tightening screw that secures the optical tube to the mount is tight every time you use the scope. I neglected to do this and the thing slid out of the mount and hit my patio. Unbelievably, nothing broke and the scope's collimation was not knocked askew. The good news is you can be using this scope in a manner of minutes after just a little practice. The optics are good and the tracking is too when you consider how inexpensive this machine is. Adding weight to the accessory tray helps with stability.Customer Review: A great way to get started with amateur astronomy
Summary: 4 Stars
If you want to view the night skies above with certainty on what object(s) you are viewing, this is a great way to get started. Definitely a first time 'scope, experts will want something bigger. SkyAlign is a good feature, but you need to be careful in centering the star image. Buy an additional power supply, like the Celestron PowerTank or at least a 2000mA 12V regulated power adapter, unless you want the landfill to rapidly accumulate your used AA batteries. The supplied "The Sky" and "NexStar Observer List" software helps plan observations.
Michael Swanson's "NexStar Users Guide" (Amazon currently has the best price) is an invaluable aid. See my review.