The Celestron NexStar 130SLT telescope provides an accessible pathway into the fascinating hobby of stargazing, blending affordability, user-friendliness, and impressive optical performance.
Currently priced at $494.99 on Amazon, this telescope presents a compelling proposition for both novice stargazers and those with some experience. With its 130mm aperture, the NexStar 130SLT efficiently gathers ample light, allowing observers to view celestial objects with clarity. The moon, planets, and striking star clusters all become visible, along with a selection of deep-sky objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.
One of the telescope’s key strengths lies in its computerized GoTo mount, combined with Celestron’s SkyAlign technology. This combination makes it remarkably easy to locate objects in the night sky. The system’s extensive database includes over 4,000 celestial objects, which makes it a suitable option for beginners. The user-friendly design sets it apart in that it makes it much easier to operate as compared to traditional telescopes.
The package includes more than what you would expect with the telescope tube, mount, tripod, and accessory tray. It also includes 20mm and 9mm eyepieces. When fully assembled, the telescope weighs 18 lbs (8.2 kg), making transport easier to dark-sky locations. While not designed primarily for astrophotography the telescope does offer the ability to obtain high-quality imagery that can be further enhanced with accessories such as astrophotography cameras.
Key Features:
- 650mm focal length
- Includes 20mm and 9mm eyepieces
- 130mm aperture
- 11.4 lbs (5.2 kg)
- 6.3-inch field of view
- 5mm exit pupil
With setup praised by reviewers on Amazon, the Celestron NexStar 130SLT earns a solid recommendation for those embarking on stargazing.
