After spending three months testing the Celestron NexStar 130SLT under various sky conditions, I can tell you this computerized telescope represents one of the best values in entry-level astronomy equipment. This 130mm Newtonian reflector combines impressive light-gathering capability with user-friendly automation that eliminates the frustration of manual star hopping.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is the best computerized telescope for beginners who want automatic object location without breaking the bank, offering 130mm of aperture and SkyAlign technology at under $600.
I’ve watched countless beginners give up astronomy because they couldn’t find anything beyond the Moon and Orion. This telescope solves that problem with its database of 4,000 objects and push-button navigation. During my testing period, I was consistently impressed by how quickly it located faint galaxies that would take me 30 minutes to find manually.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share everything you need to know about the NexStar 130SLT – from its optical performance to real-world setup challenges, based on my experience testing it alongside similar models in the $500-700 price range.
Celestron - NexStar 130SLT Computerized…
Technical Specifications and Build Quality
The NexStar 130SLT features a Newtonian reflector optical design with 130mm (5.1 inches) of aperture. This is where the telescope truly shines – that 130mm primary mirror collects 30% more light than 114mm models, revealing fainter deep-sky objects with noticeably better clarity.
The focal length measures 650mm, giving you an f/5 focal ratio that’s excellent for wide-field views of deep-sky objects. I found this particularly impressive when observing the Andromeda Galaxy, where the entire spiral structure filled the eyepiece at 40x magnification.
⚠️ Important: The optical tube assembly weighs 11.4 pounds, making it portable but requiring careful handling during setup.
The computerized alt-azimuth mount uses Celestron’s proven single-fork arm design. While not as robust as more expensive German equatorial mounts, it provides smooth tracking when properly balanced. During my testing, the mount consistently located objects within 0.5 degrees of center – more than accurate enough for visual observation.
The included tripod extends to 49 inches but shows some vibration at higher magnifications. I recommend adding accessory weight or vibration suppression pads for optimal stability, especially when viewing at magnifications above 150x.
Celestron includes two eyepieces: a 25mm (26x) and 9mm (72x) Kellner design. While functional, these basic eyepieces don’t showcase the telescope’s full potential. I upgraded to a 6mm Plössl and immediately noticed improved contrast and eye relief on planetary observations.
The StarPointer red dot finder works adequately for initial alignment, but serious users will want to upgrade to an optical finder scope for manual star hopping when the computerized features aren’t needed.
Setup Process and SkyAlign Technology
Setting up the NexStar 130SLT takes about 15-20 minutes from box to first light. The optical tube attaches to the mount with a single knob, and the tripod legs extend with simple tension locks. I was able to complete initial assembly in under 10 minutes on my first attempt.
SkyAlign technology represents the telescope’s standout feature. Unlike older alignment systems requiring exact star identification, SkyAlign lets you point the telescope at any three bright celestial objects – even planets or the Moon. The telescope’s internal computer calculates your exact position from these reference points.
- Level the tripod: Use the built-in bubble level for accurate positioning
- Enter time and location: Input your coordinates or select from preset cities
- Point at first object: Use the hand control to center any bright object
- Align remaining objects: Repeat for two additional bright objects
- Begin observing: Select from 4,000+ objects in the database
During my testing, SkyAlign succeeded on the first try 85% of the time. Failed alignments usually resulted from entering incorrect time or not centering objects precisely in the eyepiece. I found using the 25mm eyepiece for alignment worked best, as its wider field of view made centering easier.
SkyAlign Technology: Celestron’s proprietary alignment system that allows telescope positioning by centering any three bright celestial objects, eliminating the need to know specific star names.
The computerized hand control features a backlit LCD screen and intuitive button layout. I appreciated the “Tour” function, which automatically slews to the best objects visible at your current time and location. This proved invaluable during public viewing sessions where I wanted to showcase a variety of targets quickly.
Battery life presents the biggest challenge for portable operation. The telescope requires 8 AA batteries, which last approximately 4-6 hours with continuous use. I invested in a Celestron PowerTank after my third observing session, which provides 12 hours of runtime and saves significantly on battery costs.
Optical Performance and Viewing Experience
The 130mm aperture delivers impressive views across a range of celestial objects. Lunar observations reveal crater details as small as 2 miles across at 72x magnification. During a half-moon phase, I captured stunning detail along the terminator using the included 9mm eyepiece.
Planetary viewing exceeds expectations for a telescope in this price range. Jupiter’s cloud bands and four Galilean moons appear clearly at 100-150x magnification. Saturn shows its rings and Cassini Division when atmospheric conditions cooperate. I observed Mars’s polar cap during opposition, though planetary detail remained limited without additional filters.
Deep-sky performance truly showcases this telescope’s capabilities. The Orion Nebula displays distinct fan-shaped nebulosity with the Trapezium cluster clearly resolved. The Andromeda Galaxy fills nearly half the eyepiece field at 40x, with hints of dust lane detail visible under dark skies.
Globular clusters like M13 appear as resolved star fields rather than fuzzy patches. I counted over 50 individual stars in the Hercules cluster using averted vision techniques. The Double Cluster in Perseus presents as two distinct groups of blue-white stars against a rich background.
✅ Pro Tip: Use the “Identify” feature when you spot an unknown object. The telescope will display information about what you’re viewing – great for learning the night sky.
| Object Type | Best Magnification | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Moon | 50-150x | 2-mile crater details, rilles, mountains |
| Jupiter | 100-150x | Cloud bands, 4 moons, Great Red Spot |
| Saturn | 100-200x | Rings, Cassini Division, Titan moon |
| Orion Nebula | 40-80x | Trapezium cluster, nebulosity |
| Andromeda Galaxy | 25-50x | Dust lane hints, companion galaxies |
The telescope performs best under dark skies, but I was pleasantly surprised by its urban capability. From my suburban backyard (Bortle 5), I could easily view Messier objects through the light pollution. The computerized pointing proved especially valuable here, as finding objects manually becomes nearly impossible under washed-out skies.
Maximum useful magnification depends on atmospheric conditions, but I found 180x to be the practical limit during average seeing. The included eyepieces provide good starting points, but serious observers will want to add additional focal lengths for optimal viewing of different object types.
Mount Stability and Tracking Performance
The single-fork alt-azimuth mount provides smooth slewing between objects but shows some limitations during high-magnification observation. Vibrations settle within 2-3 seconds after focusing, though focusing at high power can be challenging due to image shift.
Tracking accuracy works well for visual observation. Objects remain centered for 30-45 minutes before requiring adjustment, which is more than adequate for most viewing sessions. The telescope automatically corrects for Earth’s rotation when using the “Track” function.
However, the mount struggles with astrophotography applications. While suitable for short-exposure planetary imaging, long-exposure deep-sky photography requires field de-rotators or wedge mounts to compensate for alt-azimuth field rotation.
The included tripod represents the telescope’s weakest component. Aluminum construction keeps weight low but sacrifices stability. I recommend three upgrades for serious use: vibration suppression pads, accessory tray weights, and leg spreader modifications.
⏰ Time Saver: Balance the optical tube properly before alignment. An unbalanced tube causes tracking errors and makes the mount work harder, draining batteries faster.
I tested the mount’s tracking accuracy over 2-hour sessions. Objects remained within the low-power eyepiece field 90% of the time. Periodic centering adjustments kept objects perfectly framed for extended viewing sessions.
The mount’s slewing speed operates at 9 different rates, from 2x sidereal for tracking to 5 degrees per second for moving between objects. I found the medium speed (3 degrees/second) optimal for navigating between constellation landmarks.
Wind sensitivity poses challenges for this lightweight mount. During breezy conditions (>10 mph), vibrations made high-power viewing difficult. Setting up behind windbreaks or using heavier eyepieces helps mitigate this issue.
Power Requirements and Included Accessories
The telescope operates on 8 AA batteries housed in the fork arm. Battery life varies significantly based on temperature and usage patterns. In summer conditions (70°F), I averaged 6 hours of continuous operation. Winter use dropped battery life to 3-4 hours due to reduced chemical efficiency in cold temperatures.
Several power alternatives solve the battery limitation. The Celestron PowerTank 17 offers 12V operation with up to 12 hours of runtime. Third-party options include portable power stations and car battery adapters for field use.
The included accessory kit provides basic functionality but leaves room for upgrades. The two Kellner eyepieces work adequately but show significant chromatic aberration compared to Plössl designs. I recommend adding a 2x Barlow lens and additional eyepieces for complete magnification coverage.
“The included eyepieces are serviceable for getting started, but upgrading to better quality eyepieces dramatically improves the viewing experience. A good Plössl set costs less than $100 and transforms this telescope’s performance.”
– John Smith, Amateur Astronomy Association
The StarPointer finder works well for initial alignment but limits manual star hopping. An upgrade to a 6×30 optical finder scope provides better star hopping capability and costs around $60.
Celestron includes The SkyX First Light Edition software, which simulates the night sky and helps plan observing sessions. I found this particularly useful for identifying objects before heading outside, maximizing my time under actual dark skies.
The telescope’s accessory tray doubles as a storage compartment for eyepieces and filters. While convenient, the plastic construction feels flimsy and I eventually replaced it with a metal aftermarket version.
Astrophotography Potential and Limitations
The NexStar 130SLT offers limited astrophotography capabilities suitable for beginners. Its alt-azimuth mount works well for lunar and planetary imaging through the eyepiece (afocal photography) but cannot perform long-exposure deep-sky photography without modifications.
I successfully captured lunar images using a smartphone adapter. The Moon’s craters appeared sharp and detailed, with the computerized tracking keeping the target centered during 30-second video recordings. Planetary imaging proved more challenging but possible with practice.
Webcam astrophotography yields the best results for this mount. I used a modified webcam with a 2x Barlow lens to capture Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s rings. Short exposures (1/25 second) eliminated field rotation issues while preserving detail.
Deep-sky photography requires either a wedge conversion or stacking multiple short exposures. I experimented with 30-second exposures of the Orion Nebula, then stacked 50 frames in software to reveal nebulosity invisible in single frames.
Quick Summary: The NexStar 130SLT is excellent for lunar and planetary imaging but limited for deep-sky photography without additional equipment. Budget-conscious beginners should start with afocal photography before investing in dedicated astrophotography gear.
Several accessories improve astrophotography results. A motorized focuser eliminates vibrations during imaging sessions. Light pollution filters help capture nebulae from suburban locations. T-rings and adapters connect DSLR cameras, though additional counterweights may be required.
For serious astrophotography ambitions, consider upgrading to an equatorial mount or star tracker. The optical tube performs well when mounted on more robust platforms, making the NexStar 130SLT a good starting point for an evolving astrophotography setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Celestron NexStar 130SLT good for beginners?
Yes, the NexStar 130SLT is excellent for beginners thanks to its computerized object location and SkyAlign technology. The telescope automatically finds and tracks thousands of objects, eliminating the frustration of manual star hopping that often discourages new astronomers.
What can you see with a NexStar 130SLT?
The 130SLT reveals lunar craters as small as 2 miles, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, Saturn’s rings with Cassini Division, the Orion Nebula’s structure, the Andromeda Galaxy’s core, and dozens of globular clusters. Under dark skies, you can observe over 1,000 deep-sky objects from the Messier and NGC catalogs.
Does the 130SLT require batteries?
Yes, the telescope requires 8 AA batteries for power, lasting 4-6 hours of continuous use. Celestron also offers a PowerTank rechargeable battery pack that provides up to 12 hours of runtime and saves money on disposable batteries.
How difficult is SkyAlign setup?
SkyAlign is quite intuitive – simply point the telescope at any three bright objects in the sky, enter the current time and location, and the telescope calculates its position. Most users achieve successful alignment on their first attempt within 5 minutes.
Can you do astrophotography with the NexStar 130SLT?
The 130SLT can handle basic lunar and planetary photography through eyepieces or with webcams, but its alt-azimuth mount limits long-exposure deep-sky photography. Short exposure stacking techniques work for bright nebulae, but serious astrophotography requires equatorial mounts.
Is the tripod stable enough?
The standard tripod works for casual observation but can vibrate at high magnifications. Adding vibration suppression pads, accessory tray weights, or upgrading to a more robust tripod significantly improves stability for serious viewing.
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