Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Review

If you’re looking for an all singing, all dancing GoTo telescope that is good to go and has everything you need, then look no further. The Celestron NexStar 127 SLT is a great scope for entry to mid level astronomy, due to its ease of use, affordability and size.

It comes with everything you could need to get out there and star viewing straight away, but if you are a bit more of a professional star viewer you will probably find yourself wanting to purchase additional eyepieces.

Celestron NexStar 127 SLT review

What are you buying?

This is a computerised telescope with a pre assembled mount and quick release fork arms and tubes. It is a fantastic scope for getting some truly stunning detail on the surface of the moon, and also for looking deeper into space and capturing Saturn’s rings, Jupiter and other planets.

You will get the telescope itself, plus the adjustable tripod (which comes with a very handy accessory tray – no more scrabbling around in the dark to locate your bits and bobs!) You will also receive a red dot finder scope and two eyepieces (9mm and 25mm).

How easy is it to use?

Because the scope is already set up it is supremely easy to use. You will have to set up your own alignment by inputting your coordinates, but Celestron’s SkyAlign will help you to do this in mere minutes.

If this is your first scope, you will be pleased to hear it comes with instructions! I found it a breeze, and the SkyAlign system worked really well.

What accessories do you get?

As well as the scope you will receive the adjustable tripod which is made of sturdy steel to reduce any issues with movement affecting your viewing. The tripod is adjustable so you can make it whatever height suits you best, and make sure it is stable on whatever surface you put it on.

As an extra treat, you also get an Astronomy Software download, which has a 10,000 object database, printable sky maps and 75 enhanced images.

Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Pros and cons!

Pros:

• No special tools are needed to set up this scope – This makes it ideal for those who want to get out there and start stargazing without having to spend ages setting up.
• Fully computerised Altazimuth mount and finderscope – Both these features help you locate what you are looking for very quickly.
• Can be operated hands free – You have the choice as to whether you remove the hand control from its holder for remote use or leave it so you can go hands free.
• Fantastic images of the moon and nebulae – This is a great scope for getting some really good, detailed shots of our closest neighbours.

Cons:

• The GoTo motor gets through batteries very quickly – You can get around this by buying a mains adaptor so you can plug it in if you are at home, or a similar adaptor to run it through your car cigarette lighter if you are out and about.
• Can be issues with alignment – Some users have reported that it is tricky to initially sort out the alignment of the scope.

Anything else?

This scope, unlike many others, is also suitable for terrestrial viewing as well as night sky gazing. You could use it on safari just as well as you can use it pointing at the night sky!

I found it to be a great scope which does exactly what it says on the tin; once it is set up and aligned correctly you can get some really breathtaking images of the moon, Jupiter and its moons, Venus, and Saturn’s rings – to name but a few.

Whether you want to look at the night sky or something a little more close to home, you will find great results with this scope.

To conclude…

This fully computerised scope takes the hassle out of stargazing. The pre assembled tripod makes set up fast and easy, maximising those hours you can spend staring into space (quite literally!)

The Celestron NexStar 127 SLT is small enough to be portable, as long as you pack it safely (though this is true of pretty much any scope, always make sure you transport it safely to avoid heartbreak at your destination), so you can take it away on stargazing trips with you, or even on a short break with the family to get some interesting shots from a different place (and also get the kids hooked on astronomy early!)

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: >>Click here to check today’s price