Celestron NexStar 127 SLT 5″ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope Review – Your Reliable Eye In The Sky

This budget-friendly computerized GoTo telescope, Celestron NexStar 127 SLT, (5″) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, has a tractable tripods made of stainless steel, tubes and fork arms characterised for quick release.

Equipped with its simplicity of mechanical design, 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope has as features a high quality, multi-coated Celestron optics, and employs a stand and trap style focuser. Loaded with the new SkyAlign alignment technology and StarPointerFinderscope with a red LED, it provides convenience and accuracy. All you need to do is input the time, date and your location and then point at your desired three bright stars.

Price and Main Feature List

With all its star-packed features, it provides a great value for money at $429.95 giving you a 49% savings from its original list price of $849.95. Celestron NexStar 127 SLT, (5″) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope features the following:

• 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with high quality Celestron Optics
• State-of-the art new SkyAlign alignment technology and StarPointerFinderscope which provides convenience and accuracy
• Completely computerized hand control with a built-in access to more than 4,000 heavenly bodies
• Hand-held and hands-free remote options
• 2 year warranty
• Includes NSOL (NextStar Observers List) software(telescope control) for common telescope navigation by means of computer (through optional RS-232 cable)
• Available software as well as motor control units online upgrade at Celestron website
• Extra Auxiliary port to accommodate other accessories
• In sync with optional NexRemote software via computer, for telescope control for advanced users
• Celestron 18778 AC Adapter (sold separately)
• CelestronAccesory kit (sold separately)

Who is it for?

It is great for beginners. Its SkyAlign feature enables a user to confirm what star the telescope is pointing. If in doubt about Alpha Centauri’s location, SkyAlign will provide the user with its specifics.  It’s no-tool; quick release accessory tray provides a hassle-free set up great for travelling.

Pros and Cons

Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Telescope’s focal length provides a powerful, larger image in a smaller field of view. Althazimut mounts are great for terrestrial observing. Details of the planets lunar surface, its moons and rings are clearly visible. Motorized altazimuth allows accurate visual sky tracking. Its fork mount feature provides convenience. The “The Sky” software contains helpful details when exploring the sky. Its hassle-free set up makes one enjoy stargazing in no time. The consistent internal battery partition supplies power to the servo motors (high precision) for vibration-free performance and alleviates issues related to cord wrap brought by peripheral battery packs.

One of its altazimuth mount disadvantages is its inability to follow astronomical objects in the night sky because Earth spins on its axis the way an equatorial mount can. Unlike Equatorial mounts, althazimuth needs to be rotated on both axes at various rates. It takes quite a while to reach thermal stability at night in larger apertures. Not recommended for deep sky photography.

Why you should buy it?

This Celestron NexStar 127 SLT 5″ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope amplifies sky viewing experience. One can forget all those nitty-gritty technical set ups when everything you opt to have and see is within its fully computerized remote. Plus, it won’t hurt your pocket. What more can you ask for?

Verdict

I give this a 5-star rating. Convenience and accuracy brought by this amazing telescope is a great value for money. Truly, this is a reliable eye in the sky.