---
product_id: 1147455
title: "NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope"
brand: "celestron"
price: "B/.2663"
currency: PAB
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Celestron"
url: https://www.desertcart.com.pa/products/1147455-nexstar-127slt-maksutov-cassegrain-computerized-goto-telescope
store_origin: PA
region: Panama
---

# SkyAlign quick setup in minutes 127mm aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain optics 40,000+ object database with computerized GoTo NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope

**Brand:** celestron
**Price:** B/.2663
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🔭 Unlock the Universe—See What Others Miss Tonight!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope by celestron
- **How much does it cost?** B/.2663 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.pa](https://www.desertcart.com.pa/products/1147455-nexstar-127slt-maksutov-cassegrain-computerized-goto-telescope)

## Best For

- celestron enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted celestron brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Explore 40,000+ Celestial Wonders:** Instantly locate stars, galaxies, and nebulae with precision computerized GoTo technology.
- • **SkyAlign Setup in Under 5 Minutes:** Effortlessly align your telescope by centering any three bright objects—no astronomy degree required.
- • **Bonus Starry Night Software Included:** Plan, simulate, and deepen your astronomy experience with top-rated interactive sky software.
- • **Compact & Portable Stargazing Powerhouse:** Lightweight design and pre-assembled tripod make it perfect for backyard nights or remote dark sky adventures.
- • **Brilliant 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics:** Capture stunning, color-corrected views of planets and deep-sky objects with 20% more light-gathering power.

## Overview

The Celestron NexStar 127SLT is a computerized Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope featuring a 127mm aperture for superior light gathering and detailed views of planets and deep-sky objects. With a database of over 40,000 celestial bodies and SkyAlign technology, it offers fast, precise object location and tracking. Its compact, portable design and included Starry Night software make it ideal for both beginners and experienced stargazers seeking effortless, immersive astronomy.

## Description

Building on the popularity of our NexStar 114SLT telescope, the 127SLT by Celestron inspires us to go bigger, with 20% more light-gathering power than our 114mm telescope. The Celestron NexStar 127SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it. At the heart of the telescope’s Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, a large 127mm primary mirror gives fully color-corrected views ideal for astronomical use. The 127SLT comes with a fully computerized NexStar+ hand control. The computerized hand control gives you the ability to automatically slew to any object. This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere. With its pre-assembled, adjustable steel tripod, the NexStar 127SLT can be up and ready to use in a matter of minutes. Our SkyAlign alignment technology and the included StarPointer Finderscope with a red LED make aligning a breeze. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects. The NexStar 127SLT Computerized GoTo Telescope also includes a free download of our Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software for an interactive sky simulation. The power of this computerized telescope allows you to view the details of the lunar surface, the rings of Saturn, the polar ice caps on Mars, the cloud belts on Jupiter, and a number of the Messier objects, such as the globular cluster in Hercules (M13) or the Great Nebula in Orion (M42). Explore some of the fainter Messier objects using the additional light-gathering capabilities of the 127SLT’s five-inch primary mirror. Buy with confidence from the world’s #1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.

Review: Fantastic Scope and Tracking for the Price! - To begin, the photos are shaky and blurry because I shot them by trying to stick my phone close to the eyepiece, they do not do this scope justice, it is fantastic! I had very limited experience with telescopes, but the 127 SLT has blown away my expectations. I have seen the Orion's Nebula, rings of Saturn, bands of Jupiter and the 4 Galilean moons clearly. Various star clusters and a couple galaxies. Once you understand the setup and the must have upgrades you'll be ready to go. Pros: The scope is easy to assemble. The red dot is perfectly fine for what it is and gets you close enough. The 5" lens is more than enough to see the usual objects (moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and other Solar System Bodies). The first time i found the Andromeda Galaxy i was a bit disappointed as it just looked like a yellowish smudge in the sky, cool nonetheless. Then I observed Orion's Nebula and couldn't believe how good this little scope does, granted the tripod leaves much to be desired (but there are cheap work arounds, I'll explain in the cons. It's portable if you buy the right case which is great to get out of the city light pollution or to take camping. The tracking and auto alignments are great. Always perform the 2 star alignment as the 3 star align fails 9 out of 10 times, but 2 star is very good. Once 2 star is aligned you can activate tracking and the scope keeps the object you're viewing within frame or very close over a period of time, and you can let the computer drive you to your next object. It's super useful on cold nights and to not have to constantly correct where you're looking. Cons: the mount/tripod is not great, but I've mitigated vibrations and instability by buying cheap anti vibration pads on desertcart $20 and by loading a sandbag with 10lb weight and placing it on the plate of the tripod and this makes it 100 times better. This will be something I upgrade eventually for my own purpose, but I have no problems now and have no need to upgrade after the pads and sandbag trick. The standard pieces you'll want to replace and buy better one's, these pieces are always cheap that come with the scope, but I still use the 32mm for initially locating the object I'm looking for. You'll want something around a 25-32mm, 15mm, and a 9mm , and a 2x Barlow, this is all you need and you will be able to push your scope to its limits and on good nights with low atmospheric interference push a little past them. Further, i cannot say much on battery longevity in the scope as I immediately bought a cheap $8 adapter and used an extension cord for power until I bought the celestron mobile power supply for when I take it on the go. Overall, i wouldn't have changed my mind, this purchase was perfect, the tube didn't need alignment, the motors haven't messed up on me and i have nothing negative to say about this purchase. Recommended: buy the power supply, it's a game changer. Also, get the anti vibration pads and some way to weigh the tripod down, this makes a world of difference. Upgrade your eye pieces, you don't need anything crazy expensive, and buy a case to store your tube, tripod, and accessories, it makes storage and moving it a breeze. There are other well written reviews, so take your time and review what you need before buying. As my first telescope as an adult I'd rate this 9/10 for price and the ease of use and accessories built into the computer of the mount. Next scope will be a 10" lens with a solid equatorial mount base as i have no place for a Dobsonian in my current living situation. Good luck and clear skies!
Review: Nexstar 127SLT Mak is an affordable great telescope system, with proper handling - This review is specifically for the Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov Computerized Telescope. There are several reasons I went with the Maksutov design, rather than the refractor or Newtonian SLT variations. The Mak gives a better image across the field of view, without the coma of a Newtonian. The folded optical path results in a long focal length for the instrument, which is ideal for Sun, Moon, and planetary viewing. However it's not as long as a refractor. The Mak can still be used for observing deeep sky objects, such as the Andromeda Galazy (M31) and Hercules Cluster (M13). Just don't expect the views of a Dobsonian 'light bucket'. It's not designed for that. The compact tube size makes it much easier to handle and transport than longer telescopes. Being a closed tube design also means it more easily keeps dust and other debris out of telescope tube. As long as one uses the tube cover on the front, and eyepiece holder plug in the back when not in use, the telescope optics will require cleaning much less often than a typical Newtonian system. The closed tube also means no thermal tube currents to distort the image. The 127 millimeter diameter aperature equates to about 5 inches in size. While this is considered small in today's era of large Dobsonian monsters, the telescope system fits in my car, and is light enough that I can take it outside easily. I get more use out of this scope than my older larger Newtonian, mainly because this instrument is just so much easier to handle. The aperature size is quite sufficient to get good views of solar system objects. It's a bit tricky to focus, as the image will easily show any motion from the focuser knob, but this is mainly a mount limitation. Once focus is acheived though, and the scope settles down, the views are great. I've used the 127 SLT with a Celestron NexImage 5 camera, and FireCapture camera software, to get great images of Jupiter's moon eclipsing the disk, Saturn's ring system, lunar craters, and solar sunspot groups (with an appropriate glass solar filter mounted on the front). Using the camera is ideal with this telescope, as it makes it a 'hands-off' system. The other great feature is the fully computerized "Goto" capability of this telescope. Once the computer system is initialized, it is able to point the telescope to any object in the sky. (Yes, one can even enter arbitrary Right Ascension/Declination coordinates to point the telescope at.) The SLT came with the NexStar+ Hand Controller, which contains the object databases, and interfaces with the user via a red backlit LCD and a red lit keypad. The hand controller I got was not the absolute latest hardware variation, which has a USB port on it, so as to allow updating the firmware in the system via a PC. Instead, I received a slightly older version (2014) that still had the RJ45 phone jack interface providing an RS232 serial connection. (Older stock in the warehouse still?) This required a USB-to-RS232 converter to connect to my laptop to update the internal flash. While the internal motor controller was at the latest firmware revision, the hand controller firmware did need updating. The Celestron Firmware Manager, available onine at their web site, did the upgrade flawlessly. The one armed fork system that connects the tripod mount to the telescope tube contains the motor control system for the alititude and azmimuth DC motors, as well as monitors their optical encoders to keep track of position. This motor controller communicates to the hand controller via a coiled cable. There is a plastic holder on one of the tripod legs made for holding the hand controller when it is not needed. The weakest link in this system has to be the 'wobbliness' of the mount. With the legs fully extended, and the tripod standing on a cement patio, every gust of wind and and hand touch is transferred to the image view. It makes it quite difficult to focus well. However a few simple tricks can be used to lessen the effect. First, don't extend the tripod legs fully. The shorter the tripod legs, the shorter the time it takes to dampen out vibrations, and the sturdier the mount becomes. Second, adding a weight to the tripod helps provide more mass, and lowers the natural vibration frequency. I've seen a picture of one user placing a small sandbag on the central tripod tray to add stability. Third, place the tripod on dirt or sand. A cement patio is not the best foundation for the tripod legs. I have gotten much less image movement by pushing the tripod legs into the dirt in the lawn. Of course, Celestron does sell vibration dampening pads to help with this issue, but they are quite pricey according to my wallet. Now if you want to get a beefier mount, go ahead and spend another grand. Celestron has bigger mounts that are better. You get what you pay for. Just be prepared to lift that heavier mount. I'll stick with this lighter variation, and save my back. I can work around its limitations. Oh, and the eyepieces that come with the telescope are probably not the ones you will want for regular use. I already have a nice set of Plossl's that I obtained years ago. I recommend doing your homework and get the eyepieces separately. My lowest power eyepiece is a 40 mm, and I like the views it gives me in the 127 Mak. One bit of information you will also find useful relates to initializing the NexStar control system. The designers did what they could to make setup as easy as possible, within the budget they had. (I've also bought the SkySync GPS accessory to help make setup easier. However their StarSense AutoAlign product is the ultimate alignment tool, and costs nearly as much as the telesope itself!) Anyway, the more care you take in initialization, the more accurate the NexStar will be in finding objects. I know this, not just from using the NexStar+ system, but from building my own telescope controllers over the years from the wire-wrapped IC sockets on up, and testing them under the night sky. Small errors in alighment will add up. So, if you want the most accurate pointing, follow these tips that are NOT in the manual: 1. Level the tripod as accurately as possible. You must do this FIRST. Every alighment option, with possibly the exception of the two-star alignments, requires a level tripod to work correctly. That's why the tripod includes its own little level, and the instructions do mention that you need to level the mount. I don't trust that little built in thing though. I use a six inch level that I place on top of the tripod, before I put the one-armed fork there. My level is placed in line with each leg in turn, and that leg adjusted until level, before moving onto the next leg. If you have some OCD like me, go around and do it again, just to be sure. Once the tripod is level, then the rest of the mount and telescope can be put together. 2. Enter in Latitude, Longitude, Date, and Time, as accurately as possible. If you have a smart phone, get a GPS app and use it. I eventually got the Celestron SkySync accessory to do this part for me. (However, you still need to double check and make sure the Time Zone and Daylight Savings settings are correct with the SkySync. The instructons don't tell you that.) 3. Use a lighted Reticle Eyepiece to center your alignment stars/planets. Don't use the Sun or Moon if you have an option, as it's very difficult to know where the exact center of those objects are in the eyepiece. A double crosshairs reticle eyepiece lit with a variably dimmed LED works great for this. 4. Keep your chosen alignment objects far apart, and at least 20 degrees above the horizon. I don't know how well the NexStar+ handles refraction corrections, but to do it right requires both temperature and pressure/elevation data. Nexstar doesn't ask for these values, and I doubt the system includes the sensors to measure the quantities directly. One final recomendation: Get an alternate power source to suppliment the eight AA batteries that need to be placed in the half fork arm mount. You still need the AA batteries, as I discovered when I attempted to get by with just a PowerTank attached. Any glitch in the power cord connection to the mount will reset the Nexstar controller, and you will find yourself staring at the intialization prompt again. So, keep the AA batteries. Just suppliment them with either an AC adapter or PowerTank gel cell battery. Otherwise the AA batteries used alone will go dead within that observing session. (I've heard they will drain in as little as 30 minutes. I didn't push it to prove that.) I recommend the PowerTank battery accessory, since you can't always guarantee that an AC power source will be reachable from where you place the telescope. For me, I'm always tripping over cords in the dark. So any long power cord to an outlet that I can get rid of, I will. I place my PowerTank directly below the tripod tray on the SLT tripod mount. That keeps the power cable to the mount away from my toes. There are cheaper telescopes out there, but for ease of use, I just can't think of a better alternative than this 127 SLT NexStar+ system. At least I'm out with it regularly, and have been for over six months now. My old Newtonian never saw this much usage.

## Features

- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 127mm aperture, the NexStar 127SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 127SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: Your Celestron NexStar 130SLT includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the sky, learn about celestial objects, & plan your observing session.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0038LX8XE |
| Additional Features | SkyAlign technology, StarPointer finderscope, Computerized hand control with 40,000+ object database, High contrast/high resolution Maksutov-Cassegrain optics |
| Best Sellers Rank | #435 in Camera & Photo Products ( See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products ) #10 in Telescope Reflectors |
| Brand | Celestron |
| Built-In Media | 20mm and 9mm eyepiece, Accessory Tray, NexStar+ Hand Control, Optical Tube, Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod, Star Diagonal, StarPointer™ red dot finderscope |
| Coating | Fully Coated |
| Compatible Devices | Vixen Style mounts |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,198 Reviews |
| Dawes Limit | 0.91 arc_sec |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 3.53 millimeters |
| Eye Piece Lens Description | 20mm and 9mm eyepiece |
| Field Of View | 1.7 degrees |
| Finderscope | StarPointer™ red dot finderscope |
| Focal Length Description | 1500 millimeters |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00050234220972 |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 34"D x 30"W x 50"H |
| Item Highlight | Sharp High-Contrast Moon & Planet Views, Easy-to-Use SkyAlign Technology, Great for Backyard Stargazing & Camping, Portable |
| Item Weight | 18.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 22097 |
| Model Name | Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope |
| Model Number | 22097-CGL |
| Mount | Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 12.7 centimeters |
| Optical Tube Length | 27 inches |
| Optical-Tube Length | 27 inches |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Telescope Mount Description | Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm |
| UPC | 050234220972 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Warranty Description | TWO-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY |
| Zoom Ratio | 3 |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Celestron
- **Eye Piece Lens Description:** 20mm and 9mm eyepiece
- **Finderscope:** StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
- **Focus Type:** Manual Focus
- **Model Name:** Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
- **Objective Lens Diameter:** 12.7 centimeters
- **Optical Tube Length:** 27 inches
- **Power Source:** Battery Powered
- **Product Dimensions:** 34"D x 30"W x 50"H
- **Telescope Mount Description:** Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm

## Images

![NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized GoTo Telescope - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KlobPlHCL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Has anyone compared nexstar 127 slt to nexstar 130 slt?**
A: The 127 slt will balance better on the mount because of its compactness. Also the 127 does not have to be collimated

**Q: Did you see Jupiter.**
A: Greetings,

Amazon has, unfortunately, mixed all SLT scope reviews and Q&As together. But the 127 Mak is an excellent planetary, lunar and binary star telescope due to its nearly perfect optical design and long focal length. Far superior to a fast Newtonian with its anemic magnifications and coma.  The basic detail on Jupiter with the 127 Mak is easy: at least 4 bands, the red spot (though it is shrinking of late and losing its color). The four major moons are easy targets as they cross Jupiter's disk. Their shadows are black dots. Performance is limited to steady 'seeing' conditions.

Steve Franks

**Q: Aside from the 1 inch aperture difference, what are the differences between the nexstar 127slt and the similarly priced nexstar 4se?**
A: One big difference is that the 4SE has Starbright XLT coatings which is the best coating you can get. It makes a big difference, and in all likelihood that offsets the 1 inch larger meniscus on the 127 SLT

**Q: What additional filters and lenses (brands/types) would you recommend getting for those of you who got others? I'd like a nice moon filter for sure.**
A: Greetings,Don't buy ANY accessory until you KNOW you NEED it. Color filters are an excellent example. Only after you become accomplished as an observer should you consider filters. Carefully research the type and focal length eyepiece you need to build a good set. Three are all one really needs - low, medium and high. A Barlow may be a good idea to double your eyepiece collection but get the proper Barlow. Don't duplicate what eyepieces you already have. Stick with a 2x or 2.5x Barlow. But get your eyepieces first! That will determine the Barlow requirement. I prefer full eyepiece sets, others prefer to use Barlows.The 127 Mak, with its long f/ratio and excellent optics is very forgiving with eyepieces. Inexpensive eyepieces will be superior performers with it though they would fall flat with fast ratio Newtonians, for instance. And keep the number of elements in the eyepiece to a minimum. Many elements rob you of light which is a precious thing with just 5" aperture. I can highly recommend the Agena Dual ED Starguiders. They are top notch performers with generous fields of view; flat fields; excellent color correction; suitable for deep sky, planetary, or binary star work; with a great build quality at a reasonable price.http://www.amazon.com/Agena-1-25-Starguider-Dual-Eyepiece/dp/B00YFZQ33OSteve Franks

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic Scope and Tracking for the Price!
*by N***N on December 5, 2024*

To begin, the photos are shaky and blurry because I shot them by trying to stick my phone close to the eyepiece, they do not do this scope justice, it is fantastic! I had very limited experience with telescopes, but the 127 SLT has blown away my expectations. I have seen the Orion's Nebula, rings of Saturn, bands of Jupiter and the 4 Galilean moons clearly. Various star clusters and a couple galaxies. Once you understand the setup and the must have upgrades you'll be ready to go. Pros: The scope is easy to assemble. The red dot is perfectly fine for what it is and gets you close enough. The 5" lens is more than enough to see the usual objects (moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and other Solar System Bodies). The first time i found the Andromeda Galaxy i was a bit disappointed as it just looked like a yellowish smudge in the sky, cool nonetheless. Then I observed Orion's Nebula and couldn't believe how good this little scope does, granted the tripod leaves much to be desired (but there are cheap work arounds, I'll explain in the cons. It's portable if you buy the right case which is great to get out of the city light pollution or to take camping. The tracking and auto alignments are great. Always perform the 2 star alignment as the 3 star align fails 9 out of 10 times, but 2 star is very good. Once 2 star is aligned you can activate tracking and the scope keeps the object you're viewing within frame or very close over a period of time, and you can let the computer drive you to your next object. It's super useful on cold nights and to not have to constantly correct where you're looking. Cons: the mount/tripod is not great, but I've mitigated vibrations and instability by buying cheap anti vibration pads on Amazon $20 and by loading a sandbag with 10lb weight and placing it on the plate of the tripod and this makes it 100 times better. This will be something I upgrade eventually for my own purpose, but I have no problems now and have no need to upgrade after the pads and sandbag trick. The standard pieces you'll want to replace and buy better one's, these pieces are always cheap that come with the scope, but I still use the 32mm for initially locating the object I'm looking for. You'll want something around a 25-32mm, 15mm, and a 9mm , and a 2x Barlow, this is all you need and you will be able to push your scope to its limits and on good nights with low atmospheric interference push a little past them. Further, i cannot say much on battery longevity in the scope as I immediately bought a cheap $8 adapter and used an extension cord for power until I bought the celestron mobile power supply for when I take it on the go. Overall, i wouldn't have changed my mind, this purchase was perfect, the tube didn't need alignment, the motors haven't messed up on me and i have nothing negative to say about this purchase. Recommended: buy the power supply, it's a game changer. Also, get the anti vibration pads and some way to weigh the tripod down, this makes a world of difference. Upgrade your eye pieces, you don't need anything crazy expensive, and buy a case to store your tube, tripod, and accessories, it makes storage and moving it a breeze. There are other well written reviews, so take your time and review what you need before buying. As my first telescope as an adult I'd rate this 9/10 for price and the ease of use and accessories built into the computer of the mount. Next scope will be a 10" lens with a solid equatorial mount base as i have no place for a Dobsonian in my current living situation. Good luck and clear skies!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nexstar 127SLT Mak is an affordable great telescope system, with proper handling
*by R***A on September 27, 2017*

This review is specifically for the Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov Computerized Telescope. There are several reasons I went with the Maksutov design, rather than the refractor or Newtonian SLT variations. The Mak gives a better image across the field of view, without the coma of a Newtonian. The folded optical path results in a long focal length for the instrument, which is ideal for Sun, Moon, and planetary viewing. However it's not as long as a refractor. The Mak can still be used for observing deeep sky objects, such as the Andromeda Galazy (M31) and Hercules Cluster (M13). Just don't expect the views of a Dobsonian 'light bucket'. It's not designed for that. The compact tube size makes it much easier to handle and transport than longer telescopes. Being a closed tube design also means it more easily keeps dust and other debris out of telescope tube. As long as one uses the tube cover on the front, and eyepiece holder plug in the back when not in use, the telescope optics will require cleaning much less often than a typical Newtonian system. The closed tube also means no thermal tube currents to distort the image. The 127 millimeter diameter aperature equates to about 5 inches in size. While this is considered small in today's era of large Dobsonian monsters, the telescope system fits in my car, and is light enough that I can take it outside easily. I get more use out of this scope than my older larger Newtonian, mainly because this instrument is just so much easier to handle. The aperature size is quite sufficient to get good views of solar system objects. It's a bit tricky to focus, as the image will easily show any motion from the focuser knob, but this is mainly a mount limitation. Once focus is acheived though, and the scope settles down, the views are great. I've used the 127 SLT with a Celestron NexImage 5 camera, and FireCapture camera software, to get great images of Jupiter's moon eclipsing the disk, Saturn's ring system, lunar craters, and solar sunspot groups (with an appropriate glass solar filter mounted on the front). Using the camera is ideal with this telescope, as it makes it a 'hands-off' system. The other great feature is the fully computerized "Goto" capability of this telescope. Once the computer system is initialized, it is able to point the telescope to any object in the sky. (Yes, one can even enter arbitrary Right Ascension/Declination coordinates to point the telescope at.) The SLT came with the NexStar+ Hand Controller, which contains the object databases, and interfaces with the user via a red backlit LCD and a red lit keypad. The hand controller I got was not the absolute latest hardware variation, which has a USB port on it, so as to allow updating the firmware in the system via a PC. Instead, I received a slightly older version (2014) that still had the RJ45 phone jack interface providing an RS232 serial connection. (Older stock in the warehouse still?) This required a USB-to-RS232 converter to connect to my laptop to update the internal flash. While the internal motor controller was at the latest firmware revision, the hand controller firmware did need updating. The Celestron Firmware Manager, available onine at their web site, did the upgrade flawlessly. The one armed fork system that connects the tripod mount to the telescope tube contains the motor control system for the alititude and azmimuth DC motors, as well as monitors their optical encoders to keep track of position. This motor controller communicates to the hand controller via a coiled cable. There is a plastic holder on one of the tripod legs made for holding the hand controller when it is not needed. The weakest link in this system has to be the 'wobbliness' of the mount. With the legs fully extended, and the tripod standing on a cement patio, every gust of wind and and hand touch is transferred to the image view. It makes it quite difficult to focus well. However a few simple tricks can be used to lessen the effect. First, don't extend the tripod legs fully. The shorter the tripod legs, the shorter the time it takes to dampen out vibrations, and the sturdier the mount becomes. Second, adding a weight to the tripod helps provide more mass, and lowers the natural vibration frequency. I've seen a picture of one user placing a small sandbag on the central tripod tray to add stability. Third, place the tripod on dirt or sand. A cement patio is not the best foundation for the tripod legs. I have gotten much less image movement by pushing the tripod legs into the dirt in the lawn. Of course, Celestron does sell vibration dampening pads to help with this issue, but they are quite pricey according to my wallet. Now if you want to get a beefier mount, go ahead and spend another grand. Celestron has bigger mounts that are better. You get what you pay for. Just be prepared to lift that heavier mount. I'll stick with this lighter variation, and save my back. I can work around its limitations. Oh, and the eyepieces that come with the telescope are probably not the ones you will want for regular use. I already have a nice set of Plossl's that I obtained years ago. I recommend doing your homework and get the eyepieces separately. My lowest power eyepiece is a 40 mm, and I like the views it gives me in the 127 Mak. One bit of information you will also find useful relates to initializing the NexStar control system. The designers did what they could to make setup as easy as possible, within the budget they had. (I've also bought the SkySync GPS accessory to help make setup easier. However their StarSense AutoAlign product is the ultimate alignment tool, and costs nearly as much as the telesope itself!) Anyway, the more care you take in initialization, the more accurate the NexStar will be in finding objects. I know this, not just from using the NexStar+ system, but from building my own telescope controllers over the years from the wire-wrapped IC sockets on up, and testing them under the night sky. Small errors in alighment will add up. So, if you want the most accurate pointing, follow these tips that are NOT in the manual: 1. Level the tripod as accurately as possible. You must do this FIRST. Every alighment option, with possibly the exception of the two-star alignments, requires a level tripod to work correctly. That's why the tripod includes its own little level, and the instructions do mention that you need to level the mount. I don't trust that little built in thing though. I use a six inch level that I place on top of the tripod, before I put the one-armed fork there. My level is placed in line with each leg in turn, and that leg adjusted until level, before moving onto the next leg. If you have some OCD like me, go around and do it again, just to be sure. Once the tripod is level, then the rest of the mount and telescope can be put together. 2. Enter in Latitude, Longitude, Date, and Time, as accurately as possible. If you have a smart phone, get a GPS app and use it. I eventually got the Celestron SkySync accessory to do this part for me. (However, you still need to double check and make sure the Time Zone and Daylight Savings settings are correct with the SkySync. The instructons don't tell you that.) 3. Use a lighted Reticle Eyepiece to center your alignment stars/planets. Don't use the Sun or Moon if you have an option, as it's very difficult to know where the exact center of those objects are in the eyepiece. A double crosshairs reticle eyepiece lit with a variably dimmed LED works great for this. 4. Keep your chosen alignment objects far apart, and at least 20 degrees above the horizon. I don't know how well the NexStar+ handles refraction corrections, but to do it right requires both temperature and pressure/elevation data. Nexstar doesn't ask for these values, and I doubt the system includes the sensors to measure the quantities directly. One final recomendation: Get an alternate power source to suppliment the eight AA batteries that need to be placed in the half fork arm mount. You still need the AA batteries, as I discovered when I attempted to get by with just a PowerTank attached. Any glitch in the power cord connection to the mount will reset the Nexstar controller, and you will find yourself staring at the intialization prompt again. So, keep the AA batteries. Just suppliment them with either an AC adapter or PowerTank gel cell battery. Otherwise the AA batteries used alone will go dead within that observing session. (I've heard they will drain in as little as 30 minutes. I didn't push it to prove that.) I recommend the PowerTank battery accessory, since you can't always guarantee that an AC power source will be reachable from where you place the telescope. For me, I'm always tripping over cords in the dark. So any long power cord to an outlet that I can get rid of, I will. I place my PowerTank directly below the tripod tray on the SLT tripod mount. That keeps the power cable to the mount away from my toes. There are cheaper telescopes out there, but for ease of use, I just can't think of a better alternative than this 127 SLT NexStar+ system. At least I'm out with it regularly, and have been for over six months now. My old Newtonian never saw this much usage.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best bang for the buck!
*by R***N on April 16, 2014*

Ok, I looked long and hard for a telescope and I have to say this is the most bang for the buck considering limited monetary funds. One thing I suggest getting is a lense kit when you do buy this. I got the Celestron lens kit, but Orion has a kit as well and it comes with a 40mm lens, which makes for a wider field of view. I have not tried doing the three star or two star alignment. I just used the solar alignment because I am more interested about looking at the planets, the moon and the Sun in our Solar System. If you want a scope for Nebulas and to take pictures of them, don't get this scope. The aperature is 5 inches with a long focal range; however think about this. If you go from a 5 inch aperature to a 6 inch aperature, it will cost you about 200 to 300 dollars more. I think this a good beginner scope because of the "Go To" capability. You don't need to know that much about the stary sky to find Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus or Mercury. Just find out where they are in the sky, point to it, use the solar alignment and the scope follows whatever you have programmed it to follow. The scope gives clear images of whatever you have pointed at. I am think about getting a 3x barlow for the scope. I used a 2x barlow on this scope with a 32mm lens and the image is great, so I wonder how a 3x barlow would be. The scope comes with a variety of different software for use on the computer. I think you can hook the telescope up to a laptop and control it from the computer with the provided software. This telescope does not come with imaging software; however I think when you buy a camera specifically for a telescope, the camera comes with the software. Also this scope comes with a "Lite" version of SkyX software. For SkyX, you can input your location and it will give a map of the sky showing where objects are in the sky compared to your location to make planets easy to locate. If you wanna control the telescope with SkyX, you have to buy an upgrade from the website. This version does not allow for control of the telescope. The only cons are that you have to buy a lot of accessories for this scope. Two cables that go together just to hook it up to a laptop,(to update the motor and hand control software). If you want to run it on AC power you gotta buy an adapter, plus if you take this out in the middle of nowhere, you need to a get a battery pack for it and a I suggest the 12v car adapter, so that way it does not draw as much power as a 120v adapter. Note: You don't have to buy Celestron's battery pack, any generic one you get at a deparment or auto store will work as long as it has the car adapter outlet. I have not tried using it on batteries. I have heard that the batteries will only last one night, so getting rechargeable batteries would be the best best over regular batteries. All in all a very good scope for the money. The focal length is long which means a more powerful scope, but the field of view is smaller. Good buy. One thing I will add. I have not tried to look at nebulas or distance stars with this telescope. I want to see the sun(must use a solar filter, do not look at the sun with this telescope or any telescope without one) and the planets. I have not used the sky align with it, just the solar system align. Basically, align the telescope with the planet you wanna see and the press align. The scope will track, but you might have to realign every 10 minutes or so. Also if you look at the moon with this telescope or any telescope, use a moon filter; otherwise you will see spots on your eyes for a while. Oh it does shake a little when it is windy out. Also when you try to focus using a powerfull eyepiece, the image shakes a lot. The viewfinder is good. May have to make minor corrections every once and a while. The control pad takes a lot to get used too. Not user friendly but works. The only thing I don't know about this scope, and it has to do with the tripod...is if I get a bigger aperature telescope, would it fit on the mount for this one. Just ordered a solar filter for this scope. If anyone is looking for the right solar filter, go for Orion 07710 5.81 filter. It fits snuggly and you don't have to use any of the foam inserts for it, because it is already foamed lined.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Celestron 22097 NexStar 127SLT-Mak Portable Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, Grey
- Celestron 18778 2 Amp AC Adapter - Powers Computerised Telescopes, Includes US/UK/EU and AU Adapter Plugs, Black
- Celestron 93973 Skyportal WiFi Module, Black

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