Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Computerized Telescope

Comments about Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Computerized Telescope:

Well I had a Celestron 90mm Mak-Cass and really liked it but wanted alittle more aperture. I was looking at Orions 127 Apex but when I seen I could basically get the same thing but with also a goto mount I was all in. This scope has really impressed me for the size of it. Mak-Cass scopes are known to be great planetary and solar system scopes and this one is no different. not only has it given great solar system views but also it does very well on DSO given its size. The scope is quick to set up and is very light. The only thing I can really complain about it the lighter weight tripod. When you focus the scope it takes a few seconds before it stops shaking and the image is stable. But for the price of the goto mount it is to be expected. But this scope would make a nice spotting scope, travel scope, or just an all around general use scope. If your looking for nice entry level goto mount/scope this is one to consider for sure.

Comments about Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Computerized Telescope:

First off I was expecting slightly more magnification .then realized that this tube has a f12 focal ratio. Kind of odd for a mak Cass. But with the faster focal ratio than expected it gives a wider field of view than other maks I have seen. The plus side to this is it makes a far better dso scope than originally anticipated. I was able to get the entire double cluster in my field of view. images are sharp and crisp. The mount is quite shaky but easy to get use to. my only real gripe is that the words on the hand controller jumble up and it makes it hard to read .I don't know if this is a common thing or not but it can be annoying. other than.the controller and the shake this is a great scope for the price.

Comments about Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Computerized Telescope:

Overall, the optical tube assembly (OTA) is a nice performer. The single arm Alt/Az "goto" mount shakes during focusing and therefore takes a little bit of time to dampen out. Focusing is an exercise in patience. I will be using my 127 primarily on a sturdier equatorial mount.

Tightening the OTA to the Alt/Az arm is also an exercise in patience. Whomever designed this feature failed in my opinion. There is very little clearance to manipulate your fingers and get a good grip on the tightening knob. Low marks here. I may make a modification to mine to enable tightening with a socket wrench.

The goto function was fairly easy to perform since I'm already pretty familiar with Orion and Meade goto scopes.

First night out(first light) I got to see a shadow transit by IO on Jupiter, and a nearly full moon (I observed along the remaining terminator for some great shadows) My selection of eyepeices I already have means I didn't put the Celestron eyepieces to use except just once during first light - I popped the 9mm in to see how some moon craters looked...typical for a stock eyepiece. Seeing wasn't the greatest anyway.

I also viewed the sun a couple of times after affixing an Orion 5.81" glass solar filter to the front of the scope. Pretty nice.

Overall I give it three stars because I like the OTA. I would recommend the OTA to a friend...The mount leaves a lot to be desired. Since this is my first single-arm Alt/Az mount I'm glad I have experience with other more sturdy mounts so I'm not put off by the experience of the wobblies during focusing.

Comments about Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Computerized Telescope:

This is a good grab and go scope and will fit in your car with friends on the ride to dark skies! I wear glasses so I use eyepieces with 20mm or more eye relief...The Zhumell Z series Planetary EP's work well with this scope. The Moon, Jupiter and Saturn observations on clear nights (dark skies with kick up any eyepiece/scope performance) are nice...craters on the moon crisp and clear.

5 mm EP = 300x (max useful mag)
40 mm EP = 37.5x (lower power is good for nebulas and such)
**most nights, depending on where you live & sky conditions, you will probably be using a range of low to mid power mags....

Those who are into deep sky objects and "wide" views may prefer a dobsonian (f/5, 8 inch or more aperture) to this f12 scope at 5 inches aperture...however, for the price and portability this scope holds its own.

Be sure to check out accesories like the car lighter power adapter to run your scope from your car..save on Batts! PS - Duracell rechargebles work ok too!

Comments about Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Computerized Telescope:

I purchased the telescope as a gift to my grandson for Christmas. The first night we used it we were awed. However, could not get the Star Align feature to work and was on hold with the manufacturer for over two hours without as much as a helpful hint (I do not think they know anything about their product). The distributer similarly could not get it to work. Finally, after trying different tactics over two months, I was able to figure out what I was doing wrong (it should have been obvious to anyone who knew anything about the system) and it is now working beautifully. Shame on the Celestron "support" personnel. They shoul consider another line of work (postal service perhaps).