Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope

High-Contrast 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics

The Maksutov-Cassegrain (MAK) design is renowned for producing sharp, high-contrast images, making it ideal for planetary and lunar observation. The 127mm aperture gathers 329x more light than the naked eye, resolving details down to a stellar magnitude of 13. The long f/12 focal ratio darkens the sky background and provides the high magnification needed to resolve planetary features, double stars, and the cores of bright globular clusters.

Unlike other catadioptric designs, the MAK's secondary mirror is a reflective spot on the inside of the corrector lens. This eliminates the need for user collimation and, because the spot is smaller than a physical secondary mirror, it increases image contrast. This makes the 127SLT an excellent choice for observing subtle details like Mars' polar caps or the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings right out of the box.

NexStar+ GoTo System: 40,000 Objects at Your Fingertips

At the heart of the 127SLT is the NexStar+ computerized hand control. This system gives you access to a database of over 40,000 objects, including planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Once aligned, simply select an object from the menu, and the mount's DC servo motors will automatically point the telescope, tracking it as it moves across the sky at a sidereal, solar, or lunar rate.

For those new to the night sky, the built-in Sky Tour feature is your personal guide to the cosmos. It automatically generates a list of the best objects visible for your specific time and location. With nine slew speeds, up to a maximum of 3 degrees per second, you can move quickly between targets or make fine adjustments with precision.

SkyAlign Technology: Ready to Observe in Minutes

Celestron's SkyAlign procedure makes computerized alignment faster and easier than ever. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the NexStar+ system triangulates its position. You don't need to know the names of the stars; you can even use the Moon or bright planets. This no-tool, intuitive process means you can go from setup to observing in just a few minutes.

The entire system is supported by a sturdy, pre-assembled stainless steel tripod with 1.25" diameter legs. With a height adjustment range from 762mm to 1270mm, you can find a comfortable viewing position whether you're standing or seated.

A Complete Grab-and-Go Kit Powered by 8 AA Batteries

The NexStar 127SLT comes with everything you need for a successful night of observing. The package includes two 1.25" eyepieces: a 25mm for wide-field scanning at 60x magnification and a 9mm for high-power views at 167x. A StarPointer red dot finderscope makes it easy to aim the telescope, and a 1.25" star diagonal provides a comfortable viewing angle.

Designed for portability, the entire system can be powered by 8 AA batteries (not included), freeing you from cords and allowing you to travel to remote dark-sky sites. The optical tube weighs just 8.7 lbs, and the mount and tripod together weigh 10 lbs, making it easy to transport and set up for impromptu sessions.

NexStar 127SLT vs. 130SLT: Planetary Detail vs. Deep-Sky Fields

While both are part of the same SLT family, the 127SLT and the 130SLT Newtonian offer very different observing experiences based on their optical designs.

• NexStar 130SLT's Advantage: As an f/5 Newtonian reflector, the 130SLT has a much wider field of view. This makes it better suited for observing large deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or sweeping through the star fields of the Milky Way.
• NexStar 127SLT's Advantage: The 127SLT's f/12 Maksutov optics provide more than double the focal length in a compact tube. This inherent high magnification makes it the superior choice for resolving fine detail on the Moon and planets without needing extra Barlow lenses. Its high-contrast views also excel at splitting tight double stars.

Choose the 127SLT if your primary interest is the solar system. For those who prioritize wide-field views of nebulae and galaxies, the 130SLT is the better option.