Celestron NexStar 130 Review

The Celestron NexStar 130 is a powerful telescope that uses the Newtonian concept of using mirrors as opposed to lenses. This gives an optic performance that is much brighter than the typical refractor telescope. It also features computerized "Go To" technology which is ideal for those who don't know much about astronomy but still have an interest in observing various celestial objects in the sky.

The standard 25mm eye piece can magnify objects about 26 times and has an exceptionally wide field of view. It is great for viewing objects in deep space like the Orion Nebula. The 9mm eyepiece is great for viewing the moon. The intensity of the sharpness and superior focus can be inspiring to budding astronomers. There are additional optional eyepieces that can be used to intensify the magnification and be used to see such objects like Jupiter's cloud bands and Saturn's rings.

This is a good telescope for people who enjoy taking pictures of the objects they are viewing. The details that can be seen on the moon make great pictures as do stars, constellations, nebulae, and all sorts of other celestial subjects. The stainless steel tripod is sturdy and makes a solid base as to not jostle the telescope when taking pictures.

Set up and alignment is not complicated on the NexStar 130 and even a newbie could get it done in a reasonable amount of time thanks to the SkyAlign feature. With SkyAlign, the viewer inputs the date, time, and location and then points the telescope at three bright stars. The computerized system does the rest. At the push of a button, the telescope user has instant access to 4,000 different stars and celestial objects of interest. The telescope finds them on its own and tracks them steadily and accurately. There are alternate solar align and two-star align modes for even faster set up.

The Celestron NexStar 130 takes batteries, but there is an optional power cord available. The power cord is recommended for those who will use the telescope frequently as the batteries tend to go dead rather quickly. The telescope is lightweight enough to be considered portable and is just as great for stargazing on a whim as it is for planned astronomical viewing journeys.