Celestron NexStar 130SLT (31145) (306 x 130mm) Telescope

Pros: Good quality for the price.  Easy to use once configured.

Cons: Could be sturdier - slight winds will cause vibrations.  9mm lens not very good.

The Bottom Line: Expensive but highly recommended for curious kids and adults!

Review: I bought this for my daughter's 8th birthday.  OK, maybe it was also partly for me. As this was an educational toy, I was pondering whether it was better to have a manual system which would demonstrate the curved relative motion of celestial objects ...

Pros: Easy to use.  Great optics.  Huge database of go-to objects to choose from.

Cons: Flimsy battery pack and does not store time/date info - must manually enter each use.

The Bottom Line: This telescope combines great value with excellent optics.  Many galaxies, nebulas, star clusters, planets, and double stars are within reach of this scope.  Moderate aperture at a modest price!

Review: I received this telescope for my birthday in April 2008 and I love it!  The included 25mm and 9mm eyepieces are good quality and I have been able to see many deep sky objects with them.  I have purchased a barlow lens, a 6mm wide view ...

Pros: Easy to Assemble, Easy instructions, quick turn-around time from set up to viewing

Cons: Instruction Manual light on describing the various mechanisms, and pieces and parts

Review: For my son's 12th Birthday I wanted to get him a telescope. I took my time, researched telescopes, various companies, read reviews and eventually settled on the 130 SLT. Once it arrived, we took it out of the box, spent a few minutes with the ...

Pros: Easy to assemble.Looks pretty.

Cons: First one did not work.Second one does not work.Poor customer service

Review: I purchased the Celestron 130SLT on September 18, 2008. I received the scope along with the eyepiece kit and Neximage camera just over a week later via UPS.After unpacking and assembly, i found that the motor would not function.I repacked the unit and ...