Celestron PowerSeeker Accessory Kit Telescope

Celestron PowerSeeker Accessory Kit Telescope Review

Celestron PowerSeeker Accessory Kit Telescope Feature

• 15 mm Kellner Eyepiece.9 mm Kellner Eyepiece.#80A Blue Planetary Filter.#25 Red Planetary Filter. Moon Filter. Micro Fiber Cloth.Plastic Carrying Case with Foam
• Fully-coated eyepieces for higher magnification.Planetary filters enhance details on Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus
• Moon filter allows detailed views of the Moon especially during the brighter phases
• Carrying case fits all of the included items in the die-cut foam interior
• Micro fiber cloth safely cleans optics without scratching or leaving residue

The PowerSeeker Accessory Kit is designed to enhance the functionality and pleasure of using your Celestron telescope. This kit may also be used with many other telescope brands that accept 1.25” eyepieces and filters.

Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope

Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope Review

Tasco Spacestation 70x800mm Refractor AZ with Variable LED Red Dot Finderscope Telescope Feature

• Single Fork Arm Altazimuth Mount
• Red Dot Starpointer Finderscope
• Adjustable Aluminum tripod

Put on your pressure suit and commence docking procedures, because we have a Spacestation powerful enough to take you to the moon and way, way beyond. Se the star like you've never seen before with a view from an all-new Tasco Spacestation telescope featuring a cosmically inspired new design. Its variable LED electronic REd Dot Finderscope takes you to to visit your favorite constellation in a flash by quickly finding any object in the sky. Partially pre-assembled and super -sturdy, these Spacestations come ready for blast off, so let the countdown begin. With its 70mm lens and all the bells and whistles, the Tasco Spacestation 70AZ is ideal for both the beginner and amateur astronomer. Accessories include,Tasco SkyWatch CD-Rom, 3x Barlow lens, Moon Map, Moon Filter, Erecting Lens.

GSI Deluxe Lens Cleaning Pen System, Cleans all Camera Lenses, Telescopes, Binoculars, LCD, Plasma, Screens, Watches and Flashes from Dust, Dirt and Fingerprints - Pocket Tool.

GSI Deluxe Lens Cleaning Pen System, Cleans all Camera Lenses, Telescopes, Binoculars, LCD, Plasma, Screens, Watches and Flashes from Dust, Dirt and Fingerprints - Pocket Tool. Review

GSI Deluxe Lens Cleaning Pen System, Cleans all Camera Lenses, Telescopes, Binoculars, LCD, Plasma, Screens, Watches and Flashes from Dust, Dirt and Fingerprints - Pocket Tool. Feature

• Unique Shaped Cleaning Tip for those hard to reach CCD Sensors on Digital Cameras.
• Flexible Cleaning Tip.
• Cleaning Compound will not spill or dry out.
• No Sprays - No Chemicals - No Liquids. No Residue - Convenient - Portable.
• Environmentally Safe

The GSI Lens Pen Cleaning Pen System is a great accessory for any optics user, making it great for maintaining your digital or film camera, binoculars, telescopes, or spotting scopes. The soft retractable brush removes fingerprints, dust and other debris that may compromise your lens. The small, pen-style design easily fits in any camera bag, as the soft brush retracts into pen body to stay clean.

Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope

Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope Review

Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector Telescope Feature

• An ideal entry-level reflector telescope with 100mm parabolic primary mirror optics - no plastic lenses as found in some other telescopes made for beginners
• See hundreds of craters on the Moon, detail on Jupiter and other planets, even when viewing from relatively bright city locations
• A tabletop telescope big enough to find and observe objects in the night sky, but small enough to easily store in a closet or display on a desk
• Perfect reflector telescope for wide-angle, low-power viewing of the Milky Way and other deep sky objects when viewing from relatively dark skies
• Includes two 1.25" telescope eyepieces: 20mm (for 20 power magnification) and 10mm (for 40 power magnification), EZ Finder II aiming device, Starry Night astronomy software, and more!

Although perfect for beginning stargazers, this telescope is not a toy! The Orion SkyScanner 100mm TableTop Reflector is just the right size - large enough to see night sky objects yet compact enough to sit on a desk. The wide field of vision is ideal for observing detailed moon craters and even the spectacular rings of Saturn without having to leave town. Under darker skies, the SkySkanner has enough light-gathering power to reveal objects as deep as the Milky Way. Complete with 100mm parabolic primary mirror optics made of glass not plastic, two 1.25" eyepieces, and an EZ finder II reflex sight, this 100mm reflector provides up to 40x magnification out of the box and collects over 200 times more light than the unaided eye!

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope Review

Celestron 31042 AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope Feature

• Perfect for beginning astronomers of all ages
• Erect Image Optics - Ideal for observing land or astronomy objects
• Rugged pre-assembled tripod with 1.25 inch steel tube legs
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• German Equatorial Mount with Setting Circles - to accurately locate and track sky objects

Celestron’s AstroMaster 114 EQ reflector telescope offers more than three times the light gathering power of 60mm beginner scopes in a system that is compact yet powerful. The package includes a new version of Celestron’s CG-2 equatorial mount with a rugged steel tripod. Two eyepieces are included, the 20mm eyepiece is an erect-image design with 50x magnification and the 10mm eyepiece produces 100x magnification. The AstroMaster 114 EQ also features a built-in red dot finder, fully illustrated instructions, and easy no-tool setup. The package even provides a student version of “The Sky” astronomy software to help you find stars and planets.

The AstroMaster 114 is a modified Newtonian design. Using a short focal length primary mirror and built in corrector lens, the AstroMaster 114 has an effective focal length of 40 inches (1000mm) in a tube only 18 inches long. Both eyepieces provide images that are pleasingly sharp. The 20mm eyepiece (50x magnification) nicely frames the Moon, and daylight images are sharp with plenty of contrast. The 10mm eyepiece (100x magnification) does a nice job zooming in on lunar craters or on the planets. With the 10mm eyepiece or with my own 6mm eyepiece (166x) I can clearly focus in on Saturn’s rings and pick up details like the shadow cast by the rings on the planet.

I also like the solid design of Celestron’s new CG-2 equatorial mount. With the help of Celestron’s fully illustrated quick set-up guide it took only a few minutes to assemble the equatorial mount and clamp the optical tube in place. The whole telescope is compact enough to carry outside in one trip. Aligning the telescope is a simple matter of pointing the equatorial axis at Polaris, the North Star. Then I can track the motion of stars and planets by simply turning one slow motion knob. The AstroMaster 114 EQ seems quite stable on its CG-2 mount, a little wobble while focusing damps out quickly as soon as I let go of the focus knob.

With good optics, a solid mount, two eyepieces, and fully illustrated instructions, the AstroMaster 114 EQ reflector telescope is a very good introductory telescope. The one feature that is not so easy to use is the built in star pointer, which is best suited only for finding bright objects like the Moon and planets. I can overcome the narrow field of view somewhat by using an optional 32mm plossl eyepiece while looking for deep space objects because its wider field of view makes stars and planets easier to locate. --Jeff Phillips

Shot at 50X with Powershot camera	Shot at 200X with NexImage camera
Shot at 200X with NexImage camera	Shot at 50X with Powershot camera

 

 Pros:

Compact yet powerful optics

Easy no-tool setup

Fully illustrated instructions

Three times brighter than 60mm scopes

Cons:

Star pointer not so easy to use

If you're looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the AstroMaster Series is for you. Each AstroMaster model is capable of giving correct views of land and sky. The AstroMaster Series produce bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with every one of these fine instruments. For views of the brighter deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae, we recommend the larger aperture and light gathering ability of the Newtonian reflectors.

Celestron AstroMaster ® Motor Drive

Celestron AstroMaster ® Motor Drive Review

Celestron AstroMaster ® Motor Drive Feature

• Item model number: 93514
• Attach this Celestron Motor Drive to any AstroMaster equatorial mount and the telescope will track the stars in right ascension

Attach this Celestron Motor Drive to any AstroMaster equatorial mount and the telescope will track the stars in right ascension (RA) as they move across the sky.

Celestron 21045 114mm Equatorial PowerSeeker Telescope

Celestron 21045 114mm Equatorial PowerSeeker Telescope Review

Celestron 21045 114mm Equatorial PowerSeeker Telescope Feature

• Affordable telescope for beginning astronomer; portable yet powerful
• All-glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brighness and clarity
• Newtonian optical design with a 114mm aperture and 900mm focal length
• Equatorial mount for tracking the sky
• Includes 3x Barlow Lens (1.25"), 20mm eyepiece, 4mm eyepiece, aluminum tripod with accessory tray

I love bargains, so I was eager to try out Celestron's new Powerseeker 114 Newtonian reflector telescope. With its 4.5-inch mirror, Celestron's Powerseeker 114 gathers three times more starlight than popular 60mm refractors. The Powerseeker package includes two eyepieces (K20 and SR4), a plastic 3x barlow, and a lightweight equatorial mount.

Optically, the Powerseeker 114 holds its own when compared with my Celestron Firstscope 114EQ. Using the K20 eyepiece included as standard equipment, about 45x magnification, it's easy to see the Andromeda Galaxy and its smaller satellite galaxy M32. When compared to 60mm refractors, the Powerseeker 114 brings out much more detail in the Orion Nebula, reveals many more stars in Perseus' Double Cluster and even brings out a few individual stars in globular clusters like M13. Saturn looks quite small at 45x with the K20 eyepiece, but using my own 7.5mm eyepiece (120x) I can easily detect the shadow cast by the planet on the rings, and even glimpse the ring's Cassini Division. When the mirrors are properly lined up or "collimated," the images are reasonably sharp up to magnifications of 225x. I find a collimation tool helps get this fine tuning just right.

As good as the optics are, however, the effect of cost-cutting shows up in the mechanical components. The focuser is plastic, the finder scope is plastic, the rings that attach the telescope to the tripod are plastic. Even when the tripod legs are clamped at their shortest setting, the telescope wobbles when I try to focus at higher magnifications. Celestron's instruction manual correctly recommends that most viewing be done in the range of 40x to 130x. So what about that 675x magnification proclaimed on the box? I'd say it's not worth the trouble.

Overall, the Celestron Powerseeker 114 is a budget priced telescope with good optical performance, especially when using the low power K20 eyepiece. If you're willing to spend a little more money, either Orion's SkyQuest XT4.5 or Celestron's Firstscope 114EQ will give you a sturdier mount, an improved finder scope, and better eyepieces. Also, for about the price of the Powerseeker 114, I like the dependable refractor design of Celestron's Firstscope 70EQ. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Low cost
• Good optics
• Serviceable K20 eyepiece

Cons:

• Wobbly mount
• Difficult to collimate
• Plastic finder and focuser

Celestron PowerSeeker 114EQ 45 - 225X Reflector Telescope opens up the wonders of the universe to the aspiring astronomer. Amateur astronomy is a great hobby you can enjoy year-round, and Celestron's PowerSeeker Telescopes are the ideal choice for affordable stargazing enjoyment! PowerSeeker Scopes are quick and easy to set up, even for the novice... no tools required! Their sturdy Equatorial mounts are perfect for tracking objects across the night sky, meaning these Telescopes shine for moon- and planet-watching. All Celestron PowerSeekers include a tripod, full range of eyepieces, plus a 3X barlow lens. Specs: 114 mm aperture size; Includes 20 mm eyepiece for 45X magnification, 4 mm eyepiece for 225X, and a 3X barlow lens that triples the magnification power of each eyepiece; Newtonian reflector optical design; Fully-coated glass optics with high-transmission coatings for enhanced brightness and clarity; Sturdy German Equatorial mount, perfect for tracking objects across the night sky; Erect image diagonal, ideal for terrestrial and astronomical viewing; Comes with The Sky X Planetarium software; Focal length: 900 mm; Limiting stellar magnitude: 12.8; Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.22 arcsec; Resolution (Dawes): 1.02 arcsec; Light-gathering power: 265X; Angular F.O.V. is 0.9 degrees. Linear F.O.V. is 48' 5x24 mm finderscope; Includes aluminum tripod. Order yours today! Celestron PowerSeeker 114EQ 45X-225X Reflector Telescope

Meade 20218 NG-70SM 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

Meade 20218 NG-70SM 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope Review

Meade 20218 NG-70SM 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope Feature

• Refracting Telescope Perfect For Land Or Sky Viewing
• slow Motion Controls On Both Axes
• find & Track Objects With Precision Controls
• Includes A Red Dot Projection Viewfinder
• heavy-Duty Steel Tube Tripod Provides A Rock Solid Platform

Meade 20218 NG-70SM 70mm Altazimuth Refractor Telescope Meade's value priced NG-70SM Altazimuth Refractor is an affordable entry level telescope that features an easy to use Altazimuth mount with slow motion controls for precise tracking. The complete package includes a sturdy metal tripod, a red dot viewfinder, two 1.25 inch eyepieces and a star diagonal, and a software DVD with instructional video.

The NG-70SM Refractor Telescope comes disassembled in a compact box, but the instructional DVD video guides you through all the steps required for assembly. Go ahead and try it out in the daytime, that's the best time to align the red-dot finder scope while looking at a distant tree or telephone pole.

The optics of Meade's NG-70SM produce an image that is right side up but the diagonal mirror reverses the image left-to-right. That's no problem most of the time, but an optional correct image diagonal is available. The low power 25mm eyepiece produces a magnification 28X which is just right for spotting the Moon or the planets, while the 9mm eyepiece (78X magnification) can be used to zoom in for more detail. The MH25 eyepiece at 28X shows a lovely view of the Lunar disk in a dark sky, while the MH9 eyepiece at 78X shows literally hundreds of craters on the Moon and begins to show the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands of Jupiter. For even better views it's easy to add better eyepieces. My best view of Saturn, for example, came with an optional 6.4mm Super Plossl eyepiece, about 110X magnification.

The Altazimuth mount included with Meade's NG-70SM is lighter and easier to use than an Equatorial mount, yet the slow motion knobs make it easy to keep objects in view. The rotation of the Earth causes the Moon or planets to appear to drift out of the eyepiece, but the slow motion knobs make it easy to keep the telescope on target, even with a high power eyepiece. The telescope is sensitive to vibration, however, so a high power eyepiece can be difficult to focus.

Meade's NG-70SM is a good entry level telescope at a very good price. The optics are good, the Altazimuth mount is easy to assemble and easy to use, the instructional DVD includes a nice Lunar Atlas as well as planetarium software, and it's easy to add better eyepieces to improve your view of the planets. –Jeff Phillips

Pros:

Light and easy to use

Altazimuth mount includes slow motion knobs

Easy to add better eyepieces

Instructional DVD included;

Cons:

MH eyepieces have narrow field of view

Vibrates while focusing at high power

The Steadicam Smoothee is specifically designed and engineered to work with your Apple iPhone 4. Based on the same technology as the big ,000 rigs used in Hollywood, it allows iPhone 4 owners to capture incredible video without the shakes normally associated with hand-held video shot on the go, right out of the box, the very first time. The Steadicam Smoothee is small and agile enough to take on vacations or follow the action at sporting events. The Smoothee let's you "fly" wherever the scene takes you--up and down steps, indoors and outside, through crowds--almost anywhere, with precise, elegant control and ease. Its quick release mount lets you instantly swap camera connections between your Smoothee and any tripod. While designed for the Apple i-Phone 4, the patented quick release removable i-Phone mount also serves as a tabletop stand or can be mounted to any tripod with a standard ¼ x20" camera mount. The comfortable ergonomic hand-grip folds up securely when not in use. Also included with the Steadicam Smoothee is a quick guide DVD on how to get the best possible shots, along with a carrying strap. The lightweight, compact, agile, and easy to use Steadicam Smoothee features an innovative, patented design built around a durable mono-frame metal structure that requires no complicated instruction to use. With its "go anywhere" compact dimensions, the Steadicam Smoothee is approximately 8"W x 14.5" H x 2.5" D (20.3 x 36.8 x 6.4cm) in operating configuration.

Celestron AstroMaster Accessory Kit Telescope

Celestron AstroMaster Accessory Kit Telescope Review

Celestron AstroMaster Accessory Kit Telescope Feature

• 15 mm Kellner Eyepiece.6 mm Plössl Eyepiece.2x Power Lens with T-threads.80A Blue Planetary Filter.25 Red Planetary Filter.Moon Filter.Micro Fiber Cloth.Plastic Carrying Case with Foam
• Fully-coated eyepieces for higher magnification.2x Power Lens will double the magnification of any eyepiece used with it
• 2x Power Lens features t-threads to attach a camera to your telescope (with optional t-ring).Planetary filters enhance details on Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus
• Moon filter allows detailed views of the Moon especially during the brighter phases
• Carrying case fits all of the included items in the die-cut foam interior

The AstroMaster Accessory Kit is designed to enhance the functionality and pleasure of using your Celestron telescope. This kit may also be used with many other telescope brands that accept 1.25" eyepieces and filters.

Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope

Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope Review

Orion SpaceProbe 130ST Equatorial Reflector Telescope Feature

• Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ (307 x 130mm) Telescope

The SpaceProbe 130ST EQ is a rich-field Newtonian reflector with a tube only 24" long compared to the 33" tube length of the standard 130 EQ. The focal length of the ST's 130mm (5.1") primary mirror is 650mm (f/5), producing a wider field of view and brighter images for a given eyepiece focal length. The diffraction-limited parabolic primary mirror is the same type used on much larger reflectors costing substantially more. On a short-focal-length design like this one, a parabolic mirror is a must for delivering sharp, detailed images. This scope package includes an EQ-2 equatorial mount with dual setting circles and manual slow-motion controls, adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory tray, two Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and a 6x30 achromatic finder scope. One-year limited warranty.

Celestron NexStar 127SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black)

Celestron NexStar 127SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black) Review

Celestron NexStar 127SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black) Feature

• High quality 127mm (5") Maksutov-Cassegrain
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for quick tool no set up
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Auxiliary port for additional accessories such as GPS accessory
• Includes "The SkyX" Planetarium software

Designed to be an affordable entry level to mid-level computerized GoTo telescope, the NexStar SLT refractors, reflectors, and Maks are available in the most popular sizes and are loaded with valuable design features. With preassembled, adjustable stainless steel tripods, and quick release fork arms and tubes, NexStar SLT telescopes can be set up in a matter of minutes – with no tools required! You can see details of the lunar surface, Venus and its phases, polar caps on Mars, Jupiter and its four moons, Saturn with its rings plainly visible and much more! Most NexStar SLT’s can also be used as a land-based spotting telescope.

Celestron 21036 PowerSeeker 70AZ Telescope (Black)

Celestron 21036 PowerSeeker 70AZ Telescope (Black) Review

Celestron 21036 PowerSeeker 70AZ Telescope (Black) Feature

• 70 mm (2.8") refractor
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• 3x Barlow lens triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece
• Erect image optics - Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• The SkyX Planetarium Software with 10,000 object database and enhanced images

Celestron's value priced PowerSeeker 70AZ is an affordable entry level telescope with some nice extras like a correct image prism and "The Sky" astronomy software included. The package also includes an Alt-Azimuth mount with adjustable aluminum tripod, high and low power eyepieces, a 3X barlow lens, and a 5 power cross hair finder scope.

The PowerSeeker 70AZ comes disassembled in a compact box, but the fully illustrated quick set-up guide makes it easy to assemble. Go ahead and try it out in the daytime, that's the best time to align the finder scope while looking at a distant tree or telephone pole.

The optics of the PowerSeeker 70AZ are surprisingly good, especially when I use the low power 20mm eyepiece. The correct image prism and the 20mm eyepiece give me a magnification of 35X, so backyard birds seem five times closer than with my seven power binoculars. The PowerSeeker 70 can be upgraded with standard 1.25 inch telescope eyepieces. A 25mm plossl eyepiece for example gives a true field of view of almost 2 degrees for delightful views of star clusters like the Pleiades, while a 6mm eyepiece provides a magnification of 117X, just right to see the rings of Saturn or the cloud bands on Jupiter. The included 4mm eyepiece (175X magnification) might be too much power: I can see Saturn's rings but at 175X it's not easy to focus and it's not easy to keep planets centered in the field of view.

The Alt-Azimuth mount included with the PowerSeeker 70AZ is lighter and easier to use than an Equatorial mount, but it does not track stars and planets. As soon as you get the Moon centered in the eyepiece it starts drifting toward the edge, this is caused by rotation of the Earth. The Moon may stay in the low power eyepiece for two or three minutes, but with the high power 4mm eyepiece (175X magnification) a star will disappear in only twenty or thirty seconds.

Celestron's PowerSeeker 70AZ is a real value because it has very good achromatic optics in a package that's light, portable and affordable. The drawback is that it has a lot of plastic parts, including the finder scope and the 3X barlow. For a more rugged alternative, take a look at Celestron‘s AstroMaster 70 AZ which comes with better eyepieces and includes a sturdier Alt-Azimuth mount. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Very good optics
• Correct image prism
• Easy no tool set-up
• Light, portable, and affordable

Cons:

• Light weight tripod
• Does not track stars and planets
• Plastic finder and barlow lens

Moon as seen with the low power eyepiece, 35X

Crater Clavius shot with a Neximage camera, 280X

Planet Saturn shot with Neximage camera, 280X

Deer over 100 yards away shot at 35X

Birdfeeder about 50 feet away shot at 35X

Celestron PowerSeeker telescopes are a great way to open up the wonders of the Universe to the aspiring astronomer. The PowerSeeker series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect combination of quality, value, features and power. Amateur astronomy is a great family hobby that can be enjoyed year round, and Celestron’s PowerSeekers are the ideal choice for families looking for an affordable and high quality telescope that will provide many hours of enjoyment for children and adults alike.

Celestron NexStar 90SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black)

Celestron NexStar 90SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black) Review

Celestron NexStar 90SLT Mak Computerized Telescope (Black) Feature

• High quality 90mm (3.5") Maksutov-Cassegrain
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for quick tool no set up
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Good for terrestrial and celestial observing
• Includes "The SkyX" Planetarium software

Celestron's NexStar 90 SLT is the most compact telescope in Celestron's computerized NexStar line, with excellent Maksutov-Cassegrain optics that deliver delightful views of the Moon and planets. The NexStar 90 SLT package includes everything but the batteries. With a fully illustrated quick set-up guide, no tools are needed to assemble the telescope with its steel tripod, motorized mount, and computer hand control. Two eyepieces are included, a 25mm for 50X magnification and a 9mm eyepiece for 139X. The package even includes the latest version of "The Sky X", software that turns your PC into a virtual planetarium.

The Maksutov optical design of the NexStar 90 SLT gives the telescope a focal length of 1250mm in an optical tube only twelve inches long. This long focal length is ideal for bringing out detail on the Moon and planets. When I look at the Moon for example, the view is crisp and clear with no trace of false color. When I look at Saturn I can easily push the magnification to 200X with an optional 6mm plossl eyepiece. When I look at deep space objects I often like to use an optional 32mm plossl eyepiece (39X magnification) because objects like M45 the Pleiades cluster and M31 the Andromeda galaxy look better with a wider field of view.

The NexStar 90 SLT also features Celestron's patented SkyAlign technology. With SkyAlign I don't need a star chart or a compass to align the telescope, I just enter the date and time then point the telescope at three bright stars. SkyAlign tells me the star names, and allows the telescope to find over 4,000 stars, planets, and galaxies by just pushing a button. The accurate tracking makes it easy to get high power views of the planets, and allowed me to take some great pictures using a Celestron NexImage webcam. I also like the "Two-Star align" and "Solar System align" modes because I can often get the NexStar system up and running while older scopes are still waiting for their alignment stars to appear in he twilight.

I enjoy using the NexStar 90SLT because it has excellent optics in a compact, twelve pound package that I can carry outside in one trip and be ready to go in minutes. A computerized telescope may take practice to set up; if I don't enter the time correctly the alignment may fail for example. The other drawback of a computerized telescope, of course, is the short life of standard AA batteries. A rechargeable 12-Volt battery is a handy way to power the NexStar 90SLT, and I like to keep the tripod legs short and observe while seated because this gives me a solid and comfortable view. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• Compact and portable
• Easy computerized go-to tracking
• "The Sky X" planetarium software included

Cons:

• Short battery life with AA batteries

Suggested Options:

• Celestron Accessory Kit 
• Celestron PowerTank battery

Quarter Moon shot at 50X with a Powershot camera

Quarter Moon closeup shot at 200X with Neximage camera

Crater Ptolemaeus shot at 400x with Neximage and 2x barlow

Planet Mars shot at 400x with Neximage and 2x barlow

Planet Saturn shot at 400x with Neximage and 2x barlow

Designed to be an affordable entry level to mid-level computerized GoTo telescope, the NexStar SLT refractors, reflectors, and Maks are available in the most popular sizes and are loaded with valuable design features. With preassembled, adjustable stainless steel tripods, and quick release fork arms and tubes, NexStar SLT telescopes can be set up in a matter of minutes – with no tools required! You can see details of the lunar surface, Venus and its phases, polar caps on Mars, Jupiter and its four moons, Saturn with its rings plainly visible and much more! Most NexStar SLT’s can also be used as a land-based spotting telescope.