The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a compact 130mm reflector that pairs wide-field optics with computerized GoTo pointing. It makes the most sense for visual observers who value help finding targets and accept a tripod that can vibrate and an alignment routine that needs care. It is not a good choice for serious deep-sky astrophotography.
What the NexStar 130SLT is—and what comes with it
Celestron’s UK listing identifies the 130SLT as model 31145, with a 130mm aperture, 650mm focal length and f/5 focal ratio. Its short focal length and Newtonian design suit wide-field visual observing. The mount is a computerized alt-azimuth single-fork design with a NexStar+ hand control and SkyAlign. Celestron lists a database of more than 40,000 objects; that is a database count, not a promise that every entry will look bright or detailed through this telescope.
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The listed package includes 25mm and 9mm eyepieces, a StarPointer red-dot finder, hand control, mount and tripod, accessory tray and software. Celestron gives the supplied eyepieces as 26x and 72x magnification. Box contents can vary by market or package, so confirm the listing for the unit you plan to buy. Celestron product details.
How it performs for visual observing
Wide-field views and bright targets
The 130mm aperture gathers light for observing the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky targets, while the 650mm focal length gives the telescope a relatively wide field compared with longer-focal-length designs. Celestron describes lunar detail, Venus, Mars, Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings among its uses. What you can make out depends on sky darkness, atmospheric steadiness, the target’s position and your observing conditions; manufacturer-described targets are not guaranteed views.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 127mm aperture, the NexStar 127SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 127SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: Your Celestron NexStar 130SLT includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the sky, learn about celestial objects, & plan your observing session.
Computerized pointing is useful, but the mount matters
Once aligned, the mount can locate and track targets, reducing the need to star-hop manually. In a hands-on review, TelescopicWatch praised the rich-field performance and said the optics could perform well, but reported that the mount and tripod were prone to shake, especially with the legs extended. It also described GoTo use as frustrating and rated value poorly at the price it reviewed. Those are that reviewer’s qualitative judgments, not controlled measurements or universal outcomes. TelescopicWatch’s review.
Collimation and eyepieces affect the view
As an f/5 Newtonian, the 130SLT benefits from properly aligned optics. The independent reviewer stresses collimation and notes that inexpensive eyepieces may soften toward the edge of the field. Celestron’s manual explains how to check and adjust collimation on the 102SLT/130SLT series and refers to a Newtonian collimation tool. Learn how to check alignment, but do not assume a new telescope needs immediate adjustment or buy a tool before you know it is needed. Celestron SLT-series manual.
Rank #2
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with dual-axis slow-motion controls. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 130MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
Is it suitable for astrophotography?
The 130SLT is best regarded as a visual telescope, not a deep-sky imaging platform. Its alt-azimuth mount does not track accurately enough for serious long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography, according to the hands-on review. Planetary imaging may be possible with additional equipment, but the reviewer characterizes the process as cumbersome. If imaging is your main goal, choose a setup designed around that use rather than expecting this visual package to become a capable deep-sky rig.
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How to align the NexStar 130SLT
SkyAlign asks you to enter the date, time and location, then aim at three bright celestial objects. Celestron says you do not need to know their names. The process depends on accurate information, a level setup and careful centering; rushed or imprecise input can undermine computerized pointing. Celestron describes assembly as requiring no tools, but does not promise a fixed setup time. Celestron’s product page and its older 130SLT product sheet describe the alignment procedure.
Rank #3
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 102SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere.
- REFRACTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: The NexStar 102SLT aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: The NexStar 102SLT Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
- Set up the tripod on stable ground and level it as carefully as practical.
- Enter the correct date, time and observing location in the hand control.
- Use the StarPointer to aim at three bright celestial objects, centering each as carefully as you can. You do not need to identify them by name for SkyAlign.
- After alignment, select a target and assess pointing and tracking. If results are poor, recheck the entered information, centering and setup before assuming the telescope is faulty.
Power, portability and upkeep
Celestron lists three power options: eight AA batteries, which are not included; a separately sold PowerTank portable battery; or a separately sold 12V AC adapter. Battery choice affects both the cost of ownership and field planning. The product page also lists compatibility with accessories including StarSense AutoAlign, a SkyPortal WiFi module and PowerTank Lithium. Check exact model and electrical or mechanical compatibility before buying an accessory, particularly a third-party one. Celestron’s product page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider it—and what to compare
Consider the 130SLT if computerized target finding, a relatively compact tripod setup and wide-field visual observing matter more to you than a rock-steady mount or imaging capability. Before buying, compare the complete local price, including power needs, and consider how much you value automatic pointing over stability and aperture for the money.
Rank #4
- SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
- PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
- TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
- SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
- 114MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 4.5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
- For more aperture with GoTo: the independent review points to the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P as an option with a larger aperture. Check current availability and local pricing.
- For app-based control and a sturdier tripod: the reviewer identifies the Celestron Astro-Fi 130 as a similar-size alternative. Compare current configuration and price in your market.
- For aperture and value over computerized pointing: consider a Dobsonian design, which may better suit a buyer willing to navigate manually. The best fit depends on priorities, not a universal ranking.
Model availability, included accessories and prices can change by region. B&H’s listing corroborates the 31145 model number and major optical specifications, but its stock and price are volatile. B&H’s 130SLT listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 6SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 6-INCH SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The large 6" aperture gathers enough light to reveal fine lunar details, cloud bands on Jupiter, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clusters—all in a compact, portable form factor.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- FAST & EASY ALIGNMENT WITH SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: SkyAlign gets you observing fast—just center any three bright stars or planets, even if you don’t know their names. The system then calculates your position and aligns the mount in minutes.
- COMPATIBLE WITH CELESTRON ACCESSORIES: Easily upgrade your setup with all our latest accessories to enhance automation, wireless control, or location accuracy as your skills grow.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
