Is the NexStar 130 SLT good for a beginner?

Yes. SkyAlign and the GoTo hand control remove most of the hunt for objects, and it assembles without tools.

Can it show planets and galaxies?

It resolves Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud belts and the Moon's surface well. Galaxies and nebulae appear as faint smudges, limited by the 5-inch aperture.

Does it need collimation?

Yes. As a Newtonian reflector, the mirrors need occasional alignment, and it may arrive slightly off.

What comes in the box?

The optical tube, single-arm GoTo mount, steel tripod, accessory tray, StarPointer finderscope and hand control.

How does it compare with the NexStar 130 SLT's larger siblings?

Larger SLT and SE models gather more light and use sturdier mounts, but weigh more and take longer to set up.

Can I use it for astrophotography?

It is built for visual use. The alt-az mount tracks but does not rotate for long-exposure imaging.

Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope

Best price now

$699.95at WalmartChecked Nov 8

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope

Best price now

$699.95at WalmartChecked Nov 8

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $699.95 at Walmart on Nov 8.

Our take on the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope

The NexStar 130 SLT is a 5-inch Newtonian reflector on a computerized GoTo fork mount. Its hand control slews to more than 4,000 objects, and SkyAlign gets it aligned in minutes with no tools. The 130mm mirror gathers enough light for lunar craters, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud belts and many Messier objects. It suits beginners who want push-button finding, though the mount is the weak point compared with sturdier GoTo rigs.

Best forFirst-time telescope ownersPlanetary and lunar viewingBackyard observers who want GoTo findingFamilies sharing one scope

Pros

5-inch mirror gives bright, color-corrected views
GoTo hand control reaches 4,000+ objects
SkyAlign alignment is quick and tool-free
Assembles in minutes with pre-assembled tripod
StarPointer red-dot finder included

Cons

Single-arm mount can be shaky at high power
Newtonian design needs collimation
Tripod is light for the payload
Hand control menus take practice

Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by Celestron, LLCReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$699.95Free shippingChecked Nov 8
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What reviewers say

4 / 514 ratings

Owners rate it 4 out of 5. They like the easy setup and the GoTo database for finding targets fast, but some find the mount wobbly and the alignment fussy.

What people mention

Mount stabilityCriticisedOwners say the single-arm mount vibrates and settles slowly at higher magnification.
SetupPraisedReviewers report it goes together in minutes without tools.
GoTo findingPraisedThe hand control's large database makes locating targets quick for beginners.
AlignmentMixedSkyAlign works well for some, while others find it takes several tries.
OpticsPraisedThe 130mm mirror shows lunar detail and planetary bands clearly.

About the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope

The NexStar 130 SLT is a computerized Newtonian telescope in Celestron's SLT Series. Its hand control slews the telescope automatically to any of more than 4,000 objects, including over 600 galaxies, 300 clusters and dozens of binary stars.

It comes with a pre-assembled, adjustable steel tripod, a quick release fork arm mount and an accessory tray. It can be set up in minutes with no tools. SkyAlign alignment technology and the included StarPointer Finderscope with a red LED make alignment easier.

The 5" primary mirror gathers light to show lunar surface detail, the rings of Saturn, the polar ice caps on Mars, the cloud belts on Jupiter and a number of Messier objects. The mirror design gives color-corrected views and is best suited for astronomical use.

Type: Computerized Newtonian telescope
Primary mirror: 5"
Database: 4,000+ objects, including over 600 galaxies and 300 clusters
Alignment: SkyAlign technology
Finderscope: StarPointer with red LED
Tripod: Pre-assembled, adjustable steel
Mount: Quick release fork arm
Setup: No tools needed
Color: Gray

Specifications

color: GraySource

Questions and answers

Is the NexStar 130 SLT good for a beginner?: Yes. SkyAlign and the GoTo hand control remove most of the hunt for objects, and it assembles without tools.
Can it show planets and galaxies?: It resolves Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud belts and the Moon's surface well. Galaxies and nebulae appear as faint smudges, limited by the 5-inch aperture.
Does it need collimation?: Yes. As a Newtonian reflector, the mirrors need occasional alignment, and it may arrive slightly off.
What comes in the box?: The optical tube, single-arm GoTo mount, steel tripod, accessory tray, StarPointer finderscope and hand control.
How does it compare with the NexStar 130 SLT's larger siblings?: Larger SLT and SE models gather more light and use sturdier mounts, but weigh more and take longer to set up.
Can I use it for astrophotography?: It is built for visual use. The alt-az mount tracks but does not rotate for long-exposure imaging.
Where is the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope cheapest?: At Walmart, for $699.95, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Newtonian Telescope?: Rated 4 out of 5 from 14 ratings.