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Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope

BH #CEN127SLT • MFR #22097
61 reviews
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Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope
Key Features
  • 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA
  • 1500mm Focal Length, f/12 Focal Ratio
  • Single-Arm Motorized Alt-Az Mount
  • NexStar Computer Hand Controller
Designed as an entry- to mid-level astronomical observation platform, the Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope gives users the ability to make detailed observations of the Moon, with the ability to easily see planets and reach outside the solar system to resolve distant objects like galaxies, nebulae, and binary or variable stars. The compact and powerful Maksutov-Cassegrain design corrects off-axis aberrations like comas and chromatic aberrations to produce images with true color rendition through the use of a front corrector plate with a convex meniscus lens, which not only eliminates the need for periodic collimation, but by the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror to limit obstruction and increase contrast.
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Celestron NexStar 127SLT Overview

From Manufacturer

Designed as an entry- to mid-level astronomical observation platform, the Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope gives users the ability to make detailed observations of the Moon, with the ability to easily see planets and reach outside the solar system to resolve distant objects like galaxies, nebulae, and binary or variable stars. The compact and powerful Maksutov-Cassegrain design corrects off-axis aberrations like comas and chromatic aberrations to produce images with true color rendition through the use of a front corrector plate with a convex meniscus lens, which not only eliminates the need for periodic collimation, but by the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror to limit obstruction and increase contrast.

The brain of the NexStar SLT is the venerable NexStar computer controller. Equipped with a database of over 4000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up to 99 custom user-defined objects and filters for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface provides the power to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds and three tracking rates, plus anti-backlash compensation. Features such as guided tours, extended information on 200 popular objects, and multiple alignment options make the NexStar controller easy to use and invaluable to new users and experienced stargazers alike.

Optical Tube
  • 127mm aperture
  • f/12 focal ratio
  • 1500mm focal length
  • Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design
  • Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberration) across the entire field of view
  • Compared to Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, a smaller secondary mirror reduces obstructions and increases contrast
  • Fully coated optics improve light transmission, color rendition, and contrast
  • Resolution: 1.1 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.91 (Dawes)
  • Internal focusing system
  • Vixen-style dovetail plate
NexStar Controller
  • 4000+ object database
  • 99 customizable user-defined objects
  • Expanded information on over 200 most popular objects including history, facts, and mythology
  • Tracking rates: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
  • Nine slew speeds: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 1°/sec, 2°/sec, 3°/sec
  • Anti-backlash compensation trains out the intrinsic play between gears to improve GoTo and tracking accuracy
  • Alignment procedures: SkyAlign, Auto 2-star, 1-star, 2-star, solar system
  • SkyAlign allows fast and easy alignment without having to polar align or even know the names of stars
  • Tour mode: Seeks out the best objects and automatically slews to them
  • Constellation Tour: Tour of the best objects within a specific constellation
  • Identify mode: Searches the database catalogs or lists and displays the name and offset distances to the nearest matching object
  • Flash upgradable via Internet
  • 2-line/16-character LCD display with 19 backlit LED buttons
  • RS-232 communication port for updating or computer control

Database:

  • Solar system: Includes planets, Moon, and Sun
  • Constellations
  • Named Objects
  • Asterisms
  • Variable stars
  • Double stars
  • Abell catalog
  • IC catalog
  • Caldwell catalog
  • Messier catalog
  • NGC catalog
  • SAO catalog

 

Mount and Tripod
Mount:
  • Single-arm fork design
  • Dual-axis DC servo motors
  • Optical encoders on motors improve GoTo and tracking accuracy; up to 0.26 arcsec accuracy
  • Internal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during use
  • Hand control and motors are powered by eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12 VAC adapter
  • No-tool setup, complete quick release setup and breakdown
Tripod:
  • Stainless steel legs improve stability and vibration reduction
  • Adjustable height accommodates a variety of users and viewing positions
  • Center tray holds accessories like eyepieces, filters, and smartphones
  • Movable NexStar controller helps to prevent cord wrap
Included Accessories
Eyepieces:
  • 1.25"-diameter barrel
  • Accepts most 1.25" astronomical filters
  • 9mm focal length produces 167x power
  • 25mm focal length yields 60x power
Diagonal:
  • 90° angle places head at a comfortable viewing angle
  • Star diagonal corrects image horizontally, but not vertically
Finder:
  • 1x power ensures wide field of view for finding alignment stars easily
  • Dual-circle reticle won't obstruct small objects
  • Variable-intensity LED protects night-adjusted vision
Software:
  • NSOL Telescope Control Software: Provides basic telescope control via computer with optional RS-232 cable
UPC: 050234220972

Celestron NexStar 127SLT Specs

Key Specs
Aperture
127 mm / 5"
Focal Length
1500 mm
Focal Ratio
f/11.8
Eyepiece
Yes, Removeable: 1.25" Diameter with 90° Star Diagonal
Type
Motorized: German Equatorial Single Fork
GoTo Capability
Yes
Optical Design
Maksutov Cassegrain
Aperture
127 mm / 5"
Focal Length
1500 mm
Focal Ratio
f/11.8
Resolution
1.1 Arcsec (Rayleigh)
0.91 Arcsec (Dawes)
Eyepiece
Yes, Removeable: 1.25" Diameter with 90° Star Diagonal
Finderscope
Yes
Mounting
Vixen Style
Optical Tube Dimensions
12" / 30.5 cm
Mount
Type
Motorized: German Equatorial Single Fork
GoTo Capability
Yes
Tripod
Type
Adjustable
Material of Tripod
Stainless Steel
General
Battery
8x AA
GPS
No
Packaging Info
Package Weight
32 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
39.85 x 18.3 x 11"

Celestron NexStar 127SLT Reviews

Very Good Value...

By Philip
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-04

I purchased the Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Telescope for the price of $599 late year. So far, I am quite satisfied with the purchase. In addition to the telescope I purchased the Celestron Power Tank 7 Ah power bank, the Celestron Sky Portal Wifi Module, the Celestron Omni 2x Barlow Lens, and later the Celestron 8mm to 24mm Zoom 1.25 inch eyepiece. All of the equipment works quite well. The tripod, mount and ota assemble very quickly. The hand controller normally operates the mount, but the SkyPortal Wifi module connects to the SkyPortal app on my cellphone and allows the phone to control the mount. The 3 star Sky Align feature orients the telescope and gives it Goto capability, controlled by the phone. The SkyPortal app is quite similar to the Goto Sky Atlas of the SeeStar, just without the live stacking photography. I have viewed mainly the Moon and Jupiter, which recently was at opposition so it appears relatively large and bright. I am very pleased with the sharpness of the Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA even with the two eyepieces that came with the scope. My other scopes are the SeeStar S50 and the Dwarf 3, both of which I have been imaging DSOs since April of last year. I wanted a visual telescope that could let me see the Moon and the Planets and the Celestron NexStar 127 SLT has filled the bill very well. I set up the smart scopes at the same time I am using the NexStar. My aim is to capture closeup images of the Moon, images of the Planets, to add to the DSO image library I am creating with the 2 smart scopes. I live in an apartment in New York City, so I load everything up in a wheeled cloth-lined wagon and go to a nearby park with broad views of the eastern sky over Queens and the East River. The smart scopes with their built in filters can see through much of New York's light pollution, while the Celestron NexStar focuses on the brighter Moon and Planets. For the money, the Celestron NexStar product is quite good and all of the Celestron accessories work quite well, especially the SkyPortal Wifi module and the Zoom eyepiece. The power tank also allows me to charge the smart scopes too. My only gripe is about the mount. I agree with other reviewers' complaints about the unsteadiness of the NexStar's mount, I just have to be careful not to jar the scope while I'm looking through it. But, considering how expensive proper mounts are, I am quite happy with the value that Celestron delivers.

Blew our kids minds!!

By Corey
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-02

Beginners here, but this telescope went above and beyond our expectations on the first night! We've seen details on the moon and in planets we didn't think possible in a light polluted neighborhood. Easy set up and use, though calibration is sometimes wonky if you haven't done it before. Red dot scope make that really not needed though, just point at a dot and see what it is!

See any errors on this page?

Would this scope work well for astrophotography? ...

Would this scope work well for astrophotography? What else would I need to buy to make work with Sony E mount
Asked by: Matthew
The NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope was not designed for deep-space astrophotography, as a German Equatorial mount with a clock drive is required. However, the telescope is better suited for simple digiscoping of bright objects such as the moon and brighter planets.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2023-01-30

Will a Cell phone hook up to it for pictures?

Will a Cell phone hook up to it for pictures?
Asked by: Mickey
Yes, one can connect a smartphone to the Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope with an adapter. A very good option would be the Celestron NexYZ DX 3-Axis Smartphone Digiscoping Kit, BH #CENEXYZDXK (https://bhpho.to/3EHROPn).
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2022-11-18

What is the weight of the optical tube without ...

What is the weight of the optical tube without accessories (no lens cap, finder, diagonal, or eyepiece)?
Asked by: Nicole
The OTA is approximately 2.7 kg (6 lbs.).
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-08-23

Will the entire moon fit in view?

Will the entire moon fit in view?
Asked by: Richard
The entire disc of the Moon will fit in the field of view of the NexStar 127SLT's supplied eyepieces .
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-04-19

Will a cell phone camera hook up to it?

Will a cell phone camera hook up to it?
Asked by: Mickey
Yes it can! Celestron recommends the Basic Smartphone Adapter #81035 or the NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter #81055.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2021-03-09

question

Who uses it for photography thats what I am looking for I will be mounting a Nikon D700 and am looking for clean crisp photos?
Asked by: Anonymous
This scope would be good for taking a clear photos. The mount takes into effect, but that's if you are really trying to get more advanced. I would start with this first for shooting photos. You would need 2 adapters to attach your Nikon D700 Camera onto. The first would be the Celestron-SLR (35mm OR Digital) Camera Adapter. Website link: http://bhpho.to/1lwAhIOThen you would need a T-Ring which would adapt your Nikon D700 onto the T-Adapter. Vello Lens Mount Adapter-T-Mount Lens to Nikon F Mount Camera would be perfect. Website link: http://bhpho.to/1d8lKOS
Answered by: Alex S.
Date published: 2023-01-18

Does this scope support the StarSense AutoAlign?

Does this scope support the StarSense AutoAlign?
Asked by: Paul
Yes, it is compatible.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2021-03-19

Does this telescope have large asteroids (Ceres, ...

Does this telescope have large asteroids (Ceres, Vesta etc.) in it's database?
Asked by: Bryan
No, asteroids are not featured in the NexStar hand controllers database; however, you can manually enter in an asteroid's RA and DEC coordinates to command the telescope to slew to an asteroid. You can also add the SkyPortal WiFi Module and using the free planetarium app, SkyPortal, command the telescope slew to asteroids in its database. Sincerely, Garrett at Celestron
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2022-12-13
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