Celestron 22097 NexStar 127SLT-Mak Portable Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, Grey

In my opinion, this is an excellent beginner/intermediate or advanced grab and go scope providing crisp images, ease of use and many desirable software capabilities. I recommend it.My training is in the physical sciences but not specializing in Astronomy or Astrophysics. I have always had interest in the stars from childhood and from having been a navigator in a destroyer during my naval service where I used them to navigate by. Several years ago when I retired I purchased two 1960s vintage equatorial mount 60mm refractors at garage sales and I have been using them while I did some research and reading to decide on the best next telescope to purchase.I decided on a Maksutov-Cassegrain due its reputation for crisp, clear images and on Celestron NexStar for its quality reputation and the features of its GoTo/tracking software program. The deciding factor was that it was on sale at a large discount. I did consider Meade and Orion scopes before deciding on this particular Mak.This year (2013) I took some of my tax refund dollars and purchased the Celestron NexStar 127 SLT Mak and also purchased some of what I consider to be essential accessories.The purchase price of the tube and mount are only part of the price for a complete capable system. Beyond the sock items provided in the initial package, you will need lenses, filters, adapters, etc to fully exploit the capabilities of the mount, software and optics. In other words, to see the most, coolest stuff. By the time I have purchased all of the essential accessories to do this, they will cost almost as much as the telescope itself.I have used the telescope every clear night for the last several weeks and I am very pleased. The NexStar program and alignment are easy to use and provide a better that ballpark result when going to an object. I did purchase the GPS unit, the Celestron accessory kit with additional lenses and filters, the house current and car battery power adapter chords, the USB interface cord, and the light pollution and oxygen filters. I live in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale so light pollution is a factor. The filters help.So far everything works beautifully. My only two complaints are not vital but more nuisance-that the GPS can take some time to synch -- be patient, I was not and had some self inflicted difficulties the first time I used the Mak.-the tripod can be a little wobbly.I will eventually get a heavier tripod, the GPS is what it is. I will try adding some five or ten pound weights to the tripod to see if that stabilizes it sufficiently.I am not done with accessories.Next on my list is a hard case for the tube and a canvass bag for the tripod and accessories so I can safely carry the system to the dark sky sites and star parties. I do want to try some web cam photography of solar system objects so a webcam purchase is in the future. Further down the road, I will get a digital camera adapter, a collimation lens and some higher quality viewing lenses and perhaps a dielectric diagonal.Though I want to eventually get a large GoTo Dobsonian and I always lust after a nice, large Apochromatic telescope with a solid EQ mount for astrophotography,for now I am very happy with my NexStar 127 SLT Mak.I will update as I do new things with the Mak or as I learn new things that may be of interest to buyers.May your skies be clear and dark.Iñigo de OñaNome de plume

To begin, the photos are shaky and blurry because I shot them by trying to stick my phone close to the eyepiece, they do not do this scope justice, it is fantastic! I had very limited experience with telescopes, but the 127 SLT has blown away my expectations. I have seen the Orion's Nebula, rings of Saturn, bands of Jupiter and the 4 Galilean moons clearly. Various star clusters and a couple galaxies. Once you understand the setup and the must have upgrades you'll be ready to go.Pros: The scope is easy to assemble. The red dot is perfectly fine for what it is and gets you close enough. The 5" lens is more than enough to see the usual objects (moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and other Solar System Bodies). The first time i found the Andromeda Galaxy i was a bit disappointed as it just looked like a yellowish smudge in the sky, cool nonetheless. Then I observed Orion's Nebula and couldn't believe how good this little scope does, granted the tripod leaves much to be desired (but there are cheap work arounds, I'll explain in the cons. It's portable if you buy the right case which is great to get out of the city light pollution or to take camping. The tracking and auto alignments are great. Always perform the 2 star alignment as the 3 star align fails 9 out of 10 times, but 2 star is very good. Once 2 star is aligned you can activate tracking and the scope keeps the object you're viewing within frame or very close over a period of time, and you can let the computer drive you to your next object. It's super useful on cold nights and to not have to constantly correct where you're looking.Cons: the mount/tripod is not great, but I've mitigated vibrations and instability by buying cheap anti vibration pads on Amazon $20 and by loading a sandbag with 10lb weight and placing it on the plate of the tripod and this makes it 100 times better. This will be something I upgrade eventually for my own purpose, but I have no problems now and have no need to upgrade after the pads and sandbag trick. The standard pieces you'll want to replace and buy better one's, these pieces are always cheap that come with the scope, but I still use the 32mm for initially locating the object I'm looking for. You'll want something around a 25-32mm, 15mm, and a 9mm , and a 2x Barlow, this is all you need and you will be able to push your scope to its limits and on good nights with low atmospheric interference push a little past them. Further, i cannot say much on battery longevity in the scope as I immediately bought a cheap $8 adapter and used an extension cord for power until I bought the celestron mobile power supply for when I take it on the go. Overall, i wouldn't have changed my mind, this purchase was perfect, the tube didn't need alignment, the motors haven't messed up on me and i have nothing negative to say about this purchase.Recommended: buy the power supply, it's a game changer. Also, get the anti vibration pads and some way to weigh the tripod down, this makes a world of difference. Upgrade your eye pieces, you don't need anything crazy expensive, and buy a case to store your tube, tripod, and accessories, it makes storage and moving it a breeze. There are other well written reviews, so take your time and review what you need before buying. As my first telescope as an adult I'd rate this 9/10 for price and the ease of use and accessories built into the computer of the mount. Next scope will be a 10" lens with a solid equatorial mount base as i have no place for a Dobsonian in my current living situation. Good luck and clear skies!

We bought this telescope to replace our 114mm newtonian. We also have an 10" dobsonian, but we wanted something portable to take on trips, and not breaking the bank. (Going to the beach with a dobsonian is an adventure by itself, including waiting for thermal equilibrium, recollimating, etc).This telescope is portable and solidly built. The tripod could benefit from a little more rigidity, such as changing the pop-rivets on the legs with actual screws.The Mak optics on the 127slt are very clear and sharp compared to both our other telescopes. The included eyepieces are lower tier quality, but the optical tube assembly is already worth the money.We were surprised to be able to clearly see mars' poles (wow!) and distinguish a second ring on saturn using an aftermarket 9mm plossl, in our backyard, in spite of massive light pollution in our area.The motor drive is rather accurate and silent, with anti-backlash, metal gears. The drive arm is metal and feels rather solid, specially compared to the meade autostar - style construction.The nexstar+ control also allows for solar system alignment, which makes it very easy and allows for alignment when you have a constrained horizon.In a summary.Pros:-Great OTA optical quality-Clear and sharp views-Solidly built (except tripod)-Silent driveCons:-Low quality "beginner" eyepieces-Tripod could be more rigid and better built.Overall, great deal for the money, even if you accept in advance that you'll have to invest in a couple of good quality eyepieces.