Review: Celestron NexStar 90SLT GoTo Telescope

The NexStar 90SLT from Celestron is a quality telescope designed for the beginning star gazer. Its low price, excellent basic features, and relative ease of use make it an appealing option for anyone looking to delve into the world of stargazing for the first time. The scope’s beginner status, however, does not compromise the quality of its images nor the quality of the proven Celestron brand.

Specs

• Item number: NexStar 90SLT Mak
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Dimensions: 40 in. x 19 in. x 11 in.
• Aperture: 90 mm (3.54 in.)
• Eyepiece magnification: 50x
• ASIN: BOO38LX8WU
• Mount: Fork arm
• Warranty: 2-year warranty on the telescope for damage and defects
• Focal length: 1250mm
• Eyepiece size: 25mm
• Focal ratio: 14
• Objects in database: 4,000

The Celestron NexStar 90SLT is one of Celestron’s line of beginner telescopes. As such it is designed to offer consumers an overall package of excellent basic features that make its operation and use easy and rewarding. For instance, the telescope can be assembled in about 10 minutes without the use of tools. Many consumers report being able to easily set up the scope, even when it is the first telescope they have owned. The easy physical set up is due in part to the fork arm construction. The telescope does receive some criticism for being somewhat difficult to learn how to operate after the initial setup, but alignment is also made relatively easy with Celestron’s SkyAlign technology. This technology allows the user to align the scope using any three objects in the nighttime sky. The scope’s hand control allows for remote control of the scope’s operations, and a database allows the user to locate 4,000 objects in the night.

Besides its ease of use, the 90SLT offers consumers an appealing package of reliable basic features. For instance, it possesses a magnification of 50x, and a 3.5 inch aperture. The technology allows consumers to enjoy views such as the rings around Saturn and Jupiter’s four moons. The telescope is computer controlled, allowing it to more easily and accurately locate nighttime objects and allow the user to find what they are looking for. For users who want to learn more about the sky they are observing, the scope comes with Sky Astronomy Software. This software provides the user with information about the nighttime sky, celestial objects and sky maps to enrich the viewing experience. The primary downside to this scope is that the 8 AA batteries that run the telescope tend to deplete very quickly. As a result, the consumer may find it easier and more economical to purchase a power pack to go along with the 90SLT instead of relying upon the batteries.

Because the 90SLT is affordable, easy to set up, easy to use, and comes with educational information, it makes an excellent choice for anyone just entering the world of astronomy. This telescope allows the beginner to afford to learn more about the nighttime sky, learn the basics of stargazing, and enjoy breathtaking views, all with a minimum of complication and effort.

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