Celestron NexStar 130SLT VS StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ

[@Hiamnew11123]

Thank you! This video is brilliant and helped me understand the fundamentals of the telescope I will be buying (the Nexstar 130SLT). You have gained a subscriber!

[@davidhoskin6144]

As always, a great video! The 5" Newtonian looks to be at the limit of the NexStar SLT mount. I found this to be the case with the f10 102mm refractor. In my experience, the NexStar SLT mount works much better with a small short tube refractor (Orion ST80) or smaller reflector ( Orion StarBlast 4.5).

[@ka_shh]

Thank you for the great and easy to understand videos, you are the only person I go to on KZbin for astronomy. Plus you always reply to everyone's comments/queries. Thank you for being there.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Of course!

[@99sillysausages]

Just bought this for my dad’s birthday. Hope he’s going to love it!

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’m sure he will!

[@slider6177]

You hit the nail about the feelings you go through with AP. I think I hit a wall last night and want to just take a break for a bit.

[@eterenostalgia5088]

I'm Antonio from Italy, i have the "Skywatcher Heritage" 130/650 with parabolic mirror high quality, in 180X magnifications sharp images, last summer i look Saturn with the white beld and Jupiter with the moons shadow.

[@tjzambonischwartz]

Having used both computer systems, the Starsense is the only one I would want to use.

[@themordeneiser2222]

Is 130x magnification enough with the starsense explorer dx 130 to see planets clearly with very low light pollution?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Light pollution does not affect planets. But yes, you would see detail on the planets at that level of magnification.

[@GauravD-i7y]

Would you recommend the 130 nexstar slt or the 150mm dobsonian tabletop.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Which dobsonian tabletop? The 150 Virtuoso?

[@GauravD-i7y]

@@LearnToStargaze The 150mm Celestron Starsense Tabletop. Likewise a third option is Starsense 130mm tabletop Dobsonian with Celestron Xcel 3X Barlow

[@Rios735]

Question, what is the difference between StarSense Explorer 130mm and StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think you’re referring to the tabletop (non DX) right?

[@mustangboy96]

I’m a complete newbie when it comes to observing above. I was looking into the dx130 it’s a little out of my price range but I really like the idea of the app to help guide me until my knowledge builds. I just can’t seem to pull the trigger I don’t feel confident with my purchase. Looking for some advice. I want to view planets and nebula. Would the dx130 achieve that?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, planets for sure. Nebulae like Orion from the city, much more from dark skies. If cost is a factor, you might look for a used 8 inch Dobsonian.

[@mustangboy96]

@@LearnToStargaze i have a few dark fields around me with minimal light pollution. If I decided to purchase this telescope would you recommend any other lenses for what I'm looking to do? I was thinking about buying used however, I have no clue what I'm looing for and I think it would give me a bit of anxiety. Thank you so much for your assistance. I did join my local astronomy club in Princeton, new jersey but I haven't heard back from them yet and I want to get started sooner rather then later. 🙂

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@mustangboy96 Hello, you may want to start by simply upgrading the 25mm eyepiece that came with it to a nicer one of the same focal length. Zoom eyepieces are also fun, but it's best to learn to use the equipment that comes with your telescope before you start upgrading.

[@mustangboy96]

@@LearnToStargaze thank you, honestly the way you just put it made more sense to me then all the reading I’ve done. Get used to it first,then upgrade. Thank you

[@туда-сюда-д4е]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying my first telescope - Celestron - StarSense Explorer DX6" SCT, can I then move it to another mount, for example-Sky-Watcher EQ5?😊

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, it can be moved to any mount without modification.

[@туда-сюда-д4е]

@ Thanks so much🙏

[@constantinelind]

Hello. Have you bought DX6? How is the tube? How is the optics quality, same as SE version?

[@robertsonsid]

I would think the DX 5 is easier to use than the DX 130 based on the location of the slow-motion controls. Nice review.

[@Freestoneway]

I’m using my 130 off of my star sense scope on to a cg-4 mount. Is this stupid? Will it work ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Let me know how it goes!

[@jonathanwalton999]

Love the videos! I bought this for my 11 year old (and me) last year. We love it…except the mount. Is there an AZ mount (that is readily available) that you would suggest? The shake is becoming unbearable, and focusing is a huge issue. We end up leaving the same lens on for extended periods of time, because unless you’re looking at the moon it’s nearly impossible to focus.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! The twilight 1 mount is the only sturdy AZ mount that I know of. And with newtonians, even that can be a bit shaky.

[@HormozNazarpour]

Can we ordered the motorized nextar mount and use it for explorer DX. I have the explorer 130 DX but the tripod is out of commission. So I was thinking if we can just order the motorized mount and reattach the DX on that. Would that be possible?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I know you can order basically any motorized telescope mount and it will work, but I’m not sure if you can order the SLT mount in particular without a telescope.

[@kmichaelp4508]

Howdy Mrs & Mr Stargaze. I have the Gskyer 130 and for the lift of me I can’t get the cross hairs centered. Maybe a good future video. Everything looks good as far as the alignment of mirror, looking at my eye and centered .

[@LearnToStargaze]

Have you tried during the day? I don’t typically use finderscopes, and I’m not a fan of Newtonians on EQ mounts, so that’s probably not a video we’ll cover.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That said, try shifting the base of the finder. That may be the root cause of your issue.

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@LearnToStargaze , finder scope? EQ mount? It’s in the focuser tube and off center

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@kmichaelp4508 Just explaining why I won't be getting that telescope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@kmichaelp4508 What do you mean by cross hairs? Cross hairs are only inside a finder scope.

[@chrisg9602]

I was wondering about these 2 .I will get the dx 130 and save money

[@florinalexx01]

minunat. dar incearca sa faci colimarea cu tubul la orizontala (sau chiar putin aplecat in jos), astfel incat sa eviti o posibila deteriorare a oglinzii principale in cazul in care cheia imbus de reglare a oglinzii secundare ar scapa din mana.

[@rjdubs12]

Thank you for your great videos I just ordered the DX 130 AZ. as beginner, do you recommend a zoom lens for this? I just thought it would be easier than popping scopes on and off. I saw you recommended the 5mm X-cel eyepiece. Thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, I zoom eyepiece would do just fine. This scope has an exit pupil of 3mm at 43x, so a 15mm focal length eyepiece should provide the optimum contrast on deep sky objects like galaxies. This is right in the middle of the typically zoom eyepiece range.

[@tommasovallone24]

Hello John, I bought the celestron nexstar 130 slt two months ago and it’s really good, I saw many deep sky targets like the andromeda galaxy. I have a question, do you have some tips for alignment because the targets are almost never in the field of view of the 25 mm eyepiece. Thanks!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Have you zoomed in all the way on the “is the camera positioned over the mirror” menu?

[@tommasovallone24]

No what’s that?

[@tonydee9835]

Thanks for this video! I just bought the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ for my wife as a gift - arriving in a few days. I was comparing it with the NexStar 130SLT. So the 2 differences are the electronic mount with tracking vs manual, and price. Is that correct? Both have the same optics? Also, what I saw a few accessories, but didnt buy them yet, thinking let her first try it before investing more money on it. What are some accessories you suggest for the Explorer DX? Thanks in advance!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Correct! Same optics. The only accessory I would get would be the 5mm X-cel eyepiece for planets, and a laser collimator (any brand).

[@tonydee9835]

@@LearnToStargaze Perfect, thank you!

[@desertweasel6965]

What are those holes on the cover used for? I suspect a solar filter, but I have yet to see an explanation for what that hole in the cover is for.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Mainly for stopping down the aperture for looking at the Moon.

[@joeshmoe7899]

Nobody remembers. It's become tradition.

[@luanmega]

How do you know if a telescope can be used for astrophotography?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Usually it would say either “APO” (if a refractor) or “astrograph” (if a Newtonian). Sometimes it might say “triplet optics”.

[@luanmega]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you for answering!

[@zoo101station]

hi. can i use the Astromaster 130EQ scope on a NexStar mount like you did with the 130DX?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think so, you may need to work with it to get it balanced.

[@somvirsinghkadian5699]

I am beginner and confused between celestron starsense dobsonian and celestron 4se please give me some advice thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

The Dobsonian is not motorized, but has a large aperture. The Se is motorized, but with a small aperture.

[@digz12]

Should I buy a celestron Astromaster 130EQ Reflector or the 127 SLT?🤔

[@LearnToStargaze]

Assuming you’re talking about the NexStar 127SLT (which is a Mak telescope), the Mak is far better than the astromaster.

[@saadhero9107]

For the 130slt, can you use it manually to move? And how easy is it to disassemble? Thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! It’s not really designed to move with the power off (it seems to move in one axis better than the other if there’s no power). But you can skew with manually with the hand controller. It is very easy to disassemble.

[@saadhero9107]

@@LearnToStargazethanks for the response. I ordered the non motorized because i want to control it manually and they're pretty much the same scope. I ordered a 30 inch duffle bag to take it as carry on hopefully. Would you recommend me ordering anything with my order besides a laser cullimeter?

[@wesmagyar]

I had heard that celestron sells a wedge for the nexstar mount and that you can run them in equatorial mode. Is this true?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think they make a wedge for the SE version. This is the SLT version.

[@wesmagyar]

@@LearnToStargaze ahhh. Go figure.

[@bxdxdudie8131]

Hey, is the Messier certificate international? I want to get it cause it will help me a lot. I cant find info on google

[@LearnToStargaze]

RASC accepts members from anywhere. You can join meetings via zoom. Here is their messier certificate: www.rasc.ca/messier-objects

[@bxdxdudie8131]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks a lot

[@seanmk2firefly600]

Which would be a better choice for a beginner the refractor 102dx or the reflector 130dx. I like the idea of having the starsense set up to help me get going. Any help is appreciated thanks.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! Probably the 102Dx to avoid the collimation issues with the 130. Clear skies!

[@seanmk2firefly600]

​@LearnToStargaze thanks for the advise the collimation issue don't phase me too much I just want a good experience. As for extras would you advise a 2x barlow and a filter pack??

[@markmaxwell2765]

Do the 114 and 130 Celestron newts have the same OTA diameter?

[@LearnToStargaze]

No, and the 114 has been Bird Jonesed. The number is the diameter (aperture).

[@markmaxwell2765]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks, I have a NexStar 114SLT that I have made an adapter for a 4” solar filter. The OTA for the 114 is just about 5.25” . I was wondering what the size is of the 130 OTA. On another question, can the 130DX reach zenith?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@markmaxwell2765the OTA is 6 inches wide and reaches 70 degrees above the horizon.

[@playingwithalexis8197]

I just bought the Starsense 80lt new unused for $125 but I saw a nexstar 80gtl for only $80 I was wondering if I made the right decision

[@LearnToStargaze]

Ideally you would pull the Starsense off the 80LT and fix it to a more capable telescope. The Nexstar 80Glt does not seem like it would be very fun, not enough aperture for the goto mount to be worth it.

[@Zemixlol]

Hello so I got a telescope mead infinity 70mm and thinking of getting nexstar 127SLT or 130SLT for planets and some deep space objects. I have the Celestron neximage burst for the mead telescope I got but I don’t get good images sadly but I see it good with eyepieces with my eyes. would it be fine if I attach It to the new one I’m thinking of getting

[@LearnToStargaze]

You may have better luck with larger aperture, I’d go with the Mak over the Newtonian if imaging planets is your game. I never had much luck with my Nexstar Camera. Upgraded to a ZWO planetary camera.

[@Zemixlol]

@@LearnToStargaze do you have any recommendations for getting better images? I can show you some photos on some app

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Zemixlol Astrophotography is quite a different hobby than stargazing. The cool thing is, a telescope cameras are cheaper than a DSLR. If you only have $4000 to spend on a Camera, and you want to take pictures of space, you might as well Spend that $4000 on an astronomy camera, and astrophotography grade telescope and mount. See my "I'd start here video for an example". (The only change is that I'd use a Staradventurer GTi instead of an AZ-GTi on a wedge.)

[@Zemixlol]

@@LearnToStargaze ? I’m confused I just wanna get good images with planets and be able to see some deep space objects. I’m thinking of getting nexstar 127SLT

[@LearnToStargaze]

That telescope is designed for planet, and genera stargazing. It will not work well for astrophotography.

[@MisterItchy]

I've got one of these in my Amazon cart. It would be my first telescope. I see reviews that it doesn't come with good eyepieces. Should I buy others? What?

[@LearnToStargaze]

All telescopes seem to come with a not very good high powered eyepiece (because you don’t use high power very often). These should come with a 25mm plossl eyepiece which works great for most people. See my video about upgrading your eyepieces.

[@ashkanrmp7442]

Can you see the moon clearly with starsense 114?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, any telescope will show a clear view of the moon.

[@laurenwiley1057]

Hey John. I got the Celestron Nexstar 130 for Christmas. I had a quick question about checking the collimation. Did you make your own eyepiece with the hole in the middle or was that it bought for that specific purpose?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I made my own.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

It would have been intetesting to see those two 130 mm newtonians against the 102 mm Celestron OMNI or 102/1000 mm ES First Light.

[@sureshr23]

Hello John. Suresh here from India. It's going to be my first telescope and I think I've narrowed down to two models - NexStar 130 SLT and NexStar 127 SLT. I am looking to see the moon, planets and also some deep space (if the models allow for). Which one would you recommend, and why? Thanks.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! I’d go with the 127SLT. The 130 is a Newtonian, it’s quite large and requires collimation. The 127 is much smaller and just works great with no maintenance.

[@sureshr23]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you John. In a Clestron NexStar 130 SLT video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXKtg2hjeLSjesU), you mentioned that the 130 is a good choice for both deep sky as well as the moon and planets. Would you still recommend the 127 because it is smaller and needs no collimation? Thank you.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@sureshr23 the slight decrease in size is made up for with an increase in contrast. I’m waiting to hear back from Celestron as to whether they want me to officially review the 127 as well.

[@AnotherAmateurAstronomer]

Any one know if I bought a Celestron 127 SLT and replaced the optical tube assembly with a Orion 134mm Observer telescope, which is 2 inches shorter and 1.5 pounds lighter than the 130 SLT optical tube, would it fall over or anything? The 134mm optical tube is on rings with a dovetail mount which would make it stick out about an inch and a half more than the 130 SLT optical assembly.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think you’ll be fine.

[@mohammadballouk5933]

You didnt show us a picture for jupiter taken with Nexstar , how can we tell the difference

[@LearnToStargaze]

Difference? It’s the same telescope.

[@zpcao2396]

Will it be serious if I attach a camera to the 130 SLT?

[@LearnToStargaze]

What do you want to take photos of? The Moon would work, but not deep sky objects.

[@zpcao2396]

@@LearnToStargaze 130 SLT isnt made for astrophotography and I realised that so I decided to buy the sky watcher adventurer mount (A manual-electric eq mount) and attach the omni az 102 refractor telescope on it. Would that work for deep sky objects?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@zpcao2396 it might work. Take photos with the telescope at the end of my Omni 102 video. I’d be worried that the telescope is a bit too heavy for the month though.

[@zpcao2396]

the issue with that is that it will move a bit?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@zpcao2396 the issue is that the mount may not be powerful enough to move it once you have a camera and guider attached. The system must be under 11 lbs for that mount, but the scope is also long, so there may be some torques to worry about too.

[@mad_clown475]

do both uses parabolic mirror?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes.

[@VuLTuReTR]

lol.. I think you covered it in the first 30 sec of the video

[@LearnToStargaze]

I honestly don’t know which version I like better. They both have their advantages.

[@mrkihn]

I bought the Explorer DX 130az and the Star Sense app is junk. , It's about 100 degrees off from where the scope is pointing. I did all the troubleshooting guides and it is still way off. Celestron never got back to me with any answer to my questions. basically, the only thing you can see clearly with it is the moon, nothing else. Definitely a big waste of money.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sounds like you’re not selecting the right object during the alignment process.

[@mrkihn]

@@LearnToStargaze definitely am selecting the right object. If you read the reviews on Google Play, I'm far from the only one having problems 2.2 rating. and the sad thing about it is Celestron doesn't answer any of the complaints

[@markmaxwell2765]

To be honest, it is probably a user error. Don’t be offended, there is a learning curve to setting the system up. I can assure you that the StarSense application and the telescope you’re referring to are of good quality and very capable. Customer service aside, is there an astronomical club near you? I suggest that you reach out to them and ask for help. Most clubs have people that are very helpful in getting you set up.

[@HA3APKO]

@@markmaxwell2765for sure is, my app is spot on with the 130

[@Worldis2]

I have the same problem

[@benedetto1975]

as far as I'm concerned, the app doesn't work, it always says it can't find the telescope, and the quality is also terrible, a toy that costs 500 dollars, I took it and destroyed it and put some garden flowers in it. The only use

[@LearnToStargaze]

Why would the StarSense app need to find the telescope? It doesn’t work like that.

[@benedetto1975]

@@LearnToStargaze it does not find the telescope track, in the phone on the app it says that it does not detect the telescope to point the sky, but I point the sky free and it always tells me telescope not found

[@benedetto1975]

@@LearnToStargaze I'm typing from Sardinia, Italy, they are definitely telescopes designed to work well in America

[@HA3APKO]

Waste of a good telescope.

[@brandonbrodbeck6688]

For some reason electric motorized telescope just make it feel like im looking at a tv screen. Just kills the experience of seeing the planets makes it feel fake. I dont know why but...

[@LearnToStargaze]

Strange.

[@richardpaquette8352]

Wow; the reviews on Amazon from many purchasers is that the StarSense DX130 is junk; poorly built and awful optical performance.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s probably because it needs collimation, like all newtonians. Ironically, of all the telescopes on Amazon, the DX130 one of the best. Amazon reviews give the astromaster 127EQ good reviews, and that’s literally the worst telescope on the market.

[@Dyno05]

I’m a member of an astronomical society in Connecticut. Somebody called us recently asking for help setting up their new Star sense dx130. After I inspected it I saw that It arrived WAAY out of collimation. The secondary was so far off it was only showing half of the primary mirror. After collimation, the brief time I used it the views were very acceptable for a scope of that size. It wasn’t optically junk at all. The mount is a bit shaky but worked as advertised. The starsense app works great also.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Dyno05 I forget if I showed it in this video, but the secondary in the DX130 Celestron sent to Dr. Sian Proctor wasn't even connected, it was hanging by a screw. Same with the primary. I literally had to take it apart and fix it. Once that was done, it was a great telescope!

[@Dyno05]

@@LearnToStargaze That’s crazy. What’s up with their quality control lately? I’m a Celestron fan, I have 3 of their SCTs and they are all great but it seems these recent Newtonians are being shipped out in awful shape. The one I worked on had tight mirrors, but secondary was way off, it needed to be rotated and then angle adjustment. The primary was actually pretty square and only needed minor adjustment. The moon and a star field looked great after the collimation. I would have no qualms recommending that scope for new users and for visual use.