Celestron StarSense Explorer 114LT - Ultimate Review

Celestron StarSense Explorer 114LT. What's it all about? How well does StarSense Work? How do you take pictures with it? I unbox, assemble, and push this telescope to the max, finding, viewing, and imaging star cluster NGC 457.
Affiliate links:
This telescope: optcorp.com/products/celestro...
A better option would be the 102mm StarSense Refractor found here: optcorp.com/products/celestro...
NeXYZ cell phone adapter:
optcorp.com/products/celestro...
Did you like this video? Are you having trouble getting the most out of your new telescope? Consider 50 Things to See With a Telescope. This book will teach you to use your telescope to see cool things in the night sky. www.amazon.com/50-Things-See-...

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hey LearnToStargaze community! We're on Patreon now! Follow along for exclusive behind the scenes footage from LearnToStargaze and the development of our stargazing site, "Stargaze Nova Scotia." www.patreon.com/LearnToStargaze

[@JeremyMiller-xp1ti]

Looking to try out astrophotography. Trying to find a decent setup. I hear zwo pro cameras are the best, but they're over $1,000. Thinking of ZWO ASI678MC 8.29 megapixel with a Astromania 1.25" Narrowband NBPF Hydrogen-a 12nm Filter. The camera/filter setup is about $450. Would this be a good setup with this telescope, or would you have another recommendation? I'm looking to get into astrophotography but at the same time, be content with what I have for a decent amount of time before I have to upgrade. I'd like to catch planets, galaxies, nebula, I've even heard of people with the ZWO pro and expensive telescopes catching black holes. Eventually I'd like to go as far as I can but again for now I just want to be content and get good at what I'm doing before I spend thousands of dollars.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@JeremyMiller-xp1ti Hello! If your astrophotography budget is under $3000, there are two options, the first is a ZWO Seestar (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/803002805-USE/zwo_ss_s50_seestar_s50_50mm_f_5.html ), and the second is a DSLR on a tripod, or basic star tracker. You can pick up a used sky tracker on B&H photo for around $200 (like this one: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802999098-USE/sky_watcher_s20582_star_adventurer_mini_pro.html ). If you actually want a good image of deep sky objects with an astro camera and a telescope, then a LOT more gear is required.

[@fredkaningok6460]

Thank you very much! I just got this telescope and I will be watching this video over and over until I graduate to a larger one.

[@alexleroux08]

I just got this telescope this Christmas and you’ve already blown my mind by how much I didn’t know about my telescope

[@LearnToStargaze]

Well, now you know!

[@alexleroux08]

@@LearnToStargazemay I quickly ask, is there any alternative methods that you use to see inside the telescope to adjust the secondary mirror rather than drilling a hole through the cover? Also with newtonian telescopes do you recommend a dew cover and or heater to reduce the chance of dew affecting the secondary mirror?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@alexleroux08 you can just look into the telescope without an eyepiece and that’s a close approximation.

[@alexleroux08]

@@LearnToStargaze sounds good, thanks so much for the help

[@hannahg3475]

Right!

[@n0iseradi0]

Thank you for showing me that collimation method, so simple this is great.

[@michaelfielding6943]

The single best telescope / astronomy / star-gazing KZbinr on this planet...period. Incredible content, as always! Massive fan of your channel here in Ireland!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Wow, thanks for the feedback, Mick. That's really encouraging.

[@fatchungus]

Thank you so much ! I have been searching for this telescope series but I couldn’t find any videos that I actually trust. Again, thank you so much for making this video. I subscribed to your channel around a few months ago and really enjoyed your contents.

[@jodo3k]

Big fan of your videos. I have 2 of your books as well. I bought myself the 130DX for Christmas. It was easy to setup and configure the app. With the app I felt like I was finding objects in the sky pretty quickly, which was a big boost of confidence for a beginner. I bought the 130 partially because it was all I could find to buy at the time (hard to even buy a telescope these days), but I think I'm going to be pretty happy with it. Can't wait for some warmer weather to work my way through the books. I'm obviously not as willing to go out in the cold as the Canadians lol. ;)

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the wonderful feedback and great to hear you're enjoying the 130DX! Yes, not only does the StarSense boost confidence, it's simply quite fun! We have so much snow now I can't even set up the telescopes in the backyard at all!!

[@leong11000]

excellent! clear and concise. Thanks for walking us through how to use this telescope.

[@malloryhaggart6447]

I'm brand spanking new to telescopes - this was by far the best video I've seen! You've clearly demonstrated how to use the scope in addition to verbally explaining how to use it. I just bought the DX 130, you've confirmed it was a good value purchase. Can't wait to go look at those rings of Saturn and then on to explore other beautiful things in the night sky!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks Mallory! I'm currently planning moany more stargazing videos! Hopefully you'll check out my new book, 110 Things to See with a Telescope, which is perfect for planning viewing sessions with the the 130Dx. Clear skies!

[@GreenBananaz]

I’m a newbie too but I’ve decided I’m definitely buying it

[@vickyvonstein2331]

a very helpful and comprehensive review! thank you.

[@mfzb0912]

I just got one of these as an amateur stargazer and your video was spot on. I neded another perspective and how to use this dang thing and you did a great job thank you.

[@sneakyimp]

Nice work! Very helpful information from start to finish.

[@peacekeeperz81]

Really liked this video and I love how well you did the review. Thanks for sharing so much knowledge that we could use with any telescope. Subbed.

[@petergarton9491]

Thanks for the video! Just gave this to my daughter this morning. She wanted a telescope for her birthday and she was jumping up and down on her bed when she saw what it was. She just turned 11 today. Can't wait to take it out tonight and explore the sky with her. :)

[@gibsonfan159]

What did you think? How difficult was the setup?

[@BrentonBruder15]

Just got this telescope can’t wait to use it and love your videos keep up the good work

[@LearnToStargaze]

Make sure you see Saturn Jupiter and the Moon tonight!

[@BrentonBruder15]

@@LearnToStargazewill do

[@MountainFisher]

I bought a Celestron 114 AZ-SR at Kohls on sale for $125, but there was a 40% off coupon so after taxes it was $82 for an F5.2 ratio 600mm focal length, 4 1/2" scope. It came with 9.7mm and 26mm Plossel lenses and I bought a 32mm Svbony and a 15mm wide angle long eye relief lens. Then I got a very highly rated GSO 2x Barlow where the lens can be removed and screwed directly onto the eye pieces giving 1.5x magnification. So I can have 2x or 1.5x of the 15mm and the Orion Nebula was awesome last night on 7.5mm@80x. Living in Southern New Mexico and minutes away from very dark sky makes it easier to see deep sky objects. I found the scope to be solid as well as the tripod, but the mount leaves something to be desired (still looks to be more solid than that one you've got though) and it cannot be mounted to anything else because of the side screw mounting style. Being a retired engineer I do believe I'll make it so it takes a vixen mount and get a decent EQ mount and attach it to the tripod. Just in lenses my $82 telescope is up to $180+. LOL Make that $215 with the collimator I have coming.

[@markboudreau1410]

Another great one! Thanks so much!

[@akaricat_]

I took a picture of the pollux star yesterday with my phone and it let me to wanting a telescope, weird way to come here but it was worth my time

[@RichardRobinson]

Excellent tutorial, thank you

[@Meowseee]

You rock! This is so useful

[@techgirlval]

Super helpful! Thank you

[@brettatton]

Hi John, I’m back watching this video because, as usual, I am advocating for StarSense Explorer. Our club does public and school outreach. I would like our organization to obtain a small fleet of the new table top SSE scopes…114, 130 or 150mm aperture Newtonian models with proper parabolic mirrors and appropriate accessories included. The only issue with table top sized instruments is raising them to a useful height if you don’t have table handy. The 114 LT SSE in this video is the model I’m least likely to recommend. I’m glad you got results out of yours! The individual segments of this video are excellent. When buying a SSE second hand the previous owner may have used up one or more of the total of five devices (phones) you can unlock.

[@dunringill1747]

Great video! Thank you.

[@moniqueturpin6776]

Excellente vidéo, surtout la partie collimation. Merci

[@mtmcommunity]

I got this scope yesterday, 80 bucks used on offerup. I thought id just look up a tutorial because im kind of clueless. I feel like this is the best video i could of clicked!! Edit: i have astigmatism so its hard with the laser, it just looks like a big star instesd of a dot 😅

[@salatino]

We got this telescope for our 5yr old for Christmas this year. He loves astronomy and we live way out in the country with no light pollution. I've always wanted a telescope and your review made me feel confident in this purchase.

[@sturmzes]

It is very doubtful that a five-year-old child loved astronomy)))) it’s more like that dad who wanted a telescope finally got it🤣

[@salatino]

@@sturmzes I've always wanted one but he is obsessed with the planets and stars.

[@robs9324]

How much did it cost

[@salatino]

@@robs9324 $215 on Amazon

[@ManishFrenchStudio]

Knowledgeable video 🎁🎁🎉🎉🎉 thank you for sharing 🙏❤️🎉🎉🎉💖💖💖

[@solnoguera8435]

Thank you for showing how to improve a photo 😄

[@davidsherlock5748]

SUPER VIDEO. Thank you so much.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@d.g.666]

Great channel! I just got this scope a few weeks ago and finally checked out the moon tonite. Found your channel after trying to figure out why my 10mm lens was blurry and "mehh" (especially with barlow lens) compared to the crispy 25mm and 25mm w/ barlow. Gonna follow your advice on how to test the collimation and fix accordingly if needed. I had no idea about the middle piece in the main scope cap that pops out to help with moon brightness. Quite cool. Its chilly af in NY so ive only been limited to what i can point the scope to out my windows lol. Cant wait for warmer nights. Thank you for your vids! Subscribed :)

[@DNR1982]

VERY INFORMATIVE! THANKS

[@brenthann2623]

thanks for the video.

[@TheMjphoto45]

I'm getting this for $50 new. Can't wait

[@brettatton]

Hi John. I was on the Hamilton Amateur Astronomer's meeting when you were the guest speaker. We talked about the SSE and hacking it onto other scopes. (As in your subsequent video) I'm with Bluewater Astronomical Society in Ontario...recently I've hacked the SSE onto a Webster C28 Dobsonian. Good news is they've added tons of NGC and IC catalog items to the SSE menus! Not comets, asteroids or Pluto though! We are nailing push tos with the 31 Nagler at x93 and 3/4 degree FOV. Located Panstars K2 using SS7 and star hopping to numbered stars in Ophiucus... BTW I made the bracket to mount the cellphone cradle out of flat aluminum stock and use large binder clips to attach it...simple simple simple!

[@RockinRobbins13]

Ah, another fan of biologically driven Dobsonian telescopes! Salute!

[@YaMomsOyster]

I bought the LT yesterday and paid $400 Aussie dollars, second hand. Works great , not too complicated. Feel I paid a little more than I should’ve. Oh well. The moon looked great through it last night. The Cell phone App was brilliant assist.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

You're proud 👏 to show off you work for government propaganda? Then why should we trust your opinion on telescopes 🔭 or that ridiculous $400 price tag! 🤔 hmmm

[@XShadowAngel]

These things are fantastic for outreach.

[@LearnToStargaze]

When I first got this scope I took it to my son’s school. It was a huge hit.

[@M3rn13]

Thanks for this..purchased one 😅

[@T.K.9]

Nice video! Beginner here and tried the 102 DX from starsense. I gotta say, not bad at all. I had issues aligning it at first. But when it did, the app really does point out correctly. And to my shock, the bright object I always see near the moon at my place, which I thought was a satellite was actually Jupiter! Also saw Vega, Altair, albireo, deneb, mizar and much more! Unfortunately last night the moon was so bright and my starsense had trouble seeing Jupiter. Next top is using a phone camera to take images. If I can find a spare phone! And figure out how to set up the moon filter and try some barlow's.

[@ummeabdullah4761]

Nice, I'm going to get the exact same one

[@LearnToStargaze]

Although I love the Starsense App, this was not a positive review of the telescope itself.

[@suzleber4]

New sub, really thinking about buying a telescope for the first time, and I wanted something more modern but for beginners like this is. I would really like to watch and take pictures of Jupiter and it's moons.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Taking pictures of Jupiter and its moons is best done with an SCT telescope like the NexStar Evolution 8. If you're on a budget, you can look at getting a used NexStar 8se.

[@astrotherapist]

WOW! Take a video of star clusters and put them in PIPP to center so they can go into DSS for processing. Genius ("Brilliant" in the UK) idea!

[@jvanjesvs]

What a great video! Thanks a lot, it helped me in my very first steps with my telescope!

[@demej00]

I like my cheap 90mm Bressler refractor. Yes, fringing but great planetary and deepsky photos with cellphone. Light, one handed carrying even with tripod and no colimation required.

[@davidbrandenburg8029]

2 pieces of 95% reflective mylar with the shiniest sides facing out, makes a nice solar filter if taped to inside of lens cap center hole!.

[@joeshmoe7899]

If i had to buy one of these as a first scope, i'd get the 102dx refractor. Great all around scope, easy to use (no collimation), very portable. I have a an 8" f5 reflector on eq5 mount. But use the celestron omni az 102 refractor most of the time. It's more fun.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I love the Omni 102. I use it all the time.

[@frehatipu9187]

Hi John, thanks for another useful video! Starsense is one I'm considering, but not much variety at the moment as telescopes are very popular in UK. I have your book! Keen to use it when we have clearer skies here. Best wishes,

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback and I hope you enjoy my book! If you're looking for a telescope, a lot of telescope are showing up in B&H photo's used telescope section. They may even offer free shipping to the UK (they offer free shipping to Canada). The key is to know in advance the exactly model of telescope you want, and then wait until it shows up on their used page. I've probably bought 7 or 8 telescope that way. There's even a refurbished StarSense DX refractor scope on there right now for $300 USD. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Telescopes/ci/3307/N/4294246674

[@frehatipu9187]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you! that's kind of you to post the link

[@adantahir2780]

Ur the best ! Can u plz make more videos of cheap and good telescope s😊

[@LearnToStargaze]

Three more coming up in the next 30 days.

[@darrentaylor4248]

I have the lt127. If I align the scope well. It’s great. Alignment on a star every now and then helps a lot. Need to make sure that the tripod screws tops just below mount are tight for stability

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great to hear! Do you have a favorite target?

[@darrentaylor4248]

@@LearnToStargaze I like beehive and jewel box. ETA carina.

[@No-vd9qd]

I have a similar celestron telescope with a corrector, the only thing I can say is that it is good for deep space

[@naturewatcher7596]

Would like to see how the moon and planets look trough this scope - these targets are what it was made for. Thank you.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Here is the Celestron StarSense Owner's club page on facebook: Lots of images here. facebook.com/groups/2365437330426021/

[@redstonecommander5190]

13:38 now I think the ET cluster kind of reminds me of the Pilates star cluster because of it similar shape and grouping in the center

[@asliunan7782]

Thanks ! Just bought the same telescope. Though It wasn't clear to me how you took the video from the telescope!

[@LearnToStargaze]

I used a NeXYZ cell phone adapter.

[@chrislarson740]

Good morning! Great video. Hey, I’m thinking of recommending the 130DX to my brother - but you mentioned a secondary mirror affecting collimating - is that a Bird Jones design? I had a Celestron 127EQ which was that design, and it was a pain to calibrate and had to be done a lot. I’d rather not set my brother up with that, if indeed the case. Great production, content, amd presentation, sir!! Always look forward to your videos.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hey Chris, only the 114LT version has the Bird-Jones corrector. The 130DX is clean, and people love it. Thanks for the feedback on the videos!

[@krazyhorse448]

You got a Bird Jones, I for one like these field flatting scopes but is listed as the most hated even though they are super easy to collimate. Hint its one unit remove by hand

[@simona1136]

Hi. One question. When the iphone is in the cradle and in use is there an aperture for the phone to be connected to a power source whilst in use?

[@wilyam171089]

Hi, is the 114 LT Star sense Explorer good to seeing Crater on the moon and then taking photo of them through the telescope. And if so which of the eye pieces it come with would be best for that? Thanks.

[@winterpatriot1429]

Nice! Enjoyed the video, and certainly became more educated on the photography software .. something I’m very interested in! 👍 Sub’d! Gonna go binge-watch some more of your videos.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@brettatton]

Night vision mode is fine...you have to be aware of the text prompts to know if the app wants to take an image. When you get on target the circle gets corners so you don't need to see the red yellow and green...colours don't show in night mode!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Thank you for the very informative video. I'm considering a telescope with StarSense, but I'm looking at the 10" Dobsonian. I just can't decide if I'm ready to spend that much on my first telescope.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The telescopes paired with Starsense are priced at quite a premium. The 10 inch dob is also a very large telescope. An ideal first telescope would be an 8 inch dob. A simple guidebook like 110 Things to See With A Telescope and a telrad would be just as effective as Starsense for finding targets. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1675299-REG/sky_watcher_s11610_classic_200p_dobsonian.html

[@davidbrandenburg8029]

right now is the time to start thinking about upgrading, as during the pandemic they sold the hell out of telescopes and now a year later they are finding all their warehouses full of inventory thats no longer selling so prices will be dropping. also keep an eye out for drop shippers who are selling them at big discounts!. 07/25/2021

[@andersb6014]

I need this..😳👏🥳

[@LearnToStargaze]

As I said in the video, the optics are quite poor. You really need to upgrade to the DX version for a good experience.

[@andersb6014]

@@LearnToStargaze is it the barlow linses thats poor, cause you could upgrade them, right.. ? .. the telescope it self is okay? .. cause the price difference is big .. 2000 danish for the 127 lt, against about 5000 for the dx .. I got my eye up for whats in the sky, and I need to start somewhere ..🙃👏🥳

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@andersb6014 If you replaced the mirrors, focuser, tripod, mount, and eyepieces, then the 114 would be okay, the 127 is also quite poor. Otherwise, it's better to get the DX102 or DX130 which already has these upgrades.

[@andersb6014]

@@LearnToStargaze okay .. what about the Celestron Astromaster 130EQ ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

telescopicwatch.com/celestron-astromaster-130eq-telescope-review/

[@venthril7745]

Does your phone have to have a gyro feature to work with this telescope? Or does it just work off the camera? I want to buy one but my phone is an old android and doesnt have a gyro :/

[@kajbyman3006]

Thank's for the video.One thing i did not understand is..Is it possible to modify any teleskope for star sense by just adding a phone holder and downloading the app?I have a skywatch 130,and seems dum to buy a new telescope just to get the star sense..

[@LearnToStargaze]

Starsense uses a special mirror and the app requires a code. Apparently the alternative is this website, which has similar functionality: artyom-beilis.github.io/astrohopper.html

[@mulberry8930]

Can you do a video of viewing a galaxy or nebula with the 114LT? I presume that’s putting it to its limits.

[@LearnToStargaze]

You could probably see the Andromeda Galaxy, but getting something recognizable on camera (without modifying the telescope with $1000's of gear) would be quite difficult.

[@Es-C-kat]

Hi there. Im super novice to Star Gazing. I figured out how to focus lens etc. But Im struggling to see the planets clearly. Could you pls advise which lens (ie 50mm) to buy so I can see a bit of Venus? Thank you!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

For planets, additional eyepieces won’t make a material difference (to beginners) over the ones that came with the telescope. Venus will look like a super bright white star. You may be able to see it’s current phase (shape), like a gibbous Moon. That said, my go-to eyepiece for planets in a small telescope is the 5mm X-cel by Celestron.

[@inderveerbilling]

What are you suggestion for other comparable telescopes in same price range for better viewing of deep sky objects ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Pretty much any 102mm Refractor on an AZ mount, or 130mm Newtonian on a Dobsonian mount.

[@AlexOrlovallmountainsports]

that is awesome. A quick question - so you bought an additional phone holder to make pictures ( attached to an eye piece), have you tries a Bluetooth ones?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I use an ASIair, which is wifi powered.

[@paulsnape3656]

Hi, I cant seem to get the app to align with the scope could you do a video on how to set up the stat sense app please.

[@Astronomer118]

Bro the video show you

[@BunnyMomJedi]

What size drill bit did you use to the drill the hole? Probably a stupid question 😅 new to this!

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think it was a 1/8”

[@briantorres224]

Hola compré el celestron starsense Explorer 127 mm , aún no lo he usado. Me gustaría saber si hay que comprar un erector de imagen para usarlo en observaciones terrestres. Mi otra pregunta es: Que opinión le das a mi telescopio? Gracias

[@Astronomer118]

No you do not need a diagonal

[@fannycortessilva7432]

Hola buen día desde chile, compre ese modelo para mi hija y tengo problema con el localizador al parecer es la bateria pero no puedo remover la tapa de esta... Ayuda plis.. Saludos

[@jeffreythornton2675]

Great video! In your photo portion of the clip, you're using an app called NightCap Camera. Seems this is an iOS product. I have a Google Pixel smartphone and NightCap will not work with Android phones. Do you have another camera app that would be a good substitute? Thank you..

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’m not familiar with Android phones, but any app that gives you full control of the camera should do the trick (ISO, Focus, and EXP)

[@kartiksharma2516]

Hi, which one is going to be better according to you, the 114LT or the LT 80AZ ? I already have a beginners telescope so I want something better than astromaster 70 az.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I wouldn’t say better. Neither of those are better than the 70az except for the fact that they have StarSense. If you want a better scope with Starsense, you’d have to go with the DX 102 or the DX 130.

[@aididsalleh2696]

Im new in astronomy. From your expertise, would you go for StarSense Explorer LT114AZ or STARSENSE EXPLORER DX 102AZ? Im more interested to see planets, galaxy, milky way etc.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! The 102AZ is much, much better than the 114az. The most important thing for viewing galaxies, star clusters and nebulae, far more important than the telescope, is dark moonless skies. Use a website like darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html to find the dark skies nearest you. Also, for galaxies and nebulae, it’s best to observe near the new Moon (July 28 is the next one). That said, planets and the Moon can be observed from the city, no dark skies required.

[@aididsalleh2696]

@@LearnToStargaze oh sorry, i mean Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ vs Starsense Explorer DX 102AZ. For galaxy, milky and planets 🪐 which is better recommended?

[@jayfabe2591]

What telescopes would you recommend for myself who is absolutely new to astronomy and wants to see beautiful things and take pictures?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Depends on your budget. On an intro photography budget, the SeeStar S50 is probably best.

[@vijays43]

Like the video and great channel.. I am planning to buy either starsense 80az or 114 az. Please suggest which of these two has an advantage and good to see plants and deep sky object.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I can’t recommend either because of the mount. The 102DX would be the entry level Starsense that meets a beginner’s minimum requirement.

[@vijays43]

Thank you so much for the speedy reply. Will go with 102 dx.

[@39zack]

I been thinking of the DX130 as my first telescope, it looks to be right in the point of not too expensive but also not too small Offcause the 10" StarSense DOB would be cool, but it seems to be too heavy for me at this point and not very mobile.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Should be a good choice. I’ll be reviewing that telescope soon.

[@39zack]

@@LearnToStargaze Looking forward to it :D

[@waynegarrett1614]

Hi, is the LT 127 AZ good for DSO? does the 127 also have the corrector lens in the view finder?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 127 is the unfortunately a bird Jones (not good) and spherical mirror (also not good) design.

[@waynegarrett1614]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks!!

[@jjrevert9376]

what telescope do you rocomend for a beginer looking to see planets and nebulars and other things?

[@LearnToStargaze]

That question is the subject of countless youtube videos. The VERY short answer is an 8 inch dobsonian if you value traditional approaches to learning the night sky, or an Celestron Evolution if you're in to high tech stuff. The sub $300 telescopes are still fun, but are really toys, and not tools for servious astronomical observations.

[@Zepxi]

Just curious, on the smartphone mount, does the mirror go into the telescope? like, if i were to put it on the mount, would it show the same view as the eyepeice?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The image on the iPhone screen shows pretty much the same view of the sky as if you pointed your phone at the sky.

[@Zepxi]

Ah, thanks. I though the slot let the phone see INSIDE the telescope @@LearnToStargaze

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@Zepxi Yeah, this is not a system (or telescope) that is designed for taking photos.

[@mikew7168]

I wanna be able to see other galaxies and deep space objects, do you recommend the DX for this?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think there is a misconception that the ability to see galaxies improves with the size of the telescope. Galaxies will appear equally as bright in binoculars as they will through $1,000,000 dollar telescope (using an eyepiece). What really matters is the sky conditions. You need dark moonless skies to view galaxies in any telescope. Wider aperture telescopes enable enable you to zoom in a bit closer without loosing resolution, but again, the darkness of your sky it what matters most, and even in dark skies galaxies still appear as tiny smudges unless you’re using a camera (on a $3000+ telescope imaging rig). I tested the 130DX last weekend in the Arizona desert, and I was able to observe galaxies (as tiny smudges) as expected. Yes, they appear better than in the 114, but that’s because the optics in the 114 are very poor for other reasons (bird Jones, spherical mirror etc). The 130DX is a reasonable beginner telescope, just know that for galaxies it’s not the scope that matters, it’s where you use it.

[@fredaw61]

How long of a video did you shoot since obviously this scope doesn’t track?

[@LearnToStargaze]

A few seconds.

[@toddbraun5705]

What would you say is the best beginner telescope. I want to see moon, planets, galaxies. Also I like in the city so want to be able to transport to state parks and places with less light like the mountains on vacation. Thanks for any tips. Also loved the video.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! I made a grid with a list of telescopes at every price range at LearnToStargaze.com but by the sound of it, the StarSense DX5 would be a great choice. It can be moved to a smaller mount and carried in a backpack (see my video on the DX5 where I did this).

[@YayaOrchid]

Great info. Can I use a Celestron or SV Bony zoom 7-21mm? Can I use a 6mm or 5mm eyepiece? Thank again

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, the zoom eyepieces would be great. I would skip the 5-6mm eyepieces through, that's almost too much magnification for this little telescope and will make objects hard to find.

[@YayaOrchid]

@@LearnToStargaze Which zoom would you choose? I read that both are about the same. What about a moon filter?

[@stellababy1998]

Great video but as you suggested it would be best for planets, why not demo how the moon looks with this?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I would have looked at the Moon, but it was not in the sky during the production timeline of this video. I show the Moon in dozens of other videos though. There may be views of the Moon through this telescope in a video called "Stargazing with Kids" coming soon...

[@arpadjakab-peter5431]

Hello! If may I ask, I have already the skywatcher skymax 102, it is worth upgrading to the celestron 114LCM ? Thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

114LCM is bird jonesed, one of the worst designs out there. An upgrade would be to take the skymax, and put it on a motorized mount like a Celestron AVX.

[@arpadjakab-peter5431]

@@LearnToStargaze i have a eq goto mount as well, but I am having trouble polar align it as it foesent have a polar scope :) anyways I am looking for an upgrage of this scope as this has a long focal length but it is an f12 :/

[@xX_Poiz0n_Xx]

Are you able to mount a dslr camera to the telescope? Debating to buy this but only if I can use a camera

[@LearnToStargaze]

You could using a t-adapter but the images would be terrible. If you want to take images of anything other than the Moon you need a basic astrophotography rig. See AstroBackyard’s channel for a few examples of Deep Sky Photography with a DSLR.

[@vanessarobles229]

Hi, I am trying to buy someone a telescope, but i dont know which telescope will offer the best qualities to see the planets and stars. I was about to purchase this one, but i came across your video. Which one would you recommend? I do have a price range which is 200 and under

[@LearnToStargaze]

For 200 and under try the zhumell z114 or z130, or if you can find one, a 100mm or 102mm refractor on an az mount by Meade or Celestron.

[@finnmodderkolk8633]

Hey i was wondering, does the telescope come with a phone holder to take pictures with?

[@LearnToStargaze]

If it does, it’s not a good one. Only the NeXYZ works well for that.

[@finnmodderkolk8633]

okay thanks! @@LearnToStargaze

[@tywoodruff8578]

Do you need a second cell phone to take your photos, or can you remove the phone being used for StarSense to take the pics?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Either way works

[@alaingoyette7103]

what phone adapter did you use and/or would recommend?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I use the Celestron NeXYZ.

[@dunnoyolo2238]

Hey what do you recommend for a decent starter eyepiece kit ? Just picked up a Celestron Omni 102mm refractor telescope ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’d skip the kit and get a 8-24mm zoom eyepiece.

[@dunnoyolo2238]

@@LearnToStargaze What brand would you think decent ?

[@JohnReadAuthor]

@@dunnoyolo2238 I have the celestron one, and it works fine. These are great for the moon and planets. for deep sky objects, I'd stick to a 25mm Plossl.

[@dunnoyolo2238]

@@JohnReadAuthor Would you recommend a 2X barlow lens with it ? And Thanks for help

[@dylloop]

Just bought this and was trying to look at Jupiter. I thought I might be able to see detail of the planet but it's really just a Brite spot still is there a special way to focus this telescope enough to see detail of a planet like Jupiter?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The most you’re going to see are two cloud belts and possibly a hint of the red spot (if it’s on the side facing us). A moon filter might help with the contrast.

[@tuunaes]

Good quality telescope of this aperture would give sharp views up to ~200x magnification showing decent amount of details. (assuming good seeing) But unfortunately this scam design optics with rejects dumpster parts won't ever give sharp views at anything approaching such magnification.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@tuunaes I’ve found the 102 refractor views better than all brands of 114 Newtonian regardless of whether they are using the 450mm, 500mm, or Barlow-in-the-focused 900mm focal lengths. However, my kids like the F5 Newtonians for their ease of use, it they don’t notice the difference in sharpness (I assume because they are kids).

[@tuunaes]

@@LearnToStargaze Rule of thumb is that reflector needs to be obstruction diameter bigger than refractor to counter contrast loss from it. But if put against high quality Newtonian cheap shorter refractors suffer from chromatic aberrations softening image when going to higher magnifications. Cheap fast focal ratio reflectors are just unlikely to be good, because of fast mirror being harder to make accurate. And some are even straigth spherical aberration generators like Celestron AstroMaster 130.

[@index_infection7968]

Do I NEED night mode for the telescope? My samsung doesn't support night mode for its camera somehow...

[@LearnToStargaze]

Night mode is in the app itself.

[@juanzuniga5976]

I’m debating between this one and the astromaster 130 eq as a portable option for camping and getting to dark skies. Which do you recommend

[@LearnToStargaze]

Why these two? Neither are recommended. Starsense is cool, but the 114mm scope itself is not great. The 130eq is painfully over engineered, not that portable, and not that easy to use. A good portable Newtonian would be the Z130, but then you might as well get a 6 inch Dobsonian.

[@juanzuniga5976]

@@LearnToStargaze ok thank you so much, the z130 was also in mine. do you have a video on how to collimate it?? thanks again

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@juanzuniga5976 I’ve done several similar scopes, but really, just buy a 20 collimation laser, and it’s pretty self explanatory.

[@juanzuniga5976]

@@LearnToStargaze thank you

[@doggochannel123]

So another question, I had to replace my finder scope battery but after I replaced it, the finder scope would not go back on to its mount. How do I fix this?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Try loosening the two screws on the side with a Phillips screwdriver.

[@doggochannel123]

I tried, it did not work 😢

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@doggochannel123 have you tried visiting your local astronomy club?

[@doggochannel123]

No.

[@littlebee8704]

This is a great video. I'm a beginner, and truthfully, looking for something my daughter who really wants to get star gazing, and will be 9 soon, that we can use while we are camping, which we do a ton Mar - Oct. We live in a city centre, so probably won't use much at home. What are your thoughts on this? I think she'd like to see stars, moon, planets.

[@LearnToStargaze]

As I said in the video, the optics on the 114 are quite poor. The 102DX version offers far, far, superior views. Starsense is really a fantastic system, it makes the stargazing experience so stress free that once you start using it, it’s hard to stop.

[@littlebee8704]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you! Appreciate the response, and so quickly! Your videos are great!

[@atluangapachuau]

Hello Sir...starsense 114az or 127az which one do u prefer for beginners?? Is there a big difference between the two??

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hard to say, the 127 is probably slightly less terrible. Both of these telescopes are Bird Jones. The 102DX is a far, far superior telescope.

[@ninawoods2484]

Thanks for the video! I want to buy my husband a telescope, thought one of these would be great to start out with the app feature to help us newbies find what we’re looking for. Would you suggest the refractor or reflector? I just can’t decide!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Between the 130dx and the 102dx it’s a tough call. I’ve been recommending the 130 over the 102 for the aperture and focal ratio advantage. But refractors never need collimation, and subjectively offer better contrast. That said, if you’ve got a larger budget, there are some refurbished/used Nexstar SE series telescope hitting the market (on B&H photo’s website) which would be an even better option.

[@ninawoods2484]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks so much! I’m in New Zealand and the DX models are really expensive here, well over $1000. I ended up just ordering the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 127AZ. Hopefully it’s an OK place to start! Would have loved to get the DX models but just a little too much to spend.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@ninawoods2484 Wow! That's very expensive! With that telescope, I'd spend most of my time learning the Moon. Starting at the new Moon +2 days, and observing every day until just after the full Moon (we actually have a weekly web-series about the Moon starting in a month). The challenge with these scopes is that they're underpowered for most deep sky objects unless you're very far (like forty minutes far) from city lights.

[@ninawoods2484]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks so much for your help - I’ll definitely keep an eye out for that. We are in a pretty small town and will be moving out to the country in a year so will be better then! It’s a place to start at least and we can get something better if we get more into it as a hobby!

[@kennyresendezgarza2838]

hello good video I have a question is compatible with a barlow x3 Greetings!

[@LearnToStargaze]

This telescope has a Barlow built in. I don’t see a need to add more magnification. It will only degrade the image quality further.