Celestron NexStar SLT series is a popular and trusted line of instruments equipped with great features for different users. The Celestron NexStar 114 SLT and Celestron NexStar 127SLT from this line are among the more popular models many people are often interested in. Below, you will find an in-depth review and comparison of what either option has to offer. Take a look at this comparative guide on the 114 SLT vs. the 127SLT.
As a proud owner and collector of different types of scopes, I know my way around different brands and their respective capabilities. However, it wasn’t long ago that I was a complete novice to telescopes and even astronomy in general. One of my biggest issues especially before I purchased my first scope was successfully telling the difference among all the many brands and models of telescopes out here. It has been five years since then and as I continue to advance my interests in astronomy, I find myself thinking back to the times didn’t know better but I wish I did, in regards to telescopes of course. Celestron’s SLT line of telescopes is a popular series of instruments which many know about but significantly fewer can correctly distinguish. Furthermore, this review will go into detail about each instrument. Comparing their features and pointing out their main differences. At the end, you should be able to distinguish both the Celestron NexStar 114 SLT and the Celestron NexStar 127SLT quite easily and to different capacities. Here is more on Celestron’s 114 SLT vs. 127 SLT.
What are the differences between the Celestron NexStar 114 SLT and the Celestron NexStar 127SLT?
CELESTRON NEXSTAR 114 SLT |
CELESTRON NEXSTAR 127 SLT |
|
Type of telescope |
Newtonian Reflector style telescope |
Maksutov-Cassegrain optical system |
Specs |
Aperture 114mm (4.48″), 450mm Focal length, f/3.95 Focal ratio |
Aperture 120mm, 1500mm Focal length, f/12.5 Focal ratio |
Mounting |
Computerized AltAzimuth Mount |
Computerized AltAzimuth Mount with single fork arm |
Weight |
16lbs |
– |
Magnification |
18X, 50X |
60X, 167X |
Price |
CELESTRON NEXSTAR 114 SLT VS CELESTRON NEXSTAR 127SLT – How they compare
Working principle
One of the main differences between the Celestron NexStar 114 SLT and the Celestron NexStar 127SLT is their operating principle or the type of telescope each option is. The 114SLT is a Newtonian reflector telescope. If you are not familiar with the types of telescopes and how they differ, you are not alone. The Newton reflector style telescope on the SLT 130 relies on a curved mirror located at the back that will light the tube. Afterwards, a small mirror diagonally placed reflects the image that is redirected to the eyepiece. Many beginners and amateur utilize Newtonian style telescopes before they move on to other types of telescopes. Alternatively, the 127 SLT utilizes the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical system, which is considerably different from Newtonian reflectors. First off, Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes are considered catadioptric or compound telescopes unlike the 130 SLT that is a Newtonian reflector type telescope. Usually, a unique correcting lens with a thick meniscus is used to alter the MAK design and distinguish it from the Schmidt Cassegrain style, to which it is closely related. Additionally, these types of telescopes often use a combination of lenses and mirrors, hence the category label; compound telescopes. This difference is the most basic form of tying used in telescopes. It divides them into 3 basic subgroups which include: refractor style telescopes, reflector style telescopes and compound telescopes.
Optics
Another major difference between the 114 and 127 SLT is with their optics. Numbers such as the aperture, focal length and focal ratio on either option varies greatly. For example, the CELESTRON NEXSTAR 114 SLT has a 114mm (4.48″) Aperture, with a 450mm Focal length, and f/3.95 Focal ratio. Alternatively, the Celestron NexStar 127 SLT has a 120mm Aperture, 1500mm Focal length, and f/12.5 Focal ratio. These differences will influence optical capabilities in terms of what celestial objects you can see and how clearly you can see them.
Optical coatings
These coatings are an important part of an instrument’s optics as they have the capacity to improve performance on optical surfaces. The Celestron NexStar 114 SLT uses an Aluminum optical coating which contains SiO2. Alternatively, Celestron does not specify the type of coating on the 127 SLT. However, they do state that the optics on this particular model include a full coating.
Magnification
Because of their different optical systems and capabilities, both the 114 SLT and 127 SLT vary greatly in magnification power. In fact, the 114 SLT allows magnification of 18X on eyepiece 1 and 50X on eye piece two. Alternatively, the 127 SLT boasts 60X magnification on eyepiece 1 and 167X on the second eyepiece.
Celestron NexStar 114 Slt Vs Celestron NexStar 127SLT– A comparison review
Celestron NexStar 114 SLT Overview and key features
The 114 SLT by Celestron is a high quality Newtonian style computerized telescope. This instrument is designed with a variety of Celestron’s best features that have equipped this baby to outperform some of its predecessors by miles. Here are some of the features that make the CELESTRON NEXSTAR 114 SLT a good telescope.
First off, the 114 SLT comes with the Classic Celestron banger features including the affordable yet very effective GoTo mount tech. When combined with the compact Newtonian style telescope form, This instrument is made with quality optics and has the following optical system specifications: 114mm/4.48 inch aperture on the primary mirror, a 450mm focal length with a f/3.95 focal ratio. Using this telescope, you can achieve magnifications of 18X using the 25mm eyepiece and 50X using the 9mm eyepiece. Due to the nature of this system, the secondary mirror obstruction lies at 9% by area and 30% by diameter. This is significantly smaller compared to other optical systems. To ensure the optics are performing at prime conditions, Celestron uses Aluminum with SiO2 as the coating for the 114 SLT optics. These are housed in an 18 inch chic all-black optical tube.
Using Celestron’s computerized Alt-Az mount coupled with their revolutionary single fork arm, this instrument introduces convenience to astronomy in many different ways. For example, the Alt-Az ensures easy tracking of celestial objects. Because this instrument comes with an adjustable tripod that comes preassembled, setting up for use isn’t as difficult as it is with other instruments. Additionally, this telescope is enabled with Celestron’s Star Align Tech that ensures easy alignment by pressing one button. In order to align your telescope with Star Align, you must center 3 bright objects on the eyepiece and press the align button; after which the telescope will be able to triangulate its location and automatically find other objects based on this data.
With this purchase, you can access the highly regarded starry night astronomy software which you may use for a variety of purposes. Additionally, you may access the NexStar+ database with this telescope purchase that contains over 40K celestial objects: all of which are catalogued for easy maneuvering or even learning in case you are a beginner. The 114 SLT is powered by 8 AA batteries or Celestron-recommended alternative 12VDC, the NexStar 114 SLT can run for long sessions without issues.
What we like
- Easy to set up and use
- Includes access to astronomy software and database with over 40k celestial objects
- Uses optical coatings for improved optics performance
- Compatible with a variety of accessories which advanced users may use in different ways
- Has double the light gathering capacity of the 80mm predecessor
- Mirror delivers fully color corrected views because of its Newtonian design
- Internal battery housing designed to eliminate cord warp
- Comes with two eyepieces for high and low powered observing sessions
- Compact device that is readily portable
What we don’t like
- You might have issues readjusting the optics every so often
- Battery life isn’t great
What can you see with the Celestron NexStar 114 SLT?
- Orion’s great Nebula
- Hercules’s Globular cluster stars
- Lunar and planetary views
- Mar’s polar icecaps
- Jupiter’s cloud belts
- Saturn and her rings
- Venus in her different phases
View price on Amazon
Celestron Nexstar 127 SLT Overview and Key features
This Star Locating Telescope is a computerized device that is a reliable and quite accurate. Celestron manufactures the SLT with quality optics in a Newtonian optical system. Coupled with high performance features, many users rely on the 127 SLT as a favorite option during sky gazing sessions. Here are some of the key features that make the 127 SLT so capable.
The Celestron NexStar 127 SLT is A Maksutov- Cassegrain style telescope that has the following optics specifications ; a focal length of 150mm with a 127mm aperture and f/12 focal ratio. These numbers tell you that you can rely on this telescope to view a variety of celestial objects. The term Maksutov- Cassegrain may sound familiar if you have come across the different types of compound/hybrid telescopes.
Focusing this telescope simply involves turning a knob located on the sides to adjust the positioning of the primary mirror. Moreover, the easy to use features and accessible interface make the CELESTRON NEXSTAR 127 SLT a great Maksutov-Cassegrain style instrument for a variety of users. Among these helpful features include access the Starry Night Astronomy software that contains over 36k celestial objects. If you chose to, you can print out these 3D renderings of stars, printable maps and images of galaxies and exoplanets. Beginners can utilize this database when they don’t know where or even what to start with. Advanced users in addition to learning about new objects, can utilize this database to improve their expertise in astronomy or even heighten their telescoping experience.
In terms of mounts, the 127 SLT is equipped with an automated Alt-Az mount. The Altitude Azimuth in addition to the single fork arm that will come in handy when it comes to tracking. This mount is placed on a pre assembled steel tripod that is adjustable: a feature many beginners not used to setting up will appreciate. Additional features such as the Sky Align feature and compatibility to the Star Sense technology by Celestron ensure you have easy alignments or even automated alignment depending on the feature you use.
Because the 127 SLT runs on 8 AA batteries or an alternative power tank option that is an external battery sold separately. Usually the 8 batteries are often contained in an internal compartment that is designed to help eliminate cord ward issues that often come about from external battery pack. Using a 12AC adapter, you can directly connect the 127SLT to an external power-source for use.
While the 127SLT is more of a planetary and lunar scope, it still performs quite well and is very portable However, it has some limitations in regards to use in deep space viewing and imagery. With this purchase, you will receive several accessories, including 2 eyepieces, the 20mm and 9mm. Additional accessories such as the finderscope assist with centering an object for quicker ad easier observation.
What we like
- No tool, easy assemble instrument
- Lightweight and portable telescope
- Made with quality optics
- Compact design
- Generates great moon images
- Allows access to large database for tracking, locating and even learning purposes
What we don’t like
- Somewhat pricey for that aperture size
- Comes with plastic viewfinder
What you can see with the NexStar 127 SLT
- Saturn’s rings
- Can be used outside visual astronomy for daytime use or wildlife viewing
- Jupiter and its moons
- Detailed lunar surface features and its phases
- Mars’ polar caps
View price on Amazon
Verdict: so which is better? Celestron NexStar 114 SLT or Celestron NexStar 127 SLT?
The best telescope from the SLT line can be difficult to choose, especially if you aren’t familiar with what each has to offer. Considering all their features and performance, the 127SLT is better equipped than the 114 SLT model and is the better option SLT series telescope. Overall, more users, beginner or otherwise would enjoy the 127SLT more than they would the 114 SLT. However, both of these scopes are a great option for anyone looking for top contenders before they can settle on one.
Frequently asked Questioned
What is the main difference between the Celestron 114 and 127 SLT?
Both these telescopes are manufactured by the same manufacturer and have various similarities and differences. While the Celestron NexStar 127 SLT is a Maksutov-Cassegrain style telescopes, the 114SLT is a Newtonian reflector telescope. Both these instruments are equipped with features that make them very capable but very different.
What does SLT stand for?
According to CELESTRON, the makers of both these telescopes, SLT stands for STAR LOCATION TELESCOPE. It is a line of innovative computerized telescopes designed not only to provide high quality optics but to engage the user at different levels using a friendly interface. The Celestron 114 SLT and 127 SLT are both part of this series.
Is 127 SLT the best Celestron telescope?
Yes and no, the 127 SLT is a great model from Celestron but it has its shortcomings. The 127 SLT is simply an example of a single telescope type: Maksutov-Cassegrain. Additionally, there are other models from other series, with other features designed to suit different needs and users.
