Celestron NexStar 114SLT
April 28, 2008
Celestron NexStar 114SLT Telescope Review
General Info
Class: NexStar SLT Reflector
Best Uses: General (Planets, moon, stars, galaxies & Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Beginner – Enthusiast
Overall Rating: 8.1/10
Official Review: The 114SLT by Celestron is a great beginner-intermediate scope for someone who wants the cool features, without the high price! If you’re looking for a computerized telescope that can take pictures of what you find, aligns itself, syncs up to your computer, tells you about the objects you’re looking at, and is accurate enough to view the vast majority of stuff people care about, check out the NexStar 114SLT!
That said, I would highly recommend the 130SLT (since it’s only $40 more), because it gives much more “bang for the buck”, as they say…
Pros: SkyAlign, GoTo, GPS, object database, accurate, cool design, great price, Astrophotography, durable, lightweight, all-around scope
Cons: More expensive SLT models are more accurate, small comparative object database (4,000)
Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 114SLT on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.6/10 – Very easy to use & setup for any experience level
Comfortability: 8.4/10 – comfortable eyepiece & adjustable tripod
Durability: 8.2/10 – Sturdy, stainless steel tripod; Durable optics tube
Battery Life: 6.9/10 – Not the best due to computer-features (Solution: Power Tank)
Backlash: 7.6/10 – Not much, but not as good as higher-level SLT models
Warranty: 8.7/10 – Standard Celestron limited warranty (Telescopes.com has an awesome policy!)
Storage: 9.2/10 – Easy to store, lightweight
Accuracy: 7.9/10 – Very accurate for its price; Upgrade to the 130SLT for more accuracy
Setup: 8.1/10 – Easy to setup, but not as easy as non-computerized models
Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron NexStar 114SLT!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 114mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 269x
Focal Length: 1,000mm (1M)
Focal Ratio: f/9
Resolution: 1.21 Arc Seconds
Angular Field of View: 1.1º
Slew Speed: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x
Tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the NexStar 114SLT!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm & 9mm (40x & 111.11x)
Tube: Excellent design
Mount Design: Quick-release fork-arm
Weight: 15lbs (Lightweight, very portable!)
Tripod: Sturdy, stainless steel w/ accessory tray
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries (Optional: AC Adapter, Car-Battery Adapter or Power Tank)
Lens Coating: Standard
Other Equipment: Remote, “The Sky” planetarium software & auxiliary port for accessories
Recommended Accessories: Power Tank & Eyepiece/Filter Set (Optional)
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes!
GPS: Optional add-on w/ auxiliary port
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign (Pick 3 bright objects, it aligns itself!)
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 4,000 pre-programmed objects
Programming Options: Can view object info, city/location info & more!
Summary: In conclusion, the Celestron NexStar 114SLT is an awesome all-around beginner-intermediate telescope for anyone looking for a computerized, feature-packed reflector. BUT, don’t buy it! I would highly recommend you get the Nexstar 130SLT instead, because it’s only $40 more and has more going for it…Either way, though, you’re getting a great deal!
Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 114SLT from Telescopes.com!
