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!
Zhumell Dobsonian 8-Inch
April 24, 2008
Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian Telescope Review
General Info
Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Casual/Recreational
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Official Review: The Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian reflector is an excellent telescope for the price. It is heavier and larger than most non-Dob models, so this is something to consider if there will be kids or using it, you have back problems, or you will be using it regularly and moving it often.
But, If you just want to work with something that’s accurate with LOTS of magnification, easy to setup and use, and you don’t care as much about planets & the moon as you do about stars & galaxies, this scope is a wonderful choice!
Pros: Accurate, Comfortable, Well-Built, Nice Lenses & Great Magnification!
Cons: Large/Heavy, Fairly Unstable, Not the Best for Planetary/Lunar Observation, Not Computerized
Click here to check out the Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.4/10 - Couldn’t be much easier to use!
Comfortability: 7.7/10 - Comfortable eye piece; awkward size for some people
Durability: 8.1/10 - Well-built, sturdy mount
Battery Life: n/a - Since it’s not computerized, this scope will last forever! =)
Backlash: n/a
Warranty: 8.2/10 - Great Zhumell “No-Fault Repair” policy; Costs $15 to send to Zhumell for repairs
Storage: 7.0/10 - Easy to disassemble, but it’s large enough to make it tough to store for some
Accuracy: 8.9/10 - Very accurate compared to other scopes in this price range!
Setup: 9.0/10 - Extremely easy to get going!
Click here to read more reviews on the Zhumell 8-Inch Dob!
Tech Specs
Objective Lens: 204mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 479x!!!
Focal Length: 1,200 mm (1.2 M)
Focal Ratio: f/5.9
Limiting Magnitude: 14.05
Tracking: Manual (Easy with Crayford focuser, quick collimation screws & RACI finderscope)
Click here to learn more about the 8-Inch Zhumell Dobsonian telescope!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 8×50
Eyepiece: 1.25″ & 2″
Tube: Black optical w/ lightweight, durable design (29lbs)
Mount Design: Traditional Dobsonian
Weight: 54lbs total
Tripod: n/a (Dobsonian Mount)
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: 2in. eyepiece
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Easy
Summary: For the price, the Zhumell Dobsonian 8-Inch is tough to beat. However, keep in mind that since it’s a Dob it is larger and heavier than other models in this price range. Also, it is NOT ideal for viewing planets and the moon.
In conclusion: if you’re looking for something under $400 that will let you see stars & galaxies with astounding magnification and clarity (and you don’t mind the negatives listed above), this telescope will be a perfect match for you!
Click here to order the Zhumell 8-Inch Dobsonian from Telescopes.com!
Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch
April 14, 2008
Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Planets, the moon, galaxies & nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Advanced
Overall Rating: 8.38/10
Official Review: This dob reflector is perfect for anyone with a big backyard that plans to use their scope “every once in a while”, and doesn’t want to mess with the bells and whistles. The 10-Inch Meade Lightbridge will allow you to see 5-10x what you could see with a “standard” scope for the same price, and you’ll never have to deal with extra gizmos and computer features.
On the flip side, it’s large (though made of lightweight aluminum and easy to assemble) and you’ll have to do things manually. For most people this is much easier due to its magnification power and aperture size. Overall, I’d recommend this telescope.
Pros: Amazing viewing capabilities, strong construction, great price, stable, very easy to use
Cons: Large, difficult to store, not computerized, no Astrophotography
Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.8/10 - As easy to use as they come, but it doesn’t have a computer to help align or track
Comfortability: 7.8/10 - Some stargazers with back problems love the Lightbridges for their size
Durability: 8.1/10 - Strong construction, lightweight aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - This thing lasts forever…literally! (Cooling fan takes batteries, though)
Backlash: 9.9/10 - No troubles here…Ahhh, one advantage of not having computerized scopes
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 5.9/10 - It’s pretty big…But, it’s easy & quick to assemble/re-assemble
Accuracy: 7.8/10 - Advanced 4-reticle Red-dot viewfinder makes it easier to be accurate manually
Setup: 7.4/10 - Easy to assemble, and easy to get working quickly, but it’s bulky
Click here to read more reviews on the 10 in. Meade Lightbridge!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 254mm! (10in)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 500x
Focal Length: 1,270mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Resolution: 0.46 Arc seconds
Limiting Magnitude: 14.5
Tracking: Manual (AutoStar software & Red-Dot viewfinder)
Click here to learn more about the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch telescope!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 4-Reticle Red-Dot
Eyepiece: 26mm wide-angle
Tube: Deluxe Truss-Tube (Metal open truss design)
Mount Design: Altazimuth
Weight: 65lbs total
Tripod: n/a - Solid laminated base
Power Supply: n/a (Cooling fan takes batteries)
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated (Not as nice as UHTC, but still high-quality)
Other Equipment: Battery-powered cooling fan
Recommended Accessories: None
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: None
Summary: If you don’t mind (or like) the size of the Meade Lightbridge Truss-Tube series, and you don’t want to mess with complex computerized tracking and programmable object databases, this scope will be a good fit for you. If you want to see a lot without spending a lot, save yourself the money & headaches: get the Meade 10-Inch Lightbridge.
Click here to order the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch from Telescopes.com!
Celestron CPC 8-Inch
April 8, 2008
Celestron CPC 8-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: CPC Schmidt Cassegrain
Best Uses: Planets, moon, galaxies, nebulae, & Astrophotography (Everything!)
Recommended Experience: Advanced - Professional
Overall Rating: 8.4/10
Official Review: Compared to other 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes, the Celestron CPC is my #1 choice. It has every feature you’ll want, it is well-built and sturdy, it’s easy to use, takes crystal clear photos, syncs up with your PC, is an all-purpose scope for anything you enjoy observing, it’s priced well at about $2,000 for its specs, and it has wonderful optics.
Also, my favorite aspect of the CPC 800 is that when you find something you enjoy, you can program it into the scope so it’s easy find again…up to 400 times!
Pros: Wide-array of features, GPS, GoTo & SkyAlign, sturdy, 400 user-defined objects and comfortable
Cons: A bit on the heavy side…
Click here to check out the Celestron CPC 8-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.8/10 - Fantastically easy to use for advanced astronomers
Comfortability: 9.2/10 - Ergonomically-designed for easy portability, comfortable eyepiece
Durability: 8.6/10 - Heavy-duty steel construction, sturdy tripod & mount
Battery Life: 8.0/10 - Standard Celestron life + car-battery adapter
Backlash: 9.4/10 - Very little to speak of…
Warranty: 9.1/10 - 2-year limited
Storage & Portability: 7.6/10 - Celestron made up for its weight with its ergonomic design; Easy to store
Accuracy: 8.2/10 - Great Altazimuth mount, SkyAlign & 8×50 finderscope
Setup: 8.4/10 - Standard/easy for advanced users (high-tech features could be tough for less-experienced)
Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron 8-Inch CPC telescope!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 203.2mm
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 29x, 50.8x, 480x
Focal Length: 2,032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.68 Arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 0.8º
Star Diagonal: 1.25 inch
Tracking: Altazimuth, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the 8-Inch CPC!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: 50mm w/ quick release bracket
Eyepiece: 40mm
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Dual Fork arm
Weight: 42lbs total
Tripod: Heavy-duty steel, adjustable (2″ steel legs) & accessory tray
Power Supply: 12VDC 1.5A & Car-battery adapter
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT
Other Equipment: NexRemote & software control
Recommended Accessories: JMI 8-Inch CPC case, 12V Power supply & 1.25in eyepiece and filter set
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Alignment, Two-star Align, SolarSystem Align, EQ North Align, EQ South Align, One-Star Align
Remote: Yes (NexRemote)
Object Database: 40,000 object database
Programming Options: 400 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
Summary: If you’re at least semi-experienced with telescopes, and you’re willing to spend some extra cash (around $2,000), the Celestron CPC 8″ is a fabulous choice! A little more high-tech than a beginner would need, it has all the bells & whistles you’ll want for a more enjoyable stargazing experience. With a 40,000 object database, SkyAlign, NexRemote, PC-syncing, GoTo, GPS, and a built-to-last body, the CPC 800 is one awesome telescope!
Click here to order the Celestron CPC 8-Inch from Telescopes.com!
Meade ETX90-PE Premiere
April 1, 2008
Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere Telescope Review
General Info
Class: ETX Catadioptric Maksutov-Cassegrain (Uses lenses & mirrors)
Best Uses: Planets, moon, nebulae & galaxies
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Recreational User
Overall Rating: 8.6/10
Official Review: With great optics for the price, the ability to simply enter your zip code and let it level, set the time and point North, the Meade ETX90-PE is a great first or second scope! It comes with AutoStar Suite software, can be controlled by your computer and it provides dazzling clarity comparable to many scopes in the $1,500+ price range.
Add to all this the fact that you can hit “Tonight’s Best” and it will automatically focuses on the best objects in its 30,000+ object database according to your location, the season & the time! How cool is that? If you’re a beginner or casual astronomer and/or you want a good overall scope with some nifty features to show your family, the Meade ETX90-PE is a fantastic choice!
Pros: Accurate, comfortable, stable, easy to align, nice lenses, “Tonight’s Best” feature, GoTo, computer-control option
Cons: Fairly low magnification, “tricky” auto-align (TIP: hit “?”), somewhat bulky, no Astrophotography, no GPS
Click here to check out the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.6/10 - While some may have trouble aligning at first, its features make things easier
Comfortability: 8.6/10 - Adjustable tripod & comfortable eyepiece
Durability: 8.9/10 - Steel construction & stable tripod/mount combo
Battery Life: 7.1/10 - Runs on 8-AA batteries
Backlash: 8.0/10 - Very little computerized-tracking lag for its price
Warranty: 9.0/10 - Standard Meade warranty
Storage: 8.6/10 - Lightweight, easy to store & move (Case recommended)
Accuracy: 8.8/10 - Very accurate alignment & Red-dot technology
Setup: 8.4/10 - Easy to get used to & features help out (great manual)
Click here to read more reviews on the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 90mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 175x
Focal Length: 1,250mm
Focal Ratio: f/13.8
Resolution: 1.3
Tracking: GoTo system (Dual Fork-Arm mount)
Click here to learn more about the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: SmartFinder “Red-dot”
Eyepiece: 26mm
Tube: Blue “Premiere” Edition (8lbs)
Mount Design: Dual-Fork arm (11lbs w/ tripod)
Weight: 19lbs total
Tripod: Adjustable, steel (chrome-plated), Equatorial or altitude-azimuth positions, spreader bar & case included
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries
Lens Coating: UHTC (Ultra-High Transmission Coatings) - Excellent!
Other Equipment: Star charts, maps & PC interface cable
Recommended Accessories: Hard case for Meade ETX 90-PE - If you need it to be portable or you have kids…=)
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: No
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: AutoAlign (Press “?” when it asks for alignment to brightest star)
Remote: No (But it’s easy to control it with your PC)
Object Database: 30,000 pre-programmed objects to observe!
Programming Options: Setup to control & integrate w/ your computer
Summary: If you’re looking for a telescope that allows you to easily view planets, stars, nebulae & the moon without much hassle, the Meade ETX90-PE is a wonderful option! The object database allows you to enter your zip code and it will find the best objects to view for that night based on the time, the season & where you are. You can’t beat that!
For a scope that a casual backyard astronomer and their family can enjoy for under $1,000, the Meade ETX-90PE is tough to beat!
Click here to order the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere from Telescopes.com!
