Here we go again…the same old question.

[Deepblue12]

For years I’ve often sat outside in the evening looking up at the stars (Glass of red in hand)
I’m now after an actual telescope to see a bit more but don’t want to break the bank. My local store has recommended a NEXSTAR 130SLT Which being computerised takes all the effort out of manual searching which suits me fine. Would this be suitable for a true amateur astronomer that doesn’t have expectations above the usual view of the planets or is there something more suitable that I should consider. 

Thanks

[broom]

I don’t have any experience with the scope you have been recommended. However, I do have a skywatcher explorer 130p on a goto az gti mount. It’s an excellent scope, but it’s a little more than the set up you’ve been recommended, I’m not sure how they compare but I’d guess the optics are broadly the same. 

Just last week I purchased a second scope, a skywatcher 8 inch DOB.  This is roughly the same price as the nexstar, but the scope itself is, in my opinion, far superior to the explorer 130. 

I think it all depends on what you want to a look at. If it’s the planets and moon, or if your happy to learn to find deep space objects manually, I personally don’t see the need for a goto set up and would punt for a DOB. However, if you’re interested in deep space objects and aren’t confident in locating them manually, or simply don’t want to, the goto mounts are excellent. 

I’m using my goto set up as a guide scope for the DOB. 

[Geoff Lister]

If I take the optical tube from my Celestron Astromaster 130 (the 'telescope' bit) and attach it to the mount and tripod from my Skywatcher Skymax 127, I have the equivalent to the NEXTAR 130p. The Celestron NEXSTAR and the Skywatcher Synscan handset software are different, but have very similar functions and features.

As mentioned above, an 8" Dob. will gather more light from dim objects, but, a computerised system will give you full GoTo; and I found it helped me to start learning the night sky. The other, often overlooked, benefit of GoTo, is tracking - the 'scope keeps pointing at the target, so you do not have to make frequent pointing adjustments, and can swap eyepieces without having to find the target again.

You mention the "glass of red", I liked the Skymax system so much that I bought a second one for my (former) holiday home in France. This is it set up with a modified webcam replacing the eyepiece.

My Skyliner 10" Dob. has the same Synscan system, so I have the benefits of both larger aperture and full GoTo/tracking - but at a price! A system wit a 5" mirror and full GoTo/tracking is a good place to start your voyage of discovery.

Geoff

[PeterCPC]

I would set your budget first - that will limit your choices.

[Andy ES]

I heard this the other day with respect to astronomy equipment expenditure.

”Prepare to pay more than you are already prepared to pay” ( Or something like it).😁

[Cosmic Geoff]

The Nexstar 130 SLT is probably an adequate starter scope.  You should budget in addition for a set of decent eyepieces and a proper +12 volt power supply.

The SLT mount is mechanically similar to a mount from Skywatcher, and both manufacturers seem to offer 130mm Newtonians and 127mm Maksutov scopes.  Note that the Nexstar software is easier to use and more user-friendly than the Sky-watcher Synscan software, despite the ubiquity of the Skywatcher mounts. I have used both, so I should know...

[Jakelol]

3 hours ago, Geoff Lister said:

If I take the optical tube from my Celestron Astromaster 130 (the 'telescope' bit) and attach it to the mount and tripod from my Skywatcher Skymax 127, I have the equivalent to the NEXTAR 130p. The Celestron NEXSTAR and the Skywatcher Synscan handset software are different, but have very similar functions and features.

As mentioned above, an 8" Dob. will gather more light from dim objects, but, a computerised system will give you full GoTo; and I found it helped me to start learning the night sky. The other, often overlooked, benefit of GoTo, is tracking - the 'scope keeps pointing at the target, so you do not have to make frequent pointing adjustments, and can swap eyepieces without having to find the target again.

You mention the "glass of red", I liked the Skymax system so much that I bought a second one for my (former) holiday home in France. This is it set up with a modified webcam replacing the eyepiece.

My Skyliner 10" Dob. has the same Synscan system, so I have the benefits of both larger aperture and full GoTo/tracking - but at a price! A system wit a 5" mirror and full GoTo/tracking is a good place to start your voyage of discovery.

Geoff

The glass of wine is the most crucial i can imagine?

[Deepblue12]

3 hours ago, PeterCPC said:

I would set your budget first - that will limit your choices.

I’m looking at around £400 if that helps

[Deepblue12]

3 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

The Nexstar 130 SLT is probably an adequate starter scope.  You should budget in addition for a set of decent eyepieces and a proper +12 volt power supply.

The SLT mount is mechanically similar to a mount from Skywatcher, and both manufacturers seem to offer 130mm Newtonians and 127mm Maksutov scopes.  Note that the Nexstar software is easier to use and more user-friendly than the Sky-watcher Synscan software, despite the ubiquity of the Skywatcher mounts. I have used both, so I should know...

What additional eye pieces would you suggest?

 

[Carbon Brush]

Going back to the start of the thread.....

My local store has recommended

Is this an astro retailer? Or something else?

Just thought it worth mentioning the usual first scope advice.
Always buy from a specialist astronomy retailer. Not a department store, not Currys, not............

[Deepblue12]

1 hour ago, Carbon Brush said:

Going back to the start of the thread.....

My local store has recommended

Is this an astro retailer? Or something else?

Just thought it worth mentioning the usual first scope advice.
Always buy from a specialist astronomy retailer. Not a department store, not Currys, not............

no it was a proper Astronomy Shop but i thought i'd ask the question of a wider audience before committing any cash

[woldsman]

I work in academia and have colleagues who are astrophysicists researching exoplanets, black holes, and star formation. They have incredible projects including slots utilising the James Webb space telescope, assuming the launch goes ahead next month and is successful. Coincidentally, one of them recalled yesterday the university astrosoc  they ran as a student. The equipment was … a 6” celestron nexstar with a canon DSLR mounted on the back. That nexstar was a tabletop mount with auto matched alignment and tracking. Very similar to the kit recommended to the OP. 

[bosun21]

I would be pointing to the Mak go to as this will remove the additional pre requisite skill of collimation. This can be daunting to some.

[Cosmic Geoff]

2 hours ago, Deepblue12 said:

What additional eye pieces would you suggest?

That is a frequently asked question here, and the answer depends to some extent on what telescope you ultimately buy. The point is, that it is desirable to have a set of three or more eyepieces, and the eyepieces normally bundled with a new scope are designed to get you started without deterring you from buying by adding significantly to the selling price. 🙁  The 9mm and 10mm bundled eyepieces are notoriously poor.

[Deepblue12]

Update.

So i've actually purchased a used Celestron Nexstar Mak 127 SLT for £250. I may have paid a bit over the odds and I won't go into too many details, but the guy who was selling it and the surroundings i picked it up from (Think pristine house worth around £3-4 mil) lead me to believe its in perfect condition and very well looked after. Its powered up ok but obviously the proof will be the first time i get to use it in anger. (of couse its peeing it down tonight 😀)

Lots of terminology to get used to and questions like what Eyepieces i need to purchase etc but at least i have a starting point now.