Looking for a compact telescope that’ll show you the wonders of space without breaking your back? The NexStar 90SLT brings computerized stargazing to a portable package that weighs just 15 pounds.
Celestron packs a 90mm aperture into a 12-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain tube, so you get crisp views of planets and the moon. Once you finish the simple alignment, the computerized system can find over 40,000 celestial objects on its own.
People often praise its easy setup and sharp views of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons. That said, some folks complain about the computerized functions acting up during calibration. It runs on AA batteries, and honestly, those can drain way too fast if you’re out for a long stargazing session.
Bottom Line
The NexStar 90SLT delivers solid performance for beginners who want computerized convenience.
Its compact design makes it perfect for camping trips or backyard stargazing.
Ready to explore the cosmos? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon and start your astronomical journey today!
Overview: Celestron 22087 NexStar 90SLT-Mak Telescope
This compact computerized telescope brings serious stargazing power to your backyard. The NexStar 90SLT uses a 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design in a portable 12-pound package.
Key Strengths:
- 40,000+ object database with automatic tracking
- Quick setup using SkyAlign technology
- Sharp planetary views thanks to the long focal length
- Portable design that’s great for camping
The computer hand control makes finding objects simple. You just align three bright stars and the scope takes care of the rest. The included eyepieces provide 50x and 139x magnification right out of the box.
Notable Drawbacks:
- Batteries drain fast during long sessions
- Computer setup takes some practice
- Limited light-gathering for faint deep-sky objects
People report excellent lunar and planetary views. Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons show clear detail. Beginners will find it works well, though you’ll need some patience to get the hang of the computerized features.
Check current pricing and availability on Amazon to see if this telescope fits your stargazing needs.
Computerized Star Locating and Tracking
Finding objects in the night sky gets much easier with the NexStar 90SLT’s computerized system. The telescope stores over 40,000 stars, galaxies, and nebulae in its database.
You can pick from a few alignment methods to get going. SkyAlign lets you point the telescope at any three bright objects. The system figures out where it is and can find thousands of other objects for you.
Key tracking features:
- Database size: 40,000+ celestial objects
- Alignment options: SkyAlign, Two-Star, Solar System modes
- Automatic tracking: Follows objects as Earth rotates
- Hand control: NexStarPlus controller with simple buttons
The tracking system works well for planets and bright stars. Just push a button and the telescope moves itself to Saturn or Jupiter. Some users mention the motors sound a bit noisy, which can be annoying if you’re sensitive to that.
You’ll need some practice to get the system working smoothly. Entering the wrong time or location can throw off the alignment. Also, the motors can chew through batteries pretty quickly.
Ready to explore the automated features of this computerized telescope? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.
Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics and Viewing Experience
Celestron uses a smart optical design here, squeezing a long focal length into a short tube. You get 1250mm of focal length in just 12 inches.
The 90mm aperture gathers enough light for clear views of planets and the moon. You’ll spot Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands with good detail. Color correction is solid, so you won’t see weird color halos around bright objects.
What works well:
- Sharp, crisp lunar views with no color fringing
- Good planetary detail at higher magnifications
- Compact design for easy transport
What could be better:
- Small aperture limits deep space viewing
- Really designed for bright objects, not faint galaxies
The two included eyepieces give 50x and 139x magnification. Plenty of people push it up to 200x on planets with other eyepieces. For wide star clusters, you’ll want a lower power eyepiece.
The long focal length is awesome for planets, but you might find it a bit limiting for deep space objects that need a wide field of view.
Ready to explore the cosmos with Maksutov-Cassegrain optics? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.
Portability and Quick Setup
Getting your telescope ready for stargazing can really make or break the night. The NexStar 90SLT weighs about 15 pounds and breaks down into manageable pieces for transport. You can toss it in your car for camping or trips to dark sky spots.
The compact design means you won’t wrestle with bulky gear. Assembly usually takes just a few minutes and doesn’t need any tools. The SkyAlign system makes alignment simple, just center three bright objects and the telescope takes over.
Setup Benefits:
- Tool-free assembly
- Lightweight parts
- Quick alignment
- Runs on batteries
Some users mention the alignment process sometimes needs patience. The battery compartment takes eight AA batteries, so that does add a little to the weight when fully loaded.
Ready to experience hassle-free stargazing? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.
SkyAlign Alignment Technology
Aligning a telescope used to be one of the biggest headaches for beginners. The NexStar 90SLT changes that with its SkyAlign system.
You can skip star charts and compass work. Just enter the date and time, then point the telescope at any three bright objects. The system figures out what you’re looking at and does the math for you.
What makes it work well:
- No need to know star names or constellations
- Works with any three bright objects
- Gets you observing in minutes
- Backup alignment modes for different conditions
You also get Two-Star align and Solar System align modes, which help if you want to get started during twilight.
But you do need to enter the time and date correctly. If you mess up the setup info, the alignment fails and you’ll have to start over.
Ready to experience hassle-free telescope alignment? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to see how SkyAlign can simplify your stargazing sessions.
Included Accessories and Astronomy Software
Getting started with the NexStar 90SLT feels pretty straightforward thanks to its included accessories. The accessory tray attaches to the tripod legs and keeps your eyepieces and other small gear organized.
The quick-release fork-arm mount makes setup and breakdown easy. You can pop the tube off fast when you need to pack up or store the telescope.
Software Package:
The NexStar 90SLT includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition software. This program helps you plan your viewing sessions before heading out. It shows you what’s visible on any night and teaches you about the sky.
Some users say the software can be a bit overwhelming if you’re brand new to astronomy. It works well, but there’s a bit of a learning curve.
Ready to explore the night sky with quality software and handy accessories? Check out the Celestron NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.
Versatility for Different Users
The NexStar 90SLT suits a lot of stargazers. Kids can use it easily thanks to the simple setup and controls. At just 15 pounds, most children can help carry it outside.
Adults new to astronomy like the computerized features. You don’t have to know where things are in the sky, since the telescope finds them for you from its huge database.
User Types That Benefit:
- Beginners who want guided stargazing
- Kids learning about space
- Campers who need portable gear
- Apartment dwellers with little storage
Advanced users might bump up against the 90mm aperture’s limits. Deep space objects look dimmer than with bigger scopes, but planetary viewing stays sharp and detailed.
The compact size makes it a great travel companion. You can take it camping or to dark sky sites without much hassle. Setup is quick, perfect for impromptu viewing.
Ready to see if this telescope matches your stargazing style? Check current pricing and availability on Amazon.
Pros and Cons
When you’re looking at computerized telescopes, it’s always smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good. The NexStar 90SLT brings some nice features but also a few trade-offs.
Pros
Easy Setup and Operation
You’ll probably appreciate how fast this telescope gets you up and running. The SkyAlign system lets you start observing in just minutes by centering three bright objects.
Excellent Portability
This compact telescope travels well for camping or visits to dark sky spots. Its lightweight build makes carrying and assembly simple.
Sharp Optical Performance
The 90mm aperture gives you clear views of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and detailed lunar craters. People report stunning moon views and easily visible sunspots with proper solar filters.
Comprehensive Database
You get access to over 40,000 celestial objects through the computerized system. The telescope locates and tracks targets with good accuracy.
Beginner-Friendly Design
The intuitive hand controller and included astronomy software make this telescope approachable for newcomers to astronomy.
Cons
Limited Light Gathering
With its 90mm aperture, this telescope just can’t pull in as much light as bigger models. You’ll get nice views of bright objects, but dim galaxies and nebulae might look pretty faint.
Occasional Calibration Issues
Some folks run into trouble during the first alignment. The telescope can randomly stop moving in the middle of calibration, which is a bit frustrating.
Speed Control Quirks
You might find yourself fiddling with the tracking speed in the menu to get things working right for whatever you’re looking at.
Basic Accessory Package
Honestly, the included finderscope feels a bit underwhelming. Most people end up upgrading it to make finding targets less of a hassle, which means spending a bit more.
Curious about exploring the night sky without a lot of fuss? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon for the latest prices and availability.
Customer Reviews
People who’ve picked up the NexStar 90SLT have pretty mixed feelings. Quite a few love how straightforward the setup is. The computerized mount gets a lot of kudos for being easy to align.
What Users Love:
- Assembly and setup take barely any time
- The moon and planets look crisp and clear
- Hand controller is simple to use
- Beginners appreciate the computerized features
Common Complaints:
- Some units freeze up during setup
- The mount sometimes needs speed tweaks
- The finderscope just doesn’t cut it for some users
Lots of folks share stories about spotting the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and even some star clusters. A bunch of buyers say it works well for smartphone photography right through the eyepiece. The compact size wins points for anyone who wants something portable and easy to stash away.
But not everything goes smoothly. Some people run into technical headaches the first time out, and a few ended up returning theirs after calibration issues.
Want to see what the buzz is about? Check out the NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to read more reviews and check the latest prices.
Conclusion
After checking out everything this telescope brings to the table, I’ve gotta say—the NexStar 90SLT feels like a solid choice for beginners and casual stargazers. You’ll probably like how simple it is to set up, and the computerized mount system really takes the guesswork out of finding stuff in the sky. You get sharp views of the moon, planets, and some of the brighter deep-sky objects, which is honestly all most people want starting out.
Now, I should mention a few hiccups. Some folks have said the mount can stop during calibration, which sounds frustrating. The finderscope isn’t everyone’s favorite either, so you might want to swap it out down the line. Still, most people seem to find the telescope reliable and fun to use, and that counts for a lot.
The compact size really helps if you need something portable. You won’t have to wrestle with complicated controls—honestly, the hand controller’s pretty easy to figure out.
Ready to start your stargazing journey? Check out the current price and availability of the Celestron NexStar 90SLT on Amazon to see if it fits your needs and budget.