Thinking about a telescope that takes the guesswork out of finding stars and planets? The Celestron 114LCM mixes computerized technology with decent optics, making stargazing easier for both beginners and folks who already know their way around the night sky.
You get a computerized GoTo mount that finds over 4,000 celestial objects with just a button press. The SkyAlign system asks you to center three bright objects, and then it figures out where it is and orients itself to the night sky for you.
People really like the automatic sky tracking and the compact design. The Sky Tour button is pretty neat—it gives you a list of the best things to check out right now. On the downside, the mount sometimes feels a bit shaky if it’s windy, and you’ll probably want to pick up a moon filter separately if you’re into lunar viewing.
Inside the box, you’ll find two eyepieces, a red dot finderscope, and a full-height tripod. Celestron also throws in free astronomy software and access to the SkyPortal app, which adds a little extra to your viewing sessions.
Its automatic tracking and super simple alignment make it perfect for beginners who want to skip the frustration of manual telescopes.
Want to dive into automated stargazing? Check out the Celestron 114LCM on Amazon and let the tech take you on a tour of the night sky.
Overview of the Celestron 31150 LCM 114 Series Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope
This computerized telescope puts advanced star-finding technology in reach for beginners, and it won’t drain your bank account. The LCM 114 uses a motorized mount that finds over 4,000 celestial objects at the push of a button.
Key Features:
- GoTo Mount: Finds stars, planets, and deep-sky objects automatically
- SkyAlign Technology: Three-star alignment gets you observing fast
- Sky Tour Function: Gives you a custom list of the best objects each night
- Complete Package: Includes tripod, two eyepieces, and red dot finder
Weighing just over 13 pounds, you can take it camping or just use it in your backyard. Some folks say the mount gets a little noisy and might not track smaller objects perfectly, but for most things, it works fine.
The 114mm mirror has solid light-gathering power for viewing planets like Jupiter and Saturn, along with brighter deep-sky targets. The included software and mobile app add some educational value, especially if you’re new to astronomy.
Think you’re ready for computerized stargazing? Check out the Celestron LCM 114 on Amazon for the latest price and details.
Computerized GoTo Mount for Effortless Stargazing
What really makes this telescope stand out is its automated tracking system. The 114LCM finds and tracks over 4,000 celestial objects with a simple button press. You don’t have to spend all night hunting for planets or nebulae.
SkyAlign keeps things easy. You just center three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the telescope works out its position. Most people pick this up quickly, though if you’re brand new, you might need a couple tries.
Key Benefits:
- Sky Tour feature suggests the best objects each night
- Automatic tracking keeps things centered in your eyepiece
- Lightweight mount makes it portable for camping trips
The mount isn’t perfect. Users mention it can wobble if it’s windy, and sometimes the tracking drifts a bit during longer sessions.
Want to see what automated stargazing feels like? Check out the Celestron 114LCM on Amazon for current prices.
User-Friendly SkyAlign Alignment Procedure
Setting up a computerized telescope can seem intimidating, but the 114LCM keeps it simple with SkyAlign. You just center three bright objects in your eyepiece, and the telescope figures out where it is and how it’s oriented.
Here’s how it goes:
- Point the telescope at any three bright stars or objects
- Center each one in your eyepiece
- The computer sorts out the telescope’s position
You don’t need to know star names or constellations. The system was made for beginners who want to get started without memorizing the night sky. Most people finish alignment in a few minutes.
The best part? You can use any bright objects you see. Even if you can’t name a single star, you can still get the telescope working.
Want to skip the hassle of manual alignment? Check out the Celestron 114LCM on Amazon and start exploring tonight.
Sky Tour Feature for Suggested Celestial Objects
If you’re new to astronomy, figuring out what to look for can be overwhelming. The LCM 114 solves this with its Sky Tour button, which does all the work for you.
Push the button, and the telescope gives you a custom list of the best objects visible right now. It checks your location and the time to suggest planets, stars, and other things worth seeing.
This is great for beginners who want guidance without planning out their whole night. No need to study star charts or memorize constellations.
The Sky Tour takes the guesswork out of stargazing. Just remember, you’ll still need to set up and align the telescope before it works its magic.
Curious how the Sky Tour can upgrade your stargazing? Check out the Celestron LCM 114 on Amazon and see what it can do.
High-Quality Glass Optics for Enhanced Viewing
The 114LCM comes with all-glass optics that provide clear, bright images of the night sky. This Newtonian reflector uses a primary mirror to gather light and focus it for your eyes.
With its fairly large aperture, you’ll see details on planets and deep-sky objects. Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and some nebulae show up with nice clarity. It works well for both planets and deep-space targets.
Some users mention the Bird-Jones optical design. That means there’s a corrector lens inside to make the tube shorter. It keeps things compact, but sometimes the image quality isn’t quite as sharp as a traditional Newtonian.
You get two eyepieces for different magnification. The 25mm is good for wide views, and the 9mm zooms in for more detail.
Most beginners find the optics more than good enough, though you might need to collimate it for the best results. The glass is solid for this price.
Ready to see what these optics can do? Check out the Celestron 114LCM on Amazon and decide if it’s right for you.
Included Accessories for a Complete Experience
You get all the basics you need to start observing right away. The tripod gives you a stable base for your sessions.
Key Accessories:
- 25mm and 9mm eyepieces – Two good eyepieces for different magnifications
- StarPointer red dot finderscope – Helps you find objects in the sky fast
- Full-height tripod – Sturdy and comfortable
The eyepieces let you switch between wide-field views and zoomed-in looks. The red dot finderscope makes pointing at targets much easier—without it, you’d probably get frustrated.
You’ll also get free astronomy software to help plan your sessions and learn about the sky from your computer.
Want a telescope with everything you need in the box? Check out the LCM 114 on Amazon for current pricing.
Portability and Setup for Beginners
Moving this telescope around is easy. The 114LCM weighs about 13 pounds, so you won’t struggle to carry it. Take it camping or to a friend’s backyard—no problem.
The setup process is beginner-friendly. The tripod snaps together quickly, and the telescope attaches without any complicated steps. Most people have it ready in under 30 minutes.
Setup highlights:
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Tripod: Adjustable aluminum
- Assembly: No tools needed
The SkyAlign system helps you get started fast. Just center three bright objects, and you’re good to go. Some folks need a little practice, but it’s not hard to get the hang of it.
It’s compact enough for easy storage, so you don’t need a big space when you’re not using it.
Want a portable telescope that’s easy to set up? Check out the Celestron 114LCM on Amazon for more info.
Pros and Cons
If you’re considering this computerized telescope, here’s a quick rundown of what works and what doesn’t.
Pros
The automated tracking system is a huge plus. The telescope finds and follows 4,000 celestial objects on its own, so beginners don’t have to guess where to look.
The Sky Tour feature is a lifesaver when you’re not sure what’s up there. It gives you a list of the best things to see right now, taking the guesswork out of your night.
Complete starter package includes:
- Full-height tripod
- Two eyepieces (25mm and 9mm)
- Red dot finderscope
- Free astronomy software
The compact design makes it easy to move around, and the computerized mount keeps objects centered for longer viewing.
Setup and basic maintenance are easy for first-timers. Even collimation and focusing don’t require much experience.
Cons
The mount stability really takes a hit in windy conditions. The telescope tends to wobble and shake, which messes with the view. Honestly, this can get pretty annoying when you’re trying to enjoy a night outside.
Missing essential accessories means you’ll probably spend extra:
- No moon filter in the box (which, if you want to look at the Moon, you’ll probably need)
- Might have to pick up additional eyepieces for more magnification choices
Getting the initial alignment right can be tricky. A lot of new users struggle to calibrate the computerized system properly. You’ll need some patience—and maybe a few tries—to get the hang of it.
The Bird Jones optical design doesn’t impress more experienced astronomers. It’s fine for beginners, but definitely has some limits compared to a classic Newtonian reflector.
Want to see what’s out there with a bit of automation? Check out the Celestron 114LCM on Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Customer Reviews
Buyers seem pretty split on the LCM 114. Out of almost 1,000 reviews, it sits at a 4.1-star rating. Plenty of people love the automated sky tracking—it’s the main thing folks talk about. The telescope keeps celestial objects in view for a long time without drifting, which is honestly pretty cool.
Setup and Learning Curve
- First-timers say collimation isn’t too bad
- Assembly takes a bit of patience and some Googling
- YouTube videos make the initial setup way easier
Performance Highlights
New astronomers feel the build quality is solid for the price. The computerized mount surprises people by finding and tracking planets at the push of a button. Even seasoned telescope users admit it offers decent value despite some optical trade-offs.
Common Concerns
A bunch of reviewers mention the mount can get wobbly if it’s windy. Some folks suggest picking up a moon filter on your own since it’s not included. Beginners, especially, find the alignment process a bit of a challenge.
Curious about the night sky? Check out current pricing and availability for the Celestron LCM 114 on Amazon.
Warranty And Product Support
When you pick up the LCM 114, you get support from a company that’s been in the telescope business since 1960. You’ll get a 2-year US warranty that covers manufacturing defects and mechanical issues.
Celestron’s US-based expert team offers unlimited support. You can call them for help with setup, troubleshooting, or even just random astronomy questions—no time limits, no extra fees.
The warranty covers the telescope’s optical and mechanical parts. It doesn’t cover damage from misuse or regular wear on things like eyepieces.
Support Quality:
- US-based experts
- No time limits on calls
- Help with setup and troubleshooting
- General astronomy advice
Most users say Celestron’s support team is actually helpful, both for tech stuff and learning how to use the telescope. The company’s long history in telescopes shows in their advice and problem-solving.
If you want a telescope with solid warranty support, check out the Celestron LCM 114 on Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Conclusion
If you’re just starting out and want a telescope with computerized features, the LCM 114 is honestly a solid pick. The automated sky tracking actually keeps objects in view for a good while, which is pretty handy. You’ll have to spend a bit of time learning the setup, but with all the guides and videos online, most people figure it out.
The optics? Not bad for the price, though I wish the mount felt sturdier—especially when it’s windy. That can shake things up, literally. Also, it’s a bit annoying that you need to buy a moon filter separately, since it doesn’t come with one.
Key takeaways:
- Beginner-friendly with helpful automated tracking
- Setup takes some patience at first
- You’ll want extra accessories like a moon filter
- Mount could be more stable
Nearly 1,000 reviewers have given it a 4.1-star average, so it seems to hit the mark for most folks. If you’re new to astronomy and want a little computerized help finding stuff in the sky, this telescope might just be what you need.
Ready to dive into stargazing? Check out the current price and availability on Amazon.