Rank #1 in Best Telescopes 2026: 10 Ranked, and the Specs That Don't Add Up
Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerised Reflector
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT sits at number one in this guide. It is a computerised Newtonian reflector on a quick-release altazimuth fork mount, listed at £499.00 and rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2,118 ratings. The listing puts its object database at more than 40,000 stars, galaxies and nebulae, and describes a SkyAlign routine that aligns on any three bright objects.
What the same listing does not do is agree with itself on the optics. The aperture is given as 130 mm and the focal length as 325 mm, which is f/2.5 — a ratio you do not find on a 130 mm reflector. The optical tube length is then listed at 635 mm, close to double the focal length quoted. Two further figures sit oddly: a 26 mm exit pupil over a 130 mm aperture works out at 5x, and the field of view is given as "6.3 Inches". Only the Dawes limit of 0.89 arc sec matches a 130 mm aperture. Everything on this page comes from the Amazon listing, not from any testing we have done.
How those 2,118 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.3 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Price | £499.00 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 out of 5 from 2,118 ratings |
| Objective lens diameter | 130 mm |
| Focal Length Description (as listed) | 325 millimetres — 130 mm ÷ 325 mm = f/2.5 |
| Optical-Tube Length | 635 mm — close to double the quoted focal length |
| Exit Pupil Diameter (as listed) | 26 mm — 130 mm ÷ 26 mm = 5x |
| Field Of View (as listed) | 6.3 Inches |
| Dawes Limit | 0.89 arc sec — consistent with a 130 mm aperture |
What buyers actually say
Quoted from customer reviews on Amazon
Verified purchase“Brought a few months ago, absolutely brilliant for a beginner, I'm using the WiFi adapter/SkyPortal app with the mount and once you got the hang of alignment it's very easy to use.”
Verified purchase“After spending a number of decades as a backyard astronomer using binoculars, I have finally taken the plunge and bought a telescope. So what are my thoughts after 7 clear nights observing? Well firstly if you are thinking of doing the same DO IT.This telescope is good value for money. The instructions to put it together are short, clear and simple. It arrived on time and was very well packaged in 3 (yes 3) boxes plus the obligatory polystyrene and bubble wrap. Once put together my telescope now lives on its tripod and is easily portable by an over 60 year old.As a complete telescope beginner, it got me up and running immediately. - Except that unlike the description there were not batteries supplied - however having an outdoor power supply, I had ordered the power adaptor. The finderscope once aligned (alignment was easy) is very helpful. The two lenses supplied give good views compared to my hand held ancient but very good 16x60 binoculars which I am still using really as a wide angle view. - largely because of my hand shake when holding the bins... However I am looking to upgrade the lenses as quickly as money allows... The telescope is not however completely removed from vibration and t movement, but is much better if the tripod is not extended fully. However wind will wobble it as will human interference... annoying.So after a few sessions - as a total telescope beginner - largely because of cloudy skies or semi cloudy (rather annoying) skies what have I seen/was impressed with using only the lenses supplied (which most reviews suggest are not the best)?1. The telescope will seperate Saturn and the rings - just - using the lenses provided.2. Jupiter and the 4 moons look similar to a binocular view, but sharper and some banding on Jupiter can be seen.3. The moon (advise you to get a moon filter) is stunning.4. Views of clusters such as the Sword Handle/double cluster in Perseus, the Hyades, the Pleides, the Leaping Minnow in Auriga are good.5. Scanning through constellations such as Cygnus, Cepheus, Cassiopeia similar to viewing the Milky Way through binoculars has been fun.6. Binary stars - Albeiro in Cygnus, 30/31 Cygni, Epsilon Lyrae have been good.Again only with the lenses supplied, what have been disappointments?a. M31 - but also not great in binoculars.b. M27, M57, but I suspect they might be better with better lenses.c. Annoying having to re focus when you change lenses. (looking to get the Baader zoom asap)And what simple errors have I made?i. Not always waiting for my eyes to become accustomed to the dark.ii. Expecting to find things in the 9mm lense first - much easier to start with the wide angle 25mm.iii. Making sure that the telescope does not get stuck on the tripod when viewing objects nearly overhead.iv Assuming that everything will look better at a higher magnification - it doesn't.v. Standing up to observe using the telescope - does my back in - so I am now using an adjustable stool...Overall a good purchase and I am very pleased with it... However I can see that like the binoculars it will become addictive and will "demand" more money for lenses etc. etc...”
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best Telescopes 2026: 10 Ranked, and the Specs That Don't Add Up.
Questions people ask
What does the Celestron NexStar 130SLT cost?
£499.00 as listed, with a 4.3-out-of-5 rating from 2,118 ratings.
How many objects can the NexStar 130SLT find?
The listing states a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies and nebulae, which the computerised mount locates and tracks.
Do the aperture and focal length on the Celestron NexStar 130SLT add up?
They do not. 130 mm of aperture with 325 mm of focal length is f/2.5, and the same listing gives an optical tube length of 635 mm, close to twice that focal length.
What magnification does the listed exit pupil suggest?
The exit pupil is given as 26 mm; against a 130 mm aperture that works out at 5x.
How does the mount work?
The listing describes a battery-powered altazimuth mount using Celestron's SkyAlign procedure, which aligns on any three bright objects centred in the eyepiece, and lists Computer as a compatible device.
What software comes with it?
The listing includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, described as an interactive sky simulation.
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