Pros: 1)$200 price tag
2)Goto telescope for automated star location
Cons: 1)Rudimentary software, expensive optional RS-232 to 4-4 cable.
2)Advertised deal on AccessoryKit not available
The Bottom Line: Best buy for the casual astronomer, but remember to call Celestron and complain about the RS-232 cable and not getting the Accessory Kit for $99.
kannankeril's Full Review: Celestron NexStar 114GT (269 x 114mm) Telescope
Overview:
This telescope is being sold at Costco for $200. Given the price, simplicity of setup and the decent quality of the scope, I would recommend it to any casual hobbyist. Hurry before they run out-of-stock.
Contents:
The kit contains in addition to the 114mm Newtonian Reflector telescope, an alt-azimuth aluminium tripod mount, a reasonable motor & computerized Hand Control, two eye-pieces (10mm & 25mm), accessory tray and rudimentary astronomy software (The Sky - Level One).
Setup:
I had some trouble using auto-align and it kept failing on me. The sky got cloudy after about 30 mins so I had to abandon my alignment attempts and just use the controller to manually position the scope. The finderscope uses a red-dot to help align objects with the scope and needed some adjustment out-of-the-box, which was easy once I figured out the dial that turned it on. :) It had separate dials for horizontal and vertical adjustment of the image in the finderscope with the image in the eyepiece. Here's a tip, ignore the setup instructions in the skimpy manual and use those at the Celestron website:
http://www.celestron.com/support/setup_114gt.htm
Once aligned, I was able to use the finderscope and hand control to quickly move-to & center objects. The light-weight of the entire system makes it easy to take out on to my balcony for viewing.
Tips to fellow-beginners:
1) This & all regular reflectors present an inverted-image, so you see the object of your fancy upside-down. This is not a problem in most cases. The two exceptions are in case of terrestrial viewing (bird-watching, for ex.) and the moon. Just flip your moon map & proceed :)
2) You do not see much color and most images would appear B&W or in shades of gray. I have only a vague idea of why this may be, and leave it to the curious for more research.
Complaints:
1) An RS-232 male to 4-4 phone jack(RJ-11, I think) cable is required to control the computer using the included software and for firmware updates of the Hand Controller. This is not included and must be purchased separately. That sucks!!
2) Celestron boldly announced a $99 accessory bundle containing additional eye-pieces and filters in an aluminium hardcase. Costco does not carry that item and other Celestron dealers either don't have it as well or refuse to sell it to me unless I buy the scope from them (for a much higher price) as well. I contacted Celestron and they don't sell it direct either. This probably qualifies as false advertising and may be the one reason that may lead me to return this product.
3) The aluminium mount is constructed such that directly overhead objects within a 15-degree radius of the zenith cannot be viewed. You have to wait until the object you wish to view moves out of this restricted area :(
4) They really need to find a better location for the batteries.
CLOSEOUTS . With both 40x and 100x magnifications, the Celestron Nexstar Skyalign 114GT-SA telescope opens the heavens for your view. It's easy to lea...More at Sierra Trading Post
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