FirstLight 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope with Nano Mountis ideal for users who want a portable yet powerful observation platform that is able to achieve high magnifications for detailed views of the Moon and planets and has the ability to reach out past our solar system to observe brighter deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical configuration is engineered with a convex meniscus lens that not only eliminates the need for periodic collimation, but by the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt design, but the optical benefits make this a useful scope for planetary and double-star observation.

The scope features the manual Twilight Nano alt-azimuth mount with dual-axis control knobs that allow users to track objects as they move across the night sky. Its stainless steel tripod provides a stable observation platform, and several observational accessories are provided, including a 25mm eyepiece, a 90° star diagonal, a universal smartphone eyepiece adapter, and an unmagnified red-dot finderscope.

127mm Catadioptric OTA    1900mm Focal Length, f/15 Focal Ratio    Fully Multi-Coated Optics    Internal Focusing Mechanism    1.25" 25mm Eyepiece and 90° Diagonal    Twilight Nano Manual Alt-Az Mount    Dual-Axis Slow Motion Knobs    Red-Dot Finderscope    Smartphone Eyepiece Adapter    1.25" Stainless Steel Tripod with Tray

• 127mm aperture
• f/15 focal ratio
• 1900mm focal length
• Compact Maksutov-Cassegrain optical configuration
• Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberrations) across the entire field of view
• Smaller secondary mirror versus Schmidt-Cassegrains reduces obstructions and increases contrast and sharpness
• Internal focusing mechanism with 1.25" visual back

• Manual alt-azimuth single-arm fork mount
• Dual-axis slow-motion tracking knobs
• Cables terminate in easy-to-manipulate knurled knobs
• Quick release Vixen-style dovetail saddle

• 1.25" stainless steel legs
• Three leg sections with thumbscrew locks
• Accessory tray doubles as leg stabilizer for additional rigidity and vibration reduction

• 1.25" 25mm Plössl eyepiece yields 76x magnification
• 1.25" 90° star diagonal places head in comfortable position, especially when OTA is aimed at or near the zenith
• Smartphone adapter attaches over eyepiece and allows any smartphone to be used for astrophotography
• Red-dot finder: Unmagnified for fast subject acquisition with variable red illumination to protect night-adjusted vision

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Who uses it for photography thats what I am looking for I will be mounting a Nikon D700 and am looking for clean crisp photos?

A: This scope would be good for taking a clear photos. The mount takes into effect, but that's if you are really trying to get more advanced. I would start with this first for shooting photos. You would need 2 adapters to attach your Nikon D700 Camera onto. The first would be the Celestron-SLR (35mm OR Digital) Camera Adapter. Website link: a href= http://bhpho.to/1lwAhIO target= _blank http://bhpho.to/1lwAhIO/aThen you would need a T-Ring which would adapt your Nikon D700 onto the T-Adapter. Vello Lens Mount Adapter-T-Mount Lens to Nikon F Mount Camera would be perfect. Website link: a href= http://bhpho.to/1d8lKOS target= _blank http://bhpho.to/1d8lKOS/a

Q: 2. Can you link this to a computer and see live images on your computer screen?

A: Yes. You would need a suitable camera, adapter and software obviously, but thats true for any telescope. A planetary camera such as ZWO will directly fit into the telescope eyepiece holder without any adapters required. A DSLR camera will need a T-adapter and mount ring for the camera make and model to fit in place of the eyepiece. If your DSLR has live view capability you can see the view without a computer. In either case you should be able to view the stream on a computer tethered via a USB cable or wirelessly if your camera supports WiFi. Im assuming you are running a compatible live view software for the camera on your computer.

Q: 3. Does it have clock drive and works in the Southern hemisfere ?

A: It does have a clock drive, but I still haven't used that feature...I just find the planet I want and then use the controller to re-center the image...not really the best way to use the scope, but for me it works. One night I will take the manual out with me and figure out how to align by the stars and then the image will be centered all night in the scope...plus mine have Go To so once aligned you just push a button and thousands of items are available to see all centered in the view. As to whether it works in the southern hemisphere I don't know...maybe the Celestron website can help you out. All in all a great little scope for the money with very nice views of larger planets, star clusters and amazing views of moon...not to mention a great scope for birds, earth-bound images, etc...Jon W. on Jan 13, 2015

Q: 4. Does Nex Star 127b SL have a clock drive and does it work in lattitude south of Equator (8 degrees South) ?

A: Yes on both.

Q: 5. What is the total weight with accessories?

A: 20 lbs.

Q: 6. Can this telescope be used with GPS Navigation such as Celestrol SkyQ Link II ?

A: Yes it can. The Celestron SkyQ Link II will be compatible with this scope.

Q: 7. Does this telescope have large asteroids (Ceres, Vesta etc.) in it's database?

A: No, asteroids are not featured in the NexStar hand controllers database; however, you can manually enter in an asteroid's RA and DEC coordinates to command the telescope to slew to an asteroid. You can also add the SkyPortal WiFi Module and using the free planetarium app, SkyPortal, command the telescope slew to asteroids in its database. Sincerely, Garrett at Celestron

Q: 8. what is the focal length of the explorer scientific 127 mm cassagrain

A: Explore FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain has a 1900 mm focal length. The Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain has a focal length of 1500 mm.

Q: 9. Does this come with a case?

A: A case is not included.

Q: 10. Can this scope use the Celestion AutoAlign ?

A: Yes, the Celestron StarSense AutoAlign is compatible with the NexStar 127SLT. Sincerely, Garrett at Celestron