Assessing Top-Tier Reflector Telescopes Supported by Tripods from Over 40 Options
For those seeking a telescope that combines decent aperture, ease of use, smartphone adaptability, and computerized or manual mounts for tracking, the market offers some outstanding options when it comes to 130mm reflectors. Here are our top recommendations:
Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P Newtonian
- Aperture: 130mm parabolic mirror
- Focal length: 650mm (f/5)
- Red dot finder, rack & pinion focuser
- Equatorial/altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls
- Comes with 10mm & 25mm eyepieces
- Compatible with smartphone adaptors
The Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P Newtonian offers bright, wide-field views, making it suitable for attaching smartphone adapters for basic astrophotography or visual recording. With a mid-range price (~$300-$500), it delivers solid optics and value.
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT
- Aperture: 130mm (5.1")
- Focal length: 650mm
- Fully computerized GoTo altazimuth mount
- SkyAlign software for easy alignment
- Compatible with Apertura smartphone adapter for imaging
- Includes tripod and adjustable legs
The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is an excellent choice for beginners wanting smartphone imaging with GoTo tracking and ease of use. Its sharp optics are ideal for planets and deep-sky observations, though it commands a higher price (~$600-$900).
Acuter Voyager MAK80
- 80mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Focal length: 800mm (f/10)
- Comes with smartphone adaptor, star diagonal, eyepieces
- Lightweight at 1.8kg
- Vixen-style mounting bar
Though the Acuter Voyager MAK80 features a smaller aperture, its included smartphone adaptor makes it a good entry-level imaging option. It's priced in the budget to mid-range (~$200-$400), but its smaller aperture limits light gathering, making it less ideal for faint objects.
Feature and Performance Comparison
When it comes to optics and aperture, both the Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P and Celestron NexStar 130 SLT offer the optimal 130mm aperture for detail and light gathering versus smaller 80mm Maksutov or 70mm refractors.
In terms of mounting and tracking, the NexStar 130 SLT excels with its computerized GoTo mount and SkyAlign software, facilitating precise object locating and easy smartphone astrophotography. The StarQuest 130P’s manual equatorial or altazimuth mount requires more user skill but is reliable. The Acuter MAK80’s simple mount and included adapter provide portability with modest performance.
Regarding smartphone adaptation, while several can use third-party smartphone adapters, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT and Acuter Voyager MAK80 are notable for either built-in compatibility or popular adapter availability, easing smartphone attachment and image capture.
In terms of accessories, the NexStar 130 SLT includes a tripod and adjustable mount, the StarQuest 130P adds slow-motion control cables and eyepieces, and the Acuter MAK80 offers a carry case and finderscope.
Price and Value
The Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P offers solid optics and value at a moderate price, optimized for manual tracking and smartphone use with adapters. The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT commands a higher price due to its computerized features, automated tracking, and user-friendly smartphone compatibility. Smaller telescopes like the Acuter Voyager MAK80 provide a more budget-conscious option with smartphone accessories but trade off aperture and image detail.
Summary
- Best for performance and smart features:Celestron NexStar 130 SLT — combines sharp optics, computerized tracking, and straightforward smartphone imaging, though at a premium.
- Best for budget and adaptability:Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P Newtonian — excellent aperture, manual controls, and smartphone adapter compatibility.
- Best entry-level smartphone-assisted scope:Acuter Voyager MAK80 — includes smartphone adaptor but with smaller aperture and less light gathering.
If the focus is strictly on 130mm reflectors, the Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P and Celestron NexStar 130 SLT are the leading options in terms of features, price, and smartphone-assisted performance based on current offerings.
- The Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P Newtonian is ideal for basic astrophotography or visual recording as it provides bright and wide-field views, making it a suitable choice for beginners.
- The Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P's mid-range price (~$300-$500) ensures solid optics and value for those seeking a telescope.
- The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is an excellent choice for beginners wanting smartphone imaging with GoTo tracking, thanks to its sharp optics and easy alignment software.
- Despite its higher price (~$600-$900), the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is a great option for planetary and deep-sky observations.
- With a smaller aperture, the Acuter Voyager MAK80 may not be as ideal for faint objects, but its included smartphone adaptor makes it a good entry-level imaging option.
- Both the Sky-Watcher StarQuest 130P and Celestron NexStar 130 SLT offer apertures that provide the best detail and light gathering versus smaller Maksutov or refractor telescopes.
- The NexStar 130 SLT's computerized GoTo mount and SkyAlign software facilitate precise object locating and easy smartphone astrophotography.
- The Acuter MAK80's simple mount and included adapter provide portability with modest performance and are compatible with third-party smartphone adapters.
