GoTo computerized telescope: best NexStar picks by price

The Celestron NexStar 4SE uses a Maksutov-Cassegrain design with a 4-inch (102mm) aperture and 1,325mm focal length. The long focal length produces high magnification views of the Moon, planets and double stars with the included eyepieces.

SkyAlign alignment requires pointing at any three bright objects in the sky. The telescope identifies them automatically and aligns to the sky from there. No star chart knowledge is required; the mount finds objects on command through the StarPointer controller.

The single-fork alt-azimuth GoTo mount tracks objects as they move across the sky, keeping objects centered in the eyepiece during observation sessions. Without GoTo tracking, an object drifts out of view at high magnification within seconds.

The NexStar 6SE's 6-inch (150mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain aperture is the most popular aperture size in the NexStar line because it balances portability with light-gathering. Compared to the 4SE, the 6SE collects 56% more light, which makes a visible difference on nebulae and galaxies.

The Schmidt-Cassegrain design's 1,500mm focal length in a compact tube provides the magnification needed for planetary work while the aperture provides the light-gathering for deep-sky observation. One telescope covers both use cases effectively.

Celestron's GoTo hand controller accesses a 40,000-object database with named lists by object type: planets, bright stars, Messier catalog, NGC catalog and named objects. Select a target and the telescope slews to it automatically.

The NexStar 127SLT provides 5 inches (127mm) of Maksutov-Cassegrain aperture in the SLT single-arm mount design. The Maksutov design produces sharper, higher-contrast planetary views than the same aperture in a Newtonian reflector due to the closed tube optical path.

The SLT series uses the same NexStar GoTo hand controller as the SE series with the same 40,000-object database and SkyAlign 3-star alignment. The telescope finds and tracks objects identically; the difference is the mount stability and aperture.

At $679 versus the 6SE's $1,199, the 127SLT saves $520 while providing one inch less aperture in a slightly less rigid mount. For visual planetary observing where mount stability for imaging is not needed, the 127SLT is a strong value.

The Celestron 114LCM at $429 provides the GoTo computerized experience at the lowest price in Celestron's lineup. The 4.5-inch (114mm) Newtonian reflector collects more light than 70-90mm refractors in this price range, making it better suited for viewing nebulae and star clusters.

The LCM mount accesses 4,000 objects through the hand controller, covering the full Messier catalog, bright NGC objects, planets and named stars. For beginners learning their way around the sky, 4,000 objects is more than most observers work through in their first two years.

At $429, the 114LCM is $220 less than the 4SE while providing similar light-gathering. The trade-off is the simpler LCM mount versus the more rigid SE series and Newtonian versus Maksutov optics. For budget-first buyers, the 114LCM provides the GoTo experience at the most accessible price in Celestron's range.