Celestron - Omni Xlt 150 Newtonian Reflector Telescope 6 Review

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you click and buy through these links, nosotros may earn a committee at no additional cost to you. Learn more than

The Celestron Omni XLT 150 is a surprisingly upgraded telescope for its price betoken and size. This modern accept on the classic equatorially mounted half dozen" Newtonian reflector has plenty of enhanced features that provide better optics, a sturdier mount, plus a wide field of view – making this telescope a smashing pick for stargazing and even bones astrophotography.

While this review is mainly positive, we do our best to requite you lot a off-white and unbiased summary of each telescope we review. Keep reading our Celestron Omni XLT 150 review below to learn what we love about information technology and what we think could exist improved.

Contents

An Overview of the Celestron Omni XLT 150
- What We Dear
- What Nosotros Are Not Impressed With
- What the Celestron Omni XLT 150 is Best For
Scorecard – Celestron Omni XLT 150 Reflector Telescope Review
- Pros
- Cons
Key Features of the Celestron Omni XLT 150
- Included Accessories
- The Celestron Omni XLT 150 is a "Fast" Telescope
- Optics, Collimation, and Focuser
- Ultra-Sturdy, Modernistic Equatorial Mount
- Astrophotography Right Off the Bat
What Can Yous See with the Celestron Omni XLT 150?
- Lunar and Planetary Viewing
- Deep Infinite Viewing
- Can the Omni XLT 150 be Used for Terrestrial Viewing?
Working With a Budget
- Buying a Used Celestron Omni XLT 150
Some Optional Accessory Upgrades to Consider
- Eyepieces
- Finderscope
- Boosted Accompaniment Ideas
Celestron Warranty
Concluding Thoughts | Celestron Omni XLT 150 Review

An Overview of the Celestron Omni XLT 150

The Omni XLT 150 is a Newtonian reflector telescope, using a combination of mirrors to reverberate low-cal to form an prototype. This is the only reflector telescope in the Omni XLT serial from Celestron, and information technology comes at a better price than many of its competitors with similar features and quality.

(Celestron Product Image Used with Permission)

Celestron's Omni XLT 150 presents excellent views of the sky thanks to its high-quality optical system. And you can explore plenty of celestial sights without getting bored with this telescope. The 150mm (almost 6") telescope discontinuity is the largest in the Omni XLT series, letting in plenty of light to create bright and beautiful images.

What We Love

Starting off, the Omni XLT 150 sits at an attractive toll point for its overall build quality and aperture size. Between the upgraded features, the quality of images presented to y'all, and the sturdiness of each of its parts you lot would be hard-pressed to find a better setup at the same price.

The Celestron Omni XLT 150 has phenomenal optics crafted with its big aperture, and a wide field of view. The primary mirror is parabolic (not spherical) and uncommonly loftier-quality. All optical elements are fully multi-coated with Celestron's "StarBright XLT" anti-reflective coatings.

The mount is especially sturdy and rugged, and it's perhaps the #1 reason to choose this telescope. It has been redesigned to better arrange both the telescope and those operating it, and yous will find little to complain about.

This telescope feels like a huge upgrade compared with entry-level equatorial reflectors from Celestron and other manufacturers. In our view, it's a fantastic option for those starting out or fifty-fifty intermediate astronomers who desire decent views without ruining their finances.

What Nosotros Are Not Impressed With

While the Celestron Omni XLT 150 does an amazing job with the most of import components (the mount and the optical system), we find that the included accessories are very basic. Yous'll get a certain amount of mileage with the stock supplies, just if yous want to go further you volition be spending the actress money on a few key upgrades.

In particular, the eyepiece and finderscope are among the start that nosotros conceptualize needing upgrades or replacement. It only comes with one 25mm eyepiece. (Although, it's a decent eyepiece, with fully multi-coated glass, 20mm eye relief, and a l degree field of view.) And y'all'll most probable find the vi×thirty finderscope to be limiting as well.

From a full cost of ownership perspective, you should notwithstanding come in at a pretty good price point after buying additional or replacement parts. However, going through the hassle of shopping for uniform supplies is not worth it for everyone.

What the Celestron Omni XLT 150 is All-time For

The Omni XLT 150 is a versatile telescope – capable of existence used for a variety of different viewing scenarios. It tin be used for:

Stargazing and full general celestial viewing
Lunar and planetary observation
Viewing deep infinite objects like galaxies and nebulae
Basic astrophotography (short exposure)

If yous plan on doing whatsoever of these things you can expect this to be an excellent tool. This Celestron Omni XLT 150 review digs deeper into the pros and cons, and whether you tin trust it enough to add it to your telescope drove.

Scorecard – Celestron Omni XLT 150 Reflector Telescope Review

Pros

Affordability is excellent for such a high-quality telescope
Celestron's CG-iv mount is very robust, and allows precise tracking of celestial objects
Big 150mm (almost vi″) discontinuity lets you lot view fainter, more than afar objects
High-reflectivity parabolic mirror and fully multi-coated optical components
Excellent overall value and versatility
Accepts one.25″ and ii″ eyepieces!

Cons

Accessories are somewhat basic (for example, only ane eyepiece included) – but keep reading for some options to consider
You'll need to acquire how to collimate the telescope
Make certain you lot truly want an equatorial-style mount – it comes with a slight learning curve (but it's worth the fourth dimension)

Primal Features of the Celestron Omni XLT 150

Before we wait at the main features of the Celestron Omni XLT 150 we need to found some basic specifications of this reflector telescope.

Discontinuity: 150mm (5.91") with parabolic primary mirror
Focal Length: 750mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Eyepiece: 25mm

Looking at this information, you can see that the Celestron Omni XLT 150 has a large aperture, almost 6″. In our stance, 6″ is a practiced "sweetness spot" for beginners who are gear up to brand an investment in their first college-quality telescope. Simply with 6″ aperture and higher quality components, the telescope tin grow with y'all every bit you get more experience.

The focal ratio (f/five) falls comfortably in the range of telescopes with a wide field of view. This is the exact aforementioned focal ratio you lot'll find in the popular Orion SpaceProbe 130ST. (Y'all can about remember of the Omni XLT 150 equally a "bigger, better, more than rugged" version of that same model from Orion.)

When combined with the 25mm eyepiece, the telescope offers magnification of 30x. That's enough to go a great view of many astronomical sights. Notwithstanding, with a much higher theoretical maximum magnification of 300x (multiplying 6″ past fifty), you'll definitely desire to add another eyepiece and/or a Barlow lens to become a closer await at things.

Included Accessories

In addition to the optical tube, the Celestron Omni XLT 150 comes with the following accessories:

A unmarried 25mm eyepiece (fully multi-coated, with 20mm eye relief and fifty degree field of view)
ii" Crayford-style focuser
Adapter for 1.25″ eyepieces
6×30 finderscope
CG-iv mount with slow-motion controls and setting circles
Tripod with 1.75″ steel legs, accessory tray, and bubble level
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition software and SkyPortal App

The Celestron Omni XLT 150 is a "Fast" Telescope

Taking into account the short focal length and fast focal ratio of the Celestron Omni XLT 150, about people would consider this to be a "fast telescope". This means that it can gather light faster and requite y'all a wider view than other telescopes with a longer focal length or slower focal ratio.

A wider field of view means it is a neat choice for versatile stargazing and astrophotography. This provides a wide surface area to notice for visual astronomy. And, you can swoop deep into space for detailed imaging with the right tools.

The biggest issue here is that y'all can meet coma issues when using it with a wide field eyepiece. Non but does this limit what you can view, but it also limits what yous can view well. While it should not stop y'all from using the telescope, you can hands right it with a coma corrector if it becomes a big enough problem.

Eyes, Collimation, and Focuser

According to Celestron, each piece of glass in this telescope is "hand-selected" for optimal quality. Additionally, the mirror is parabolic and all optical components are fully multi-coated with Celestron'southward StarBright XLT coatings. Compared to an entry-level Newtonian reflector, the Omni XLT 150 volition deliver images that are sharper and clearer, thanks to these upgraded components.

Collimation is especially essential for fast reflector telescopes. While the Omni XLT 150 does not provide you with whatever collimation tools, all you really need is a collimation cap (or y'all can brand your ain with a 35mm film canister). Hither's a elementary guide to collimation for Newtonian reflectors. See further beneath for recommended collimation accessories as well.

Apart from this, the telescope comes with a 2" Crayford-style focuser that is all-metallic. Information technology besides comes with a 1.25" adapter to ensure that any i.25″ eyepieces you buy will exist compatible. This is perfectly adequate to eliminate shaking when you are testing the capabilities of the telescope, particularly with the sturdily developed modernistic mount.

Ultra-Sturdy, Modernistic Equatorial Mount

The Omni XLT 150 includes a Celestron CG-four mount that is nicely upgraded and exceptionally robust. As nosotros mentioned to a higher place, this is perhaps the #1 reason to buy the Omni XLT 150. (The mount tin can as well exist purchased separately.)

Celestron CG-iv Mount Past Itself:

The CG-4 features an equatorial-mode mount (also known as a German Equatorial Mount, or Precious stone). It lets you hands track objects in the sky with accurateness and stability. And it features slow motility controls which allow for precise move, assuasive yous to rails more smoothly in rising or declination.

Past default, the mount is manually controlled. The CG-four is essentially the same mount as some of Celestron's higher-end computerized mounts, but without the electronic components. This keeps the Omni XLT 150 more affordable and provides a secure and usable mount for optimized manual performance.

The Omni XLT 150 also has ball bearings on both of its axes that assistance go along the telescope movement gentle and effortless. The included tripod features thick 1.75″ stainless steel legs, allowing the tripod top to be extended from 33″ upward to 47″ tall. (The CG-four also features a nice accessory tray with space for ane.25″ and 2″ eyepieces, forth with a bubble level.)

Finally – i actually cool thing about the CG-four: You can utilise the "setting circles" (on both the right-ascension and declination axes) to locate objects the "old-fashioned" manner. Every bit long equally you have the star coordinates (using a star nautical chart or software), you can manually use the setting circles to notice anything in the sky.

Astrophotography Correct Off the Bat

All of these features add up to brand the mount bang-up for stable viewing and a fantastic base of operations for astrophotography, merely leaving the telescope as-is will limit you to short-exposure photography. This is still a great setup for a DSLR camera or smartphone.

If y'all desire to use the Omni XLT 150 for brusk-exposure astrophotography, y'all might consider investing in a Barlow lens. This will help in increasing magnification, presenting a meliorate prototype to your camera.

One more thing. If you are planning to accept a sequence of many short-exposure shots, yous might want to consider upgrading with a dual-axis motor bulldoze. Because the Omni XLT 150 has a manually controlled tracking system by default, adding automated tracking capability tin make information technology a piffling easier for longer imaging sessions. (Nevertheless, it won't be as precise as a fully computerized mount, which is required for long-exposure astrophotography.)

Across this, whatsoever accessories yous desire can be added at your discretion. It is of import to keep the payload chapters of the tripod in mind, as well equally what strain you are putting on the mount.

What Can You See with the Celestron Omni XLT 150?

This is all corking to know, just the best mode to talk about the performance of the Omni XLT 150 is by showcasing what you can see. The Omni XLT 150 is simple plenty for basic hobby astronomy, but you lot will also detect that information technology packs a decent punch for further viewing. (And be sure to check out our guide to what you tin meet with a telescope.)

Lunar and Planetary Viewing

With the Omni XLT 150, yous'll exist able to get fantabulous views of the moon, including detailed glimpses of craters and other elements of the lunar surface. We recommend a moon filter to reduce brightness (allowing more detailed viewing). Also, keep in listen that the best time to view the moon through a telescope is when information technology'due south about one-half illuminated (for case, around the "first quarter" phase).

The XLT 150 is also good for viewing planets. You'll exist able to see Jupiter'southward bands, and you lot should be able to make out Jupiter'south Galilean moons and the Great Red Spot. Saturn will look spectacular. You'll exist able to see its rings clearly, along with several of Saturn's moons. (Nevertheless, at 6″ aperture y'all won't be able to distinguish the various divisions of its rings.) Y'all can also see the phases of Mercury and Venus.

Finally, you lot might exist able to make out the water ice caps on Mars. However, this requires a very clear sky (and make sure yous're viewing at an optimal time, close to its opposition). Cheque out our astronomy agenda of celestial events for suggestions on the all-time times to view each of the planets. Uranus and Neptune will exist visible just they will be small dots with a slight amount of color.

Deep Space Viewing

With a 6″ aperture, you'll be able to see some of the more distant, fainter objects in deep space. This includes galaxies, nebulae, and diverse star clusters.

Some favorite targets with this size include: the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades Star Cluster, the Andromeda Galaxy. You lot'll exist able to encounter the majority of the deep-infinite Messier targets, particularly if you bring the telescope to one of the all-time places for stargazing.

In short, running out of things to view is virtually impossible with the Omni XLT 150.

Can the Omni XLT 150 exist Used for Terrestrial Viewing?

Because the Omni XLT 150 is a reflector telescope it is non suitable for terrestrial viewing. The mirrors present images in an upside-down view.

While this is non uncomfortable for astronomy purposes, terrestrial viewing is best with a refractor telescope similar the Omni XLT 120.

Working With a Budget

If you are looking for a cheaper equatorial reflector than the Celestron Omni XLT 150, exist prepared for lower quality either in the mounting system or the optical system. (In other words, this telescope represents a great value for this level of quality in both mountain and optics.)

Sacrificing quality may eventually lead to spending the difference on upgrades; at that point, some would argue it's better to just start out with the Omni XLT 150.

With that said – if budget is a business concern, and your priority is the "reach" of your telescope's aperture (vs. smooth equatorial tracking), you might consider starting out with a Dobsonian telescope. Dobsonian telescopes are affordable and piece of cake to use – and may aid maximize your budget with similar aperture size.

Another way to optimize your upkeep is to try i of the Omni XLT 150's smaller competitors, like the Orion SpaceProbe 130ST nosotros mentioned previously. You can read our review of the SpaceProbe 130ST in our guide to the best Orion telescopes.

Buying a Used Celestron Omni XLT 150

If you can find a used telescope for a decent toll then this is an option for saving money without sacrificing quality.

Make sure you bank check the status of the mountain and the optical components. Also, don't worry as well much about the superficial appearance. Telescopes are hardy enough to tough it through the cosmetic pain, merely central elements similar lenses or mirrors should non be sacrificed.

Some Optional Accessory Upgrades to Consider

While we retrieve you can do fine with the Omni XLT as-is, we recommend a few like shooting fish in a barrel upgrades to have your experience to the next level.

Eyepieces

Replacing the 25mm eyepiece with one with a smaller focal length will give y'all a nice heave in the the magnification of the telescope. For example, you might consider adding a 6mm eyepiece (for magnification of 125x). Or you could add together a 12mm eyepiece (for magnification of 63x).

Here'southward a 6mm Plossl eyepiece option from Celestron:

Additionally, a 2x Barlow lens finer doubles the magnification of whatever eyepiece paired with information technology:

If you want a lot more versatility, Celestron offers a one.25″ eyepiece kit. It provides a nice drove of Plossl eyepieces, along with a number of unlike filters for a variety of viewing scenarios.

Finderscope

The finder included with the Omni XLT 150'southward setup is a cheaper 6×30 unit. While this works fine, it is not the all-time option out in that location and is ane of the cheaper upgrades you can make. Here's 1 that supports the Omni serial:

Or you tin go for something even nicer. Just make sure you read some reviews to make sure it will fit the Omni XLT 150 optical tube.

Boosted Accessory Ideas

Click here to expand

The moon will be intensely bright when fully illuminated – but this xiii% transmission moon filter from Orion can help:
Collimation is a lot easier with a collimation laser, like this one from SVBONY:

Celestron Warranty

Celestron offers a 2-yr manufacturer warranty to cover any defects or malfunctions that occur with your Omni XLT 150 as time goes on.

To qualify yous must provide proof of buy and pay to ship and insure the telescope to and from the manufacturer. As long as your merits is approved, yous can expect a repair or replacement within 30 days. If information technology takes any longer than that, a Celestron representative will contact you lot with an update.

Terminal Thoughts | Celestron Omni XLT 150 Review

In this Celestron Omni XLT 150 review nosotros looked at the many features of the telescope. We talked particularly about what we found useful and areas the telescope could meliorate. Overall, this telescope is a fantastic setup, particularly at its price point.

Even if you find it necessary to purchase accessories or sure replacement parts, your total toll will likely still be ameliorate than comparable telescopes.

Celestron'southward Omni XLT 150 is a great telescope for both amateur and intermediate astronomers, both in price and performance. While at that place are no mind-blowing features (except of course the CG-4 mount), everything is on-indicate in terms of quality. The setup is like shooting fish in a barrel to upgrade, but yous may not fifty-fifty need to.

Whether you want something you tin can grow with or apply as a staple tool, you lot can't go wrong with this telescope.

(Also, if you lot liked this article, please share it using the social media buttons below!)

Characteristic Image Credit: Celestron (Used with Permission)

callaghancamse1949.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.telescopeguide.org/celestron-omni-xlt-150-telescope-review/