The overall build is stable with no sign of shaking or toppling over and, peering into the objective lens, the glass is beautifully coated. The weight of the Omni XLT 120 is 43 lbs. (19.50 kilograms), making it less than portable for those looking to travel beyond their backyard — if you're a skywatcher who likes to chase the darkest of skies, then we recommend either searching for a more portable option or having a vehicle to hand for transportation. All About Space magazine Please refresh the page and try again. We recommend replacing it with a Crayford focuser for optimum performance and fine-tuning your views. You should be aware that there is some chromatic aberration, but it doesn’t take away from the visual experience. Celestron’s line of low-cost Chinese import telescopes, the Omni XLT, has intrigued me since its introduction. І lоvе nаturе аnd thе іnfіnіtе bеаutу wе аrе ѕurrоundеd bу. The XLT 120 is a refractor telescope with a 120 mm aperture and an f/8.33 focal ratio. This brings the entire assembly to 46 lbs. If you’re willing to spend more on a refractor telescope within the mid-range budget, you’ll inevitably come across the Omni XLT 120 by Celestron. You can use it for short range observations on land, and since it has a minimum magnification of 17x, you can certainly experiment with wider fields of views and differing powers with additional eyepieces. Purchasing this equipment will allow automatic and accurate tracking and visual alignment of your mount with Polaris and true north. No residue of oil or glue is evident anywhere on the components. Yes! While a degree of false color is visible when observing bright targets, light transmission is excellent through the optical system and provides fantastic sights of the night sky: Jupiter and the moon were particular hightlights. Putting the 6x30 finderscope to the test, we noted the clear and sharp views when we used it to guide us to the very bright -1.46-magnitude star Sirius in Canis Major (the Great Dog). The optical tube weighs 12.5 lbs, the tripod 12.5 lbs, and the mount and counterweights weigh 21 lbs. Adding up the costs quickly becomes expensive, but the potential is there. Receive news and offers from our other brands? It’s suited to both low magnification, wide-field viewing and deep-sky observation, but it also excels in high magnification and lunar and planetary viewing.Due to its setup, you may be wondering about astrophotography, and on paper, it may seem like a great hobby to pursue with this scope, but there … And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com. A word of warning: the German equatorial mount is not suitable for beginners without some experience of using telescopes. However, we were able to make out a phase with 60% illumination as well as some atmospheric shading when we made use of a deep blue filter. With Venus making its dramatic presence in the sky, we took the opportunity to observe it. But, its focal ratio provides a good balance between wide-field stargazing and DSO observation or high power for exploring details of the moon and planets. Gemma Lavender, The overall view is impressive and we were able to detect the gas giant's bands with ease, while its satellites appeared as specks of light either side of its brilliant disk. While it is fashioned from high-quality metal and performs well, these focusers have a tendency to slip when holding heavy eyepieces and supporting cameras. It’s multi-coated, offers a 50-degree field of view, and has long 20 mm eye relief. With its aperture and focal ratio, this telescope is more suited to views of the solar system and moon, however, it offers good views of a selection of deep-sky targets. How to Reduce Chromatic Aberration with the XLT 120? The focuser already has a built-in T adapter, but you’ll need to purchase a T-ring for your specific camera. The deep-blue-and-white color combination is very appealing to me (obviously). Find a Retailer. This will prove true when it comes time for upgraded accessories to maximize efficient use. The XLT 120 is an one of the best telescopes under $1000 and has a lot of potential and provides a lot of room to grow with it, and it’s with the after-market extras that can help turn this solid telescope into a high-performing beast. Celestron has a dual-axis motor drive and polar axis finder that are compatible with this telescope. It’s a 2” focuser with single speed, can be tricky to focus at high magnification, and it may creep with heavier loads such as astroimaging equipment. plus some if you count the included counterweights. It’s a high-performing telescope with a quality tripod that justifies the cost. The Omni is also relatively lightweight weighing in at 30 lbs (approx.) Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Mount type: Omni CG-4 equatorial. The mount’s well-made stainless steel tubular tripod legs are exquisite, providing excellent support to the telescope and a good, solid base when combined with the counterbalance: the extra weighting is useful for those wishing to try their hand at basic astrophotography. There was a problem. Both objects were picked out with impressive contrast and clarity, certainly a highlight of our tour of the night sky. Due to its larger aperture, it “collects” more light for seeing faint and dim objects, especially those deep-sky bodies you’ll want to explore. In terms of optical prowess, we can highly recommend the Omni XLT 120 — especially given the minimal color fringing when observing bright targets like Jupiter and Venus. 0. As is, the Omni performs extremely well. Optical design: Refractor The CG-4 mount on the Omni XLT 120 is the new and improved version that is praised for quality and dependability. Eyepiece 1 focal length: 25 mm (40x) Seeing as the optical tube weighs 12.5 lbs, it’s right within fully operational weights. Counterweights — a 7 lbs. 24 September 2020. Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? Intermediates will be playing with this telescope for a long time to come. How Does the Celestron Omni XLT 120 Perform? Home / Omni XLT 150 Telescope. Finished in a gunmetal blue pearl with white accents, the telescope's high-quality GC4 equatorial mount is the centerpiece of this instrument. Due to its specs, it’s right within the middle range that makes it an ideal telescope for multi-purpose viewing and imaging. Read 0 Reviews Write A Review. Our Verdict: The Omni XLT series offers legit value for refractor scopes. Space is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. NY 10036. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! As such, it’s best geared towards an intermediate level user who does have some experience with telescopes and equatorial mounts. $559.95. You can purchase colored eyepiece filters or Celestron’s refractor filter to reduce CA and improve color fidelity, resolution, and contrast.