Celestron NexStar 6 SE Telescope

Celestron NexStar 6 SE Telescope

Regular Price: $1,405.95 | Price with discount: $799.00 | You Save: $606.95 (43%)

Got a Question for me? Powered by Aol.com   Product Details StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard Nearly 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup This item is eligible for FREE SHIPPING Sale Price: $799.00You Save $606.95 (43%) Dear visitor! This website has been designed to help you find THE BEST PRICE. When you are ready to buy, your payment will be processed through one of the most TRUSTED SUPPLIERS directly. Thank you for shopping with us!

Customer Review

Great scope with a lot of "wow" power
We used our scope for the first time recently. I had read the manual and a lot of online materials before we received our scope so I was somewhat familiar with how to use it. I input our location using our place's longiture and latitude and used the unit's "two star" alignment setting since I could only make out two bright stars in our light-polluted location (Tokyo, Japan). After this, I input "Jupiter" into the hand controller and the scope slewed to the planet and placed it right in the center of the eyepiece's field of view. My family and I spent the next hour letting the scope swing around to various stars and binary systems that I couldn't see with my unaided eyes but showed up beautifully in the eyepiece. I recommend taking a look at Albireo in the list of "named stars" on the hand controller very highly.I knew that a telescope, much like a camera, is a device that needs accessories. Therefore, before I bought the scope I purchased (used) a 9mm ocular, a barlow...
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September 10, 2007 (Tokyo) | Helpful Votes: 79 | Rating: 5

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Wonderful scope for the amateur astronomer that requires portability
I have owned several scopes over the years: a Meade ETX-90, an Orion 6" DOB, and a Zhumell 10" DOB (which I returned - read on).When I recently renewed my passion for astronomy earlier this year (2010), I started pulling out my little ETX-90 on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the aperture size and long focal length really limited my viewing to Saturn. I decided it was time to go for something with a bit more power. I bought the 10" DOB I mentioned above. It wasn't passed than the third trip outside, precariously carrying the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) while "butting" the door open and avoiding hitting my dining room table, that I decided I needed to return that monstrosity for something more portable (by the way, it was a wonderful scope! If you can store it where moving it isn't a problem, it'll do the job!).Enter the Celestron NexStar 6SE.When the scope arrived, I opened the box and pulled out the parts. Having watched the instructional...
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July 7, 2010 (Pittsburgh, PA USA) | Helpful Votes: 23 | Rating: 5

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really nice instrument
This is my second nexstar scope. My first was a six years old refractor. This one is a vast improvement. Optical quality is excellent, the tripod is rock solid, and the sky align technology can't be beat. Also, the quality of the included eyepiece is really nice.For the reviewer who thinks it should ship with such accessories as a carry bag, etc...well, in a perfect world, yes, but none of the other major telescope vendors include such things. Until it becomes competitively necessary for them to give away for free what is now a lucrative accessory market, they won't.Nice scope. You won't be disappointed. Good mix of optical quality and portability
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September 7, 2007 (Somerville, MA United States) | Helpful Votes: 28 | Rating: 5

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Product Description

The Celestron NexStar 6SE Telescope is a state-of-the-art design that allows you to view incredibly detailed celestial bodies. The patented single-fork arm enables smooth operating within the optical tube. With the NexStar 6SE Celestron Telescope, the quality is undeniable and the viewing is spectacular as the Go To buttons capture the object of your choice. With the Celestron NexStar 6SE Telescope, you get serious performance and easy portability in this high-quality altazimuth computerized telescope.Features:6" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with 150mm aperture44% more light gathering power than 5" models1500mm focal lengthFocal ratio: 10Ultra portable – weighs 30 lb including the tripodCombines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art featuresStarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standardCelestron's unique patented single fork arm with integral hand control design provides a rigid and smooth operating structure for the optical tubeStar diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the skyProven NexStar computer control technologyIncludes:Quick release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setupStarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objectsSturdy computerized altazimuth mountInternal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during useUltra sturdy steel tripod with accessory tray40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objectsSkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment processFlash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the InternetAutoguider port for long exposure astrophotographyDC Servo motors with encoders on both axesCustom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful do Top to learn more

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Celestron Accessory Kit

Regular Price: $241.95 | Price with discount: $129.95 | You Save: $112.00 (46%)

Got a Question for me? Powered by Aol.com   Product Details Items in this kit are valued at over $700.00 if purchased separately 2x, 1.25-inch Barlow lens gives you a total of ten power combinations Five superior grade Plossl eyepieces, all fully multi-coated for maximum contrast and resolution 1.25-inch Moon filter provides maximum enjoyment of the moon especially during the brighter phases Six colored eyepiece (planetary) filters This item is eligible for FREE SHIPPING Sale Price: $129.95You Save $112.00 (46%) Dear visitor! This website has been designed to help you find THE BEST PRICE. When you are ready to buy, your payment will be processed through one of the most TRUSTED SUPPLIERS directly. Thank you for shopping with us!

Customer Review

Good value
While the supplied eyepieces aren't of the same quality of, say, TeleVue plossls, they are nonetheless good generic symmetricals (most "plossls" are not true Plossls) of the sort that would ordinarily cost you about twice what this set sells for- and you get filters and a case, to boot! The whole set would typically sell for about three times what Celestron is asking here. I'd recommend this set, along with a good 6" Dobsonian reflector from Celestron or another quality vendor, as an excellent beginner's outfit. If you already have a decent beginner's scope that takes 1-1/4" eyepieces, this set will provide you with all the eyepieces you're likely to need for some time.
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September 2, 2003 (Huntington Woods, MI USA) | Helpful Votes: 65 | Rating: 5

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Celestron Accessory Kit great bargain
I purchased this kit in November. I have over 20 years experience in using telescopes and eyepieces. These eyepieces are a great bargain. Through my 4" fluorite I have used the high power 4mm and 6mm plossl's from this kit with very sharp and contrasty views of Jupiter. Highly recommended
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March 10, 2004 (Coatesville, Pa) | Helpful Votes: 37 | Rating: 5

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Excellent price / quality ratio
After many years spent without gazing at the stars I finally made my move again and bought a new Nexstar 114. It came with 2 basic eyepieces. This kit looked like a nice addition, for a fair price.I received the kit quickly, well this is Amazon... The case, as said before in other review, is sturdy and well designed. It is very convenient to carry around, and you don't have to worry about damaging your eyepieces at all. I found it very nice being able to carry all eyepieces at once, and leave the case a few feet away from my observation location, in order to grab elements I need.The set features some extra space inside, and you can fit another 3 eyepieces. Eyepieces are of good quality. Not top of the line, yet they provide a crisp and clear view. The barlow lens is well built as well. I found the larger eyepiece (the 4mm one) to be of average quality, especially when used with the barlow lens.Filter are well chosen and give you a good range of choices. I found the...
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May 3, 2004 (New York) | Helpful Votes: 31 | Rating: 5

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Product Description

Celestron Accessory Kit Top to learn more

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Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope

Regular Price: $2,093.95 |

Got a Question for me? Powered by Aol.com   Product Details Nearly 40,000-object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setup StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects Dear visitor! This website has been designed to help you find THE BEST PRICE. When you are ready to buy, your payment will be processed through one of the most TRUSTED SUPPLIERS directly. Thank you for shopping with us!

Customer Review

Very nice scope, but please read about customer service.
The five stars represent my opinion about the scope. I'm a novice at astronomy, so I can't really make any comparisons. I can tell you, however, that this scope does everything I've ever read about it. I pulled it out of the box and put it together and it went to work just the way the book said. I've done some solar viewing and a little digital astrophotography. My major purpose for this scope is in the area of deep-sky astrophotography without spending multiple thousands of bucks. It may be a little overkill for a novice like myself, but I wanted a scope that I wouldn't outgrow, and one that is easy to accessorize. The only thing I can nit-pick on this scope is the motor drives on the mount. They work fine, but they make a little too much noise, and the sound indicates to me that the gear train is not high quality components. It does seem to run very smooth, though! And accurate, every time! If YOU take the time to accurately set it up and aim it, then IT will put what ever you ask...
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January 23, 2007 (Henderson, Nevada) | Helpful Votes: 168 | Rating: 5

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Amazing Scope
I love astronomy and have to say this was my first real purchase of a telescope. I placed my order and in 2 days my product was at the door. I was shocked how fast it came. I was very excited about viewing the planets and hopefully some deep sky objects. Novice would be the best way to describe my viewing experience. However, I was able to get the scope setup and struggled with the star alignment. Then I used the CD that came with the product and got to know the night sky. Yes I know, read the material first then play but I was like a kid in a candy store and just couldn't wait to start viewing.I did get the sky align to work and then tested the alignment by having it go to the easiest target in the sky. (The moon). Boom it was center view. In a full moon phase right now so the obvious light polution is tremendous but I was able to view Jupiter and see 3 moons (due to the light conditions it wasn't to detailed). Everything else was bleed out by the moon...
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August 27, 2007 (Pittsburgh, PA USA) | Helpful Votes: 76 | Rating: 5

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Product Description

The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope offers a multitude of features, including the 2032mm focal length and SkyAlign. Viewing the stars will never be the same, as you expand your horizons with the stimulating and technological advances included in the Celestron Telescope. Inside the Celestron NexStar, you find an autoguider port to enable long exposure photos, as well as the exceptional Go To button to quickly locate and position the star of your choice. The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope lets you peer deep into the universe with the largest model in this deluxe series of computer-controlled telescopes.Features:8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with 203.2mm aperture78% more light gathering power than 6" models2032mm focal lengthFocal ratio: 10Portable – weighs 33 lb including the tripodCombines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art featuresStarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standardCelestron's unique patented single fork arm with integral hand control design provides a rigid and smooth operating structure for the optical tubeStar diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the skyProven NexStar computer control technologySkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment processIncludes:Quick release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setupStarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objectsSturdy computerized altazimuth mountInternal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during useUltra sturdy steel tripod with accessory tray40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objectsFlash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the InternetAutoguider port for long exposure astrophotographyDC Servo motors with encoders on both axesCustom databa Top to learn more

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Amazon.com Review Celestron's Nexstar 8 SE telescope combines excellent optics and computerized "GoTo" tracking in a package that's light, portable and affordable. The legendary performance of Celestron's orange tube C8 telescope has been updated with high performance Starbright XLT coatings, and the single arm Nexstar mount now includes Celestron's easy to use "SkyAlign" technology.

Jupiter as seen through the Celestron NexStar 8SE special-edition computerized telescope.

The Nexstar 8 SE upholds Celestron's reputation for quality optics. When I use an 11mm Plossl eyepiece (almost 200x magnification) for example, I can easily see the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings. When I look at Jupiter, the pale orange color of Jupiter's famous Great Red Spot is visible, and I've even been able to identify the polar caps and spot dust storms on the planet Mars. A 20mm Plossl eyepiece (about 100x magnification) is a good choice for viewing galaxies and star clusters. When I look at globular cluster M13 in the constellation Hercules the high contrast XLT optics show me a glowing snowflake made of hundreds of tiny pin-point stars! And a low power 32mm Plossl eyepiece is a good choice for views of larger deep space highlights like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.

The moon seen through the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope. (See larger image.)

Celestron's patented "SkyAlign" system makes the Nexstar 8 SE very easy to use. I just pick the nearest town from the built-in list, enter the date and time, and point the telescope at three bright stars. I don't need a star chart because "SkyAlign" identifies the stars for me. When I just want a quick look at the moon or a planet, I like to use the "Solar System Align" option. After entering the date and time, I just point the telescope at the moon and press the "Align" key. That's all it takes, the computer takes over and the telescope begins tracking quietly and accurately. At star parties I often have my Nexstar up and running while older computerized telescopes are still waiting for their alignment stars to appear in the twilight.

The Nexstar 8 SE comes with a simple red-dot finder scope and a basic 25mm eyepiece. You'll want to add a few good eyepieces to take full advantage of the Nexstar 8 SE's excellent optics. At the very least get Celestron's bargain priced Accessory Kit which includes high and low power plossl eyepieces, or treat yourself to some top rated Tele Vue eyepieces. At twenty-four pounds total weight, the Nexstar 8 SE is unusually light and portable for an eight-inch telescope. The drawback of course is that some people will find it too light. Like other Schmidt Cassegrain (SCT) telescopes there are plenty of optional accessories to upgrade this telescope with, such as heavy duty tripods and an optical finder scope. If you want to try astro-photography, however, check out Celestron's CPC 800 Telescope which features a heavy duty mount and tripod and an 8x50 optical finder scope right out of the box. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• Easy computerized GoTo tracking
• Light, portable and affordable

Cons:

• Plastic accessories
• Short battery life
• Too light for astro-photography

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Celestron NexStar 4 SE Telescope

Regular Price: $849.95 |

Got a Question for me? Powered by Aol.com   Product Details Nearly 40,000-bject database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process Dear visitor! This website has been designed to help you find THE BEST PRICE. When you are ready to buy, your payment will be processed through one of the most TRUSTED SUPPLIERS directly. Thank you for shopping with us!

Customer Review

Fantastic Telescope
This is a great telescope for many reasons. First, it is very easy to use. Most telescopes out there, even if they are computerized, are still difficult to align to the night sky before beginning use. The Nexstar 4SE with the sky align makes it fool proof because you only need to point it to 3 bright objects in the sky with no need to know what they are. One of the easiest ways to align it to the night sky is using a the Solar System Align. If you don't want to choose and point it at 3 bright objects, you can choose the moon. The moon is very easy to spot and easy to point the telescope. To me, this is the easiest alignment of all. After a few minutes setting them up, I found Jupiter easily after using the moon as the alignment object.Secondly, for the price range, it is very well made and sturdy. Most of the components are metal which appears to make them rigid and durable. A rigid telescope makes them sturdy and shake free. It's 40,000 object database gives you enough things...
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December 5, 2007 (California) | Helpful Votes: 54 | Rating: 5

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Product Description

TE1) CELESTRON NEXSTAR 4SE TELESCOPE Top to learn more

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Amazon.com Review Celestron’s NexStar 4 SE is the smallest and most portable telescope in Celestron’s NexStar SE series. Using a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, the NexStar 4 SE puts the magnifying power of a four foot long telescope into an optical tube only 13 inches long.

Moon

The NexStar 4 SE features computerized finding and tracking of nearly 40,000 celestial objects, no-tool setup is easy, and planetarium software for your PC is included.

Jupiter

The NexStar 4 SE delivers great views of the Moon, the planets, and bright deep space objects. The standard equipment 25mm E-Lux plossl eyepiece gives a magnification of 53X, enough to see the Lunar disk, Saturn’s rings and the major cloud bands on Jupiter. It’s easy to add optional eyepieces to zoom in for more detail. Using a 12.5mm X-Cel eyepiece for 106X magnification I can see several cloud bands on Jupiter and I can even pick out the small dark shadow as one of Jupiter’s moons passes in front of the planet. On a good night I can push the magnification up to 230X with a 6mm plossl eyepiece while viewing the Moon and planets.

The NexStar 4 SE package also includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and the NexStar hand held computer controller. I don’t need star charts or a GPS reciever to operate this telescope. Celestron’s patented SkyAlign procedure is easy to use, and experienced users will like the two-star align and solar-system align options because they are even quicker to set up. The steel tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a solid base for the NexStar 4 SE. Vibration is not a problem, even while focusing at high power. The computerized tracking is also very good, easily keeping planets in the field of a high power eyepiece. The disadvantage of a computerized scope, of course, is battery consumption. I find that rechargeable NiMH batteries work very well in the NexStar 4SE; a set of batteries lasts all evening and I don’t need to worry about electrical cords getting tangled in the dark.

The NexStar 4 SE is a great portable telescope, just right for visual observing or for taking short exposure pictures of the Moon and planets. It’s only fair to warn you that a small telescope has its drawbacks, however; there are thousands of objects in the NexStar database that are simply too dim to see with a four inch telescope. --Jeff Phillips

Venus

Pros:

• Small, portable and affordable
• Very good optics
• Easy computerized tracking

Cons:

• Rechargeable batteries not included
• Small size limits deep space viewing

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Pretty good telescope.
Found this easy to use. I chose this one to buy as my first telescope after reading several reviews concerning a few different telescopes and comparing prices vs features.The NexStar 4 SE telescope set up rather quickly. Sky align worked well, though sometimes the scope seemed to become less accurate as the hours went buy, and I tried to re-align to different stars but eventually I encountered the same alignment results.The motor does sometimes jump and looses track of objects. Approaching the objects from a certain side seemed to help, as mentioned in the instruction book.I did have to buy the additional eyepiece/filter kit. Clarity was rather good up to 6mm eyepiece, though the 4mm was pretty blurred, even for moon views.Although the AC adaptor is a necessity for continuous power, I found out I already had one that fit my telescope from a car seat back massage/heater cushion which also had a car cig adaptor (which I bought for...
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January 20, 2008 (Hattiesburg, MS USA) | Helpful Votes: 66 | Rating: 4

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Decent Scope
I purchased the scope from a chain camera shop during a 50% off clearance sale. The scope appears to be well made. The tripod and mounting are solid.The optics seem pretty good but it has been hard to get a sharp focus on Jupiter and Saturn. Moon viewing has been great. I bought the lens accessory kit as well but have been unable to get a sharp view on the planets.I have not had much luck with the sky align. Half the time the align fails and when I do get a good alignment it has only been marginal at finding objects. I normally resort to a sky map for navigation. The spotter scope is great when properly aligned to the telescope and it is easy to align. The scope is much better than the Tasco toy scope I had when I was a teen, but I wish I could get a sharp focus on the planets.
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July 6, 2008 (Sweet Home AL) | Helpful Votes: 30 | Rating: 3

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JMI Telescopes Carrying Case for NexStar 4SE, 5SE, and 6SE CASENEX6

Regular Price: $183.00 | Price with discount: $194.99 |

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Product Description

JMI Telescopes Carrying Case for NexStar 4SE, 5SE, and 6SE CASENEX6 Top to learn more

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Celestron NexStar 5 SE Telescope

Regular Price: $1,215.95 | Price with discount: $699.00 | You Save: $516.95 (43%)

Got a Question for me? Powered by Aol.com   Product Details Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard Nearly 40,000-object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects This item is eligible for FREE SHIPPING Sale Price: $699.00You Save $516.95 (43%) Dear visitor! This website has been designed to help you find THE BEST PRICE. When you are ready to buy, your payment will be processed through one of the most TRUSTED SUPPLIERS directly. Thank you for shopping with us!

Customer Review

Celestron Nexstar 5 SE
It was cold as heck out, but I've owned my Celestron NexStar 5 SE telescope (my first scope) for three days now and the sky was fairly clear; so out I go. I whip through the Sky Align auto alignment process and then ask the telescope to show me Saturn (FYI: I had already aligned my finder scope during the day, something I highly recommend). There it was, rings and all, as advertized near the center of my eyepiece. Awesome!! I took a quick peak at Mars and then went back inside before my fingers fell off from frostbite. I am hooked!
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March 2, 2008 (Keaau, Hawaii) | Helpful Votes: 24 | Rating: 5

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Just as ecpected
I have nothing new to add to the reviews already online. The included software will not load on my computers, after making contact with Celestron I found a new release is in the works. The telescope optics are all I thought they would be. If I was intrested in deep sky I would have ordered a larger unit for the increased light gathering, but for planets and casual star gazing it is fine. My choice was between physical size and portability. I find this unit to fit my needs perfectly.
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March 8, 2009 | Helpful Votes: 10 | Rating: 5

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Product Description

Boost your viewing experience with 56% more light gathering power in this high-quality telescope.Features:5" Schmidt – Cassegrain telescope with 125mm aperture56% more light gathering power than 4" models1250mm focal lengthFocal ratio: 10Ultra portable – weighs just 28 lbs. including the tripodAn ideal telescope for observing and photographing the wonders of spaceCombines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art featuresStarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standardProven NexStar computer control technologyIncludes:StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objectsQuick release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setupSturdy computerized altazimuth mountInternal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during useUltra sturdy steel tripod features built-in wedge for astrophotographyCD-ROM "The Sky" Astronomy Software which provides education about the sky and printable sky mapsNearly 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objectsSkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment processFlash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the InternetCamera control feature and shutter release cable that allows you to remotely take a series of exposures using your digital SLR cameraCustom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; objects and asterismsDC Servo motors with encoders on both axesDouble line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of GOTO featuresNexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of your telescope via computerGPS-compatible with optional CN16 GPS Ac Top to learn more

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Celestron's NexStar 5 SE computerized telescope combines excellent optics and easy computerized GoTo tracking in a convenient portable size. The standard equipment tripod and mount feature easy no-tool setup, and the package even includes a student version of "The Sky" planetarium software for your computer.

The excellent optics of Celestron's classic C5 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope have been updated with premium Starbright XLT optical coatings. This telescope consistently delivers crisp, high contrast views of the moon, the planets, and brighter deep space objects. The standard equipment 25mm plossl eyepiece produces a magnification of 50x, powerful enough to show the rings of Saturn, the cloud bands of Jupiter, and the changing face of the Lunar disk. Optional eyepieces can be added to bring out significantly more detail. I like to use a 12.5mm plossl (100x magnification) or a 7.5mm Ultrascopic eyepiece (166x) for high power views of the planets. With the 7.5mm Ultrascopic eyepiece I can usually see the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings and cloud bands on the planet itself. I like to use a 32mm plossl eyepiece for great low power views of deep space highlights like the Orion Nebula or the Double Cluster in Perseus.

The NexStar 5 SE package also includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and the NexStar hand held computer controller. You won't need a GPS receiver or star charts to operate this telescope. The SkyAlign procedure is easy to use, and experienced observers will like the two-star align and solar-system align options because they are even quicker to set up. The steel tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a solid base for the NexStar 5 SE. Vibration is not a problem, even while focusing at high power. The computerized tracking is also very good, easily keeping planets in the field of a high power eyepiece. The disadvantage of a computerized telescope, of course, is battery consumption. I like to use a rechargeable Celestron Power Tank because the standard AA alkaline batteries only last a few hours.

This telescope is perfect for visual observing, and allowed me to capture some sweet images of the moon and planets using a Celestron NexImage web-cam. For long exposure deep space photography, however, I'd take a look at Celestron's Advanced Series equatorial telescopes such as the C6 N-GT --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• Light and portable
• Computerized GoTo tracking

Cons:

• Short battery life
• Too light for deep space photography

Suggested Options: Celestron Nine-Piece Accessory Kit Celestron Power Tank Battery Celestron NexImage Webcam Top to learn more

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Good telescope, but Celestron does not give full specs upfront
This is a very nice telescope. I have been using it the past week and have viewed the Moon, Venus, Jupiter. Overall the optics are excellent. But there are a few issues, which had I known earlier I may not have purchased this scope.1. Celestron advertises that the scope can be used with 8 AA batteries. This is not completely true. The batteries drain very quickly and will probably not even last one viewing session (say 30 mins).2. Without power the telescope cannot be moved along the azimuth (left-right direction). So you cannot use it at all.So essentially if you want to take this telescope out of the city to some dark sky location you have to buy a powertank (or maybe run it off your car). I would have liked a design that allows me to use the goto feature when I want it but still be able to slew the telescope manually, without power.Why do I still give it 3 stars. Well, Celestron tech support is very responsive (over e-mail). The...
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October 4, 2008 (Williamsburg, VA United States) | Helpful Votes: 54 | Rating: 3

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