2013’s winner of the “Telescope of The Year” award, the Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope is a powerful computerized scope that will satisfy even the most pretentious astronomer. It offers the possibility to automatically align it with the help of a simple remote control, thus saving a lot of time and energy. Celestron installed all the latest features on a 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and took amateur’s astronomy to the next level. Or, how we like to call it, to the NexStar. This is by far one of the best combinations between the old (classic orange optical tube) and the new (computerized parts). In fact, the Celestron NexStar 5 telescope is a combination which will allow you to enhance your knowledge in the field of astronomy. With this scope, thousands of celestial bodies reveal their secrets at the touch of a button.
What is the Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope?
The Celestron NexStar 5SE is a 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that provides accurate images of the celestial bodies, with the touch of a button. NexStar’s technology includes a database of almost 40,000 celestial bodies to see and learn about. With this NexStar telescope, you will go from beginner to pro in no time.
As soon as you receive the NexStar 5SE, you can start using it. The telescope’s pack includes a quick release optical tube, which will turn the assembly part into a child’s game. Also, you will need no tools to set up, and you can do it in a couple of minutes. To start using the Celestron NexStar 5, you can either choose batteries (8AA batteries that will drain in a matter of minutes), or you can plug it with the included adapter. Needless to say, the latter is the better option.
After plugging the Celestron NexStar 5SE, you can start exploring by simply introducing the date, time and location. After entering the positioning data, the scope will automatically turn to the closest and brightest celestial body in the sky. There is a GPS SkySync accessory, created by Celestron, especially for this type of telescopes. The GPS will automatically download all the data you usually insert manually before every use of the Celestron NexStar 5. Unfortunately, you will have to purchase this accessory separately.
With the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope, you will find a StarPointer finderscope. In turn, this will help you align your scope and begin exploring the universe as soon as it’s turned on. This is one of the Celestron telescopes that make everything look nice and easy. In fact, with the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope, everything is beyond simple. It’s one of those scopes which will remain in your heart for a long time, after the very first use.
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Pros and Cons to Using the Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope
PROS:
- Good eyepiece – the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope comes with a great eyepiece of 25 mm (50x magnification). In time, you will need to purchase some Barlow lens, just to increase the magnification and some better eyepieces. However, to begin, the included piece is a great asset.
- Portability – the tube and the tripod are quite light (15lbs), comparing to other similar scopes. This Celestron telescope is bigger than the majority of other portable scopes, but it will still fit the back of a normal car.
- Steady tripod – The scope comes with a steel tripod, making the telescope more stable. Still, if you want to use it on a windy day, you will need to find something to balance it.
- Easy to mount and to use – you can use the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope immediately after opening the box.
CONS:
- More expensive – comparing this scope to a similar Newtonian telescope with the similar aperture, the Celestron NexStar is a bit expensive. However, if we look at all the features included in this scope, the piece is quite affordable.
- Short battery life – The batteries will drain in a matter of minutes. So, you will need to find an alternative or a power source where to charge your Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope from during your observation.
Where to Find the Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope?
Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope’s listing price on Amazon is somewhere around $699 and FREE shipping.
There’s always the option of buying a used telescope, but it’s not such a good idea. A high-quality tool as the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope deserves no less, so make sure you buy it from a trusted source such as Amazon. Preferably, in a new or almost new condition.
Telescope Performance
The Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope comes with a single eyepiece of 25mm (50x magnification). However, as soon as you get used to this one, you can purchase better-performing eyepieces. Instead of a second eyepiece, this scope comes with a THE SKY Planetarium software. This additional software has a 10,000 object database, printable sky maps, and enhanced images which will help you stargazing. For a beginner astronomer, such a software really makes the difference, by shortening the learning period. It’s like a Celestron NexStar 5 manual, in essence.
The Celestron NexStar 5SE images are absolutely stunning. In fact, they are razor sharp and the aperture is more than ideal to view the moon and other planets in our solar system. You can get an exceptional view of the Ring nebula, Eagle Nebula, the Butterfly Cluster, Saturn, and many more. It’s the evolution of the Celestron NexStar 4 SE.
Extra Info:
Maintenance Advice
There is nothing special when it comes to cleaning the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope. You should always take care of your lenses and clean them only when necessary. Whenever dust covers them, you clean them with a specialized brush (made of camel’s hair) or with pressurized air.
Do not use industrial cleaning solutions on the Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope eyepieces. These may contain alcohol or any other substances that could destroy the lens and even this scope’s plastic parts. To clean the lens, apply some optical cleaning solution on a very soft piece of white cloth. After, remove any debris left after brushing from center to the outer region.
Unlike other telescopes, though, remember: DO NOT RUB IN CIRCLES!
Try to minimize the risk of contamination and then the need to clean your Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope by applying the lens covers after you are done using it.
The Celestron NexStar 5SE computerized telescope will need to be collimated once in a while. You can find all the information about the process in the Celestron NexStar 5 manual. Additionally, you will find some great resources online to help you doing this procedure for the first time. To aid you collimate your scope, Celestron designed a Collimation Tool, which can be purchased online (price starting from around $30 on Amazon).
Telescope Accessories
The Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope comes with a steel tripod and a plastic accessory tray where you can leave all your small pieces. The pack also includes one 25 mm eyepiece and a StarPointer finderscope. The NexStar 5SE comes with a CD with “The-SkyX – First Light Edition” astronomy software. It has a remarkable object database, printable sky maps, and enhanced images.
Warranty and Guarantee Information
As the majority of Celestron’s telescopes, Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope carries a two years warranty. If the product ceases to work, do not try to repair it by yourself, as you will lose all warranty benefits. The warranty won’t cover a product that has been modified, abused in all manner, mishandled or had unauthorized repairs. For more details and information on this Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope model, check out Celestron’s website.
Our Recommendation
The Celestron NexStar 5SE is one of the best scopes on the market. A fully functional computerized telescope, this piece is a dream come true for any beginner and intermediate astronomer. In fact, its a remarkable piece that will enable anyone to learn more about the wonders of space.
