Is the NexStar 4SE good for astrophotography?

The alt-azimuth mount limits long-exposure photography due to field rotation, but it can capture short exposures of the Moon and planets. For deep-sky imaging, an equatorial mount is better.

What can I see with a 4-inch Maksutov?

You can see detailed lunar craters, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and globular clusters from dark skies.

Does it come with a tripod and eyepieces?

Yes, it includes a steel tripod, a red-dot finder, and a 25mm Plössl eyepiece, plus the computerized hand controller.

How long does it take to set up?

Setup takes about 10-15 minutes, including aligning the finder and performing the go-to alignment procedure.

Can I use it without the computer?

Yes, you can loosen the clutches and move the scope manually, but you lose tracking and go-to functionality.

Is it suitable for a beginner?

Yes, it's designed for beginners with an easy alignment process and a database of tours, though learning the hand controller takes some practice.

Where can I buy the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Maksutov Computerized Telescope?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Celestron, Atlanta Hobby.

Celestron NexStar 4 SE Maksutov Computerized Telescope

Q: Where is the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Maksutov Computerized Telescope cheapest?

At Celestron, for $649.00, as of our latest check.

Q: What do buyers say about the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Maksutov Computerized Telescope?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 18 ratings.

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$649.00at CelestronChecked Nov 10

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What reviewers say

4.9 / 518 ratings

Owners rate the NexStar 4SE highly for its sharp optics and reliable go-to performance, especially for lunar and planetary viewing. Many find it easy to set up and use, though some note the small aperture and menu complexity as drawbacks.

What people mention

Optical qualityPraisedReviewers consistently praise the sharp, contrasty views, particularly on the Moon and planets.
Go-to accuracyPraisedUsers report that the computerized mount reliably finds and tracks objects after alignment.
PortabilityPraisedMany appreciate how easy it is to carry and set up, making it a great grab-and-go scope.
ApertureMixedWhile fine for solar system objects, the 4-inch aperture is seen as limiting for faint deep-sky targets.
Hand controllerMixedSome find the menu system and button layout less intuitive than they'd like.
Battery lifeCriticisedSeveral owners mention that the mount drains batteries quickly, recommending an external power supply.

About the Celestron NexStar 4 SE Maksutov Computerized Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 4 SE is a computerized Maksutov telescope with a 4-inch aperture and Celestron's orange-tube design. Its four-inch primary mirror gathers enough light to view Saturn's rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter and surface features on the Moon. At a dark-sky site, it can also show deep sky objects such as the Hercules Globular Cluster, the Whirlpool Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.

The telescope sits on a patented single fork arm mount with a sturdy steel tripod. The mount and tripod break down into separate lightweight, compact pieces for transport and quick assembly. A built-in wedge allows tracking for long exposures.

The GoTo mount locates and tracks objects automatically. The included NexStar+ hand control has a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and a Sky Tour mode that shows the best objects currently visible. SkyAlign aligns the telescope when you center three bright objects in the eyepiece and press ALIGN.

Type

Computerized Maksutov telescope

Aperture

4 inches

Mount

Single fork arm, fully automated GoTo

Tripod

Steel

Object database

40,000+ celestial objects

Alignment

SkyAlign (three bright objects); StarSense AutoAlign available as an accessory

Compatibility

SkySync GPS, StarSense AutoAlign, Skyris cameras

Eyepiece

25mm

In the box

NexStar SE optical tube assembly, single fork arm mount, tripod, accessory tray, Star Pointer finderscope, NexStar+ hand control, 25mm eyepiece, built-in wedge