
Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope
It's super compact, but the Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is surprisingly powerful.
- World Famous Orange Tube Design
- 4-Inch Aperture & 1325mm Focal Length
- Fully Automatic SE Mount Goes To & Tracks Over 40,000 Celestial Objects
- View the Moon's Craters, Saturn's Rings, Jupiter & Star Clusters
- Quick-and-Easy Setup with SkyAlign
- Celestron 2 Year Warranty
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Hold the universe in your hands with the Celestron NexStar 4SE.
If you're after a well-renowned beginner telescope, you can't go wrong with Celestron's orange tube design. The Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope lets you go to, track and observe celestial objects with ease. With an 4-inch aperture, this telescope offers good light-gathering capabilities whilst maintaining an incredibly compact form factor. This means you'll be able to observe the craters on the Moon, Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. Beyond our solar system, the 4SE will use its motorised mount to automatically guide to and track hundreds of deep sky objects. Take it out to a dark sky site and prepare to be taken aback by the fascinating views of the 4SE.
With a sturdy, high-quality Maksutov-Cassegrain construction placed on a Computerised, Alt-Az Single Fork Arm, the NexStar 4SE offers impressive optical performance at a very reasonable price.
For even better and brighter views, consider the Celestron NexStar 6SE with a 6-inch aperture.
Fully Automated, Computerised GoTo Mount.
Featuring a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, use the included NexStar+ Hand Control to select exactly where you want your telescope to go and what you want it to track as objects move across the night sky. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
Featuring SkyAlign Technology.
The NexStar 4SE is perfect for beginners with an easy setup process. Simply input the date, time and your location and point the telescope at any three bright objects in the sky and your SkyAlign-enabled NexStar 4SE will identify its exact orientation and position in the night sky.
Easily Transportable and Easy-To-Use.
Thanks to the patented, single fork arm mount of the NexStar SE, the telescope is surprisingly portable and allows for a quick and easy setup. The 4SE is incredibly compact too, with the tube weighing just 2.7kg!
Optics Central is an Authorised Retailer of Celestron. The Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerised Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is backed by the Celestron 2 Year Warranty.
Full Specifications
Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) |
Optical Design | Maksutov-Cassegrain (SCT) |
Aperture | 102mm (4.02-inches) |
Focal Length | 1325mm (52-inches) |
Focal Ratio | f/13.0 |
Included Eyepiece | 25mm (53x Magnification) |
Finderscope | StarPointer™ Red Dot Finderscope |
Star Diagonal | Internal Flip Mirror for Straight Through / 90° Viewing Angle |
Optical Tube Construction | Aluminium |
Highest Useful Magnification | 241x |
Lowest Useful Magnification | 15x |
Limiting Stellar Magnitude | 12.5 |
Resolution (Rayleigh) | 1.37 Arc Seconds |
Resolution (Dawes) | 1.14 Arc Seconds |
Light Gathering Power (Compared to Human Eye) | 212x |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction | 35mm (0.38") |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter | 34% |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area | 12% |
Optical Coatings | StarBright XLT |
Optical Tube Length | 343mm (13.5") |
Optical Tube Diameter | 125mm (4.9") |
Optical Tube Weight | 2.7kg |
Dovetail | CG-5 Dovetail Bar |
Computerised Mount |
Mount Type | Computerised Altitude-Azimuth (AZ) Single Fork Arm |
Payload Capacity | 4.54kg |
Tripod Material | Stainless Steel |
Height Adjustment Range (Including Mount and Tripod) | 939.8 - 2397mm |
Tripod Leg Diameter | 38.1mm (1.5") |
Tripod Weight | 3.2kg |
Accessory Tray | Yes |
Mount Head Weight | 4.54kg |
Slew Speeds | 9 Slew Speds (Max Speed 3° / Second) |
Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
Tracking Modes | Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South |
GPS | N/A |
Dovetail Compatibility | CG-5 Dovetail |
Auxiliary Ports | 1 Aux Port |
Autoguide Port | Yes |
USB Port | Yes (Hand Controller Input) |
Power Reqiurements | 8 x AA Batteries (Not Included) 12V DC-750 mA (Tip Positive) - Not Included |
Motor Drive | DC Servo Motors |
Alignment Procedures | SkyAlign, 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (With Equatorial Wedge) |
Periodic Error Correction | No |
Computerised Hand Controller | Double Line, 18 Character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 Fiber Optic Backlit LED Buttons and USB 2.0 Port for PC Connection |
NexStar+ Database | 40,000+ Objects with 100 User Defined Programmable Objects and Enhanced Information on Over 200 Objects |
Software | Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App |
Total Kit Weight | 10.4kg |
Warranty | Celestron 2 Year Warranty |
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About Celestron
Imagine a humble beginning – a 6-inch reflector telescope crafted by Tom Johnson for his young son. This was the spark that ignited a transformative journey. As time passed, his designs evolved into larger, more sophisticated scopes. Today, Celestron shines as an industry trailblazer, renowned for crafting precision optical equipment. From computerised marvels to traditional telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and more, Celestron's portfolio is a universe of possibilities. With a legacy spanning over 50 illustrious years, Celestron has earned admiration from both avid hobbyists and dedicated astronomers worldwide. But they don't rest on their laurels; innovation propels them forward. They constantly broaden their product horizons while illuminating minds through global science education initiatives. Celestron's story is one of innovation, evolution and a passion for the cosmos. Join them on this extraordinary journey of discovery and inspiration.
Product Code: 11049
Optical Design | Maksutov Cassegrain |
---|---|
Aperture | 102mm |
Focal Length | 1325mm |
Focal Ratio | 13.0 |
Highest Practical Magnification | 241x |
Faintest Stellar Magnitude | 12.5 |
Mount Type | Alt-Azimuth Nexstar SE |
Motor Drive | Yes |
Dovetail Type | Celestron CG5 Mount |
Eyepiece 1 | Plossl 25mm - 1.25" |
Finderscope Make | StarPointer Red Dot |
Tube Length | 343mm x 125mm |
Autoguide Port | No |
Electronic Hand Control | Yes |
Warranty Information | 2 Years |
Image | Item | Qty |
Optical Tube | 1 | |
Nexstar SE Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod | 1 | |
Accessory Tray | 1 | |
StarPointer Finderscope | 1 | |
Built-In Wedge | 1 | |
Nexstar+ Hand Controller | 1 | |
25mm Eyepiece | 1 |
Q1. How do I set up the Celestron NexStar SE telescope?
To set up your Celestron NexStar SE Telescope, begin by assembling the tripod and securely attaching the mount and optical tube. Once assembled, insert an eyepiece into the diagonal, align the finderscope with the main optics, and power on the mount. Before observing, you'll need to perform an alignment using the NexStar+ hand controller to ensure accurate tracking and GoTo functionality.
Q2. How do I align the NexStar SE for accurate GoTo tracking?
The Celestron NexStar SE Telescope offers several alignment methods, including SkyAlign, 2-Star Align, and Solar System Align. SkyAlign is particularly beginner-friendly, allowing you to point the telescope at any three bright objects. For best accuracy, make sure the tripod is level and input the correct time, date (mm-dd-yyyy), and location (DMS notation). Carefully centre each alignment object in the eyepiece when prompted. Proper alignment is essential for accurate GoTo pointing and tracking.
Q3. How do I power the NexStar SE?
TheCelestron NexStar SE Telescope can be powered using eight AA batteries placed in the mount’s battery compartment, but this is only recommended for short sessions. For longer and more stable use, especially during alignment and tracking, a 12V DC power adapter is recommended. Many users also prefer using a portable lithium power tank, which provides reliable power for outdoor sessions and multi-hour observing. Low power can cause tracking errors or system resets.
Q4. How do I maintain the NexStar SE telescope?
Maintaining your Celestron NexStar SE Telescope is straightforward. When not in use, keep the optical tube capped to prevent dust buildup. Clean the lenses only when necessary, using a blower, soft lens brush, or microfibre cloth, and never touch the optical coatings directly. Wipe down the exterior of the telescope with a dry or slightly damp cloth if needed. Always store the telescope in a dry, dust-free area and consider using silica gel packs or a padded storage case for added protection.
Q5. How often should I collimate the NexStar SE?
Celestron NexStar SE Telescopes generally hold their collimation well, so adjustment is rarely required. However, if stars appear misshapen or not symmetrical when focusing at high magnification, a collimation check is advised. You can perform a star test to evaluate the alignment, and if necessary, make minor adjustments to the secondary mirror using the provided collimation screws.
Q6. What should I do if the mount isn't tracking accurately?
If your mount isn’t tracking accurately, first make sure that you’ve completed a proper alignment. Inaccurate tracking is often caused by poor initial alignment or unstable power. Ensure your power source is fully charged and reliable. It's also important that the tripod is level and the mount is secure. If tracking continues to drift, you may need to realign the telescope or fine-tune the anti-backlash settings through the hand controller to improve its response to small adjustments.
Q7. How do I update or reset the hand controller?
To update the NexStar+ hand controller, use Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) on your computer and connect the controller via USB or serial cable, depending on the model. Please refer to our Youtube video on how to do this here.