Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope
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- Celestron’s iconic “orange tube” design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- 4-inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability at an affordable price. You’ll get impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
- Fully automated GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.
- Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 4SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.
Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century
In the 1970s, Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers.
Four decades later, we’ve improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder’s intent.
View the Universe’s Most Impressive Celestial Objects
The 4SE’s four-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that the solar system has to offer: Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 4SE to a dark-sky site and you’ll see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more.
Revolutionary Single Fork Arm Mount
We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard.
Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible.
Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself!
Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with You
The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign.
Its built-in wedge allows you to track long exposures. if you’re interested in imaging the Moon and planets, pair your NexStar 4SE with one of our Skyris cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.
Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design
The MAK is a catadioptric telescope, which means the optical design includes both a lens and a mirror. The light coming through a MAK passes through the corrector lens to the primary mirror and back to a spherical secondary mirror before it hits the eyepiece. Images are bright, sharp, and virtually free of chromatic aberration.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain’s optical design offers several unique benefits. Instead of a secondary mirror, the MAK features a “secondary spot” of reflective coating applied directly to the inside of the corrector plate. Because of this, the telescope does not require frequent collimation like a Schmidt-Cassegrain. Also, the secondary spot is significantly smaller than a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, giving the MAK its signature high-contrast views.
One important thing to note about Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes is that the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture.
Manufacturer part number: 11049
Specifications:
Optical Tube Info
- Optical Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 102mm (4.02")
- Focal Length: 1325mm (52")
- Focal Ratio: f/13
- Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (0.98")
- Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 53x
- Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
- Star Diagonal: Internal Flip mirror for straight thru or 90° viewing angle
- Optical Tube: Aluminum
- 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: 127mm (4.9")
- Optical Tube Weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
- Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Mount Info
- Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
- Instrument load capacity: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
- Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 939.8mm - 2397mm (37" - 55")
- Tripod leg diameter: 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
- Mount Head Weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)
- Accessory Tray: Yes
- Tripod Weight: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
- Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 3°/second
- Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
- Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South
- GPS: N/A
- Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 dovetail
- Number of Auxiliary Ports: 1x AUX Port
- Autoguide Port: No
- USB Port: Yes, Hand Control input
- Power Requirements: 8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)
- Motor Drive: DC servo motors
- Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North / EQ South
- Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge)
- Periodic Error Correction: No
- Computerized Hand Control: Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
- NexStar+ Database: 38,181 accessible objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects.
- Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
- Total Kit Weight: 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
- Included Items:
- Optical tube
- Single Fork Arm Mount
- Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- Star Pointer Finderscope
- Built-In Wedge
- NexStar+ Hand Control
- 25mm eyepiece
Solar Warning
- Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
- Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
- Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 1251 - 1500mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- Celestron’s iconic “orange tube” design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- 4-inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability at an affordable price. You’ll get impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
- Fully automated GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.
- Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 4SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.
Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century
In the 1970s, Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers.
Four decades later, we’ve improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder’s intent.
View the Universe’s Most Impressive Celestial Objects
The 4SE’s four-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that the solar system has to offer: Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 4SE to a dark-sky site and you’ll see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more.
Revolutionary Single Fork Arm Mount
We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard.
Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible.
Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself!
Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with You
The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign.
Its built-in wedge allows you to track long exposures. if you’re interested in imaging the Moon and planets, pair your NexStar 4SE with one of our Skyris cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.
Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design
The MAK is a catadioptric telescope, which means the optical design includes both a lens and a mirror. The light coming through a MAK passes through the corrector lens to the primary mirror and back to a spherical secondary mirror before it hits the eyepiece. Images are bright, sharp, and virtually free of chromatic aberration.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain’s optical design offers several unique benefits. Instead of a secondary mirror, the MAK features a “secondary spot” of reflective coating applied directly to the inside of the corrector plate. Because of this, the telescope does not require frequent collimation like a Schmidt-Cassegrain. Also, the secondary spot is significantly smaller than a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, giving the MAK its signature high-contrast views.
One important thing to note about Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes is that the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture.
Manufacturer part number: 11049
Specifications:
Optical Tube Info
- Optical Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 102mm (4.02")
- Focal Length: 1325mm (52")
- Focal Ratio: f/13
- Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (0.98")
- Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 53x
- Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
- Star Diagonal: Internal Flip mirror for straight thru or 90° viewing angle
- Optical Tube: Aluminum
- 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: 127mm (4.9")
- Optical Tube Weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
- Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Mount Info
- Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
- Instrument load capacity: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
- Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 939.8mm - 2397mm (37" - 55")
- Tripod leg diameter: 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
- Mount Head Weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)
- Accessory Tray: Yes
- Tripod Weight: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
- Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 3°/second
- Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
- Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South
- GPS: N/A
- Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 dovetail
- Number of Auxiliary Ports: 1x AUX Port
- Autoguide Port: No
- USB Port: Yes, Hand Control input
- Power Requirements: 8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)
- Motor Drive: DC servo motors
- Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North / EQ South
- Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge)
- Periodic Error Correction: No
- Computerized Hand Control: Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
- NexStar+ Database: 38,181 accessible objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects.
- Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
- Total Kit Weight: 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
- Included Items:
- Optical tube
- Single Fork Arm Mount
- Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- Star Pointer Finderscope
- Built-In Wedge
- NexStar+ Hand Control
- 25mm eyepiece
Solar Warning
- Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
- Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
- Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 1251 - 1500mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope # 11049