Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope & Mount
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- 5-inch aperture, f/10 focal ratio
- 1250mm focal length
- Fully automated GoTo mount
- Database of 40,000+ celestial objects
- SkyAlign technology
- Unique single fork arm design
- Sturdy steel tripod
- Breaks down for easy transport and quick assembly
Explore the Night Sky with the Celestron NexStar 5SE
The Celestron NexStar 5SE combines a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) with a fully automated GOTO mount. It makes exploring the night sky easy and fun - regardless of skill level!
Its 5-inch (127mm) aperture gives you detailed views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. The Schmidt-Cassegrain's folded optical design provides a long focal length for high magnification, but in a compact tube that's easy to handle. If you're looking for a grab-and-go telescope with high-end optics, the NexStar SE is an excellent choice.
Celestron NexStar 5SE Highlights
5-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics
With a 127mm aperture, the NexStar 5SE gathers plenty of light for bright, detailed views. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain design delivers sharp, high-contrast images in a compact, portable optical tube.
Fully Automated GoTo Mount
The NexStar+ hand controller gives you access to over 40,000 objects. Simply choose your target and the mount automatically slews and tracks, keeping it centered while you observe.
Portable & Lightweight
Weighing just 17.6 pounds (8kg) fully assembled, the 5SE is easy to carry and quick to set up. Its compact form is ideal for backyard observing or trips to darker skies.
Built-In Wedge for Basic Imaging
The NexStar 5SE includes a built-in wedge that lets you do simple, short-exposure astrophotography. It’s perfect for capturing sharp photos of the Moon, planets and bright deep-sky nebulae using a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera.
While the 5SE isn’t designed for long-exposure deep-sky imaging, this wedge gives you a great way to learn the basics before upgrading to a German equatorial mount for more advanced astrophotography.
Easy Polar Alignment with SkyAlign
The NexStar 5SE makes polar alignment easy, even if you’re new to it. Instead of complicated setups, SkyAlign lets you quickly align your telescope by pointing at any three bright stars, no need to know their names.
This process helps the mount understand your exact position and orientation relative to Earth’s rotation axis. Once aligned, the GoTo mount automatically tracks objects smoothly across the sky, keeping your target centered throughout your observing session.
Complete Starter Kit
The Nexstar 5SE comes with a 25mm Plössl eyepiece and StarPointer red-dot finderscope to get you observing right away. Everything fits neatly on the included tripod for easy storage.
Sturdy Mount & Steel Tripod
The best telescope is the one you’ll actually use, which is why Celestron designed the NexStar SE with its unique, patented single fork arm mount. The included tripod provides a stable base for steady views, even at high magnifications, and its quick-release feature makes setup and teardown fast and hassle-free—so you can spend more time observing and less time fumbling with equipment.
Upgrade-Friendly
The 5SE is compatible with a wide range of accessories, from additional eyepieces to filters and camera adapters, so your telescope can grow with your skills.
Safety Warnings
Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or through the telescope (unless using a proper solar filter). Permanent eye damage may occur.
Never project the Sun’s image onto any surface; internal heat can damage the optic and accessories.
Never leave the telescope unsupervised. Ensure an adult familiar with proper operation is present, especially around children.
Specifications
Optical Tube Information
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 125mm (4.92")
- Focal Length: 1250mm (49")
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (.98")
- Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 50x
- Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot
- Star Diagonal: 1.25"
- Optical Tube Material: Aluminum
- Highest Useful Magnification: 295x
- Lowest Useful Magnification: 18x
- Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13
- Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.11 arc seconds
- Resolution (Dawes): 0.93 arc seconds
- Light Gathering Power: 329x (compared to human eye)
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 51mm (2.0")
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 40%
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 16.6%
- Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
- Optical Tube Length: 330mm (13")
- Optical Tube Diameter: 152mm (6")
- Optical Tube Weight: 6 lbs (2.7kg)
- Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Mount Information
- Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
- Instrument Load Capacity: 10 lbs (4.54kg)
- Height Adjustment Range: 939.8mm - 2397mm (37" - 55")
- Tripod Leg Diameter: 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
- Mount Head Weight: 7 lbs (3.2kg)
- Accessory Tray: Yes
- Tripod Weight: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
- Slew Speeds: 9 speeds, max 3°/second
- Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, 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) or 12 VDC-750 mA (tip positive)
- Motor Drive: DC servo motors
- Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star, 2-Star, Auto 2-Star, Solar System, EQ North / EQ South (EQ requires wedge)
- Periodic Error Correction: No
- Computerized Hand Control: Double line, 18-character LCD with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
- NexStar+ Database: 38,181 accessible objects; enhanced info on 200+
- Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition and SkyPortal App
- Total Kit Weight: 17.6 lbs (8kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see with the NexStar 5SE?
The 5SE offers sharp views of the Moon, planets, star clusters, and brighter nebulae and galaxies. Under dark skies, you’ll be able to explore hundreds of deep-sky objects.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes! It’s one of the most beginner-friendly GoTo telescopes available. Just align with three bright stars and you’re ready to explore the sky.
Can I take pictures with it?
You can capture lunar and planetary images with a DSLR or planetary camera. For serious deep-sky imaging, a German equatorial mount is recommended.
Is WiFi built in?
No, but you can add the optional SkyPortal WiFi Module to control the telescope wirelessly using your phone or tablet.
How is it powered?
You can use 8 AA batteries for short sessions or connect a 12V external power source like the Celestron PowerTank for longer observations.
What mount does it use?
The NexStar 5SE includes a motorized alt-azimuth single-fork arm mount with GoTo tracking. It also has a built-in wedge for basic EQ tracking.
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 1001 - 1250mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- Optical Tube
- Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- Star Pointer Finderscope
- Built-In Wedge
- NexStar+ Hand Controller
- 25mm eyepiece
- Star Diagonal
- 5-inch aperture, f/10 focal ratio
- 1250mm focal length
- Fully automated GoTo mount
- Database of 40,000+ celestial objects
- SkyAlign technology
- Unique single fork arm design
- Sturdy steel tripod
- Breaks down for easy transport and quick assembly
Explore the Night Sky with the Celestron NexStar 5SE
The Celestron NexStar 5SE combines a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) with a fully automated GOTO mount. It makes exploring the night sky easy and fun - regardless of skill level!
Its 5-inch (127mm) aperture gives you detailed views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects like star clusters and nebulae. The Schmidt-Cassegrain's folded optical design provides a long focal length for high magnification, but in a compact tube that's easy to handle. If you're looking for a grab-and-go telescope with high-end optics, the NexStar SE is an excellent choice.
Celestron NexStar 5SE Highlights
5-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics
With a 127mm aperture, the NexStar 5SE gathers plenty of light for bright, detailed views. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain design delivers sharp, high-contrast images in a compact, portable optical tube.
Fully Automated GoTo Mount
The NexStar+ hand controller gives you access to over 40,000 objects. Simply choose your target and the mount automatically slews and tracks, keeping it centered while you observe.
Portable & Lightweight
Weighing just 17.6 pounds (8kg) fully assembled, the 5SE is easy to carry and quick to set up. Its compact form is ideal for backyard observing or trips to darker skies.
Built-In Wedge for Basic Imaging
The NexStar 5SE includes a built-in wedge that lets you do simple, short-exposure astrophotography. It’s perfect for capturing sharp photos of the Moon, planets and bright deep-sky nebulae using a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera.
While the 5SE isn’t designed for long-exposure deep-sky imaging, this wedge gives you a great way to learn the basics before upgrading to a German equatorial mount for more advanced astrophotography.
Easy Polar Alignment with SkyAlign
The NexStar 5SE makes polar alignment easy, even if you’re new to it. Instead of complicated setups, SkyAlign lets you quickly align your telescope by pointing at any three bright stars, no need to know their names.
This process helps the mount understand your exact position and orientation relative to Earth’s rotation axis. Once aligned, the GoTo mount automatically tracks objects smoothly across the sky, keeping your target centered throughout your observing session.
Complete Starter Kit
The Nexstar 5SE comes with a 25mm Plössl eyepiece and StarPointer red-dot finderscope to get you observing right away. Everything fits neatly on the included tripod for easy storage.
Sturdy Mount & Steel Tripod
The best telescope is the one you’ll actually use, which is why Celestron designed the NexStar SE with its unique, patented single fork arm mount. The included tripod provides a stable base for steady views, even at high magnifications, and its quick-release feature makes setup and teardown fast and hassle-free—so you can spend more time observing and less time fumbling with equipment.
Upgrade-Friendly
The 5SE is compatible with a wide range of accessories, from additional eyepieces to filters and camera adapters, so your telescope can grow with your skills.
Safety Warnings
Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or through the telescope (unless using a proper solar filter). Permanent eye damage may occur.
Never project the Sun’s image onto any surface; internal heat can damage the optic and accessories.
Never leave the telescope unsupervised. Ensure an adult familiar with proper operation is present, especially around children.
Specifications
Optical Tube Information
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 125mm (4.92")
- Focal Length: 1250mm (49")
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (.98")
- Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 50x
- Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot
- Star Diagonal: 1.25"
- Optical Tube Material: Aluminum
- Highest Useful Magnification: 295x
- Lowest Useful Magnification: 18x
- Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13
- Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.11 arc seconds
- Resolution (Dawes): 0.93 arc seconds
- Light Gathering Power: 329x (compared to human eye)
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 51mm (2.0")
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 40%
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 16.6%
- Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
- Optical Tube Length: 330mm (13")
- Optical Tube Diameter: 152mm (6")
- Optical Tube Weight: 6 lbs (2.7kg)
- Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Mount Information
- Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
- Instrument Load Capacity: 10 lbs (4.54kg)
- Height Adjustment Range: 939.8mm - 2397mm (37" - 55")
- Tripod Leg Diameter: 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
- Mount Head Weight: 7 lbs (3.2kg)
- Accessory Tray: Yes
- Tripod Weight: 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
- Slew Speeds: 9 speeds, max 3°/second
- Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, 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) or 12 VDC-750 mA (tip positive)
- Motor Drive: DC servo motors
- Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star, 2-Star, Auto 2-Star, Solar System, EQ North / EQ South (EQ requires wedge)
- Periodic Error Correction: No
- Computerized Hand Control: Double line, 18-character LCD with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
- NexStar+ Database: 38,181 accessible objects; enhanced info on 200+
- Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition and SkyPortal App
- Total Kit Weight: 17.6 lbs (8kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see with the NexStar 5SE?
The 5SE offers sharp views of the Moon, planets, star clusters, and brighter nebulae and galaxies. Under dark skies, you’ll be able to explore hundreds of deep-sky objects.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes! It’s one of the most beginner-friendly GoTo telescopes available. Just align with three bright stars and you’re ready to explore the sky.
Can I take pictures with it?
You can capture lunar and planetary images with a DSLR or planetary camera. For serious deep-sky imaging, a German equatorial mount is recommended.
Is WiFi built in?
No, but you can add the optional SkyPortal WiFi Module to control the telescope wirelessly using your phone or tablet.
How is it powered?
You can use 8 AA batteries for short sessions or connect a 12V external power source like the Celestron PowerTank for longer observations.
What mount does it use?
The NexStar 5SE includes a motorized alt-azimuth single-fork arm mount with GoTo tracking. It also has a built-in wedge for basic EQ tracking.
| Manufacturer | Celestron |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 1001 - 1250mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- Optical Tube
- Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- Star Pointer Finderscope
- Built-In Wedge
- NexStar+ Hand Controller
- 25mm eyepiece
- Star Diagonal
Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope & Mount # 11036