I went for for the 5SE model to get the additional aperture and because it also has a slightly shorter focal length than the 4SE. The 5SE is an SCT so you can add a standard 0.63 reducer. This will reduce the 1250mm focal length to 787mm. That will give you a significant increase in the low power field of view. The two scopes share the same mount/wedge/tripod. It's another $300 new but I think its a good investment.
Very good video presentation. But a word of caution. For tracking purposes this scope's tripod and mount are not good near the equator, The single arm would have to be pointing near the horizon to have it polar aligned, basically level with the ground, and the mount cannot be configured that way. I have a Nexstar8i, three degrees south of the equator, so, no polar alignment for me.
I started with the 8SE. I love that scope too, but the high price is not a factor to disregard. The 4" scope gives me nice views of many of the objects I mention in the video.
Best begginer telescope? think About it again, I would rather buy An 14 Inch Skywatcher Flextube Go-To at the same price, Tbh, I’m hesitant to recommend the 8SE due to its less-than-steady mount, super-long focal length, and fairly high price for what you get. There are other scopes worth considering from Celestron and other manufacturers, with or without computerized or go to system, A manual Dobsonian With 10" And up Aperture Is worth getting It than the nexstar because It's cheaper and has a lot more aperture There's also Skywatcher Flextubes Go-to dobs which you can buy for 1000$ to 2000$ That has bigger Apertures.
I bought my grandson a used 130SLT from a friend in our Astronomy Group for $100. He loves it. I told him if he sticks with it for over a year, I will purchase him the Nexstar 5 se. Thank you for the video. I purchased my 8se over a year ago and love it. But, the downside is that on cold nights, I don't feel like dragging it out.
I agree with Chris. I have compared both the 130slt and 5se side by side. On Jupiter, the 5se was marginally clearer. On the Orion nebula, the 130slt was marginally brighter. It would not be worth the money. New prices, the 5se is $950. For that price range, I would HIGHLY recommend the StarSense Explorer 10"($1100) or 8"($800). Either one will show MANY more objects. Uses a phone and app to point the scope quickly to objects. Those are BIG scopes. Depending on his age and strength, the 8" would be better. If not a concern, a 10" Dob is awesome. If he really wants the compact scope on a tracking mount, then upgrade him to at least the 6se ($1100). Objects will be a little brighter and the mount is a little stronger than the 5se. Worth it for the extra $150.
I'm not sure a 5se is much of a change: 5" = 127mm, so the only differences would be in construction, not any major visual differences. Some nice eyepieces or an upgraded mount might be better gift choices. A nice refractor scope or a larger Dobsonian could be other, complementary gift options.
I purchased my 4se over 10 years ago and its still going strong. I agree with everything you said. Do yo have any thoughts on using a Asiair Plus with the 4se? Thanks again!
No, not on a SkyAlign. You select 3 stars and it figures out where it is pointing using the time, date, and location you input. If you do a two-star align, then yes, you must select the stars and go them yourself.
I recently bought the 4se as my 1st telescope. Im still learning how to use it and all of its functions. This video is extremely helpful and im looking forward to expanding my setup.
The telescope is good - highly recommended. No collimation needed and excellent contrast. Light weight and easily transportable. The flip mirror is very useful to allow you to have both an eyepiece and camera attached at the same time. The mount is not good. The connection to the tripod is plastic which is liable to break.
If you’re not using a DSLR, then I’d go with a planetary camera. ZWO ASI462MM, ASI462MC, or the Player One Neptune C-II is also a good choice. Newer cameras like the ASI678 are also good choices.
I bought one of these about a month ago. Brand new, cost $280. Haven't opened the box, yet. Have no use for it, but could not pass up the sale price. Should I become interested in lunar or planetary photography I will unbox it.
