Reviews & Ratings for Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope 11049 - 4" Special Edition Maksutov - Cassegrain Computerized Telescopes — 8 reviews — Page 1

Let me start by saying that this is a wonderful telescope for a beginner. We gave it to our 15-year-old daughter for Christmas, and she loves it. We appreciate that you can enter in whatever you want to watch, and the motor will track the object all night long.

We also appreciate the heavy-duty tripod. It seems to be the same one used on the much larger and heavier models, so it was a nice bonus on this smaller 4" unit.

We did purchase an adapter ring for her camera, but we have not used it for that kind of photography yet. I understand it helps in photographing fainter in that it allows you to stitch together longer exposures, but I cannot say yet how well, or easily, it work, only that the camera fits well to the telescope with it installed.

Our only complaint is the QC, but it is a major one. When we received the telescope, the battery pack did not have all the connectors in it, so the unit was useless. We ended up ordering the external pack, which is almost a necessity as I understand the AA batteries won't last very long with the motor running, and once they go, you have to start the setup process over.

When we called to inquire as to proper resolution, OpticsPlanet gave us the number for Celestron. Upon reaching them, they immediately shipped out a new pack, but now it's up to us to disassemble the telescope and install it. Maybe we could have sent it back for repair, but they said it would be easy; it was not, so we're still running only on the external pack.

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So I finally purchased the telescope I had wanted since I was 12 - I'm 68 now I always had an interest in the heavens but other things got in the way. I did my research before making the purchase and learned a great deal about the many different kinds of "consumer" telescopes features, benefits, and limitations. There is a great guide available on Opticsplanet to help guide you through this information - it is quite detailed and informative - highly recommended. With the research done I watched the internet for opportunities to purchase - recently Opticsplanet offered a 10% discount on purchase -
the Clestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov-Cassegrain 4" was on special and I made the purchase. I received my new telescope promptly - it was complete and packaged to arrive without damages. This is a highly sophisticated computer controlled telescope - the instructions are detailed and complete - I assembled the telescope and read through the detailed documentation covering setup and operation. Last night was a clear night and we setup our new telescope in the backyard and aligned it per instructions - this is an amazing instrument - we were able to locate, view and follow planets,and stars - double stars, and constellations all by following the menus on the handheld keypad. I will probably purchase additional eyepieces and filters for the 4SE to add magnification options. All around great telescope that fulfills my expectations for a non-professional unit that still brings the h...
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Optics planet made sure this telescope arrived safely and sexurely just in time for Christians so I would definitely buy with them again. The telescope itself was packaged nicely as well. It came with a plug to connect to a pc however you may need to find the USB adapter since the plug it comes with is for old type of connections. The end of that plug is a telephone type connection which I think is pretty archaic given the technology we now use. Other than that the tripod is sturdy to hold the weight of the telescope and can't wait to start using it once the cold subsides.

This telescope have all the features needed for most amature to intermediate astronomer. Equatorial alignment support best for simple DSLR imaging while sky align technology helps with setting up the scope with ease. 4'' optics with good coating prove to be a very good choice for beginner. Recommended for all
Pros: Feature packed
Cons: Maksutov Have Long Focal Lenght, small field of view

This is a good telescope for money. It is light & have a stable mount. The mounted wedge is good for astrophotography, but not at the telescope's native focal lenght. Perhaps a piggy back DSLR will able to take a good astrophotography. The telescope size is a bit small & maksutov Cassegrain is not as flexible as schmidt cassegrain. But overall a good telescope & value for money
Pros: Compact, light
Cons: Aperature small, Maksutov cassegrain design not as flexible as schmidt cassegrain

Very easy to setup and use. A great value.
Pros: Great value. Easy setup and easy to manipulate.