Celestron Nexstar 6se Review
The Celestron NexStar 6SE is one of the Celestron brand’s awesome range of SE telescopes. These products are combination reflector-refractor telescopes with several updated features that offer consumers – among several other things – more compact design than the traditional telescopes.
They are also popularly referred to as Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and are easy to spot with the distinct orange tube and single fork arm mount. Here’s a detailed Celestron NexStar 6SE review that will guide you if you’re looking to acquire one.
Quick Summary
Telescope Best For Rating Celestron Nexstar 6se Ideal option for stargazers living in light-polluted places as it allows them to enjoy better clarity and accurate viewing experience.
Design and Functionality
There are four options to choose from in this line: 4, 5, 6, and 8 inches and as expected with the typical Schmidt-Cassegrain, users can be sure they are getting the same quality as usual. This one comes in 6-inch and includes a remote that is large enough to handle comfortably and won’t leave users squinting to read the buttons.
Talking about buttons, they are located in a way to avoid people pressing them mistakenly.
The compact design makes it smaller and easier to move around than your typical telescope and this model weighs just 30 lbs (13.6 kg). Added to that, the single arm mount means it’s easy and fast to dismantle into its separate parts for quick movement from one site to another.
The 6SE is designed for straightforward usage. For example, the SkyAlign technology, in particular, allows users to align the scope by focusing on three separate objects in the sky. Its telescope comes with a database containing 40,000 nighttime celestial objects so the viewer can easily locate and identify them in the sky. Viewers can also input a specific object (e.g., a planet) into the telescope it will automatically move and show them the desired object.
The Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope comes with THE SKY Planetarium software. This software has a database of 10,000 objects, printable sky maps, and well-enhanced images. Beginners will appreciate this as it will shorten the time they need before they start exploring.
Furthermore, it boasts a 6-inch aperture that lets in enough light to give unbelievably clear images and magnification of 60x.
Features and Accessories
The package comes with:
- 1.Computerized altazimuth mount that is complex but surprisingly easy to use.
- 2. Steel tripod and accessory tray (specially designed to hold eyepieces safely).
- 3 A handy StarPointer viewfinder-scope (for finding specific objects even in a difficult and dark night sky).
- 4. A double line, 16-character LCD with backlit LED buttons.
- 5.Easy to upgrade hand controller for quick updating to the latest software.
Difficulty Level
Because of the very specific design and controls, beginners may be wary of picking this as their first choice. But they shouldn’t worry because, with a little patience, they can quickly understand all its functions.
This telescope is suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users.
Durability
The Celestron NexStar 6SE comes with some impressive and advanced electronics so handling such telescopes can be a concern. However, the remote is big and sturdy, plus the mount and tripod are solid as well. As usual, handle with reasonable care otherwise it’s a solid product and you won’t have to worry too much in that regard.
Value
This model is not for bargain hunters. It is fairly high priced but knows that you are getting value for money. The designers took time to create a product that is both useable today but will endure and remain relevant long into the future. You can expect to use it with no issues due to the provision for future updates. Also, its object database comes with professional and user submissions, and this item comes with internet and GPS features that are designed to work right away so the entire package is as hassle-free as you can expect. An added bonus is the included computerized mount which on its own is worth quite some money too (some users consider it one of the best available on the market today).Pros
- 1. Multiple sizes allows users the option of using what they prefer.
- 2. Come with an accessory tray that’s large enough to contain several objects.
- 3. Very easy to set up or disassemble the scope. Some buyers don’t even need a lengthy study of the instruction manual to understand how it works.
- 4. Fantastic SkyAlign feature allows users to locate objects in the sky quickly, cancels frustrating guesswork, and saves time.
- 5. The telescope is relatively easy to pack up or reassemble by using the quick release fork mount.
- 6. Generally very low maintenance model.
- 7. The 6SE telescope is an ideal option for stargazers living in light-polluted places as it allows them to enjoy better clarity and accurate viewing experience.
- 8. The StarPointer finderscope comes with the package, so buyers don’t need to order it separately. Basically, you can start exploring the universe right out of the box.
Cons
- 1. It may be too pricey for some users.
- 2.It comes with 8AA batteries that you’ll need to be set before starting up the telescope. But they tend to drain quickly. To get around this, it’s necessary to get a reliable alternative power source like an external battery.
- 3.The remote is large and some users may complain that it’s difficult to handle with small hands.
- 4.Some users consider this computerized telescope a bit of a hassle because whenever you want to start observation, you have to begin by entering information like the date, time, location where you are viewing from. If not, you cannot start watching the sky. But you can avoid this challenge by purchasing a GPS 16 Accessory. This accessory will shorten the time you’ll spend on mounting the scope and quickly free you up to start stargazing.
Maintenance and Warranty
The most important thing to note about cleaning the Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope is to take great care of the optics – as you would with other telescopes generally. So, avoid rubbing it unnecessarily and if possible use only a camel-hair brush or pressurized air to remove dust. To reduce the need to clean the scope frequently, apply the lens cover as soon as you are done using the telescope and store the item in a dust-free and dry place. If you must clean it, apply a little optical cleaning solution on a soft lint-free cloth and wipe from the center to the outer area. Note: Never rub the lens in circles – you may damage the lens and mirror. Almost all of Celestron’s telescopes come with a standard 2-year warranty and that covers the Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope as well. You will probably already know, don’t attempt to fix it yourself if this product doesn’t function properly as you will lose your warranty.Final Thoughts
Stargazers that don’t mind a higher priced Schmidt-Cassegrain model with lots of updated features will love this telescope right out of the box. It is unarguably a top-of-the-range product that’s packed with the best options for long periods of night sky watching. The computerized mount is one of the best of its kind in the industry to date. It is solid and sturdy and sits well on various surfaces. Because it is easy to upgrade, it will remain relevant for many years to come so you can be sure you won’t be dumping it in an abandoned shed any time soon. Our verdict? This is one telescope in the acclaimed NexStar series that is worth putting money into.For more information check out this review on YouTube:
